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Browsing category: National Memorial Arboretum
Where? National Memorial Aboretum, DE13 7AR
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How far from Brum? 35mins (from Grand Central, Birmingham)
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Entry fee- Free to enter but car parking is £3
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The Arboretum is a beautifully kept large area of open space (150 acres) featuring a woodland with 30,000 trees and a vast collection of memorials to those who have died in wars and those who continue to serve our country.
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This is a place I've always thought we should visit but I've never been sure whether it would be appropriate for children. However my worries soon disappeared as we walked through the visitors centre. We were greeted with a large sign detailing all the activities that were available for children this Easter.
We were pleasantly surprised with how much was going on for families. Highlights included:
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Nature Detective Backpacks- Included are binoculars, wildlife info cards and a bug catcher to study your findings before releasing them back into the wild. A £4 hire charge will apply for each backpack.​​​​
Free Muddy Makers Galleys- mud kitchens with all the equipment available to make a fantastic mud pie! My boys loved getting really muddy. There was lots of water available to make as much mud as you like.
A free Stick Man Outdoor Trail- Activity packs to support this trail are available for £2.50.
This was a big hit with my two boys. As part of the trail you get a free sheet with a map on and some questions that you have to answer. The trail meant the boys had a lovely run around and us adults got to see some of the memorials.
Wildflower Sowing- Seed packs available to plant in the arboretum £1 per seed pack.​
As well as all the Easter activities there were two playgrounds. One was a wooden adventure playground which encouraged balancing, climbing and jumping. The other playground was smaller and aimed at younger children. Initially it looked like there wasn't much to do but my two boys loved running through a small underground tunnel, exploring a pathway made of different texures and being daredevils on a very unusual climbing frame.
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What Family Fun in Brum thought:
This was a wonderful free day out. The facilities were excellent and well kept with lots of toilets and baby changing facilities, a cafe and shop. The paths around the Arboretum were accessible for all. There were undercover picnic areas dotted around the Aboretum and lots of benches. A great day out.
For more information and details of what's on follow the link.
