May Half Term – School Holidays!
Inspired by THE HERDS
Alongside our usual family favourites like pond dipping, den building and children’s crafts, this May half term is inspired by THE HERDS – an international climate art project exploring animal migration and environmental change. From an interactive trail to a new exhibition and puppet-led storytelling, discover how wildlife moves across land, sea and sky, and why their journeys matter.
Join us at Stanwick Lakes this May Half Term for a week of family-friendly activities and adventures! From a nature trail, to crafts and ranger-led sessions, there’s something for children of all ages to enjoy amidst the picturesque scenery of the lakes.
SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE INFO!
Ranger-led Activities
Our ranger-led nature engagement activities will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the holidays, and you can see a summary of ALL dates below. For a summary of each event, and to book each activity, choose from below.
Guided by one of our Ranger team, you’ll learn about the pond-dwelling creatures you are likely to find, why they are key to the environment, and the importance of handling them carefully. Then you’ll be given pond dipping kits and take it in turns to dip. Identification keys are available and a ranger will be on hand to share knowledge and hear about your discoveries!
A Ranger will lead your group to our den building area and introduce you to the tools and materials available for you to use, and discuss the main properties a shelter should have, if it were to be needed in a survival situation. You’ll then be set a challenge to build your den! One of our Ranger team will be on hand to visit your shelter and hear about your chosen den-building techniques and vision.
No need to book!
Drop-in activities in the Visitor Centre all Easter:
We have animal themed self-led activities for to to choose from this school holidays. Available everyday during Visitor Centre opening hours, just ask a member of the team to get you set up!
Puppet Crafts
No need to book! Purchase your materials at the Welcome Desk and get creative!
from £1
Pottery Painting
From birds to rabbits, from dog bowls, to lady-bird money boxes and even dinosaur figures, choose an animal themed piece to paint!
£9 – £20
Animal Travels Trail
Collect your trail pack from the Visitor Centre during opening hours.
£3.50
Animals are on the move!
Follow the Animal Travels Trail and explore how creatures move across land, sea and sky. Inspired by international climate art project THE HERDS, the trail highlights migration stories past and present. Along the way, meet Kessandra, our giant kestrel puppet—and don’t forget to collect a small animal toy from the Visitor Centre as a reward.
No booking necessary. Our trail can be collected from the Visitor Centre. Suitable for all ages, allow around 45 minutes to 1 hour for the experience.
For the best experience, we recommend starting between 9:30am and 4pm.
Play Areas & Adventure Trails
The playground and play tower await you this Easter, alongside water play for little ones, and lots of sand, plus the assault course is only a short walk away. Our food and drink outlets are ready to keep you refreshed and our café menu will ensure you’re satisfied! Explore more – along our adventure trail – with climbing rocks, rope bridge and zip line.
More from the Visitor Centre and the gift shop during the school holidays
Cafe...
A delightful assortment of cookies and cakes, freshly baked and ready to sweeten your half-term break at our café!
Gift Shop...
A charming array of animal themed gifts waiting to add a touch of whimsy and wonder to your home – find them in our gift shop!