Then it is time to pop on our imaginary chef hats and head to the mud kitchen! Here, a splash of water, a scoop of mud and a sprinkle of leaves can become almost anything. This wonderfully messy play serves up: 

• Squish, splash and explore! – Mud, water, leaves and twigs create a sensory feast as children mix, squeeze, swirl and discover different textures, temperatures and consistencies. 

• Stir, pour and scrub! – Every scoop, pour and super-speedy stir strengthens little hands and arms while building coordination and fine and gross motor skills. 

• Let imaginations bubble! – Will today’s special be leaf soup, a giant mud birthday cake or a five-star woodland feast? Pretend play inspires creativity, storytelling and independent thinking. 

• Team Mud Kitchen! – Budding chefs swap ingredients, share utensils and work together on magnificent muddy creations, practising communication, cooperation and negotiation along the way. 

• Fresh-air fun! – With room to move, invent and investigate, children can burn off energy, unwind and enjoy the simple joy of playing outdoors.