Tree Tots

    Proper outdoor playtime – a weekly child-led session for pre-schoolers and their parents/carers.

    Outdoor nature play has many proven benefits for pre-schoolers. It supports their development, stimulates their senses, improves creativity, and boosts immunity.

    That’s why our Outdoor Learning Team is passionate about creating space outside for children and toddlers to run free, discover play opportunities and become confident about being outside - whatever the weather!

    Every Thursday, in a dedicated area of Howe Park Wood, Tree Tots offers a range of activities designed for under-5s. Connecting you and your little one with nature, you’ll enjoy lots of fun activities – from ‘cooking’ in mud kitchens, balancing on ropes and swinging in hammocks, to playing with water, exploring the great outdoors, and collecting natural treasure.

    Tree Tots takes place in all weathers (unless it’s extreme) because we believe that children should have the opportunity to experience the wild outdoors – whether rain, wind, sun or snow. We advise dressing appropriately for the weather, including waterproof boots and clothes, as the site can get quite muddy. A spare change of clothes for homeward journeys is also recommended – just in case!

    To minimise our impact on the planet, most of our toys and resources at Tree Tots are either handmade, donated, second-hand, or plastic-free.

    Tree Tots weekly sessions run for 50 minutes, and start at 10am throughout the Winter months (roughly November to April). To make the most of Summer, we have sessions at 10am and 11am.

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    Please note that children that can toddle or crawl will get the most out of the sessions, but babies under 6 months are more than welcome and do not need to book a space.

    Accompanying adults are required to stay for the duration of the session, and are fully responsible for their child. Toys that are suitable for children up to 5 years are available at these sessions, please ensure your child is supervised at all times. 

    Bookings are non-refundable.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • How much does it cost?

      The sessions cost £1 per person – please book a space for each adult and child attending. Babies under 6 months are more than welcome and do not need to book a space.

    • What clothes should my child wear at a Tree Tots session?

      Please come dressed for the weather! Waterproof boots are useful to allow for splashing in puddles all year round.

      As we aim to be outside for most of the time, in colder months we recommend that your Tree Tot wears plenty of layers and a waterproof all-in-one. Hats and gloves are useful – if you can get your Tree Tot to keep them on!

      The site can get particularly muddy so accompanying adults are also advised to wear waterproof boots and clothes that can get mucky, particularly in Winter.

      In the Summer, we recommend wearing a sunhat and bringing sun cream and a drink along too.

    • What should adults wear?

      In Winter, the site can get particularly muddy so accompanying adults are advised to wear waterproof boots and clothes that can get mucky.

      In Summer, older clothes that you don't mind getting water or mud on are recommended!

    • Can I bring my buggy to Tree Tots?

      Yes, there is a paved path leading to the Tree Tots area and the session will take place just off the path. Please note that the session itself is based on grass and woodchip flooring.

    • The weather is poor, are you still running?

      Yes! We play outside in almost all weathers.

      In extreme conditions we may head back to the Education Centre for some indoor activities, or cancel. In this instance you would be sent a notification - but this is incredibly rare.

    • Do you have toilet/changing facilities?

      Yes, there are accessible toilets and a changing table at the Education Centre, just a short walk away from where Tree Tots takes place.

    • Where do I park?

      We have a large car park which is free, and includes accessible parking spaces. In the Summer months the car park can become very busy so we recommend arriving slightly early to secure a parking space.

    • Is there a café onsite?

      Yes, there is a café based at Howe Park Wood where you can buy hot and cold drinks, ice cream and food before or after the session.

    • Can I bring my dog, they're really friendly?

      We would prefer you to keep your furry friends at home - not all children or adults feel comfortable around dogs and we would like Tree Tots to be a positive experience for all.

    • Does Tree Tots run during the school holidays?

      Yes – we run Tree Tots 50 weeks of the year! We close for two weeks over the Christmas break but remain open during other school holidays.

    Discover our parks

    • Find out more about The Department of Education's Activity Passports for children aged 4 to 11
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      Activity Passport