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!

    Taking place in a dedicated area of Howe Park Wood every Thursday, Tree Tots offers a range of activities designed just for under-5s. You’ll get to join in all kinds of fun things that connect you and your little one with nature – 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 very extreme) because we believe that children should have the opportunity to experience the wild outdoors – whether that’s rain, wind, sun or snow. A spare change of clothes to change into on the way home is recommended as we expect your Tree Tots will enjoy getting wet and mucky during the session! Adults are also reminded to dress for the weather so that you can enjoy being outside just as much as your Tree Tot. Please note that the site gets particularly muddy in Winter (which makes it all the more fun!) but waterproof boots and clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy are recommended.

    To minimise our impact on the planet, the majority of the toys and resources available for children to play with at Tree Tots are either second-hand, handmade donated, or plastic-free.

    Sessions start at 10am and 11am in Summer and at 10am in Winter, and each lasts 50 minutes.

    Please note that we are currently running our Winter timetable, meaning that sessions are at 10am only each week.

    Book Now

    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.

    We do not refund bookings.

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

      Please come dressed for the weather!

      As we aim to be outside for most of the time, in colder months wear plenty of layers and a waterproof all-in-one. Wellies are useful to allow for splashing in puddles and it can get muddy in the wood! In the Summer, we would recommend long sleeves and trousers to help prevent against bites and stings.

    • 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.

    • Does Tree Tots run during the school holidays?

      Yes

    • The weather is poor, are you still running?

      Yes! We are outside in most weathers. In extreme conditions we may head back to the Education Centre for some indoor activities or cancel in which case, you will be sent a notification.

    • Do you have toilet/changing facilities?

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

    • Can I bring my dog, he's 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.

    • Is there a café on site?

      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.

    Book onto our Tree Tots session below

    Discover our parks

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