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Brilliant outdoor activities to enjoy with children this summer

Muddy PuddlesThe

Guide To Summer Fun

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Nothing beats summer spent outdoors! We’ve rounded up our favourite things to do outside with your children come rain or shine. Let’s make happy memories together!

1) Head to the beach Head to the nearest beach and spend a lovely day outdoors with your children. Build a sandcastle, listen to the sound of waves and let your little explorers run free.

2) StargazeFancy a night-time family adventure? Wrap up warm and go for a walk to the nearest woods or stay in your back garden and simply stare at the sky. Ask your children to spot as many constellations as they can.

3) Have a picnic in the parkWe believe that life is tastier outdoors so a family picnic in the park is a great idea! Enjoying a meal outdoors is super fun and we’re sure your children will love it.

4) Go on a family adventureGo on a family-friendly hike to catch some fresh air and unwind. Family walks are a brilliant idea as they’re easy to organise and great for you and your family.

5) Try fruit-pickingTry fruit foraging with your children and pick your own yummy fruit before summer is over! Have a look at our favourite places to pick your own fresh and delicious fruit (in part 2 of this guide) and get your fair share of vitamins.

6) Go campingMake sure to sleep under the stars at least once before it’s time to go back to school. If going camping is too much of a hassle, pitch a tent in your back garden and pretend you’re on an outdoor adventure.

Super fun, family-friendly summer outdoor activities

10 things to do before the end of the summer We’ve rounded up 10 fun outdoor activities to enjoy this summer. Tick them off the list before your children go back to school.

Summer is finally here!

7) Do some gardeningNothing is more relaxing than some gardening and it has loads of benefits too! It’s a great way to teach your children about nature, strengthen their connection to food and encourage them to spend more time outdoors.

8) Fly a kiteNo plans for the summer yet? Find the ultimate kite flying hotspot in your area and get ready to launch your kite.

9) Go on a scavenger huntOrganise an exciting scavenger hunt for your bold explorers to keep them entertained. You can go scavenging pretty much anywhere you like, whether you’re on the beach, in the city or in your back garden. Put together a list of items for the children to find and let the competition begin!

10) Play outdoor gamesEveryone loves outdoor games and they’re great for entertaining the little ones. All you need is a team of keen players and your back garden (or the nearest outdoor space).

Summer is finally here!

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Play hide and seekPlay hide and seek with

your children (and pretend not to see them!). You can play anywhere you like – head to a park or to the

local woods or simply play in your garden.

Outdoor activity ideas for rain & shine

Go on welly walksWho doesn’t love

splashing in puddles on a rainy day? Pull on a pair of wellies and see who can get the

muddiest.

Try rockpooling Summer is a great time to go out and explore your

local rock pools and look out for fascinating marine creatures. All you need is a bucket or a Tupperware

container and a pair of wellies.

Build an obstacle course Build your own ultimate

obstacle course with children. The only thing you need is a

rope, a few buckets and some bowling pins, but the choices

are unlimited, and you can use anything you have handy.

Visit a city farm Become a young farmer

for the day and learn about all the work it takes to keep the yard running and all the animals at the

farm happy.

Look for wormsThe rain brings out lots

of lovely worms children will love searching for.

Remember to return them back to a nice grassy area

when you are done.

Muddy paintingFind some sticks, leaves

or a paintbrush from indoors and dip in some mud. Paint along a wall of fence and watch the

rain wash it away.

Blow bubblesBlow bubbles in the

rain and watch to see if the rain pops them. So

simple yet so fun!

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1) Build something togetherDIY is a great way to bond with your family. Build a den together and make some happy memories. Gather lots of sticks and build the perfect hideout place for the day.

2) Go camping in your gardenTreat your father to a camping trip! Set up a tent in the garden and sleep there the whole night if the weather permits. Furnish it, play games in the garden, make a bonfire, cook outdoors and stargaze, just like on a ‘real’ camping trip!

3) Fly a kitePerfect for days when there’s enough wind to get the kite up and airborne. Light to medium winds are best as they will help the kite to soar but won’t tear it to pieces. Try model aeroplane flying on stiller days – build your own model aeroplane with your father and put it to the test.

4) Climb a tree Challenge your father’s fear of heights and climb a tree together. We’re sure it was his favourite activity when he was a child – why not give it another go after all these years?

