Families invited to explore Arboretum grounds during half-term

Families are invited to explore the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire this May Half Term, celebrating what’s to come as summer approaches.

Accompanied by Arbie, the young fluffy owl from the estate’s first-ever children’s book, ‘Arbie and the Magical Lights’, visitors of all ages are encouraged to join in with a range of fun participatory activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor trails and storytelling sessions. 

Rachel Smith, head of learning and participation at the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “As we step into the warmer months, we look forward to welcoming families to the site for a summer of adventure and fun.

“From interactive storytelling to creative craft sessions, every activity helps young visitors connect with the Arboretum and our stories in a meaningful and memorable way.”

Visitors are invited to join the site’s very own resident, Arbie the Owl, the central character in the Arboretum’s much loved children’s book ‘Arbie and the Magical Lights.’ 

This brand-new outdoor trail encourages the Arboretum’s youngest visitors to accompany this curious creature, as he explores the vast, summer landscape, searching for green leaves, colourful flowers and signs of the various wildlife that call the grounds home.

Arbie’s i-Spy summer trail, running until 31 May between 10am and 5pm, costs £2.50.

Skilled storytellers will bring enchanting stories of summer to life during these interactive storytelling sessions. Families are welcomed to gather round as they are taken on a journey through their imaginations.

Storytelling sessions are free, require advance booking, and run from 25 to 29 May.

Inspired by the site’s summer landscape, visitors are encouraged to let their creativity loose in drop-in arts and crafts sessions. The sessions are free and run from 11am to 3pm, up until 29 May.

Younger visitors can join Stick Man, helping him on his journey back home to The Family Tree. A free copy of this self-led trail is available for pick-up from the Welcome Desk. The free trail is open on all days from 10am to 4pm.

The arboretum grounds are also home to two outdoor play areas for younger visitors.

The Children’s Sensory Play Garden is situated near to the Remembrance Centre, and a second children’s playground, with an accompanying picnic area ideal for the coming warmer months, can be found near to the Children’s Wood. 

Visit the website for more information. 

To guarantee entry and get the most out of visiting the site, it is highly recommended that visitors book in advance.

Entry is free, with parking charged at £5 for cars booked in advance, or £8 on the day.

Guests are also urged to have their booking confirmation ready to present to the parking attendant at the gate.