Families in Badenoch and Strathspey are being offered a helping hand this summer, thanks to a brand-new initiative from Highland Wildlife Park.
The park’s Summer Club will offer subsidised and fully funded places for local children aged 7 to 11, opening the door to outdoor education and wildlife experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.
Running from 28 July to 1 August, the club follows a flexible build-your-own format, with each day bringing a new theme and a fresh chance to explore, learn and play.
Children will roam the park, meet its remarkable animals and take part in hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and nurture a love for nature.
The initiative has been made possible by a £5,000 donation to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the charity that runs the park.
The funding is aimed squarely at easing the pressures families are facing in rural communities, where the cost of living bites harder and support can be less visible.
Jess Wise, who leads discovery and learning at the park, says the programme was born out of a desire to make outdoor learning fairer and more accessible.
“We know many families in the areas surrounding the park are facing real financial pressures, yet the challenges they experience often go unseen by wider initiatives and official data,” she said.
“We want to help families who are having to make difficult choices this summer and, thanks to this generous funding, we are able to open up our Summer Club to more children who might have otherwise had to miss out.”
The offer includes a mix of fully funded and subsidised tickets, ensuring that children from all walks of life can take part and enjoy a week of wonder among the wild.
It is a timely reminder that learning does not only happen in classrooms, and that the natural world remains one of the most powerful teachers of all.
Families keen to find out more or apply for discounted places are encouraged to contact education@rzss.org.uk for further details.
This summer, Highland Wildlife Park is offering more than just days out, it is giving local children the freedom to learn, explore and grow where the wild things are.
