If we adopted a child’s-eye view of the world, how would we choose to have fun? It’s likely to be about more than the usual incentives, such as an ice cream, suggests research from Nature Communications. According to the journal, children as young as four seek experiences that deliver positive results, guide action, answer questions about the world — and are just plain fun. Whether it’s getting up-close with crustaceans on a rockpooling adventure, diving into a good book at a literature festival, learning to surf, taking to the stage or gazing at the stars, these 12 UK-based experiences deliver hands-on learning and creativity.
AGES 3-7
Safaris with the Rock Pool Project WHEN: Year-round WHERE: Plymouth, Devon and Falmouth, Cornwall WHAT: Few activities for kids get as close to exploring alien worlds as rockpooling, in which bizarre-looking marine invertebrates reveal themselves with every rock or shell inspection. From shape-shifting sea hare slugs to spiky urchins, there’s plenty of marine wildlife to discover on the South West coast — but it’s after dark that this unique ecosystem gets really interesting. Fluorescent snakelocks anemones glow green under UV light while pink starfish flex their knobbly arms as they move between pools. A marine biologist leads the activity, teaching how to identify the creatures and demonstrating ethical and responsible ways to explore the rockpool habitat — a habitat that is highly sensitive to wandering hands and feet. HOW: The Rock Pool Project runs day and night safaris all year round in Plymouth and Falmouth. Specialist equipment is supplied. Wear suitable shoes with good grip to protect against sharp rocks and warm, waterproof clothing. Group tickets (maximum four people) cost £59.
therockpoolproject.co.uk
Children learn how to surf from scratch at the Outer Reef Surf School in Pembrokeshire, Wales
Belfast Children’s Festival WHEN: 8-16 March 2024 WHERE: Belfast, Northern Ireland WHAT: Hosted by Young at Art, an educational organisation catering for the needs of babies, children and young adults, this festival promises “events to entertain, surprise and delight.” Things get a little crazy at the Baby Rave, the festival’s most popular event. Held in Belfast Cathedral, the dance party is suitable for toddlers up to four years old who don’t mind getting lost amid colourful parachutes and inflatables. Elsewhere, expect interactive painting, dancing and theatre workshops, with performances by local students. HOW: Events are ticketed separately and cost a maximum of £10 each (2+ years). Initiatives are in place to assist children with special educational needs or disabilities.
youngatart.co.uk
The Children’s Garden at Kew WHEN: Year-round WHERE: Richmond, London WHAT: One of the most extensive botanical gardens in the world, The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew features multiple unique attractions, including a dedicated area designed specially for young minds. The Children’s Garden at Kew is an enchanting space that is home to interactive play areas, hands-on planting beds and treetop walkways that celebrate the world’s flora. The garden hosts educational workshops too, aimed at shining a light on the ecological significance of plants. All of this is set over four distinct zones: earth, air, water and sun — everything a plant needs to survive. Quiet Garden Sessions are aimed at children with special educational needs and disabilities, and take place once a month from March to October. Visitor numbers are reduced for those sessions, and there are specialists onhand to host the sensory play. HOW: The Children’s Garden is fully accessible, with a supervising member of staff onhand every day during busier months. Tickets are required for the Quiet Garden Sessions (free, maximum four children). Children’s entry tickets for Kew cost £5 (ages 4-15).
kew.org
Lilidorei Play Village at Alnwick Garden WHEN: Year-round WHERE: Alnwick, Northumberland WHAT: Having masqueraded as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, the diminutive market town of Alnwick and its centuries-old castle have hit the headlines again. Lilidorei, touted as the world’s largest adventure play structure, opened in June 2023. The £15.5 million project, brainchild of the Duchess of Northumberland, is in the Alnwick Garden, next to the castle. The plastic-free play village has plucked scenes from fairytales and brought them to life — think Hansel and Gretel’s gingerbread house, hidden among conifers, and a gigantic elves’ castle that conceals a 24m slide. HOW: Tickets £16.50 (Lilidorei only, not the castle) and under 2s are free. Wheelchair-accessible.
lilidoreialnwick.co.uk
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER – EXPERIENCES COLLECTION 13
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