By Harry Loney.
It sounds like more and more, the idea of letting your kids run through the mud, trees and grass horrifies some parents. They are used to being clean, and staying dry and presentable at all times. Whilst there’s nothing wrong with carrying a bottle of hand sanitiser with you, more and more research is saying that getting dirty is good your children. Outdoor sensory play is really important to the development of children’s minds.
Glorious mud
It’s not just the mud that is good for them of course – it’s the adventuring, the noises, and the sensation of being outside in the wild. How great must it be to discover the crackle noise dry leaves make when you crunch them between your fingers?
Or the sensation of pushing your hands into deep, deep mud, struggling to get them back out due to the suction?
And the feeling of splashing cold river water on your face?
Park sensory play
That’s why getting out and about and letting your kids roam free is awesome, and it’s something you can do pretty much anywhere out of towns and cities. Sometimes, if you have a parkland or woodland nearby in a city, not even that can stop you!
Here are some of my favourite big parks in Scotland that we’ve visited and love.
Dalkeith Country Park
Dalkeith Country Park, just south of Edinburgh, has become a go-to destination in recent years. It has got great outdoor activities, and not just a big wood, river and grassland to play about in. Fort Douglas is an amazing activity for kids, to really let them run riot, make friends and explore being outside. And Restoration Yard offers a lovely place to sit back and enjoy a coffee or a meal.
Beecraigs Country Park
Beecraigs in West Lothian is somewhere families have been going for years and years. It’s famous for its Red Deer herd, which you can sometimes get up close to. There’s a large play area where kids can have a go on flying foxes and such like. But remember to take a walk through the woods and listen out for the birds!
Muiravonside
Muiravonside is Falkirk’s only Country Park – but what a park! There’s farm animals to watch and shout moo at. There are loads of woodland trails, play areas and tons of space to run around and shout in. There’s also cafes for the grown ups!
Holyrood Park
Edinburgh has a volcano in the middle of it. Luckily, it’s long dead and won’t be erupting any time soon, but still. Good to know.
All around it as well is a lovely green space, where in the middle it can feel like you are in the Highlands. Climb up Arthur’s Seat, walk along the crags, have a drink in Duddingston. This is a super place in the middle of a city in which your young ‘uns can really explore the outdoors. Dogs love it too!
So hopefully this has given you the inspiration to go out and enjoy some of these Scottish parks. And make sure you enjoy the outdoor sensory play! What are your favourite parks to visit near where you live?