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Explore · Wild and Tumble activity

Stream paddling

Cool water, wiggly toes. Paddle in a shallow stream and feel the water rush by.

  • 20 min total
  • Messy fun
  • Ages 2–5*
  • Outdoors
  • Summer
Let's do this

*Illustrative age guidance. Your child's development and circumstances matter more than a number.

A tiny plan for your day

Estimated time: 3 min to get ready · 15 min to paddle · 2 min to dry off. It's fine to stop early.

Before you start

What you’ll need

  • Wellies or water shoes
  • A towel and spare clothes
  • A shallow, slow stream with a gentle bank

Let's begin

Five simple steps

That's the whole activity. Tick each step off as you go, and stop whenever you like.

  1. Grown-up job

    An adult checks the water first: shallow, slow and clear.

  2. Hold hands and step in slowly. Is it cold?

  3. Feel the water push your legs.

  4. Look for pebbles, little fish or floating leaves.

  5. Drop a leaf upstream and watch it race past.

All done!

That's every step. However it went, you made a little moment together.

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