UK

10 best things to do with kids this spring

Last updated 3rd May 2019

 

10/10 Stick Man- That’s Me! – National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire

New for 2019 is this adorable outdoor adventure trail which follows Julia Donaldson’s much loved Stick Man back through the woods to his family tree. Passing through the leafy 150-acre National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, this activity trail will get kids enjoying the natural world and using their imagination.

When: Until early 2020

Price: Free entry

Find out more about Stick Man – That’s Me!

9/10 Dino Bricks – Marwell Zoo, Hampshire

Who doesn’t love Lego? If you’ve got a dinosaur lover as well, you won’t want to miss this exhibition at Marwell Zoo. Brickosaurs will feature 50 dinosaur Lego sculptures including the largest touring Lego brick dinosaur model ever made – a whopping eight-meter T-rex – plus a host of other hands-onactivities for your little brick lovers.

When: 5 April-1 September 2019

Price: From £17 adult, £13.50 child

Find out more about Marwell Zoo

8/10 London Goes Wild – Museum of London

Learn about London’s history like never before with this fascinating exhibition which explores how animals have shaped our capital city. Beasts of London is narrated by the animals themselves, though some voices may seem familiar – Kate Moss and Brian Blessed are among some of the famous names behind these furry featured stars.

When: Until 5 January 2020

Price: Family tickets from £20

Find out more about London Goes Wild

7/10 Edinburgh International Children’s Festival – National Museum of Scotland

This festival brings the best theatre and dance performances from around the world to children and their families. There’s something for all ages and tastes with live music, storytelling, hands-on arts activities and walk-about performances. The festival opens with a day of free performances and activities at the National Museum of Scotland.

When: 25 May-2 June

Price: Tickets from £9

Find out more about Edinburgh International Children’s Festival

6/10 ‘Madagascar’ The Musical – Nationwide

Film favourite Madagascar is brought to life this year in theaters across the country. Watch the madcap adventures of four captive zoo friends up-close as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves accidentally in Africa.

When: Until 20 October 2019

Price: Ticket prices vary

Find out more about Madagascar

5/10 Survival Academy – Bear Grylls Adventure Park, Birmingham

Adventurous families will love this fun attraction which prepares older kids to become the next Bear Grylls. Teens can take part in an ‘adventure basecamp’ with code-breaking activities, archery, a survival maze and assault course. Check out the website for a 360° sneak peek.

Price: From £25 per person

Find out more about Bear Grylls Adventure Park

4/10 Driven Round the Bend – Tayto Driving Park, Co Meath, Ireland

Ireland’s first driving school for kids has opened at Tayto Park, giving your little racers the chance to get behind the wheel and drive themselves round the bend for a change! Up to 20 battery-operated cars can zoom around the 1,000m track – perfect for a birthday party!

Price: From £10 per person

Find out more about Tayto Driving Park

3/10 Never Never Land – National Centre for Children’s Literature, Moat Brae, Dumfries

Fairy tales do exist as this once-derelict Georgian townhouse, which inspired JM Barrie to come up with the tale of Peter Pan, has now been transformed into a new centre celebrating children’s literature.

When: Opening June 2019

Price: Tickets available from mid-April

Find out more about the National Centre for Children’s Literature

2/10 Knights’ Tournament – Bestow Castle and Woodland Park, Cheshire

Join this spectacular event to watch knights compete in this medieval competition – arrows will fly and swords will clash! There’s plenty more for budding warriors to enjoy too with drills out on the field, medieval fancy dress and a kids’ battle.

When: 26-27 May 2019

Price: From £2.50 adult, £1.50 child

Find out more about the Knights’ Tournament

1/10 The Big Forest Find – Forestry Commission Locations Nationwide

The Forestry Commission is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a year-long project to record forest wildlife. Families can learn and help by joining events around the country.

When: Throughout 2019

Price: Free

Find out more about The Big Forest Find