This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK)
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
1. Safaris with the Rock Pool Project Plymouth, Devon and Falmouth, Cornwall
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 to do it: 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.
2. Belfast Children’s Festival 8-16 March 2024, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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 to do it: 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.
3. The Children’s Garden at Kew Richmond, London
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 to do it: 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).
4. Lilidorei Play Village at Alnwick Garden Alnwick, Northumberland
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 to do it: Tickets £16.50 (Lilidorei only, not the castle) and under 2s are free. Wheelchair-accessible.
Ages 8-12
5. West End Stage Summer School 5-11, 12-18 or 19-25 August 2024, Covent Garden, London
Drama, dancing and singing masterclassesfrom the pros, and tickets to thrilling West End theatre shows — as well as a chance to perform at the 1,200-seat His Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket — are the highlights of these week-long summer schools. West End actors and choreographers are the tutors, and the kids will come away with a certificate and a T-shirt, as well as skills and memories to last a lifetime.
How to do it: The course plus seven nights’ accommodation costs £1,345 per person (£695 without accommodation).
6. Bath Children’s Literature Festival September/October 2024, Bath, Somerset
Kids can jump into their favourite tales and meet best-selling authors and illustrators at this book bonanza. Alongside storytelling sessions and film screenings, children can practise their wordsmithery at writing workshops and illustrate their own comic heroes, villains and monsters. In 2023, Lenny Henry, Cressida Cowell, Dermot O’Leary and Katherine Rundell met fans and gave readings, and there were events focusing on themes such as nature and mystery.
How to do it: Tickets are sold for specific events and vary in price.
7. Outer Reef Adventure Activity Weekend Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales
Amid the UK’s only national park designated for its coastline, Pembrokeshire’s reef breaks draw surfers from all over the country. This corner of Wales is excellent for beginners too, as gentler waves make training more accessible. On Outer Reef’s adventure weekends, kids can learn to surf and paddleboard like pros. Training is fully supervised — and, for the adventurous, there are thrilling trips out to sea.
How to do it: From £160. All specialist equipment is included; accommodation and meals are not.
8. Night Sky Live Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Hampshire
Kids can indulge their interest in space at Winchester’s stellar planetarium. At the Night Sky Live event, they hear about the stars and learn to identify planets and constellations. Afterwards, they head outside to explore the sky above South Downs National Park (an International Dark Sky Place) with a stargazing guide.
How to do it: Tickets cost £15 and include a planetarium show, visits to science exhibitions, an expert-led outdoor session and a stargazing guide to take home.
Ages 13-18
9. Teen Research Expedition Hebrides, Scotland, 27 July to 2 August 2024
Budding environmentalists aged 16-17 can join the Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust on this seven-day expedition in the Southern Hebrides. Garnering industry-recognised marine biology and conservation skills, they’ll learn from leaders in the field. Wild and remote Scottish isles are visited en route, including Mull, Islay, Jura and Tiree. There’s plenty of time to catch sight of rare marine wildlife and to make lifelong friendships.
How to do it: A spot on the expedition costs £1,450 per person and includes transfers, meals, accommodation and specialist kit.
10. Adventure Summer Camp Conwy, North Wales, from July 2024
Orienteering, coasteering, kayaking, hiking and rock climbing are on offer for 12 to 17-year-olds at this five-day camp. Hosted by the National Outdoor Centre and guided by experienced instructors, the camp’s adventures make the most of the craggy terrain in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.
How to do it: £749 (or £469 non-residential). No previous experience is required, with easier and more challenging routes available to cater to mixed abilities. Bunkhouse accommodation with wi-fi, and specialist equipment are included.
11. Co-op Live Arena Etihad Campus, Manchester, from April 2024
Concerts from Olivia Rodrigo (3-4 May), the Jonas Brothers (17 June) and former One Directioner Niall Horan (27 August) are among the first attractions at Manchester’s new, music-focused indoor arena. Set to open in April 2024, it prioritises sound quality and innovative audiovisual experiences, with capacity for 23,500 people.
How to do it: Concert tickets can be booked online. Co-op members receive first dibs and discounts. The venue is wheelchair-accessible and has assisted hearing technology. Under-14s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
12. Forest Live Cannock Chase, Staffordshire; Delamere Forest, Cheshire; Thetford Forest, Suffolk; The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire, June 2024
A small but perfectly formed area of outstanding natural beauty, Cannock Chase is among the venues for these woodland-based music festivals. The 2023 lineup included Jack Savoretti, and 2024’s stars will be announced in the spring. Ecologists ensure wildlife disturbance is minimised, while profits support the forests’ sustainability.
How to do it: Day tickets from £44.50. No overnight camping allowed. Under-16s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Published in the Experiences Collection 2023/24, distributed with the Jan/Feb 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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