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FOR ALL AGES
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
What is a minibeast? Also known as an invertebrate, "minibeast" is a term used to describe animals that don't have a spine, eg snails, spiders. Minibeasts make up about 97% of the population on Earth with approximately 25,000 different species in Britain alone!
The diverse underground world of these creatures is fascinating and can be uncovered right outside your door. These interactive summer time activities will capture your child's imagination while also teaching them about the wonderful environment we live in.
Check out the B.U.G.S (Biodiversity Underpinning Global Survival) exhibition in Regent's Park to see some amazing minibeasts in action. With an educational emphasis on the importance of ecology and environmental awareness, it this is a perfect activity for learning and fun.
Why Kids Will Love It: At the B.U.G.S exhibit there's 140 different creepy crawlies on view. From domestic minibeasts like ants, to more exotic invertebrates such as jellyfish, there's so many creatures to see and learn about.
Why Parents Will Love It: There's nothing more classic than a family day at the zoo. After the children have enough minibeasts, you can spend some time in the cafe for a relaxing lunch.
Get your hands dirty with Whipsnade Zoo's Minibeast Explorers workshop. Suitable for 5-7 year olds, this afternoon activity will bring the children right into the underground world of insects and bugs with real scientific methods.
Why Kids Will Love It: This minibeast search is active and engaging, the children will get to use different tools and worksheets to find and identify local creepy crawlies.
Why Parents Will Love It: Short and sweet, this outdoor activity lasts 40 minutes and introduces important ecological concepts such as food chains and habitats.
Immerse the family in nature with Sally as you take a trail in Highgate Wood. Her woodland tours vary with every season, but fun minibeast activites are always guaranteed.
Why Kids Will Love It: With storytelling and singsongs, Sally Bailey has it all. Her forest trails are full of lively exercises that delights the senses and encourages the imagination.
Why Parents Will Love It: A fun, easy going excursion that everyone will enjoy.
The perfect summer event for bug-loving kids, Mission Invertebrate is a touring event that visits the Royal Parks.
Why Kids Will Love It: With professional storytellers, arts and crafts to make and a trip in the Bugmobile in store, there's something here that every child will find enjoyable.
Why Parents Will Love It: A free outdoor activity, you and your child will get some fresh air and have fun at no extra cost.
Join the London Wildlife Trust in Crane Park Island to unearth the mysteries of residential minibeasts.
Why Kids Will Love It: This practical workshop will have the children exploring deep in nature on a search for worms, insects and other local minibeasts. Learning about the environment while on a natural scavenger hunt, what could be more fun?
Why Parents Will Love It: An opportunity for all the family to learn about your local habitats, this free activity takes place on the first Sunday of every month.
Please Note: This event is for Richmond upon Thames residents.
Want to get up close and personal with the minibeasts without feeling squeamish? The Natural History Museum has what you need.
Why Kids Will Love It: From crustaceans to centipedes, the Natural History Museum houses a vast amount of invertebrates. All of these creatures are displayed safely behind glass so even the most bug-phobic child can enjoy some time with the minibeasts.
Why Parents Will Love It: After admiring the insects at the Creepy-Crawlie Gallery, pop into the Wildlife Garden for some fresh air and to find minibeasts in nature.
Walk amongst free flying butterflies in the Butterfly House, an indoor tropical garden and discover new things about the life cycle of these fascinating minibeasts.
Why Kids Will Love It: There's nothing else like this opportunity for one-one interaction with nature . The chance to hold and admire these butterflies up close will have them feeling like a Disney princess.
Why Parents Will Love It: At just £6 per ticket this experience will create lasting fun memories with the children as well as inspiring a love and appreciation for these minibeasts.
Summer minibeast activities can happen right at home! You can create your own minibeast hunt by printing off some worksheets or writing a checklist of creatures to look for. There are many websites and online resources to use that have tips for finding insects in nature near you.
Why Kids Will Love It: Bringing education to the home with a fun and interactive activity, this self driven search for minibeasts will show them that nature is truly all around them.
Why Parents Will Love It: It's a simple activity that gets the kids off the couch and out into fresh air. It'll be the easiest treasure hunt you'll ever organise!
<p>Dublin resident Megan is a lover of all things artistic. She's currently pursuing a degree in Art and enjoys experimenting with photography and painting. When she's not in the darkroom or the studio, you can find her enjoying the newest films at the cinema. She also loves spending quality time with her two younger sisters and discovering new things to do in the city.</p>
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
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Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
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