This post was written in collaboration with Safe and Sound Health as part of their #adventurefearlessly campaign, but all words and pictures are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer here.
Easter is definitely my favourite of the school holidays. By the end of the six weeks the summer holidays always seem just a bit too long, and during the Christmas break it’s usually too dark and cold to get out much. When April arrives, the days are getting longer and it’s not unusual to have a bit of good spring weather, which after the winter we’ve all been through, I’d say is needed this year more than ever.
But, even with the promise of lockdown starting to lift, there are still going to be a limited amount of things to do, especially indoors. Pub gardens might be open from the 12th April, but I have to be honest, it’s unlikely that this will entertain my children! Trips to see grandparents, indoor playdates and any other previously relied upon activities are unfortunately still out of the question for the time being.
A day exploring the woods
One thing we will be doing is getting our wellies on and venturing to the local woods. Visit the Woodland Trust website to find woods to explore near you. I did this last year for the first time and was very surprised to find some fabulous woods a ten minute drive away that I didn’t know existed!
When going out on a woodland adventure, make sure you are prepared:
Wellies, waterproofs and spare clothes
If it’s been raining at all then the likelihood is that there will be MUD and lots of it. If you’re driving then it makes sense to pack the car up with spare everything, just in case.
Taking spare socks is particularly canny if you don’t want to leave after half an hour because of whingey kids, or better still make sure they wear wellies so their feet don’t get wet!
Wipes
One thing that you’ll probably have to be prepared for is the kids to need an al fresco wee, so it’s best to be prepared. Wipes are also useful for wiping sticky hands and muddy faces. Reusable wipes are much better for the environment; see a guide here for using reusable wipes when out and about. Remember if you’re using disposable wipes make sure you take them all home with you if there aren’t bins around.
Drinks and snacks
Of course. Presumably if you’re reading this you’ve actually met some kids and this is a no-brainer. Fortunately, the recent stay at home order prohibiting picnics has now been lifted, so it’s not out of the question to take a picnic blanket and make the day of it.
First aid kit
It should go without saying these days that antibacterial spray or sanitiser gel for your hands is a must have, but don’t forget the rest of the first aid kit!
Bumps and scrapes are par for the course when you’re out with kids, particularly if there are bare legs on show (this might be optimistic but we have had some lovely Easter holidays in the past so I have my fingers firmly crossed!).
Popping some antiseptic cleaning spray and plasters in your bag mean you’re less likely to have to cut your day of exploration short when the inevitable happens, and a minor graze won’t be the end of the world.
Safe and Sound Health have a range of colourful and fun plasters made just for kids, which was washproof and water-resistant, and comfortable and gentle for kids’ delicate skin. There are eight designs which come in two different packs; pick from unicorns, princesses, dinosaurs and mermaids or robots, rockets, dinosaurs and monsters.
There are also clear, waterproof plasters which come in multi-size packs, perfect for dealing with cuts and grazes so you can adventure fearlessly!
Scavenger Hunt
Climbing trees, collecting sticks and building dens is all great fun but it’s good to have some more sedate activities planned to help you fill your day.
Click here or on the image to download a printable PDF version of our scavenger hunt.
Nature identification apps
We love to see what other nature we can spot. A plant identifier app is a fun way to discover what nature there is out there and they’re so bafflingly clever; take a picture of a leaf, upload it, and it’ll tell you what plant it’s from!
We’ve also downloaded a feather identifier app and during our walks in the woods we’ve found evidence of tawny owls and parakeets among the pigeon feathers!
Camera
My kids love to take pictures and use an old phone camera to document their days out, take pictures of things on their scavenger hunt list and take silly pictures of each other and their toys. Oh, and play Pokemon of course.
What are your woodland visit must haves?
For more information on wound care, refer to the Safe and Sound Healthcare website. Their products can be purchased from local pharmacists and Amazon.