Wheely good fun: Stomp for Stamps returns to get families moving
Families across Portsmouth are being encouraged to explore the city with a free treasure hunt
Children across Portsmouth are being invited to step into summer with Stomp for Stamps - a free treasure hunt that encourages families to explore the city’s green spaces while walking, wheeling, cycling or scooting.
Backed by Portsmouth City Council’s Pompey Monsters initiative, Stomp for Stamps is designed to inspire healthier, more active lifestyles and promote cleaner air across the city. The challenge is open to all primary-aged children and their families, offering an inclusive and engaging way to enjoy the outdoors.
To take part, families can collect a free map book and pencil pack from any Portsmouth library.
Each of the five routes features a friendly Pompey Monster and a hidden plaque with an animal or insect design. Children can take colourful rubbings of the plaques and collect a sticker from the library for each one they complete.
The Stomp for Stamps challenge runs during school summer holidays from Wednesday 23 July to Monday 1 September 2025.
Children who complete at least three routes will earn a special prize – a reusable Pompey Monsters metal water bottle, which will be handed out by schools when the new term begins.
Additionally, and new for 2025, children can also take part in the 'decoder challenge', where they can hunt for symbols along each route to reveal a hidden phrase.
Those who crack the code will be entered into a prize draw to win a brand-new telescope.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said: "I'm pleased to see Stomp for Stamps return for 2025 - this is a brilliant and low-cost way to keep children active and entertained over the summer holidays, exploring the city’s green spaces together, learning new skills, and making memories – all while helping to create cleaner air for Portsmouth. With exciting new prizes and accessible routes, this year’s challenge promises to be the best yet."