Continuing the theme of giving experiences for Christmas presents, here’s some ideas of nature based adventures and outdoor activities for younger ones. That said, I quite fancy a few of these myself, I mean look at those baby alpacas and despite my ever growing fears, I’m drawn to launching myself off a cliff for the longest, tallest and fastest zip slides.
There’s also some really lovely ideas that involve the whole family and I quite like the thought of starting a tradition of a family adventure gift for everyone to enjoy.
Again, I’ve tried to keep all the adventures as local to Bath as possible and there’s a range of prices.
For more ideas, here’s the previous gift list, many suitable for children or the family.
CHILDREN’S SKILLS ACADEMY WITH PEDAL PROGRESSION
The Pedal Progression Skills Academy is their youth coaching program offering a variety of bike sessions for ages 5-14. Their 7+ coaching pathway for example starts with the blue (beginner/intermediate) sessions then takes children onto the red more advanced skills, technical features and trails whilst progressing their riding in a safe, enjoyable and exciting learning environment.
All sessions start and finish at their Ashton Court base in Bristol.
Costs: from £25 for 2.5hours
ALPACA WALKING AT LANE HOUSE FARM
This ones to of our list. During the experience you’ll be given a short talk, taught how to pet and lead the alpacas before being introduced to them for a 30 minute walk through the fields and hand feed them. You’ll also meet the herd and the alpaca babies and be shown the raw fleece and see items made from it. The experience takes between 60 & 90minutes and is suitable for all ages.
There’s other Alpaca Experience Packages including the Paca Picnic Experience, Cute Cria Experience as well as the Ultimate Farm Stay Experience in a 6m bell tent onsite.
Cost: £20pp with an alpaca, £10 per accompanying person. Under 4s are free.
FAMILY WHITE WATER RAFTING
This centre in Cardiff offers dedicated white water rafting family activities for groups who wish to ride the rapids together. It takes place in their Olympic standard, purpose-built white water course and lasts about 2 hours. The family rafting is more relaxed that the traditional course and is great fun for the whole family giving everyone the opportunity to experience unforgettable family adventure days on the water.
For ages 6+
Cost: £30 per person
THE WIRE ZIP SLIDE
The Wire is one of the UK’s longest, tallest and fastest zip slides. You’re launched from the 70m high cliff edge and speed along the length of the 700m quarry reaching speeds of up to 40miles per hour! This exhilarating ride will take your breath away. And of course be a great present!
You must be aged over 12 years, taller than 1.2m (3ft 11″) and shorter than 2.0m (6ft 7″) to ride The Wire Zip Slide
Cost: prices start from £19
ROCK CLIMBING AT THE MENDIP ACTIVITY CENTRE
There’s a ton of adventure activities to choose from at the activity centre, but I think the rock climbing sounds amazing. In a limestone quarry, learn the art of climbing, an exhilarating and confidence-boosting activity. They’ll show you how to put on your safety harness and helmet as part of the initial safety brief. You’ll then learn how to clip in, climb and safely belay your partner whilst they climb – all under the careful supervision of our highly qualified instructors.
Aged 8+
Cost: from £18
GO APE TREE TOP ADVENTURE
Based in the Forest of Dean Go Ape! is an outdoor adventure company which runs tree top rope courses. Bring out the intrepid explorer in you and have a go on the perilous Stepping Stone and Button Bridge. Test your footing on three different loops of crossings before finding your wings for the ultimate flying experience as you dash through the clear forest air on a double zip wire finale.
No minimum age but you need to be over 1m tall
Cost: from £19
HORSE RIDING AT LUCKNAM PARK
The Equestrian Centre is home to 35 horses of all sizes and capabilities. A full size all weather arena allows you to hone your riding skills in dressage and jumping, whilst the lunge arena is perfect for individual lessons. More advanced horse riders can enjoy escorted hacks around the estate or longer rides through the beautiful Cotswold countryside.
The Equestrian Centre also has a number of ponies perfect for our younger guests, aged 3+.
Costs: from £150 pp
ARCHERY AT BROKERSWOOD
There’s a number of fantastic activities on offer on the 40 acres of beautiful woodland. You’ll work with Archery GB instructors on the 10m archery range and be introduced to recurve bows and hone your targeting skills. The group will also participate in a competition and archery games.
Cost: from £15pp
JUNIOR QUAD BIKING AT HAMBURGER HILL
Experience the thrill of 50cc junior quad bikes on the purpose-built, all weather concrete tracks and test your skills in an adrenaline-packed session. The bikes are easy to operate, great for beginners and the sessions are fully supervised and marshalled.
Suitable for children aged between 6 and 12.
Cost: from £19 pp for 45min session
KIDS GO KARTING IN BRISTOL
This track gets really great reviews, so I’m including it even though it’s indoors. Younger drivers can experience and enjoy the thrill of indoor go karting. Cadets can race if they are between 8 and 13 years old and over 1.3m tall in special karts which have 120cc to 160cc engines. They don’t go as fast as the adult karts, but younger drivers will still have an exciting time racing around our tracks.
Younger drivers can learn how to become the ultimate racer with the six-day Race Academy programme where they will receive tuition from expert instructors, or they could take on their parents with our family Race Experience sessions.
Cost: from £24
VIP ANIMAL EXPERIENCES AT LONGLEAT SAFARI PARK
A VIP encounter with your favourite animal would be a memorable and exciting gift. Each VIP experience is tailored to give you the best behind-the-scenes access and interaction with Longleats famous residents. The encounter lasts 30 minutes and will include entry for the day, a souvenir guide book and discount at the shop.
Cost: Aardvark experience £75, Giraffe experience £85, Lion experience £95 and many more
They also offer VIP animal experiences at Avon Valley
HOPE NATURE ANNUAL PASS
The Hope Nature Centre is a fun family day out, set in 15 acres of Southwick Country Park near Trowbridge. There’s an animal park to explore where you can see a variety of animals including farm animals and the more unusual ostrich and alpacas. There’s also several adventure playgrounds which the children love and a a large cafe.
The annual pass will give you free entry all year and discount at the cafe and events.
Cost: Children £34.95 Adults £44.95
ICE SKATING IN BATH
Gift an ice skating experience in Bath’s winter wonderland in the centre of Bath. It’s a fantastic and festive place to practice those skating skills and simultaneously the perfect stage for avid skaters to show off their moves. With music to set the wintery scene, a cozy bar area and seasonal drinks you will be transported to a dreamy winter wonderland!
Toddler Time is on weekday mornings and £17.50 for an adult, child and skate aid.
Cost: from £11 child, £12.50 adult or family ticket from £40.50
SEGWAY ADVENTURE IN BRISTOL
The Segway Adventure is a 60 minute experience taking place on weekends. You’ll be able to get to grips with the controls of the machines and have plenty of time to immerse yourself in some segway fun! The Segway area is situated within the woodland next to the impressive 18th century house. This provides a rugged, natural and picturesque backdrop to your experience.
Riders have to be at least 134cm tall and over 45kg.
Cost: from £30