2 minute read
Get outdoors
Prospect Park
Liebenrood Road, Reading, RG30 2ND
This large park is located in West Reading, and it is definitely worth a visit, even if you don’t live really close, as there is so much to do there.
The park’s latest offerings are a brand-new crazy golf course with cute models of Reading landmarks at each hole and a low ropes course for children up to 7 years. There are also tennis courts, football pitches and table tennis tables.
For free fun in the park, there is loads of space for running around, dog walking or cycling. My son learned to ride a bike on one of the paths there, and so it has become part of our family’s history.
As a child I remember sledging down the hill in the park and exploring the woods (great for bluebells in the spring). There is also a little pond with ducks and other wildlife, and a Harvester restaurant in the grand mansion house that looks out from the top of the hill if you want some refreshment.
However the jewel in the crown of this park for many young visitors is the wonderful miniature railway which runs in the afternoons on the first Sunday of every month. These beautifully-maintained miniature steam engines have been running faithfully since the 1970s and seem to have been growing in popularity over the years, now also offering children’s birthday parties and Santa visits.
For more details, check out their Facebook page: Prospect Park Railway - Reading Society of Model Engineers.
Nature Discovery Centre Grand Re-Opening
Saturday 26 November The Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham is having an exciting new renovation! Come to our grand re-opening on Saturday 26 November to celebrate with us!
How to make leaf lanterns
From Little Muddy Boots
These lanterns are a fun activity in the autumn. Before you sit down to make them, take your children leaf collecting and challenge them to see how many gorgeous, coloured leaves they can collect. The more colours the better.
You will need:
• Empty milk carton • PVA glue • Autumn leaves • Battery night light candle*
Step by step guide
1. Cut off the top of an empty milk carton and clean it out. 2. Cover the outside with PVA glue. 3. Stick lots of colourful autumn leaves on the outside. 4. Then cover the top of the leaves with glue too. 5. Leave to dry. 6. When dry add a candle inside the lantern. 7. Watch it glow!
*Battery candle: We recommend battery candles are they are safer for children. But please do not leave your child unattended as the batteries can be harmful to young children if swallowed.
Also…
If you are looking places to go leaf collecting, there are some great places locally. You could try Saville Gardens and Virginia Lake (by the totem pole) or Swinley Forest, Dinton Pastures and Crocksherd Wood.
To find out about children’s nature classes or for more nature activity ideas on our blog, visit www.littlemuddyboots.co.uk
