Outdoor Adventures and Nature Activities
Akieal, two & early years practitioner Georgina, on a Summer of Play camping trip, Sheffield
Outdoor adventures and spending time in nature is key to improving children's physical and mental health.
Click on the red arrows next to each ideas below to find out more.
Go on a Nature Walk or Hike
Local parks, woodlands, and nature reserves offer endless opportunities for exploration. Children can collect leaves, spot wildlife, or simply enjoy being outdoors. Natural England's research shows that regular time in nature improves children's physical health, reduces stress, and enhances their ability to focus.
Turn walks into learning experiences by identifying trees, birds, or insects. Many local wildlife trusts offer free downloadable guides to help children spot and learn about native species.
Go Wildlife Spotting
Parks, gardens, and even urban green spaces are home to birds, insects, and small mammals. Create a simple wildlife spotting chart and see how many different creatures you can identify together. The RSPB provides free guides for identifying common UK birds, perfect for beginners.
Stargazing and Outdoor Exploration
On clear nights, head outside to explore the night sky. You don't need special equipment - just curiosity. Apps like SkyView (free version available) help identify constellations, planets, and satellites. The Royal Observatory Greenwich offers free online resources for budding astronomers.
Explore Local Parks and Green Spaces
Most communities have parks with play equipment, open spaces for games, and paths for cycling or scootering. Regular outdoor play helps children develop physical confidence, social skills, and resilience. Check your local council website for park locations and facilities.
The National Trust has a great guide about '50 things to do before you're 11¾' which you can do together outside.
Sports in the Park
Bring a football, frisbee, or even just a rope for skipping. Open green spaces are perfect for active play, teaching children new skills, and getting everyone moving. Many parks also have free outdoor gym equipment suitable for older children and adults.
Creative Activities at Home
Creative activities at home are a great way to develop your children's imagination for free.
Click on the red arrows next to each ideas below to find out more.
Make Art and Crafts from Recycled Materials
Cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, old magazines, and fabric scraps can become anything from robots to collages. Creative play develops problem-solving skills, imagination, and fine motor control. The Design Museum offers free online workshops and activity ideas using everyday materials.
Home Science Experiments
Kitchen cupboards hold the ingredients for simple science experiments - from vinegar and baking soda volcanoes to growing crystals from salt and water. The Science Museum provides free experiment guides that explain the science behind the fun.
Create an Obstacle Course
Use furniture, cushions, and household items to design an indoor or garden obstacle course. Time each other, create challenges, and adjust the difficulty as children grow more confident. It's excellent for developing coordination and physical literacy.
Community Resources
Taking part in community activities is a great way to meet new people, make friends and spend time with your little ones.
Click on the red arrows next to each ideas below to find out more.
Visit Museums and Art Galleries
Many UK museums and galleries offer free entry, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Tate galleries. These spaces aren't just for rainy days - they're designed to inspire curiosity and learning through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
Check museum websites for free family workshops, story times, and special events. Many also offer free downloadable activity packs for home use.
Take Advantage of Library Events
Local libraries offer far more than books. Most run free story times, craft sessions, coding clubs, and holiday activities. Libraries also provide free internet access, quiet study spaces, and connections to local community groups. Find your nearest library through your local council website.
Enjoy Community Events
Local councils, community centers, and voluntary groups regularly organise free events - from outdoor cinema screenings to festivals, fairs, and sports days. Check council websites, local Facebook groups, and community notice boards to discover what's happening near you.
Learning and Development Activities
There's so many ways to help you children help and develop for free.
Click on the red arrows next to each ideas below to find out more.
Take Part in Free Online Learning Activities
Organisations like BBC Bitesize, Khan Academy, and National Geographic Kids offer free educational content that makes learning fun. From geography games to coding tutorials, these resources support classroom learning while sparking new interests.
Gardening
Growing plants from seeds costs almost nothing and teaches children patience, responsibility, and where food comes from. Even a small windowsill or balcony can accommodate herbs, tomatoes, or flowers. The Royal Horticultural Society provides free gardening guides for children.
DIY Treasure Hunt
Create maps, write clues, and hide small objects around your home or garden. Treasure hunts develop reading skills, problem-solving, and teamwork. For older children, make clues more challenging or create themed hunts based on their interests.
Cultural and Historical Exploration
Explore Historic Sites and Landmarks
Many historic sites, especially those managed by local councils, offer free access. From ancient ruins to historic buildings, these places bring history to life in ways textbooks can't. English Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland both offer free entry to some sites and free online resources.
How Save the Children is Protecting Children's Childhoods
At Save the Children UK, we know that play isn't just fun - it's fundamental to children's development, wellbeing, and right to a happy childhood. Through our work in communities across the UK, we're creating opportunities for children to play, learn, and grow, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.
Our Early Learning Communities work with families experiencing poverty to create spaces where children can learn through play. We've also developed resources to help parents and carers understand the importance of play and how to make it part of everyday life, even when money is tight.
When you support Save the Children, you're helping us ensure that every child has the chance to play, explore, and simply be a child - something that should never depend on their postcode or their parents' bank balance.
Updated January 2026
