Westonbirt's fantastic natural resources bring out the child in many visitors - young and old alike. But we do have some specific facilities designed especially with our younger visitors in mind...
Exploratree
From crawling through a giant trunk tunnel to sitting in a leafy hammock or looking down on the world from our birds nest tree home our new Exploratree play area for young children and toddlers (five and under) is about providing fun hands-on engaging activities that connect families with trees. As such the new area does not set out to be a 'typical' play area with the usual play equipment. Instead we are trying to encourage self-discovery, curiosity and spontaneity. So why not come and take an inspirational journey through the different parts that make up a tree – roots, trunk, branches, leaves, flowers and seeds....
Naturally Playful
Explore the Old Arboretum and discover the different play zones hidden amongst the trees. Build your own home or explorer's den and imagine an adventure, or balance across, duck under, clamber over and follow the roots wherever they go. Skip, hop or step along our log pathways, climb in, hide, and plan your next expedition in a tree fort, and find the troll bridge to see if he's at home. Whilst 'Naturally Playful' has been designed with older children in mind (5-11 year olds), children of all ages are enjoying discovering the play zones. Download your play map, or pick one up on site from the Great Oak Hall information point, from 10am - 4pm.
Playing through the seasons
We have developed 4 seasonal play booklets that you can download. Each booklet has a variety of play activities that will enable you to discover, create, build and imagine as you explore any woodland.
Bird room and Education Centre
As well as being where we carry out most of our family events, the Education Centre contains a number of interactive displays and 'touch tables' as well as our bird viewing area. These are very popular with families. The Centre is open every weekend and during the holidays, but may be shut between 9.45-2.30pm during term time for school groups.
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