Nottingham Parents of Tweens and Teens

This family-focused event is designed for families with young people aged 11–16, offering a unique opportunity to explore nature, build confidence, and enjoy meaningful time together. While the core activities are tailored to this age group, younger siblings are warmly welcome, with plenty of space to participate and enjoy at their own pace.

One ticket covers everyone at home.

Participants will build orienteering skills by navigating around the park using a specially designed route from the MapRun app—but no mobile phones are needed during the session. Each group will be given a paper map and must use it to find each checkpoint and return to the final location without getting lost!

The challenge is to match the features on your map with what you see around you—using landmarks, paths, and terrain to guide your direction. It’s about walking with the map in hand, reading the symbols, and staying connected to your surroundings. Observation, teamwork, and a spirit of adventure are all you need. A compass isn’t necessary, but if it helps you feel more confident, you’re welcome to bring one along.

We’ve selected an easy route to keep things fun and accessible, but to help families feel even more confident, we’ll send photos of each checkpoint to parents or caregivers via WhatsApp or email before the event. That way, you’ll know what to look out for and can support your child as you navigate together.

For those feeling adventurous, an intermediate route map will also be available if you'd like to stay behind after the main event and take on an extra challenge at your own pace.

Hint for beginners: Don’t rush! It’s a common mistake to move too quickly and lose touch with the map. Take your time, stay oriented, and enjoy the journey—this is about learning together, not racing ahead.

Parents or guardians are required to participate alongside their children, as the session is built around shared experiences and intergenerational bonding. Navigating together, overcoming challenges, and reflecting as a team fosters deeper connections between young people and their caregivers—making this not just an outdoor activity, but a chance to grow closer as a family.

It’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, as we connect through teamwork, laughter, and discovery. These shared moments often spark new relationships and a deeper sense of belonging—for both children and adults alike.

Rundown:
10:00 - 10:15 Welcome and briefing
10:15 - 11:15 Orienteering activity
11:15 - 12:45 Picnic lunch and networking at Wollaton Park Playground
12:45 - 13:30 Wellbeing session: reflecting on personal growth and confidence
13:30 - 14:00 Questionnaire, souvenir collection and free lucky draw

Reminder:
Where is the meeting point?
We'll meet outside Wollaton Courtyard Café. Feel free to grab a coffee or use the restroom before the event begins.

Should I pack any tools, or will I be all set with what’s provided?
We’ll provide a paper map, so no need to worry about getting lost. A compass isn’t necessary, but feel free to bring one if it boosts your confidence. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic mat, as benches may be in use.