5) Try pond dippingPond dipping is all about looking for pond mini beasts and identifying them – and it is so fun! Put on your waders, grab a net and see who spots more pond creatures!

5 Father’s Day Outdoor Activities

Father’s Day is just around the corner! Here are some fun outdoor activities to make this year’s Father’s Day even more exciting.

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British summer essentials

British summer can be somewhat unpredictable, so make sure you’re ready for all kinds of weather. We’ve put together a handy list of summer essentials for your children to make your life a little easier. 1) Reliable, waterproof jacketEven the sunniest day can end up with rain – ah, the joys of British weather! Make sure your children stay warm and dry while they’re out and about – a breathable, waterproof jacket is a summer must-have. We recommend handy, foldable jackets that pack into their own pocket – they’re such a lifesaver on family trips outdoors.

2) Splash-proof welliesWe all know how rainy summer can sometimes be and we can’t imagine storming into the new season without a pair of reliable, splash-proof wellies. What is a rainy day without jumping in puddles after all?

3) Toys for young explorersKeep your children busy with fun outdoor toys. From building their very own tent to diving into the world of trees – there are so many fun activities to enjoy outside. Make your children’s outdoor play even more exciting with fun outdoor toys and games. We’re sure all the parents out there will love them too.

4) Sun hatBritish summer can be rainy, but it doesn’t mean we don’t get heat waves! Make sure you have a protective sun hat handy on sunny days to protect your children from UV rays.

5) Comfortable backpackPrepare your children for summer trips with a lightweight and comfortable backpack. Double-check if the straps are fully adjustable for a better fit and extra comfort. Don’t forget about a refillable water bottle, perfect to keep your children hydrated on-the-go.

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SummerScavenger HuntCan you spot all those natural treasures around you?

Pinecone

Twig

Flowers

CreepyCrawler

Bumble Bee Green Leaf

Brown LeafFeather

Butterfly

Colourful Bird

Berries

Spider web

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1) Parkside Farm, Enfield, MiddlesexHead to this brilliant, award-winning 50-acre farm to pick some delicious strawberries, blackberries, black/redcurrants and fresh veggies. The farm is located in the wonderful countryside just to the north of Enfield and the season opens in June.

2) Craigie’s, Edinburgh, ScotlandIf you live in Scotland and feel like picking some fresh raspberries, strawberries, cherries or gooseberries (and many more!), visit Craigie’s. Head to Craigie’s to enjoy seasonal goodies, relax, shop and let your children play outside (they have a lovely play area for the little ones!)

3) Stanhill Farm, Dartford, KentStanhill Farm is located on the outskirts of London, just 17 miles from the city centre and is open all year round. Lots of different fruit and veggies are available – strawberries, raspberries, sweetcorn, broad beans, pumpkins and more. There’s also a great farm shop offering a wide range of fresh products.

4) Millets Farm Centre, Frilford, OxfordshireMillets Farm Centre has over 50 acres of crops exclusively for Pick Your Own and offers more than 30 types of fruit and vegetables (strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blackberries, redcurrants, gooseberries, courgettes and much more).

5) Essington Fruit Farm, Wolverhampton, West MidlandsVisit the farm to stock up on yummy strawberries, plums, rhubarb, raspberries and more. A per person deposit is charged before entering the fields and it’s then redeemable against the amount of product picked by each visitor.

Summer means lots of exciting family days out are coming up.Here are a few super ideas for an outdoorsy weekend with your children.

10 best places to pick your own fruit in the UK

There’s no better way to celebrate summer than picking your own delicious fruit! Here is our guide to the 10 best places to pick your own fruit in the UK.

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6) Crockford Bridge Farm, Addlestone, SurreyThe farm grows 20 different crops such as strawberries, blackcurrants, broad beans, blackberries or marrows that you can pick yourself directly from the fields. Visit the Ice Cream Parlour and enjoy delicious, handmade ice cream to boost your energy levels after a fruit picking adventure.

7) The Balloon Tree in Gate Helmsley, YorkshireThere is lots for you to find at the Balloon Tree crops – from fresh strawberries and peas to raspberries, asparagus and gooseberries. There’s no entry fee, you pay for the fruit you pick. Head to Yorkshire for a wonderful family adventure – feed the animals, enjoy the exciting children’s play area and have a cup of coffee at the local café.

