Top Tips for Play
Have fun and stay safe with these tips for enjoying yourself in your community
Top Tips for Playing Outdoors
- Check the weather – if it’s cold, wear a warm coat, if it’s hot, don’t forget your suncream and sunhat – don’t get burnt!
- Know your neighbourhood – playing out is exciting, fun and adventurous, make sure you stay safe and don’t get lost! Tell a grown up where you are, know your boundaries and stick to them.
- Fuel your fun – adventuring is hungry work, don’t forget to take snacks and a drink
- Don’t be late – Time flies when you are having fun sop make sure you know when it’s time to go home. Take a phone, watch or alarm and set it for how long you have to play.
- The world is your oyster – take stuff to play with, use your imagination, build dens with boxes, rope, old tyres and materials but remember to take it home again!
What can I do whilst playing out?
Here’s some good ideas from the National Trust’s list of 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾:
- Climb a tree
- Build a den
- Skim a stone
- Fly a kite
- Hunt for bugs
- Make a mud pie
- Go on a really long bike ride
- Roll down a really big hill
- Set up a snail race
- Make a daisy chain
- Create some wild art
- Make a home for a wild animal
- Make a grass trumpet
- Dam a stream
- Play conkers
- Run around in the rain
For more fun ideas of things to do go to www.50things.org.uk
Top Tips for Playing Safely by Water
Water is one of nature’s best elements to play in, with and be around however it is important to keep safe in water and be aware of the dangers – Stay safe!
- Only swim when there is an adult present and never in bad weather
- Only play near or in water with an adult
- Learn to swim (link here to the leisure centres swim programmes)
- Never run by water, always walk
- Always play sensibly and never push anyone into water
- Know your limits – if you aren’t a strong swimmer, don’t do it!
- Never dive into water that you don’t know
- Follow signs if they are displayed – they for your protection and safety
- Check the weather and tide times, sea’s and rivers have strong currents even on calm days.
- Rocks and boulders near rivers are fun but do get slippery – take care!
- If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help
- If you see someone in trouble, tell a lifeguard. If you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard – don’t attempt to rescue them yourself
For more information on water safety visit www.riverandseasense.com
Top Tips for Playing in the Countryside
Nature provides the best playgrounds in the world for children and adults and they are all around us every day. As with all play spaces, the countryside needs to be cared for so please follow the Country Side Code.
Respect other people:
- consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors
- leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available
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Protect the natural environment:
- leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home
- keep dogs under effective control
Enjoy the outdoors:
- plan ahead and be prepared
- follow advice and local signs
For more information visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code
Out and About in Denbighshire’s countryside
There are plenty of opportunities for you to get more out of Denbighshire’s countryside. From the windswept sand dunes of Gronant along the coast, over the heather clad ridge of Moel Famau and the Clwydian Range to the dramatic Dee Valley, Denbighshire is blessed with a diverse and impressive landscape all on your doorstop, waiting to be explored. Activities include walking, cycling and horse riding. For more information on the Denbighshire Countryside visit
https://www.discoverdenbighshire.wales/
http://www.discoverdenbighshire.wales/?lang=cy
http://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/cymraeg/
http://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/
Each year, a fantastic events programme called Out & About is produced. This free booklet is crammed full of family events, guided walks and practical projects, providing you with exciting things to do and great places to go to get the best out of the fabulous Denbighshire Countryside.