Days out can feel rushed. We plan, queue, navigate snacks and toilets, and sometimes forget to be there.
Mindfulness invites families to experience attractions more slowly and more deeply, even for just a moment.
Be honest, I bet your first thought when you read that was “yeah, good luck trying to get my child to slow down or find peace!” But mindfulness for children is often very misunderstood, and it’s just about noticing what is happening, inside and around us, without judgment.
And children, when given the chance, are already quite good at this.
Mindfulness That Moves
Mindfulness doesn’t need to be quiet or stationary. For children, awareness often comes through movement, and days out – whether big adventures or small local trips – are full of opportunities to pause, notice, and connect.
Mindful Nature Walks: Whether wandering grounds of WWT Arundel Wetland Centre in Sussex, exploring trails at Holkham in Norfolk, or discovering the grounds of the Weald & Downland Living Museum in Sussex, take a few minutes to pause and notice the crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of the soil, or the song of the birds.
Mindfulness at Zoos & Wildlife Parks: A visit to Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park in Buckinghamshire or Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire can become a lesson in observation. Pause at an enclosure and watch the animals move, rest, and interact. Ask children what they notice, and how it makes them feel.
Mindfulness at Castles & Museums: Historical and cultural attractions like Leeds Castle in Kent, The Roman Baths in Bath, or the London Transport Museum are full of wonder. Instead of rushing to see everything, pick one exhibit or corner and stay awhile, noticing the sights, sounds, and stories.
Even a minute of attention can turn a day out into a shared moment of awareness.
