Things to do in Manchester before you're 3

#2 Go Wild in the Woods with We Are Adventurers

Next in our 'Things to do in Manchester before you're 3' series is a tip from Tess, who recommends We Are Adventurers, a 'come rain or shine' group that operates within Chorlton Water Park.

"We Are Adventurers has been on my radar for quite some time but always clashed with Jack's nursery days. But when we experienced their foresty, muddy, hot chocolate drinking delights at a kids party it was clear that this group was worth a juggle in our weekly routine. We've been attending the Tuesday session since April and have probably been cursed with the worst Spring-into-Summer weather on record. I'm not going to lie, getting a toddler and baby out in the driving rain at 9:30am is not easy. But in doing so, we have shared some truly magical moments at the hands of group leaders Paul, Jan and Tom.

Activities are rooted in nature and discovery. They have included pond-dipping, bug-hunting, den building, rope work, creating journey sticks, going on a Gruffalo hunt, mud painting and best of all, making a disgustingly messy meal for the mud monster in our own mud kitchens. Jack is 3.5 and has enjoyed a lot of independence in the outdoor setting but his understanding of the activities is brought to life by Jan and Tom who are endlessly patient and really very nice indeed.

The 1-hour sessions run on Tuesday and Friday each week throughout the summer and 6-week courses for Autumn begin in September at a cost of £36. The group meets in the car park at Chorlton Water Park at 10am and walks together to the little clearing where most activities unfold. I hoik my buggy and baby Alfie along and if he's not napping, he absolutely loves being strapped into the baby carrier to join in with the shenanigans. Kids are treated to a steaming mug of hot chocolate at the end - I'm not suggesting this is the ONLY reason they come but I get the feeling it helps lure most of them out of the house on a wet day! I've taken to bringing a flask of tea to enjoy in the play area after as I like to eek out another hour in the fresh air if the weather is being kind.

Mine and Jack's time at We Are Adventurers has been something of a final fling in the world of baby and toddler groups. He will start school in September and so I wanted to join a age-appropriate group that would give us some memories to cherish. It has been a blast. An exhilarating, soggy, muddy mix of hard work but very happy times that I think are some of the best we've shared on our circuit of sensory adventures. I cannot recommend it highly enough for kids aged 2 upwards. 

This is the official blurb from their website for the Babes in the Woods course, read it then BOOK! You will never regret it. Even when you have rain dripping off your nose. Promise". 

Outdoor toddler sessions Manchester in Trafford, Manchester and Cheshire.

Join us for a 6 week course of 1 hour sessions for toddlers to under 5s on Tuesday and Friday 10 – 11am at Chorlton Water Park.

Get creative with mud, hunting for bears, imaginative play with elves and fairies, making music in the forest and getting to grips with puddles, creepy crawlies and the great outdoors.

Learning through play in the great outdoors helps to build confidence and self-esteem so that your little one can reach their full potential as they make challenging choices while we control their safety.

Our outdoor toddler sessions Manchester will benefit your little one emotionally, intellectually and physically from time spent in the woods as they learn about nettles, brambles and other woodland characteristics so that they can learn how to manage risk and understand safety.

Fun and educational – perfect for mums and dads who want their little ones to grow in confidence and learn to take risks safely.

Parents and children all need to wear appropriate clothing for the weather and include wet weather gear (all in one rain coat or jacket and trousers, plus an extra set of dry clothes for going home in just in case) for your little one in your kit, including wellies – there is no additional shelter and we don’t stop for rain! Please also pack a drink and a light snack.

DID YOU KNOW? Many early walkers will only experience carpet or concrete beneath their feet until they are much older, learning how to deal with uneven ground or sand increases their physical competence and intellectual understanding of risk and consequence.

Take a look at our 2015 timetable.

Costs are £36 per six week course. Courses run consecutively for six weeks and you can join at any time if spaces are available. Call Paul to book on 07809382023. Booking in advance is essential. Terms of booking.