On this page you will find some tips on free things you could do with your child.

Pick Blackberries

Have a look in the hedgerows around where you live, and see if you can find any blackberry bushes. The best time to pick blackberries is late August, and not only are they free but they seem to taste so much better if you pick them yourself! (Beware of the thorns though - wear gardening gloves if you have any).



Coram's Fields

If you are ever in London with a child, one place you could visit is Coram's Fields. It is a very special place close to the bustle of Tottenham Court Road, with seven acres of space for children to explore. There is a small farm, huge sandpit, paddling pool, swings, climbing frames and sensory playground, lots of grass to picnic on, and no adult is allowed to enter unless accompanied by a child. www.coramsfields.org


Hold A Sports Day

With a few props and a green space, you could organise your very own sports day! Invite friends to your local park, and get creative whilst exercising. Possible races could include; Egg & Spoon (balance a boiled egg on a spoon while running), or the Obstacle race (use anything to make obstacles which have to be jumped over/ crawled under/ run around etc.).


Egg & Spoon race circa 1979


Go On A Letter & Number Hunt
Go on a walk, and spot all of the different letters and numbers on signs, number plates, houses etc. Start with a letter or number your child is familiar with (maybe the first letter of their name, or their age). This is a really good activity to do if your child has just started school.



Mini Beasts!

Lurking outside are all manor of mini beasts waiting to be discovered. Go explore and take time to look at the spiders, snails, ants, bees, moths and all of the other amazing insects and creepy crawlies living around us.


Make a Den

Make a den inside by hanging a blanket over a table or a few chairs. Dens are great places to play or have an indoor picnic.


Waste Aware Schools
For more information and tips on recycling, this website is a good place to go. Enter the Pupil Zone to find out how you can Reduce, Reuse and Recycle your waste at school, and how this helps our environment. Choose your own Waste Aware Posters to print and display around your school. Find lots of fun waste facts and ideas to get creative. Visit the Staff Section and access everything you need to start recycling in your school. Any school in Scotland can use the Recycling Directory to find services for waste reuse and recycling.www.wasteawareschools.org.uk


Dressing Up

Fill a big box with dressing up clothes and have fun pretending to be different characters. Costumes needn't be expensive; old clothes, hats, bags, scarves and shoes can all be put in, along with any other colourful and interesting bits as you find them.




Look For Treasure
When you are out and about, you could go on a treasure hunt. At a beach there are shells and pebbles, different colours and shapes, waiting to be discovered. In the park there might be leaves, pine cones, feathers etc. Collect what you find together, and take a closer look at your treasure.



Snow Fun
It doesn't snow that often here in London, but when it does we always have to build a snowman - or snowdiplodocus, as this one was called!