Green activity days out

Enjoy fantastic days out with our guide to ecofriendly places to visit and things to do for families...

We’ve chosen these activity days because they’re built or run sustainably, or because they’re a great way to learn about nature and the planet. Either way, they’re a fun day out!

Nationwide

Go Ape

If you fancy flying through the trees on a Tarzan swing or zip wire then Go Ape is for you. There are 21 courses across the UK, all offering the ultimate forest experience 40ft above the ground!

Safety instructions and climbing harnesses are given before you set off on an adventure course of rope bridges, tunnels and plank walks among the treetops.

From 10 years and up. Loincloth and chest beating optional…

In the north

Nature’s World, Middlesbrough

This pioneering eco-experience has nature trails, interactive activities, educational play parks and a giant bank-side slide, as well as a great tea room.

Nature’s World also runs events throughout the year, such as a folk festival and farmers’ and craft markets.

Conkers, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire

Green Clubcard reward! This award-winning attraction sits in the heart of the National Forest. Inside Conkers there are four discovery zones, including a tree-top walk and a giant, fully interactive exhibit called the 'Enchanted Forest'.

There are a further 23 outdoor activities, including an assault course, lakeside walks, a train ride and water play. Regular workshops, craft and music events are also among the highlights.

The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland

A Poison Garden, water sculptures and one of the world’s largest wooden tree houses are just some of the thrills to explore in this magical landscaped garden.

Conceived and created by the Duchess of Northumberland, Alnwick Garden is an all-seasons attraction for the whole family to enjoy. Children can collect water with the mini tractors, dodge the Grand Cascade jets and play hide-and-seek in the Bamboo Labyrinth.

Amazonia Strathclyde Country Park

Green Clubcard reward! Scotland’s only indoor tropical rainforest (perhaps not surprisingly!) is a fun and educational experience.

It’s a unique place to explore that gives real insight into life in a tropical forest. You can learn about – and handle – the animals, including tarantulas and snakes.

In the south

Gulliver’s Eco-Park, Milton Keynes

In the Land Area at Gulliver’s Eco Park, you can go on a tractor or canal ride to learn more about crops, vegetables and recycling. You can also take part in an interactive show.

Go on a lake cruise in the Water Area to see the wildlife on the islands, or take a ride through Evolution (which has more than 30 life-size dinosaurs) to learn more about the history of our planet.

Bewilderwood, Wroxham, Norfolk

Want to build a den, go on a story-telling weekend, take a lantern walk through the forest or take part in a spooky treasure hunt?

These are just some of the imaginative family events at Bewilderwood, a £1.8 million outdoor adventure park set in 50 acres of woodland.

Featuring magical tree houses, aerial walkways and fantasy characters, it’s great for all ages and there’s a new area for toddlers, too.

The Living Rainforest, Berkshire

Yes, a real rainforest you can visit without having to get on a plane!

Situated just off the M4, The Living Rainforest is an amazing tropical world, committed to telling the story of humanity in nature.

You’ll find beautiful plants and animals from the world’s threatened rainforests, including the giant Amazon lily (which reach up to 8ft in diameter), as well as the West African dwarf crocodile and cute Goeldi Monkeys.

Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures, Isle of Wight

This is tree climbing with bells on. After meeting at a secret location, you’re given a briefing, training, a harness and a hard hat.

You’re then fastened to a tree and with close supervision begin your turn to climb. You can go as high as you want, with some trees 50ft high.

Once you’re up there, you can rest in the tree hammock before abseiling to the ground for a ready-prepared picnic with home-made refreshments. Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures is for eight years and up.