Children in Eryri (Snowdonia) grow up with woods, rivers and hills on the doorstep, and visiting families quickly realise the same landscape makes a brilliant classroom. Forest school sessions, holiday clubs and outdoor activity days are a great way to get children off screens and into the trees, whether you live here or are staying for a week.
What is forest school?
Forest school (ysgol goedwig in Welsh) is more than a walk in the woods. Done properly, it is a regular, long-term programme of sessions in a woodland or natural setting, led by a trained practitioner, where children learn through play and hands-on tasks. That might mean building shelters, using simple tools, lighting and cooking on a fire, spotting wildlife or just climbing, digging and getting muddy.
The emphasis is on letting children take managed risks, solve problems and build confidence at their own pace. Many schools and nurseries in North Wales now run forest school sessions as part of the week, and some providers offer sessions for home-educated children and family groups.
Holiday clubs and one-off activity days
If you are visiting, a full forest school programme is not practical, but there are plenty of shorter options. During school holidays look out for:
- Bushcraft and woodland days run by local outdoor businesses, often based in forests around Betws-y-Coed and the Conwy Valley.
- Family events at heritage properties, such as the National Trust’s Penrhyn Castle near Bangor, which has run woodland and outdoor sessions for children in its grounds.
- Outdoor centres offering children’s courses in climbing, canoeing and hill skills. Plas y Brenin, the national outdoor centre at Capel Curig, and the Urdd’s Glan-llyn centre near Bala are long-established examples.
- Guided nature walks focusing on birds, bugs or rock pools, which make a gentle introduction for younger children.
Programmes change from year to year, so check providers’ own websites for current dates and age ranges before you travel. Our Easter guide for families and the family guide to Eryri have more ideas for the school holidays.
What to look for in a provider
- Qualified leaders. For forest school, ask whether sessions are led by someone with a recognised forest school leader qualification.
- Safeguarding and first aid. Leaders should have up-to-date checks and outdoor first aid training.
- Sensible ratios. Ask how many adults there will be per child, especially if fires and tools are involved.
- A wet weather plan. Most sessions run in the rain, which is part of the point, but there should be a shelter and a plan for storms or high winds.
- Welsh language provision. Some providers run sessions in Welsh or bilingually, which can be a fun, low-pressure way for children to hear the language.
What to pack
- Waterproof jacket and trousers, even if the forecast looks fine
- Wellies or sturdy boots and spare socks
- Layers rather than one thick coat
- Long sleeves and trousers to protect against scratches and ticks
- A drink, a snack and a change of clothes for the car
Ticks are common in long grass and bracken, so check children over after a day outside and remove any ticks promptly and carefully.
Exploring on your own
You do not need a club to give children a taste of the outdoors. Easy, well-marked walks around Betws-y-Coed and the short path into Cwm Idwal are good starting points. Our wildlife guide will help you know what to look for, from ravens and choughs to the plants that only grow on the high crags. Make a game of it: learn a few Welsh words as you go, such as “coeden” (tree) and “afon” (river). Farm visits are another good option; see our guide to farm stays and pick-your-own in Eryri.
FAQs
What age is forest school for?
It can work for any age, from toddlers to teenagers. Individual providers set their own age ranges, so check before booking.
Do sessions go ahead in the rain?
Usually, yes. Rain is part of the experience. Sessions are normally only cancelled for high winds or storms, when woodland becomes unsafe.
Can visiting children join a forest school?
Full programmes are usually for local children, but many outdoor businesses run one-off holiday sessions that visitors can book.
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