8) Garsons, SurreyGarsons Pick Your Own farm grows more than 70 varieties of fruit and veggies and the season lasts until October. Take your pick from delicious strawberries, raspberries, courgettes and much more. All crops are easily accessible by car and there is a free parking so you can enjoy a family day out in the fresh air.

9) Cammas Hall, Hertfordshire/EssexCammas Hall is located on the Hertfordshire/Essex border, in easy reach of London. Visit the farm and enjoy a large selection of colourful and delicious strawberries, cherries and other seasonal fruit.

10) Durleighmarsh Farm, HampshireVisit this lovely farm and fill up your basket with fruit and fresh veggies. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing family day out. There’s also a family-run farm shop stocking a wide range of locally produced food.

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3) The Peace Gardens, SheffieldThe Peace Gardens is an award-winning space located in the city centre of Sheffield, by the Sheffield Town Hall. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the brilliant water fountains. There are also green areas to sit, chill and have a picnic.

4) Bradford City Park, BradfordNeed to cool down? Head to Bradford and enjoy the award-winning Mirror Pool – the largest urban water feature in the UK! The pool offers over 100 fantastic fountains to splash in. In the evening, the pool is illuminated and looks even prettier!

5) Folkestone Harbour Square, FolkestoneThe interactive fountain display is an exciting new addition to the historic harbour area of Folkestone. It’s now a popular spot for a family day out. Cool off in the fountains on a hot day and come back in the evening to see the wonderfully illuminated water jets.

10 Best splash parks and play fountains in the UK

Here’s our selection of the best places to cool down in the UK. Have a wonderful day out and… remember to make a splash!

1) Granary Square fountains, LondonGranary Square is located in the London Borough of Camden, just a few steps from King’s Cross. It features 1,080 water jets and provides hours of fun and splashing! Our tip: come in the evening when the fountains are illuminated with colourful lights.

2) Diana Memorial Fountain, LondonThere’s no better way to spend a summer’s day in London than with cooling down in a fountain! Head to Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, a perfect place for your children to paddle (as Muddy Parents, you have all the right to join them, of course!)

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6) John Madejski Garden fountains, V&A, LondonHidden inside the inner courtyard at the Victoria and Albert Museum, the pool is a perfect place to relax with your lovely gang. Cool down in the fountain water jets and take a moment to rest after visiting the museum or strolling around the city.

7) Victoria Park Splash Pad, CardiffThis brilliant Splash Pad is located in the lovely Victoria Park (one of the oldest parks in Wales) in Cardiff. There’s also a children’s play area and a sports field to keep your children busy. The water park is great especially for younger children up to 12 years.

8) Blackpill Lido, SwanseaBlackpill Lido is an outdoor water park with lots of attractions such as paddling pool, play area, climbing rock and picnic facilities – and it’s free! When your little ones are done splashing around, head to the nearby Clyne Gardens, Bay Rider and Swansea Bay for an even more fantastic family day out!

9) Coleridge paddling pool, CambridgeThe pool consists of some brilliant interactive splashpad features and a two-foot-deep paddling pool for children of all ages. There’s also a football field, a tennis court and a newly refurbished playground in the vicinity – simply show up and have a splashing day!

10) Quarry Splash Park, ShrewsburyThe award-winning Quarry Splash Park, opened in 2016, is a brilliant play area with a traditional play equipment and some exciting water features such as Snake Sprayer, Spring Turtle and Lily Pad Sprayers. Get ready to jump in!

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5 best (family-friendly) festivals in the UK

Here’s our selection of the best family-friendly festivals in the UK. We’re sure you won’t stand a chance of getting bored this summer!

1) Dorset Camp Bestival, 25th - 28th July, 2019Dorset Camp Bestival is known for its terrific magical and folklore-like atmosphere. The festival is equally geared towards and suited for both parents and kids. A large section of the festival site is devoted to the little ones. There are also plenty of food markets, cafes, bars, talks and music stages to ensure the slightly older clientele doesn’t get bored.

2) Green Man, Brecon Beacons, Wales, 15th - 18th August, 2019Green Man is a festival that will completely appeal to those who are not only looking for a weekend of terrifically varied music acts, but for those seeking out a wide range of cultural aspects to add into the mix. The festival has a wide variety of events spanning over music, comedy, literature and film. There’s the colourful Little Folk area, while for teens aged 13-17 there’s Somewhere, with parkour workshops, climbing walls and more.

