National Memorial Arboretum announces Autumnal Half Term family activities

This October Half Term (28 October – 01 November), the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is hosting a programme of seasonal activities, making it the perfect Autumn destination for families. With interactive outdoor trails, arts and crafts, and lively storytelling sessions, visitors can enjoy a day of creativity and adventure against a stunning backdrop of autumnal colours at the 150-acre free-to-enter garden and woodland estate.

Autumn Activity Trail (£2.50 per person, 10am – 5pm, 26 October – 01 December)

Families are invited to pick up a trail sheet from the Welcome Desk and head out across the Arboretum in search of the Arboretum’s pinecone friends. Discover the jobs they’re doing to keep the grounds beautiful as the seasons change and return to the Remembrance Centre to collect a special prize.

Sensory Storytelling (Free, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, & 2pm, 28 October – 01 November)

Visitors are invited to engage in a special sensory storytelling workshop, where Cora the squirrel will go on an adventure to discover the magic and mysteries of the forest.

Autumn Crafts (Free, 11am – 3pm, 28 October – 01 November)

Younger visitors can unleash their creativity with free autumn craft sessions. Children can make their own pinecone friends using natural materials collected from the Arboretum, or plant acorns to take home and watch grow.

Stick Man Outdoor Trail (Free, available from the Welcome Desk)

Families can embark on a journey with Stick Man as he tries to find his way back to the family tree. A free, self-led trail map can be picked up from the Welcome Desk, encouraging children to help Stick Man on his adventure.

“We’re excited to invite families to enjoy a wonderful mix of seasonal activities this October half term,” said Rachel Smith, Head of Participation and Learning at the National Memorial Arboretum. “Whether exploring the autumn landscape on our trails or crafting with natural materials, there’s something to inspire and entertain visitors of all ages during this special time of year.”

For more information about the range of activities available, visit: https://www.thenma.org.uk/what’s-on/events/october-half-term