10 Things to do on a woodland walk with kids

Things to do on a woodland walk with kids. Both the boys love being outside. We are very lucky where we live as there are several different woodlands nearby much of which is used by forest schools during the week. Not only is it a free activity that gets the kids outside. But I always find the fresh air wears them out and they sleep so much better.  Since they are used so much by groups and schools they are also pretty well maintained too.

Things to do on a woodland walk with kids

The other good thing about going walking in the woods is that you can fit it around the time you have to spare. We spent a couple of hours exploring one Sunday. There is so much which can be done while there which doesn’t require any pre-planning. As long as you are dressed for the weather, you’ll be fine. You can find the best waterproof jackets for every budget.

Go on a Bug Hunt

Monkey loves looking for bugs. Use large sticks to leverage the log so that they can explore underneath. We found all sorts of bugs, woodlice, centipedes, spiders to name a few.

Build a Den

As the woods are maintained there are lots of opportunities to build dens. In fact, there is a number have already been built. This means if you are little you can enjoy pretending to sit and watch your favourite TV programmes. If you are Monkey’s age you can see if you can do a better job by building your own.

Practice Balancing

With so many fallen trees and stumps from those that have been cut down, there is lots of opportunities to balance. I always underestimate just how much fun little ones can find this activity.

Play Pooh Sticks

Our woods have several streams leading to a big lake. Only Kipper seems to think that pooh sticks should be used done with stones.

Build a Dam

We came across one that had already been built. It’s a great little science experiment for the boys although it’s also important not to damage the woods in any way.

Go on a Bear Hunt

Both boys love the story and it’s a great one to tell as you walk through the woods. Especially when it comes to the mud bit! It helps keep Kipper involved if we end up walking a little bit further than usual. I have a story bag which we have used out and about before.

Collect Sticks, Stones and Leaves

I wrote recently about how obsessed the boys are with sticks. They use every opportunity to find the biggest heaviest stick they can. Normally they settle on one about the same size as them. Which does at least mean it can be used as a walking stick. If you are more organised than us then you can create little nature walks collecting items of certain colours.

Play Hide and Seek

This keeps Kipper entertained playing in and around the trees going boo whenever he gets the opportunity.

Make a Rope Swing

If you find the right tree it can be a lot of fun. This one was a little too high for Monkey to really take full advantage but it didn’t stop him from trying.

Jump in Muddy Puddles

Well, that goes without saying. I like my two then you may want to consider making sure they are properly kitted out.

Muddy Puddles Clothing Review

Muddy Puddles Clothing Review. Thanks to Muddy Puddles, both boys have been fully kitted out for our trips to the woods. As well as the beach, the park and the good old British weather. It is a brand that we have tested out before.

Waterproof Jacket

In these photos, the boys are wearing a Puddlepac Lined Jacket and an Originals Bib and Brace. The Puddlepac lined jacket is available in two designs, a yellow-blue drop and a red and navy stripe. Both are lined with a soft grey jersey cotton, waterproof and windproof. What I really like about these is that they are designed to be folded down into a pocket. They also come with a carabiner clip which means they can be attached to bags and belts. So they are always on hand when the weather changes. They are also made from recycled bottles which is amazing and a fact that really resonated with Monkey who is one of the schools eco reps.

The hood is elasticated so designed to stay put. Something I really noticed with Kipper when we were in the woods. It didn’t fall down once. The zips are yak proof and strong. The back of the jacket is slightly longer designed to keep bottoms dry. Available in size 12-18 months to 11-12 years, they are also machine washable and have an RRP of £28.95

Waterproof Trousers

Waterproof trousers are a must for the boys. They love to get muddy and dirty, knowing that they have their Original bib and braces on means they can do whatever they want. They come in five corresponding colours and are available from 18 months to 11-12 years. Monkey has had waterproof trousers before which are elasticated around the waist. But I have found that these can get a bit tight and leave red marks around the waist. This is why I opted for a bib and brace.

They are more like dungarees with the fully adjustable straps being thick elastic and plastic clips at the front. They also have elastic at the bottom to go around the foot and poppers to make sure they fit perfectly. There is a lot of room in them. This is also a must because it’s likely the boys will always have warm or multiple layers on underneath. The clips at the front are easy to use and so perfect for the boys. They are fully waterproof and fully breathable. Both ran around the woods freely in theirs and I was happy to let them get covered in mud because they also go in the washing machine! RRP £24

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Things to do on a woodland walk with kids