As children, most adults will have whiled away the hours throwing Frisbees, chasing butterflies, picnicking and playing hide and seek, but there’s growing evidence today’s youngsters are missing out.
As a result, the National Trust has launched its ‘time to discover…’ campaign, to encourage families to visit its parks, countryside and gardens over May half term and rediscover these and many more innocent childhood pleasures for themselves.
Research has shown that 62 per cent of children only play indoors*, meaning that they miss out on the wealth of benefits associated with playing in the fresh air and discovering the world around them.
In Derbyshire alone, the National Trust has more than 16,000 hectares of gardens, parkland and countryside making it the perfect destination for a half term daycation.
And it is encouraging families to spend time together and discover a wealth of new – and forgotten – activities. So why not enjoy some traditional outdoor games, such as football, rounders, or tennis. Or get some exercise by walking, running or cycling along one of the Trust’s many dedicated paths or trails.
But of course there’s so much more than simple games to enjoy. Children and adults alike will enjoy spotting the vast array of flora and fauna including, deer, insects, amphibians, birds and lambs. The Trust produces Tracker Packs for many of its properties, which are brimming with games, quizzes and activities that help children discover more about its houses, parks and gardens; their history, and the people who lived there. And for a spot of relaxation, spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the spectacular grounds of a country house.
As well as providing access to fresh air, the National Trust’s properties throughout Derbyshire are putting on some exciting activities designed to keep boredom at bay during the May half term break.
These include the Games People Played and Family Orienteering at Calke Abbey on 2 June and a Wildchild Funday at Hardwick Park Centre on 1 June. Families will also enjoy Pirates, Parrots and Pieces of Eight Half Term craft activities at Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood from 31 May – 3 June and the Spring Plant and Craft Fair at Kedleston Hall on 28 and 29 May with a chance for the little ones to have a go at crafts and well-dressing. There’s also Family Countryside Open Days at Castleton in the Dark Peak on 29 and 30 May where you can take part in outdoor activities and games, see countryside displays including working sheep dogs and enjoy live music.
Speaking about the launch of the ‘time to discover…’ campaign, Beccy Speight, Director of the National Trust in the Midlands said: “The National Trust isn’t just about preserving the nation’s historic houses, we’re also keepers of more than 254,000 hectares of beautiful parks, gardens and countryside areas.
“We’re perfectly placed to help families enjoy their days out this half term and spend some quality time together discovering some new activities and taking part in some old favourites. And most of all, to have some fun!
“While gardeners may moan about the lack of rain, it’s promising to be one of those Summers we used to have as a child, where the sun shone and we played outside every day until tea time. So it’s time for today’s children to get off the sofa and discover the joys of outdoor play for themselves – and what better and safer way for them to do this than with the National Trust?”
