By Parkdean Resorts on 11/04/2017
Now’s the perfect time to start planning fun and engaging activities for your kids. From finding a new hobby to burning off energy and keeping fit (or even just giving mum and dad some well-deserved peace and quiet!), there are plenty of reasons to get your kids outside and active this year.
We’ve rounded up seven of the UK’s most exciting outdoor activities for kids and teens to try this year. From surfing to tree climbing, there’s something for everyone!
Scrambling in Cumbria
Gorge scrambling (or ghyll scrambling) is guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping. Your kids will love climbing waterfalls, jumping into plunge pools and even sliding down rapids as they navigate the course of a mountainside river. There’s no avoiding getting soaked, but thanks to the warm wetsuits provided, it’s the perfect all weather activity.
Children of all ages and abilities are welcome, however, under 18s will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Why not plan the ultimate family adventure and book a half-day of scrambling in the magnificent Lake District with Lakeland Ascents? Their professional guides will kit you out with all the equipment you’ll need and guide you along this exhilarating natural obstacle course.
Image courtesy of Lakeland Ascents
Gorge scrambling is offered at a number of locations across the lakes, so you’re sure to find something near you. Why not turn a family day out into a an active break by booking a stay at one of our Lake District holiday parks?
Surfing in Cornwall
If you’re struggling to get your teenagers out of bed in the morning, a splash in Cornwall’s surf is sure to wake them up! Fistral Beach is a surfing Mecca and is world renowned for it’s fantastic swells. Situated directly on the sand, Fistral Beach Surf School offers both surfing and bodyboarding lessons for kids of all abilities - with parents welcome too! As one of the best summer activities for kids, surfing promises to burn off energy and keep them cool during the warmer months.
Book them in for a two hour beginner group surfing lesson while you relax on the beach - or head into Newquay for some peace and quiet - or, if you fancy giving it a go yourself, a family surfing lesson could be the perfect group activity to get everyone involved! Group lessons are open to children aged 8 and up, while younger kids aged 6 and up can join in private or family lessons.
Image courtesy of Fistral Beach Surf School
With a number of holiday parks within easy ready of Fistral Beach, Cornwall is the perfect place for a summer surfing holiday.
Tree climbing on the Isle of Wight
Tree climbing might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re thinking of outdoor activities for your kids - but thanks to the folks at Goodleaf Tree Climbing, fond memories of scaling trees in the back garden can be brought back to life. Goodleaf’s magnificent 70ft oak tree overlooks the Isle of Wight’s spectacular coastline and the Solent beyond, offering rewarding views for those that reach the top.
During the two hour group climbing sessions, you’ll be provided will all of the equipment and guidance necessary to scale the tree - with expert climbers on hand to lead the way. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be able to try out Goodleaf’s tree-top hammocks or brave a branch walk from a height - before descending back down to ground level for refreshments and some tasty flapjacks. It’s the perfect family experience, with children aged 8 and over welcome to join in.
Video courtesy of Goodleaf Tree Climbing
The Isle of Wight is a paradise for outdoor activities, with plenty to see and do. Why not make the most of your family time by booking a break at one of our holiday parks on the island.
Skiing in Dorset
Skiing? On the South Coast? Yes, you heard us right. In fact, Dorset is home to one of the best ski facilities in the region! Warmwell Snow Sports Centre features an impressive 110m ‘Snowflex’ dry ski slope, with a number of runs to suit all abilities.
The Nursery Slope is ideal for first timers and kids, allowing them to build their confidence before progressing further up the main slope. With professional and friendly instructors on hand for lessons, it’s the ideal way to try out a new hobby.
Whether you’re staying at Warmwell Holiday Park or just dropping by to hit the slopes, Warmwell Snow Sports Centre is open to all - with kids’ ski lessons available from £7.50 for pass holders and £12 for non pass holders.
Wakeboarding in Kent
Kent might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wakeboarding, but thanks to Action Watersports’ freshwater lake, it’s one of the UK’s best locations for extreme watersports. Here, kids can choose from a range of watersports activities including waterskiing and wakeboarding. They’ll be able to take part in a two hour beginner session, learning the basics on dry land before heading onto the lake and progressing to (hopefully) standing and riding in the wake behind one of the centre’s ski boats.
If you’re feeling less adventurous, there’s no need to miss out on the fun! Why not book a fun ride on a banana boat or ringo. Fun rides are open to kids of all ages and are a great way to experience the thrill of zooming across the lake before trying your hand at one of the other watersports on offer.
Video courtesy of Action Watersports LTD
Action Watersports is just minutes from both Romney Sands and Camber Sands Holiday Park. It’s the perfect activity to get your kids into the holiday spirit.
Zip-lining in Wales
Open to kids aged 10 and over, Go Ape at Margam Country Park offers a thrilling tree top adventure for the whole family. This challenging obstacle course it suspended up to 13 meters in the air, and kids will tackle zip wires, rope swings, ladders and crossings as they navigate the 744 meter course.
Whether you want your kids to get outside and get some fresh air amongst the treetops, get a taste for climbing and adventure or you simply want to plan a fun afternoon out - Go Ape offers it all and more. The course takes two to three hours to complete, making it the perfect half-day activity. One adult is required to participate and supervise per two under 16s - so why not turn it into a family activity and test your mettle amongst the trees?
Image courtesy of Go Ape
Margam Country Park is less than 20 minutes’ drive from Trecco Bay Holiday Park, making it the perfect adventure activity for your kids to try while on holiday in South Wales.
Kitesurfing in Essex
Whether you fancy getting wet or staying on dry land, kite sports are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Utilising a powerful kite to pull you through the water (or over land on a wheeled board), you can reach thrilling speeds and even learn tricks and jumps amongst the waves - it’s not for the faint hearted!
Push Kiting in Essex is run by kite sports experts and welcomes everyone from beginners to seasoned pros. Offering two hour taster lessons on dry land, where you’ll learn to control the kite, or half-day and full-day courses where you’ll progress to kitesurfing in the water - you can tailor the experience to your confidence levels. It’s the perfect thrilling activity for older children and teenagers.
Clacton-on-Sea’s beachfront offers the ideal conditions for kite surfing on breezy days, and is within easy reach of a number of our holiday parks in Essex - it’s a must-try activity if you’re holidaying on the Sunshine Coast.
What better time to try something new than when you’re on holiday? Book a break at one of our 70 holiday parks and get your kids to experience the great outdoors. Whether you’re planning a family day out or you just want to enjoy a peaceful afternoon while the kids are off on their own adventure - there’s every reason to get them active in 2018.
We’d love to hear your recommendations for outdoor adventures and activities - post your top tips on our Facebook page.