A space to connect, play and grow together
Our parent and child outdoor sessions offer a gentle, welcoming space for younger children and their grown-ups to spend time together outdoors. Set beside Glengavel Reservoir, these sessions are an invitation to slow down, breathe, and enjoy being in nature side by side.
For younger children, play is their natural way of exploring the world. Through movement, curiosity, and sensory experiences, they begin to make sense of themselves, others, and their surroundings. In our outdoor setting, this might look like splashing in puddles, digging in the mud, watching animals, climbing, or simply pausing to notice what’s around them.
Alongside this, we recognise that these early years are just as much about the parent or carer as they are about the child. These sessions create space for you to step out of the rush of daily life, to be present, and to connect with your child without pressure or expectation.
There is no set agenda to follow. You are free to explore, play, rest, and be together in whatever way feels right for you both. The space is gently held by an experienced play therapist and Forest School Leader, offering support where needed while allowing each family’s experience to unfold naturally.
Table of Contents
What a session might look like
No two sessions are exactly the same, but there’s always a gentle rhythm to the time we spend together.
You might begin by visiting the chickens and collecting eggs, or meeting our six guinea pigs – Lily, Hermione, Molly, Minerva, Ginny and Luna. Many children love spending time with the animals, and these moments often become a natural starting point for connection.
From there, children might move between activities that catch their interest – playing in the mud kitchen, building dens, exploring sensory play with clay, or creating something through simple arts and crafts. On some days, there may be giant bubbles drifting across the grass or the chance to toast a marshmallow over the fire.
There’s no pressure to take part in anything specific. Children are free to follow their curiosity, moving between activities or returning to the same one again and again. Parents can join in, sit back, or simply enjoy being alongside their child.
Often, it’s these simple shared experiences – being outdoors, doing something with your hands, or spending time together without rush – that create the space for connection, calm and enjoyment.
Practical details
- Small group sessions
- Open to children aged 0-7 with their adult(s)
- Held outdoors at our beautiful site beside Glengavel Reservoir
- Sessions run weekly on Mondays during school term time, usually on Monday afternoons
We keep numbers small to create a calm, supportive atmosphere where everyone has space to settle in and feel comfortable.
Sessions can be cancelled with at least 24 hrs’ notice for a full refund. If we need to cancel due to adverse weather, a full refund will be offered with as much notice as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Parent & Child sessions are suitable for children from birth up to and including 7 years old. The sessions are relaxed and flexible, so children can engage in ways that suit their stage of development, and siblings are very welcome.
Yes – babies are very welcome, and there is no minimum age for attending. The sessions are designed to be relaxed and flexible, so you can participate in a way that works for you and your child. The cost is £5 for an adult attending with a baby who hasn’t started toddling – choose ‘Adult & baby’ ticket when booking.
Sessions cost £10, which covers one adult and one child. If your child is a baby and not yet walking, it’s £5.
Yes – additional children are very welcome.
Extra child tickets can be added at a cost of £10 per child.
Not at all. You’re welcome to join in as much or as little as feels right. Some parents enjoy getting involved in play, while others prefer to sit back and observe.
We recommend comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit muddy. Being outdoors is part of the experience, whatever the weather. We do have some sheltered areas if it’s particularly wet.
It’s really helpful if you book in advance – this allows us to create a calm, well-prepared space for everyone attending. As places are limited, it also helps ensure you can secure a space.
If you book in advance, you can cancel with at least 24 hours’ notice for a full refund. If something unforeseen comes up at short notice, please let us know and we will do our best to be flexible.
Browse upcoming dates and book online