Family-friendly things to do at Winkworth Arboretum

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at Winkworth Arboretum

Sat 16 July - Sun 17 August, 10am - 5pm​

Join us for one of nature’s greatest transformations as you become the world’s most famous caterpillar from Eric Carle’s best-selling book The Very Hungry Caterpillar™.

Wiggle along the trail to spot juicy fruits and tasty snacks before emerging as a beautiful butterfly. Enhanced by illustrated trail markers, children learn about the days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly all within the grounds of Winkworth Arboretum.

Normal admission applies

Pirate Play at Winkworth Arboretum

Tue 19 August -  Fri 5 September, 10am - 5pm

Ahoy, matey - set sail to Winkworth Arboretum this summer.  Pick up your treasure map from the kiosk and head on over to the pirate ship in the play area to start your search for the missing gold. Can you find the treasure, or will you be walking the plank?  Get hooked on some fun-filled games and activities amidst the trees and let your imagination run wild on a swash-buckling adventure.  Free with normal admission. 

Wildcraft Wednesday at Winkworth

Every Wednesday from 23 Jul - 27 Aug

Join the fun at Winkworth Arboretum this summer for Wild Craft Wednesday, families can immerse themselves in nature with hands-on activities like making wildflower seed bombs, salt dough wind chimes and friendship bracelets. Activities change each week so there's more reason to return. £2 per activity.  There's no need to book just join in any time between 11am and 2pm.  See our crafty activities here.

 

All year round fun in the arboretum 

Play area 

Winkworth is a great outdoor space in which children can explore nature. Head over to our Tree Adventure area and climb, jump and scramble across our rope tunnel, bridges, mini climing wall and our brand new web walk. It’s built from wood and other natural materials and provides all the inspiration for a great time experiencing the outdoors. 

Brass rubbings trail 

Pick up our Unbe-leaf-able trail sheet from the kiosk and explore the arboretum in search of some our important trees, completing a brass rubbings as you identify each tree. 

'50 things to do before you’re 11¾' at Winkworth Arboretum  

There are so many opportunities to experience connecting with nature at Winkworth. Why not start with some wild art? At the arboretum you’ll find nature’s materials on hand to start your creation. Or you could try tracking wild animal signs or making friends with a bug? Don’t let rain spoil your day either, as you can go welly wandering. We’ve got the best puddle jumping to be found for miles around.

Tea-room treats 

All adventurers get hungry and thirsty, and Winkworth’s tea-room has a range of delicious treats for bold bug hunters and dedicated explorers. There are hot drinks to warm up from the winter chill, while in the summer there are cold drinks and ice creams to cool overheated adventurers.   

Exploring with your dog 

A family day out isn’t complete without your canine companions. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome anywhere in the arboretum. They can sit with you in the large seating area outside the tea-room as well, where we offer a bowl of water so they can enjoy a relaxing drink.