3) Latitude Festival, Suffolk, 18th – 21st July, 2019Latitude’s ‘Best Family Festival’ Award is testament to the huge array of family-friendly activities available for children and parents alike. There is an enchanted garden where you can chill-out and have fun, a mini zoo, a craft tent, family yoga sessions and much more!

4) Shambala Festival, Northamptonshire, 22nd – 25th August, 2019If you’re a bit of a hippy at heart, Shamabala is the festival for you. It’s also a very family-friendly festival with a super chilled-out vibe and plenty of woodland antics. There is a dedicated family camping field, a woodland adventure area for children and much more.

5) Just So Festival, Cheshire, 16th – 18th August, 2019A community and interactive spirit is the main focus of this magical festival, with circus shows and workshops, theatre performances, a spellbinding forest and puppets. With a huge camp fire for families to make meals upon and with every amazingly magical aspect, Just So is a truly family-friendly festival and is definitely worth a visit.

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10 Tips for surviving a festival with children The festival season is upon us! Read on to find out our top tips on how to prepare your family for a music festival this summer.

1) Choose the family festival that suits you bestBecause family festivals are so popular, local hotels do tend to fill up, which means the price per room can go through the roof. However, staying in a tent that will give your weekend that authentic festival feel. It’s all about planning these things in advance.

2) Decide where you’re going to stayBecause family festivals are so popular, local hotels do tend to fill up, which means the price per room can go through the roof. However, staying in a tent will give your weekend that authentic festival feel. It’s all about planning these things in advance.

3) Work out how you’re going to get thereOnce you’ve chosen your destination, look at how you can ensure your journey is as short as possible, and then map out any stops you plan to make along the way. It’s also a good idea to make a note of all the places you’ll be able to stop. That way, you won’t be caught in a panic if your children they need a break.

4) Prepare your children for sleeping in a tentIf you decide to sleep in a tent and your little ones have never slept under the stars before, you should help them prepare for what it’s going to be like. Consider setting up a tent in your garden — you can then play games in the tent, and maybe even have a sleepover so they won’t be too worried when you pitch up at the festival.

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8) Bring ear defendersInvest in a good pair and they will last your children for years. Bringing ear plugs is also a good idea, just in case there is a snorer nearby.

9) Snacks are keyPack lots of healthy snacks such as nuts, oat cakes, dried fruit or dark chocolate. Fill your tent with them and you will avoid going overboard at the food stalls.

10) Share the countdownInvolve the children in the planning and the kit list. Keep them up to date with all the announcements and activities and the excitement will build.

5) Bring the right kitMake sure you bring the right outerwear for your children. Waterproofs and wellies are a festival must-have and they’re brilliant as you can just hose kids down if they get muddy. We recommend bringing light, packable splashsuits or jackets that wrap up small and pack into their own pocket. Remember to pack a warm jumper and bed socks as it can get very cold at night.

6) Safety firstOn arrival make sure each child is wearing a wrist band with your name and phone number on it, just in case. And make sure your children know where the meeting place is if they get lost.

7) Bring sun creamThe forecast may not be balmy, but you know how fast the British weather can change. Bring sun cream, which you can put on in the tent first thing and stay protected all day without having to worry.

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5 best UK beaches to visit with children this summer

Here are our favourite beaches in the UK to visit with your family. Pack a bucket and spade and spend an unforgettable family weekend enjoying the sound of waves!

1) Lyme Regis beaches, DorsetLyme Regis is famous for its fossils. The remains of complete ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and other sea creatures are found to this day by adventurers of all ages. Head to Dorset this summer to collect some fossils with your children. Remember to always consult tide tables before going on an adventure.

2) Whitstable beaches, KentWhitstable’s famous Oyster Festival will be held across three days in July (27th – 29th July). Invite your family over, enjoy the beautiful views and head to the beach in the morning just in time for the landing of the oysters!

3) Mablethorpe Beach, LincolnshireThis quiet, clean, sandy beach is perfect for a family beach trip with your little ones. Remember to have a ride on the Beach Train or a donkey ride – we’re sure your children will love it! It’s also a paradise for the shell collectors. There are lots of places to eat or have a cuppa or an ice cream around, too.

4) Blackpool Sands, DevonLooking for the perfect family gateway? Head to Devon and enjoy a sunny day on one of the loveliest beaches in the UK. Blackpool Sands is a family-friendly, safe beach with exceptionally clean water. Your little ones will have lots of space to run free and build sand castles (there are large sandpits available for the brave sand-castle makers to enjoy). You can also try family kayaking or paddle boards and spend a wonderful and active day outdoors.

