Fun for the whole family

Get out into the woods

There’s plenty to do outdoors for all ages this summer. See if you can find all the different animals and plants on our What can you spot? (PDF 1.2MB) activity sheet. From gazing roe deer to soaring buzzards - how many you can find across Scotland?

Colourful crafting

Making your own craft materials is a fun and budget-friendly way to get creative. Why not turn freshly picked flowers into part of a colourful card or badge using a flower press?

Simply place the flowers between the sheets of the press and wait until they’re all thoroughly flat.

Alternatively, place them between pages at the back of a heavy book and press them that way. Make sure to place the flowers between two sheets of blotting or wax paper so you don’t stain your book.

Forest foraging

Foraging involves directly picking plants found outdoors, such as in woodlands, rather than buying them from a shop. Different foods are ready to eat depending on what season it is – though there’s usually something delicious to pick!

From late winter all through spring, wild garlic can be found across the country, and is perfect for adding some flavour to a meal or snack.

Always make sure you’re positive what you’re picking: wild garlic looks similar to the poisonous lily of the valley. You can tell which is which by crushing the garlic leaves in your hands to release the garlic-y scent.

Wild garlic pesto

You’ll need:

• 1 bunch wild garlic
• handful of basil
• 50g pine nuts
• 50g parmesan
• 150ml olive oil
• lemon juice
• salt and pepper

1. Toast the pine nuts until lightly brown
2. Place all ingredients (except oil, salt and pepper) into a blender and mix until smooth
3. Pour in the oil until it’s all mixed together
4. Season with salt and pepper

Remember: you can adjust amounts to suit your own tastes!

Rainy day fun

If you need to take a break from the sun, or if there's a rainy day when staying dry and indoors seems like the best idea, why not have a go at our colouring sheets (PDF 6.2MB).