OutdoorsOutdoor

The Big Wild Play Out

Name: The Big Wild Play Out
Start: 2026-06-06
End: 2026-06-06
Location: TCV Skelton Grange

TCV Skelton Grange

Date

6 Jun

Ages

All ages

Price

Free

The Big Wild Play Out is TCV Skelton Grange's annual celebration of outdoor play and wildlife discovery. Families can explore the centre's ponds, woodlands and meadows, getting up close with the creatures that live there while enjoying plenty of unstructured playtime in nature. It's a brilliant opportunity for children to learn about their local environment through hands-on exploration, without feeling like a formal lesson.

This event welcomes children from birth through to 16 years old, so families with mixed ages should find plenty to keep everyone engaged. Whether your children are keen nature hunters or just love splashing about outdoors, there's space for all kinds of play and discovery.

What to bring

Waterproof coats and trousers for children (pond exploration can get wet)
Wellies or waterproof shoes with good grip
Layers and a jumper, even in June the weather can be unpredictable
Sun cream and hats for sunny spells
A packed lunch or snacks and a water bottle
Hand wipes or a flannel for cleaning up before eating
A small backpack or bag for each child to collect findings (if they want to)
Change of clothes if you have very young or enthusiastic explorers

Top tips

Arrive early to avoid crowds and make the most of the space. The woods are quieter in the morning and children often get more chance to spot wildlife.
Let children lead the exploration rather than rushing them between spots. The real learning happens when they stop to investigate something that catches their eye.
Bring a jar or container if you want to do some pond dipping. Staff may provide nets, but having your own means children can take turns without waiting.
Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Kids play better when they're not worried about mud, and that's the whole point of a wild play day.
Check the weather the night before and dress accordingly. Getting properly dressed for the conditions makes an enormous difference to how much children enjoy themselves.