If you need free and low-cost ways to keep the kids entertained this half-term, look no further than the city’s beautiful parkland.
The Parks Trust, the self-financing charity that looks after more than 6,000 acres of parkland in Milton Keynes, has lots of family fun planned, including:
Free Open Mornings at Howe Park Wood, 14 – 16 February
Howe Park Wood Education Centre will open its doors to the public over three mornings in February half-term, giving local families the opportunity to learn all about different animals in Winter. Simply drop in – no booking required.
On Tuesday 14th and Thursday 16thFebruary from 9.30am – 12.30pm, visitors can meet the charity’s experts, enjoy free, self-guided trails through the ancient woodland and uncover the secret formula to identifying different local animals based on the clues they leave behind!
On Wednesday 15th February from 9.30am – 12.30pm, the open morning is dedicated to those marvellous mammals, hedgehogs! Visitors will learn how to make gardens welcoming for hedgehogs and what food they like, plus see a range of hedgehog homes. There will be free craft activities and a self-guided trail to enjoy too, along with guests including The Woodland Trust and The Park Trust’s larger than life hedgehog mascot, Quillbert!
Find out more about Howe Park Wood here:https://www.theparkstrust.com/parks/howe-park-wood/
Family Winter Tree ID Workshop at Campbell Park, 13 February, 10am and 11.30am
Adults and children over 5 years can learn all about trees in Winter at these sessions packed with fun activities. Visitors will hear how trees grow and survive in cold weather, plus how to identify different species when they’ve lost their leaves. £2 per child (supervising adults are free). Booking is essential and full details are here:https://www.theparkstrust.com/events/workshop-family-winter-tree-id-2023-02
Community Tree Planting, 18 February, various times
Help create a legacy for the future by joining a tree planting session at Middleton Wood Meadow. All ages are welcome to get digging! Book your time slot here:
Hannah Bodley, Head of Marketing, Events and Community Engagement at The Parks Trust, said, “In addition to these organised activities, remember that Milton Keynes has over 40 different parks to enjoy this half term. The parks provide a huge choice of walking routes, free play areas and trim trails along with world-class outdoor artworks to enjoy and nature to observe.
“Our website has a helpful page which shows parks by type and includes recommended walking routes as well as details of facilities like cafes and toilets. Head over to it and plan a brilliant half term outdoors!”