Family activities at Dunstable Downs

Planning your visit

The wide open spaces of Dunstable Downs make it an ideal location for a family day out, no matter your age! From kite flying and den bulding to admiring butterflies and orchids, alongside an exciting programme of events, there's plenty to do for a range of budgets and interests. 

Good to know

• We have baby changing facilities at our Visitor Centre and high chairs and kids menus are avaliable in the café.
• Multi-user surfaced path provides an easy walking route suitable for pushchairs. Step-free access to Visitor Centre, shop and café.
• Thanks to Cotswold Outdoor, we have a range of outdoor clothing avaliable to borrow for ages 2 - 12 so bad weather need never be an issue again!
• Free-to-access with £3.50 parking charge (members park for free)

May Half Term Wildlife Trail

Bring the kids and their favourite teddy bear to meet a special cast of local wildlife along our new sculpture trail. Children will complete fun, simple activities and learn about each animal and the important role they play in keeping the Downs thriving.

The trail will take about 30-40 minutes and is based along our multi-user, accessible pathway which goes across our kite field and through a woodland area.

Date: Sat 23 - Sun 31 May 2026
Time: 10am - 4:30pm
Price: £2 donation, standard parking costs also apply
Booking: not required

Guided walks for National Walking Month

This half term we'll be running a series of morning and afternoon guided walks, led by our team of rangers, staff and volunteers, with something for everyone to enjoy. The walks provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local history and wildlife and meet new people.

Scheduled walks include:

Wildflowers & Butterflies (23rd May);

Tree Cathedral History walk (25th May);

Five Knolls medieval history walk, with some bird spotting along the way (26th May);

Kids orienteering & exploration walk (27th May);

Adults wellbeing walk (27th May)

Please note, while children are welcome on all walks, with some scheduled to last around two hours, we advise parents / guardians to use their own discretion. The exploration walk on the 27th is the most suitable for children, as it is shorter and specifically tailored for younger ages.

Date: Sat 23 - Wed 27 May 2026
Time: varies, check each walk for full details
Price: £3, standard parking fees apply
Booking: required, can be done using the event link above

Guided accessibility walk for National Walking Month

Join us for a friendly and relaxed guided walk exploring our newly installed wildlife sculpture trail along our multi-user pathway. We have two powered mobility vehicles available to borrow, or feel free to bring your own.

The route is around 1.5 kilometres and should take around an hour. Along the way, there will be plenty of opportunity to stop and take in the breathtaking views across the Downs and surrounding Chiltern landscape from one of our viewing platforms.

This is a 'pay what you can' event. It is especially for visitors who are not able to walk the distance from the visitor centre to Chute Wood and would like to use the mobility vehicle to experience the new changes and improvements we've made to the site. You may bring a plus one with you but please do not book a ticket for them. Please note, plus one's will need to accompany those on a PMV by foot.

Date: Tue 26 May 2026
Time: 2pm - 3pm
Price: £3, standard parking fees apply
Booking: required, can be done using the event link above