Forest fun on a shoestring -10 low-cost family fun ideas this winter
You don't need to spend a lot of money to enjoy adventures in the outdoors this winter. Read on to discover 10 low-cost winter activities in the nation's forests for the whole family this season brought to you by "Forestry England" - where will your #ukdayout take you...
1. Take some wintry snaps in your local forest
The forest is a magical place during the winter months. The glistening blanket of frost, the crunching of leaves beneath your feet and that indescribable scent of winter in the air. Photograph a robin, red berries, frost-covered tree branches or even a steaming cup of hot chocolate by a bench. All you need is your mobile phone and a keen eye for photography...and the kids can join in too! - Find a Forest Near You
2. Celebrate The Gruffalo's 25th birthday
Pull on your wellies and waterproofs and join the party on our interactive family trail celebrating The Gruffalo's 25th birthday.
The trail feature all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and his friends. Activity packs are just £4 and for the whole month of December you can buy one and get another for free. - Find a Gruffalo Trail Near You
3. Unwind on a wellbeing trail
Escape the chaos of Christmas and head out on a wellbeing trail for a mindful stroll through the trees. The themed panels encourage you to pause, notice and connect with the forest environment around you. You can even download the forest wellbeing journal to get more from the experience, whether you’re at home or out in the forest.
4. Take your dog for the ultimate Forest Walkies
Activity packs are available from participating forests for £5 and include a tote bag, activity leaflet and even a bandana for your dog.
5. Download your free Gruffalo Spotters winter activity sheets
Winter doesn't have to stop you getting outside and learning about nature. Download your free activities and enjoy a day of frosty fun in the forest, or at home! - Get Your Gruffalo Pack
6. Enjoy a mini scavenger hunt
Head out on a mini scavenger hunt and challenge your little (and not so little) ones to explore the forest and find things beginning with W, I, N, T, E and R! What natural treasures will they discover? The possibilities are endless.
7. Bake some treats for a winter picnic
Why not spend a couple of hours baking as a family, then pack up the picnic basket and head out for a forest picnic? Perfect for a bright winter day. Don’t forget to pack a blanket to sit on, some extra layers and a flask of hot tea! - Check out the recipes
8. Have a digital detox
If one of your new year's resolutions is to limit screen time, encourage the kids to have a digital detox by downloading a few of our printable activities. Choose from a fantastic forest word search, some forest-themed colouring in sheets or Tree-Trumps plus loads more! No matter what age or ability, we want to inspire every generation to build a personal and lifelong connection with forests and these activities will allow you to do just that as a family. - Check out the non digital activity packs
9. Treat the family to a steaming cup of hot chocolate
Head to your local forest cafe and indulge in a hot chocolate complete with cream and marshmallows! It’s a simple, low-cost treat and any younger visitors can let off some steam on a woodland walk whilst you’re there. - plan your visit
10. Try a Gruffalo orienteering course
Use a simple map to find 12 Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood. Answer questions along the way and gain valuable skills in decision making and map reading as you go.
And if you're feeling competitive, choose to run, walk (or skip!) the course against the clock.
Before you begin the trail, pick up a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet with a certificate and map for just £1.50. Find a Gruffalo Course Near You
Forestry England is an executive agency, sponsored by the Forestry Commission. Forestry England manages more land and trees than any other organisation in England. They provide hundreds of car parks, maintain thousands of miles of trails, and plant millions of trees.
Help us look after the forests you love - Whether you want to explore all our forests as a national member, or simply want to explore and support your local forest, we have a membership type to suit you. Find Out More
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