5) Weston-super-Mare, SomersetWith the second highest tide in the world, the beach is set amongst the many piers surrounding the town. Being one of the oldest seaside towns, Weston-super-Mare grew from a tiny fishing village to one of the busiest in the UK. The piers offer a whole family day out in themselves.

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Discover our favourite summer crafts for children. Get creative!

Build a bug hotel Creating a bug hotel is one of the easiest outdoor crafts you can do with your children – you just need to collect a few simple items and you can build away!

You will need:- A selection of tissue boxes, paints, glue, stickers, pencil and labels to decorate your boxes- Natural materials such as small sticks, leaves, damp bark, pine cones- White or see through plastic tubs or pots, pooters

How to play:- Take the children outside and see what mini beasts they can find under rocks, stones and leaves- Using the pencil, make two or three small holes in the box, and explain these are doors for the bugs to get in and out of the hotel.

- Allow the children to decorate their boxes, and fill with natural materials.- Place the boxes outside on the ground and wait for your first guests. Make sure to let your little guests out when you’re done.

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4 best camping crafts for children There are so many fun camping activities you can plan with your little ones but it’s best to be prepared with some extra things to do up your sleeve. Our nature-inspired camping crafts don’t require a lot of resources and can be enjoyed anywhere.

1) Forest PeopleStick art is a cool way to explore a variety of materials and textures and learn about colours and tools. Tell your children you’re going to create Forest People today – we’re sure they will love the idea!

You will need: -leaves, sticks, flowers and stones

How to play: Collect all the resources. Make the outline of the body using a couple of sticks and fill in the body with flowers, leaves and stones. Create the face and hair adding more colour and using different textures.

2) Cool clay facesMake cool and funny faces using nothing more than some mud and natural materials such as flowers, sticks and leaves and pat them on to the tree! Be careful – your creations might scare fellow campers!

You will need:- Clay or mud that can be dug from the ground (or some sand and water), natural materials (sticks, twigs, seeds, flowers, leaves…)

3) Egg TowerCreate a super tall egg tower to keep the eggs safe from wild creatures!

You will need:- sticks, eggs

How to play:Ask the children to create the tallest, free standing tower from sticks that can be found in the forest. Test their egg towers by putting an egg on the top of the structure – an egg needs to be supported for at least 10 seconds.

How to play: Take a handful of clay, pat it on to the tree and shape it however you like to create a “face”. Ask the children to do the same. Decorate the faces with natural materials – you can even create a family of faces with your little ones.

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4) Make your own microscope

Build your very own microscope in a few simple steps and start observing little creatures and plants.

You will need:- plastic cup, cling wrap, rubber band, water, nature items to look at

How to play:Ask the children to place their items into the cup and stretch a piece of cling wrap over the top of the cup. Make sure it’s secured with a rubber band. Ask the children to pour a little water on top of the cling wrap. Now the fun part begins – let them look at their items through the drop of water. It will work as a lens and make the items look bigger and more detailed.

Build your very own garden den this summer with your children – it’s so fun! You don’t need much more than a few sticks, a sheet and a blanket. You will need:- 4 long and stable sticks or fallen branches- A blanket- A sheet- A string

Instructions:- Find the perfect spot in your garden- Create a “frame”. Use 4 long sticks or fallen branches and tie them together with a string. - Don’t forget to leave an entrance- Drape a sheet around the sticks.- Soften the floor with a blanket- Check if your garden den is stable enough before letting anyone in- Your garden den is ready!- Drag the branches away carefully when you’re done. Don’t go inside to do it and take care

How to build a garden den

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We’re Muddy Puddles, children’s outerwear experts. Our mission is to inspire and enable thousands of children and families to enjoy the natural world around them and spend more time outdoors whatever the weather.

We’ve been kitting out young adventurers in waterproofs, wellies and ski-wear for over 20 years, enabling them to stay warm, dry and happy while enjoying the great outdoors.

Award winning clothes that enables children to roam free in the great

outdoors.

We guarantee to refund or exchange any item if returned within 30 days

of purchase.

We have over 34k five star reviews for our

product and customer service.

We are so confident that our products are durable we offer a one year quality guarantee.

Get outdoors!

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