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Explore · Wild and Tumble activity

The great snail race

Ready, steady... very, very slowly go! A gentle race for the slowest racers in the garden.

  • 20 min total
  • Low mess
  • Ages 3–5*
  • Outdoors
  • Wet days, spring to autumn
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: 8 min to find snails · 10 min to race · 2 min to tidy. It's fine to stop early.

Before you start

What you’ll need

  • Two or three snails, found in damp, shady spots like under pots
  • Chalk, or a few sticks to make a circle
  • A little water to keep the track damp

Let's begin

Five simple steps

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

  1. Draw a small circle on the ground with chalk, about a ruler's length across. Keep it in the shade.

  2. Sprinkle a little water on the track.

  3. Together

    Gently place the snails in the middle together.

  4. Cheer them on. The first to reach the edge wins.

  5. Put each snail back exactly where you found it.

All done!

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

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