A fun family-friendly navigation challenge returns to Mansfield parks this Hallowe’en.

Xplorer is the perfect FREE outdoor activity for primary and pre-school children – and older children and adults can join in too.

More than 590 people took part in Xplorer when it came to Mansfield District for the first time over six weeks during the school summer holidays.

Following the success, Hallowe’en-themed sessions will take place at Titchfield Park, Mansfield, on Tuesday 28 October and at Yeoman Hill Park, Mansfield Woodhouse, on Wednesday, 29 October. Both are free and run from 10am to 12 noon. You can take part at any time between these times.

Using a simple map the aim is to find markers located around the park. At each marker children need to identify what is pictured and can learn a fun fact.

Older children can compete against friends and family to see who can complete the course in the quickest time and younger children will enjoy the excitement of finding the markers.

Everyone who completes a course will get a certificate.

The navigation challenge is based on orienteering, which is an adventure sport that exercises both the mind and body. No experience of map reading is necessary and you can walk, jog or run the course at your own pace.

The Council’s Sports Facilitator Martin Cook and Parks Development Officer Jo Waldron will be on hand to offer guidance at each of the sessions, which are run in conjunction with British Orienteering.

Cllr Philip Shields, Portfolio Holder for the Environment at Mansfield District Council, said: “Xplorer proved to be very popular over the summer with almost 600 people taking part. We are very pleased to bring it back to two of our award-winning parks for the Halloween special. It is a great way for all members of the family to have fun together in our parks – and it’s free!”

For more information, contact Martin at [email protected] or on 01623 463 026.