Mini Wild Things: A Midweek Adventure for Kids

I recently had the opportunity to take my son to Mini Wild Things, a new children’s adventure workshop held every Wednesday at Wataunga between 10am-12pm.

From storytelling, outdoor play, mud kitchen, hammocks, potion making, den building, trails, games, songs, crafts, sculptures and everything outdoorsy, it’s a great place for 2-7 year olds to get outside and explore, accompanied by an adult.

The workshop is run by Tamion von Christian who can only be described as the pied piper but for children. He is one of the most engaging and fun play practitioners I’ve ever had the pleasure of engaging with (and I’ve met lots in my line of work!). His tone is warm and friendly, and he engages with and remembers every child by name. The children who were nervous at first or reluctant to leave their adult were soon swept up in a fairy-tale of play, from Gruffalo’s and trolls hiding under rocks to kings and queens on carved-out wooden thrones.

Set against the backdrop of a wonderful, wooded area with plenty of parking, a safe walkway and large undercover space should the weather turn, it really is a child’s dream come true when they first start to uncover each area of play available to them. From making potions in the mud kitchen, building dens in the trees, running under the willow arches, playing kings and queens on the carved wooden thrones to hunting for the stickman, pouring water down pipes, singing songs, and listening to Tamion’s stories around the campfire.

I really enjoyed Mini Wild Things. It was a great way for my son to meet new friends, explore exercise, and it was also a lot of fun for me, not just because he went off an explored and left me seemingly devoid of a role for those two hours but also so that I was able to watch him discover himself and others in a new setting. I would absolutely recommend it to other parents looking for a fun and educational activity for their children.

Here are some of my main highlights from Mini Wild Things:

• The focus on outdoor play and learning but most importantly having fun!
• The friendly and engaging atmosphere.
• The variety of activities offered.
• The beautiful setting.
• The sense of community.
• If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity for your child, I highly recommend Mini Wild Things. It’s a great way for kids to get outside, explore, and learn. And it’s a lot of fun for parents too!

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Mini Wild Things experience:

• Dress your child in comfortable clothes that they can move around in easily.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water or in colder weather, waterproofs, wellies and a hat
• Let your child explore and play at their own pace.
• Don’t be afraid to get messy!
• Be prepared to have fun!

For more information about Mini Wild Things, visit the Watatunga website: www.watatunga.co.uk

Written by Natalie Douglas