What’s on for Parents & Families
Wavy Woods Forest & Beach School gives young people the freedom to play and explore outdoors - climbing trees, building dens, lighting fires, beachcombing, getting muddy and discovering the natural world through hands-on adventure.
Our sessions are active, joyful and full of energy, helping children burn off steam, build confidence and have the kind of childhood they’ll remember.
Many of our family sessions are delivered in partnership with schools, community organisations and event venues across Northern Ireland - we’ll include links below!
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Family & Seasonal Forest Days
1-3 hours
3 - 16 year olds + families!
Seasonal Forest & Beach School sessions designed for families to explore, play and create together. Expect guided activities alongside plenty of time for free play, exploration and connection.
These sessions are a brilliant way to:
Spend quality time together outdoors.
Introduce younger children, or those who are unfamiliar with outdoors to Forest School.
Enjoy weekends and holidays differently.
Where can you join our Family Days?
We deliver many Seasonal Family Days for partner organisations and as part of festivals. Click the links below to see what’s on & book via our partners.
The Glade (YMCA Belfast) Stranmillis
We also run our own sessions at other sites such as:
Ardnavalley Outdoor Centre (South Belfast)
Quarries Farm (Bangor)
Click below to see what independently run sessions we have on & book.
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Forest School Club
2 hours
6 - 12 year olds
Regular after-school outdoor sessions
A weekly and term-time Forest School Club where children settle in, make friends and grow in confidence through climbing, den-building, games, fire-lighting and creative outdoor play.
Perfect for children who love routine, challenge and being properly outdoors after a full day of school.
Sessions are also delivered through schools or partner organisations. Please contact us or your school to check availability.
We are currently delivering:
Thursday 2pm - 5.30pm programme at The Glade, Belfast YMCA in Stranmillis.
Join the Waiting list for Thursday’s from Feb ‘25 at The Glade now!
Friday 3-5pm After School club at Ardnavalley Outdoor Centre. Click below to Sign Up.
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Forest Birthday Parties
2 hours
6 - 12 year olds
Who doesn’t want a birthday full of dens, bugs, mud, exploring, games, nature crafts and snacks around the campfire?
Our Forest School birthday parties are lively, hands-on and full of adventure. Always led by experienced practitioners so children can go all-in while adults relax.
The Details
2-hour outdoor party w campfire snack included.
Call 07751498599 or use the Contact Us form below to discuss times & dates.
Min 12 / Max 16 children
Activities tailored to age group & interests
Ditch the party bags and choose to make a nature craft on the day that can be taken home for no extra cost.
Locations
Beautiful woodland & beach locations including:
The Glade (YMCA) Stranmillis
Ardnavalley Outdoor Centre (South Belfast)
Quarries Farm (Bangor)
Special offer until end March!
£12.50 per child.
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Forest Holiday Camps
Full or half-day outdoor sessions during school holidays
6 - 12 year olds
Big days outdoors for curious, energetic children.
Our Forest School Holiday Camps give children the freedom to spend whole days outside - building dens, climbing trees, cooking over the fire, playing wide-open games and getting gloriously muddy with friends.
These sessions are designed to feel like the best parts of childhood: unstructured play, real adventure and space to breathe. Parents love that children come home tired, happy and full of stories - and that they’ve spent the day moving, exploring and learning without screens.
What parents can expect:
Experienced Forest School leaders and robust safety systems
Activities that build confidence, resilience and friendships
Children grouped by age, with plenty of freedom to play
What can you join in 2026?
We are delivering the Feb Half Term, Easter and Summer Holiday Camps at the Glade (YMCA Belfast).
Check The Glade website for full details and to sign up or join waiting lists
Things to know
See our full set of FAQ’s here.
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It’s safe to assume that anything that comes to Forest & Beach school can and will get dirty.
PLEASE ALWAYS WEAR
Old clothes that can get dirty
Comfortable closed toe shoes
Long sleeves and trousers (protects against both sunburn & insect bites)
Suncream if sunny
COLD, RAINY DAYS
We want toasty warm fingers & toes:
Layers (e.g. T-shirt + long sleeve top + jumper + coat)
Wellies
Waterproof gloves
Waterproof trousers/ dungarees
Waterproof coat
NB. We might have spares if you don’t have some of these - just ask.
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Not totally necessary but advisable:
A water bottle
A change of clothes (particularly in wet weather)
And of course… that Adventurous spirit!
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We will be out having fun in all weathers. You know that lovely Dutch saying, “There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing"? We agree! Please see above for required clothing.
Every site we operate at will have some form of shelter from the rain, and some sites will also have in-door options. if you are having a Birthday Party and want reassurance around this, please speak to us and we can go through the options.
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We won’t cancel classes unless there is a weather warning where we deem conditions unsafe, or in the event of instructor illness etc. in which case we will offer a full refund.
We don’t otherwise offer refunds, but you can reschedule up to 7 days in advance, free of charge. Please see our full cancellation policy here.
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Our Forest School Leaders are:
Have Forest School Leader Level 3 or are qualified Teachers
DBS police certificate cleared
Have completed Safeguarding training
Have a 16 hours Outdoor First Aid qualification
Have a Food Hygiene qualification if they are handling food.
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