Sometimes the hardest thing about getting out the door is knowing where to go. How to easily find great outdoor places near you can leave people stumped. I always say that it doesn’t matter where you go, getting outside is the main thing. The adventurer in me craves new places though and doesn’t agree! Even if you’re not that bothered about exploring new places all the time, sometimes you just want to experience somewhere different. You don’t want spending time outdoors to start feeling mundane.
It can hurt your brain wracking it for ideas when you are trying to think of places to visit. Knowing how to easily find great outdoor places near you is really very helpful. Ideas for where to go and where I get them from is the thing I get asked about most.
Soooo.. I’ve put together a list below of resources which can be used when looking to find outdoor places near you. They can also be used when you visit somewhere outside of your town and are looking to find for what’s around the area. If or when allowed of course.
Google Maps
Click on the app and make sure it’s set to the location you’re in (you might need to switch on your location settings). In the search this area toolbar, type in things like nature, forests, beaches, country parks and playgrounds. Google will show you a list of the places near you. There is usually pictures too which can be helpful. Its nice to have an idea of what to expect before you get there.
Trail Apps
Apps such as Alltrails and Komoot are brilliant for finding walks near to you. They include a description, pictures, maps and useful info such as distance, expected time and the difficulty level. All Trails even have a kid friendly filter so you can narrow down search results.
If you’re in Sussex like me, I also recommend a website called ispyfun.co.uk. I have used this website so often when wondering where to go with the kids. It’s packed with child friendly walks and free outdoor places.
Word of Mouth
Keep an eye on where your Facebook and Instagram friends are going. Ask in your school mums what’s app group. Ask your closest friends where their kids enjoy going. Use hashtags or locations on Instagram to search places near you. Create a ‘places to go’ collection on Instagram and save any posts that show fun looking locations. You can then refer back to it when you need to. Facebook groups are excellent for this too. If you can’t find one, local community Facebook groups are a good place to ask for ideas on where you can go near you.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a great, fun option when you are thinking about where to go with your kids. Geocaches are located all over the world. Download the free app and start finding them. Geocaching is like a treasure hunt using your phone. Locations of the ‘treasure’ can be in the city, woods, in the park or even underwater. There are videos on YouTube to help you on how to get started. It’s a great way of finding places you have never thought to go or even heard of before. Plus bonus points for keeping the kids entertained.
National Trust
Probably the suggestion I use the most on this list (you may have noticed on Instagram how often we visit a National Trust place). Our National Trust membership is only £10 a month. It goes up to £12.50 a month when Lockie turns 5. It gives you entrance to all their parkland and gardens, as well as free parking in their countryside and coastal locations too. When stuck for ideas just have a look around their website for places to go. Lots have play areas and all have plenty of room to run and play. They often offer activities and themed trails (Peter Rabbit, The Gruffalo etc.) in the school holidays. Really helpful when you’re wondering where to go with your kids. Especially if they need a little encouragement to go outside.
Forestry England Website
The Forestry England website is fab. For finding yourself a forest of course but it’s also great for finding things to do near you. BBQ hire among the trees, Go Ape, Gruffalo spotter trails, even camping. Some forests managed by Forestry England have play areas too.
The Woodland Trust Website
Visit The Woodland Trust website. Click on the menu. Select ‘visiting woods’, then ‘find a wood’ Enter your location. A list of woods will appear. They don’t just show woods they own, they show all woodlands available for public use.
So there you have it. I hope its helpful. Do let me know if there is anything you use to find places that I haven’t listed.