Family-friendly things to do at Winkworth Arboretum
Come out and play at Winkworth Arboretum. Whether you’re joining in with outdoor activities, walking the dog or creating some wild art there’s plenty of fun to be had.
Planning your family visit
- Natural play area with a fireman’s pole, rope tunnel and mini climbing wall.
- Baby-changing facilities available
- Thank you for not bringing your child's bike, scooter or ball games due to the steep slopes and open water on site.
Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail
Until Sunday 6 September
Families can get active outdoors with our Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges. Are you ready for a mega adventure?
Trail sheets will be available to collect on the day. Normal admission applies (free for National Trust members).
Summer of Play
Wed 22 July – Sun 6 September
A dedicated play field will be programmed with experiences and activities designed to spark imagination and inspire adventure. Included with normal admission (free for National Trust members).
Weekly Wild Crafts
Every Tuesday and Thursday, 23 July – 27 August
A series of hands-on craft sessions at Winkworth’s Wild Craft Gazebo, where children can create friendship bracelets, felt puppets, seed pizzas for birds and more. £3 per craft.
All year round fun in the Arboretum
A world of wonder at Winkworth
Winkworth Arboretum is all about playful discovery and outdoor adventure. Budding explorers can enjoy spotter sheets for birds, wildlife and trees, alongside hands‑on activities specially created for our under‑5 visitors. Families can also take part in brass rubbing activities that wind their way across the whole arboretum, encouraging curiosity and exploration at every turn. All activities are subject to availability.
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 climbing wall and web walk. It’s built from wood and other natural materials and provides all the inspiration for a great time experiencing the outdoors.
'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.
Cafe treats
All adventurers get hungry and thirsty, and Winkworth’s cafe 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 are also welcome in the dog-friendly area inside the cafe or outsider where you'll find water bowls to lap up a some refreshing drink. The cafe sells dog icecream and you'll find accessories and dog treats for sale in the shop.
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Upcoming events at Winkworth Arboretum
Find out what's on at Winkworth Arboretum
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
Visiting Winkworth Arboretum with your dog
Winkworth Arboretum is a two pawprint rated place. Well-behaved dogs and their owners are welcome to explore Winkworth at any time of year. Find out more about bringing your four-legged friend with you when you visit.
Things to see and do at Winkworth Arboretum
Follow winding footpaths and stumble upon hidden glades and wetlands at Winkworth Arboretum. With more than 1,000 different shrubs and trees, immerse yourself in colour and nature all year.
Eating and shopping at Winkworth Arboretum
Treat yourself after your visit to the Winkworth Arboretum with a range of mouth-watering snacks, meals and drinks from a café or browse the shop and buy a little something to take home.
