Put down the iPad, go outdoors and have fun in nature’s playground this February Half Term.

We launched the first of five campaigns in October 2017 – ‘Play and Explore’. This campaign is summed up in a short video produced by Lightbox Inc, showcasing the importance of reconnecting children and their families with the outdoors through play.

It is becoming ever more difficult to give children access to outdoor learning spaces – be that through formal education or visits with their families. In 2016 Natural England published the results of a two-year government-funded study which revealed that more than one in nine children in England have not set foot in a park, forest, beach or any other natural environment for at least 12 months.

We have the opportunity to connect more young people with nature, away from the distractions of modern technology and socialising with friends ‘online’.

    

Neil Reeves, Head of Countryside, said “When I was growing up there was no internet or mobiles phones, so we went outdoors. We climbed trees, we fell out of trees, we caught bugs in jars, we went fishing and, luckily, I can still do that now. We’re passionate about getting friends and families outdoors, enjoying the wider countryside, creating memories and using our lakes as special backdrops. We want people to have fun, we want people to come and explore and create their own adventures, maybe do a bit of rolling down hills like I use to do as a child. Let your children’s imaginations run wild.”

  

From dramatic tors, open moorland and historical ancient monuments to wildlife-rich woodlands, lakes and ponds – the lakes really are the ultimate children’s playground! Your little adventurers will love exploring and discovering all of the fun things to do.

  

Here are South West Lakes’ top 10 free activities to do this February Half Term with the Kids

1. Go on a mini-beast hunt – why not have a competition to see who can find the most snails?
2. Walk a dog (yours or someone else’s if you don’t have one!) – Dogs are brilliant for helping people stay active
3. Make a mud pie, because let’s face it – what child doesn’t love getting covered in mud?
4. Build a bug hotel – because all bugs need somewhere to call home
5. Don’t let a bit of liquid sunshine dampen your day – put on your wellies and jump in some puddles
6. Enjoy a bike ride and explore the lakes on 2 wheels
7. Go pond dipping and see what little critters you can spot
8. Go wild in our woodland and build your very own den from nature
9. Skim stones. Can you beat the world record of 88 consecutive bounces!?
10. Download our free activity sheets and create your own adventure.