THE Forestry Commission’s National Arboretum at Westonbirt is encouraging kids to roam amongst trees and nature with five weeks of free summer activities and crafts and free entry to the arboretum.

Children’s admission is free from 23 July - 31 August 2014, and with 600 acres to explore, a line-up of fantastic summer events, free activity sheets and quizzes and 10 natural play areas to enjoy, there is no better way to spend a summer’s day.

There is an unbeatable calendar of exciting family events happening over the summer. Visitors can experience the arboretum as a fox would (Follow your nose, 27 - 29 Aug), have a go a drawing their own nature picture (Drawn to nature 29 - 31 July), make and find their own ‘Woodland Treasures’ (5 - 7, 12 - 14 August), or explore trees from all ‘Around the World’ on 23 - 25 August.

As well as events, there is plenty to do at Westonbirt as a family. From building your own dens in the den building area, having a go at the play trails and activities and exploring the outdoor play facilities, Westonbirt provides the perfect opportunity to get kids enjoying the great outdoors this summer.

The RSPB will also be running family events looking at the different types of butterflies (Butterflies with the RSPB, 6 August) and examining pond life in the arboretum (Pond Life, 16 - 17 August).

To make even more out of your visit, download the free activity sheets, quizzes, trails and orienteering packs available on Westonbirt’s website, www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-families.

Simon Hough, the Forestry Commission’s Recreation Manager at Westonbirt commented:

“Kids Roam Free is about encouraging children into the trees and the great outdoors. We have a spectacular line-up of fun, free family events as well as play areas, trails and activities to keep kids entertained. Westonbirt really is a fantastic place to spend time during the summer holidays!”

Westonbirt’s summer holiday fun comes to a close with the arboretum’s signature summer event, Treefest; a feel-good family day out with music, crafts and gifts, food and drink, storytelling, activities with Westonbirt’s learning team, arena events and foodie fun in partnership with the Love Food festival.

For further information on Westonbirt’s summer family events, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-families. Admission for adults until 31 August is £8 and £7 for concessions. Admission during Treefest, 23 – 25 August, is £15 for adults and £12 for concessions.