Let’s be honest — parenting is magical and rewarding and all the other lovely things people say in Instagram captions… but it’s also hectic, loud, and occasionally involves negotiating with a 9-year-old who’s furious because you won’t let them eat crisps for breakfast, while simultaneously fishing a remote control out of the 9-month-old’s mouth.
Enter: The Forest.
There is nothing quite like bundling the kids up and heading into the great outdoors. Specifically, the New Forest National Park, which, in my humble and slightly muddy opinion, is the ultimate parenting hack — and it won’t cost you a penny.
A Muddy Pro’s Guide to Forest Walking
As a seasoned dog walker for many years, I’m no stranger to mud, squelch, and the occasional slippy slope that leads to a puddle that looks a lot deeper than it should. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s how to navigate these beautiful woods without needing the air ambulance to come and rescue me from a sudden sinkhole on a Sunday afternoon.
So when I recommend walks for you and your family — pram-friendly, child-safe, and absolutely fun — you can trust that they’ve been tested and approved by someone who knows her mud.
Sticks, Stones & Sanity Breaks
You know what the forest has? Fresh air, wide open spaces, and an infinite number of sticks and rocks. That’s right — infinite.
Your child will enthusiastically collect every. single. one. of them and insist on bringing them home as if they’re sacred relics.
Here, they can climb trees, run free without a care, and throw rocks into streams to their heart’s content — all while you soak up some much-needed calm (or at least try to).
Physical & Mental Wellbeing (Disguised as an Adventure)
Walking in the forest isn’t just about tiring the kids out, so bedtime runs smoothly — it’s actually good for you. For all of you. A good stomp among the trees can – reduce stress (deep breaths, no WiFi), improve your mood (unless someone falls in a puddle, but that’s character building), and get your heart pumping (especially if you’re pushing a pram through mud so thick you’re up to your nips in it).
It’s also a great way to reconnect with your family. Being outdoors and surrounded by nature gives you lots to talk about and bond over some tree hugging (if that’s your thing).
For the kids, it’s sensory heaven.
Rustling leaves, squelchy mud, birdsong, squirrel sightings — it’s like CBeebies, but better. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some of the New Forest ponies, deer, or even some really big scary looking cows!
My Favourite (Pram-Friendly!) Forest Walks
If you’re local or visiting the area, here are our Top 3 Family & Pram-Friendly Walks in the New Forest that won’t leave you sweating through your raincoat or swearing under your breath (too much).
All three have great parking, are perfect for bikes, and offer circular routes with options to make your walk longer or shorter depending on how much time you’ve got. Just a heads up — none of these are scooter-friendly.
🌲 1. Dibden Inclosure
Ideal for prams and bikes, with flat gravel paths and plenty of space to explore. The circular route means you can tailor the walk to fit your schedule. While scooters aren’t suitable here due to some uneven sections, it’s a lovely mix of open areas and woodland where you can usually spot ponies near the car park — and yes, there’s always a rogue puddle ready to surprise you.
🦌 2. Deerleap, New Forest
A hidden gem with wide, easy tracks perfect for prams and bikes. The circular route offers flexibility for shorter or longer adventures. You’ll find actual peace and quiet here (until the kids start shouting about who found the best stick). Keep your eyes peeled for deer, and enjoy the shady spots perfect for summer walks.
🌳 3. Hawk Hill Inclosure
A beautiful spot all year round. Think golden autumn leaves, spring wildflowers, and that lush, mossy green in winter. Pram and bike-friendly circular paths with some fallen logs for impromptu balance beam practice, and plenty of options to make your walk just right.
All-Year Beauty & Free Fun
Rain or shine, the forest always shows up.
It’s gorgeous in every season — from the crunchy leaves of autumn to the fairy-tale fog of winter and the butterfly-chasing days of summer. Just make sure to bring wellies and a sense of adventure.
And best of all? It’s totally free.
No entry fees. No overpriced cafés selling dry flapjacks. Just you, the kids, some squirrels, and a bag full of increasingly suspicious-looking pebbles.
Final Thoughts: Just Go Outside
Whether you’re trying to avoid soft play, reset your mind, wear out the kids, or just avoid cleaning the house for an hour, a walk in the forest is always a good idea.
So next time cabin fever hits, stick on the waterproofs, embrace the mud (and trust me, I’ve been there), and go get your boots dirty. Who knows what you’ll find — a stick, a snail, a moment of peace — or maybe even your sanity again.
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