10 Outdoor Adventures for Families This Bank Holiday Weekend (Near Catford and Addiscombe)

Looking for ways to make the most of the Bank Holiday weekend with your little ones? At Mindful Nurseries, we believe every outdoor adventure is a chance to learn, explore, and make beautiful memories.

Here are 10 Outdoor Adventures for Families This Bank Holiday Weekend around Catford, Addiscombe, and nearby — plus simple activity ideas you can try while you’re there!

1. Beckenham Place Park (Lewisham/Bromley border)

With huge open spaces and woodland areas, this park is perfect for a leafy adventure.

Activity: Leaf Colour Matching

Create a simple paint swatch with colours you might find (greens, yellows, browns) and see if your child can match real leaves to the colours.

2. Ladywell Fields (Lewisham)

This riverside park has shallow streams perfect for safe water play.

Activity: Build a Mini-Dam

Using stones and sticks, work together to build a tiny dam (under supervision). It’s a great way to explore cause and effect!

3. Crystal Palace Park (Crystal Palace)

Home to the famous Victorian dinosaur statues.

Activity: Dino Discovery Hunt

Create a dinosaur scavenger hunt — can you find the T-Rex? The giant sloth? Draw or describe each one as you spot them.

4. Kelsey Park (Beckenham)

Lovely gardens, a big pond, and lots of friendly ducks and geese.

Activity: Duck Watching Diary

Bring a notebook and let your child record how many ducks they see, their colours, and any funny duck behaviour!

5. South Norwood Country Park (Croydon)

A hidden gem with wetland areas and grassy meadows.

Activity: Nature Treasure Hunt

Make a list of nature "treasures" to find — like a feather, a dandelion, a butterfly, or a bird’s footprint in mud.

6. Beddington Park (Sutton)

Perfect for riverside walks and open picnicking.

Activity: Stick Trail Maze

Collect sticks and arrange them into simple trails, mazes, or even letters on the grass. Great for fine motor skills and creative thinking.

7. Wilderness Island (Carshalton)

A hidden wildlife reserve, perfect for peaceful adventures.

Activity: Nature Sound Safari

Sit quietly and listen: can you hear birds, insects, the river? Draw or map where each sound comes from. A great mindfulness activity!

8. Richmond Park (Richmond)

Famous for its free-roaming deer and vast open spaces.

Activity: Mini Ranger Challenge

Create little "ranger missions" — spot a butterfly, find a feather, see if you can find a tree older than 100 years — and tick them off as you explore.

9. Horniman Gardens (Forest Hill)

Explore the botanical gardens and animal enclosure.

Activity: Museum Garden Sketching

Take a sketchbook and encourage your child to draw the gardens, alpacas, or views over London!

10. Addington Hills (Croydon)

A brilliant spot for forest walks with stunning city views.

Activity: Woodland Explorer Trail

Mark out a simple trail to follow (e.g., "Find the biggest tree," "Spot three birds") and see if your little explorer can complete the quest.

Pack Your Adventure Bag!

Before you head off, don’t forget to bring:

• Snacks and water

• A magnifying glass

• Crayons and a notepad

• A picnic blanket

• Spare clothes and wellies

• Sunscreen & hat

Wherever you choose to adventure this Bank Holiday Weekend, the most important thing is spending time together, making memories, and letting your child’s natural curiosity lead the way!