Easter family fun with Arbie the Owl at the National Memorial Arboretum

Easter family fun with Arbie the Owl at the National Memorial Arboretum

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has something for families of all ages to enjoy this Easter

The National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, has something for all ages to enjoy during the school Easter holidays. From arts, crafts and music making, to outdoor trails in the 150-acre spring woodland, there is a wide range of free family activities on offer.

“Easter is a great chance for families to get outside together and discover more of the Arboretum,” said Rachel Smith, Head of Learning and Participation at the National Memorial Arboretum. “It’s a landscape that has grown from open fields into a place full of life, and our activities encourage visitors to explore and enjoy”.

Arbie’s i-Spy: Spring Trail (£2.50 per-person | 10am-5pm | 28 March-12 April)
Families can join Arbie the owl, the main character in the Arboretum’s children’s book ‘Arbie and the Magical Lights’, on an adventure around the Arboretum’s spring landscape. Arbie’s brand-new trail will encourage children to explore the Arboretum’s spring landscape, searching for colourful blossom, fresh buds and signs of wildlife that call the Arboretum home.

Once completed, a prize will be available for collection from the team at the Welcome Desk. Young explorers can bring their Arbie passports to receive the next set of stamps to add to their portfolio of adventures!

Making-Music Workshops (Free, however booking in advance is required to guarantee spaces | 30 March-3 April)
Younger visitors can let their creativity roam free during the Arboretum’s interactive music workshops, where the sounds of spring will inspire song and rhythm.

Advanced ticket booking is recommended for these workshops to secure spaces.

Drop-in Arts and Crafts (Free | 11am-3pm | 30 March-3 April)
Inspired by the Arboretum’s vibrant living landscape, families are invited to get creative together during free drop-in arts and crafts sessions. Drawing on its blossoming colour palette and tranquil woodlands, visitors will craft their own nature-inspired designs.

Explorer’s Passport
As the Arboretum celebrates its 25^th anniversary since first opening in 2001, younger visitors can join Arbie on a brand-new seasonal adventure during forthcoming school holidays (Easter, May half term and October half term). Free activity passports are available from the Arboretum’s Welcome Desk and young visitors will receive a stamp each time they complete a trail or drop-in activity. Nine stamps are still available to collect, with a special prize available to young explorers who collect eight or more stamps.

Arbie the Owl with his Explorer’s Passport. Can younger visitors collect all stamps to become the ultimate explorer?

Stick Man Outdoor Trail (Free | 10am-5pm, Available daily)
Join Stick Man on his journey back home to the family tree, using a free, self-led trail, which is available to pick-up from the Welcome Desk. The trail features five wooden character carvings and a large-scale Stick Man sculpture to spot along the way.

Outdoor Play Areas (Free | 10am-5pm, Available daily)
The Arboretum also offers two outdoor play areas for younger visitors to enjoy. The Children’s Sensory Play Garden can be found close to the Remembrance Centre and a second children’s play area including a dedicated picnic space is located near the Children’s Wood.

For more information about visiting the Arboretum this Easter, visit: https://www.thenma.org.uk/what’s-on/events/easter-holiday-family-activities.

To guarantee entry and to get the most from visiting the Arboretum, it is highly recommended visitors book parking in advance to guarantee entry. Entry into the Arboretum is free, and parking is charged at £5 for cars booked in advance, or £8 on the day. One parking ticket is required per vehicle.