Each year, The Parks Trust host hundreds of events and activities across Milton Keynes’ parks.
The line-up includes wildlife workshops, heritage walks, discovery strolls, nature crafts, play events and more. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep the kids entertained this summer take a look at their varied programme, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Join the Outdoor Learning team from The Parks Trust at Howe Park Wood on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the summer holidays to take part in a whole host of nature-themed activities. They will be running the family-friendly activity, Summer Holiday Nature Craft sessions, where you’ll make wildflower seed parcels, create compostable plant pots, or even build bug hotels.
You’ll also be able to take part in Bug Hunting if you visit Howe Park Wood on either Tuesdays or Fridays during the six-week holiday. You’ll need to book your bug hunting equipment in advance to be able to enjoy this 40-minute self-led session. Each set will include a sweep net, ID sheet and magnifying glass.
On selected Tuesdays over the summer, you can also join a 45-minute guided walk of Howe Park Wood to discover the history behind this ancient woodland. Learn about the current management practices and how The Parks Trust care for this SSSI. Information will be geared towards adults, but families and children are welcome.
On Thursdays during the summer you can enjoy a pond dipping session with the Outdoor Learning Team at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve. During these 20-minute sessions you’ll learn how to pond dip and discover the amazing creatures that live underwater. All equipment will be provided at a cost of £5 for a family group. You will also be able to access the Nature Reserve (usually a permit holder only site) before or after your session to explore.
If you know any children with an interest in the natural world then The Parks Trust are also offering Discover Nature Days this summer. Taking place at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve, this action-packed day with the Outdoor Learning team will feature a variety of activities such as: discovering tracks and trails: foraging; hunting mini-beasts; habitat surveys; pond dipping; creating mini-habitats and bird identification. These sessions will give children the opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills and get excited by the natural world.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, booking is essential for Parks Trust events. To find out more and to book tickets, click here.
In addition to their own events programme, The Parks Trust have teamed up with MK Council to support their Summer of Play programme - a massive range of free activities that are taking place throughout August for local children and young people! Across Milton Keynes, MK Council has more than 27,000 individual play sessions planned for August, some of which include: Outdoor Play Sessions with The Parks Trust.
They will be hosting six Outdoor Play Sessions across August, each taking place in a different park across the city. So why not join the Trust for an afternoon of fun with lots of free games and activities which the whole family can enjoy.
You can find out more about the MK Council's Summer of Play programme here.
