We were invited along this week to visit the National Forest Adventure Farm, near Burton Upon Trent, Staffordshire. It actually started out as a maize maze, back in 2004, and gradually grew until the adventure farm opened in 2011. We’d not been before, so were keen to look around and find out what it was all about. Here’s what we got up to…
First up was the indoor play centre…
It was clean, overlooked by a great balcony area which was handy for viewing and spotting where Boo had got to, and the restaurant overlooks it, too. The under 5’s area was a good size with plenty to do to keep Little man entertained, and Boo, being under 5, enjoyed it, too, but also had to have a run around the bigger area and go on the slides. All too often the smaller play areas are just ball pits, which just don’t keep Little Man’s attention and he goes off trying to find his big sister in places that he shouldn’t really be wandering, so this was brilliant.
We then made our way to visit the animals, first in the indoor barn….
And then outside, too…
There are lots of hand washing stations dotted around, and this really fun cow to ‘milk’, which Boo milked every time we walked by!
We decided to take on the mini maize maze, and that took us long enough! It’s a really unique aspect to this farm, and is currently themed around Julia Donaldson’s new book, The Scarecrows’ Wedding…
Next up, we made a scarecrow! Nanny and Boo got onto this one…
Boo was so excited to do this. They are attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the largest display of scarecrows, with the current record standing at 3,311. The farm is inviting visitors to bring in their own scarecrows, or make them there. You can take in your own clothes for them, or use the ones available on site, for a £1 fee. A small price to pay for the fun of making your very own scarecrow and being part of a record attempt! There are plenty to see…
We made scarecrow number 1,947, and Boo named her Lily..
We then made a stop for a picnic. There are lots of picnic benches and areas to eat there, and ours was delicious! I did check out the restaurant there, too, for furture reference, and I was impressed with the range of food available and the prices, under £4 for a children’s hot meal, and around £5-6 for adult meals. We then strolled around the indoor animal barn again, letting our food go down, before making our way to the children’s huge play areas..
There are 2 jumping pillows, a play area, a sandpit, crazy golf (for a £1 play), a bouncy castle and slide, frisbee golf, football, and an assault course. The kids were happy!
Throughout the day there were also opportunities to stroke the guinea pigs and rabbits, groom ponies, go egg collecting, tractor rides, watch a pig race and take a look at a milking demonstration – loads more to do! The staff were very friendly, the facilities clean, and there was plenty there to keep the kids busy and entertained, and with the range of activities, I can see it suiting children of all ages.
We had a great day out there, and the children are already asking to go back! We will no doubt be returning soon….!
Have you been?
Disclosure: We received entrance to the farm FOC, though all words and opinions remain my own.Â
I love the scarecrow and the whole idea – I just read a post from the same place! The whole place looks great with plenty to do 🙂
Loads to do there, and the scarecrow making was a great and original extra 🙂
We had this invitation too but were unable to make it. Looks like a fun place, since visiting Coombe Mill both my two love farms now! My eldest would love all the animals especially 🙂
It’s a great place, and yes, your two would definitely enjoy it. Worth going 🙂
This looks fantastic, and if we end up coming that way for my sons fencing again in 2015 I will have to add this one to the list, if only for the maise maze! Thanks
Oh yes, do add it! Lots of fun 🙂
Such a lot of wonderful equipment and activities to keep the children entertained – no matter the weather. I love the idea of making your own scarecrow and they are well under way for breaking the record. The maize maze looks fun and great that they are using a wonderful story to engage the children too. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
It’s a great place for kids, and the scarecrow making really set it apart, I think. Boo loved doing that! x
This place looks great! Added to our places to go list 😉 X
It’s really good, great for any ages, I think x
Wow that is a heck of a.soft play area! My goodness it looks amazing!! Sounds like you had a fab day all round, loving the cow to be milked, so fun! Xx #countrykids
It was huge, and so good for little ones, too. We all thoroughly enjoyed it, and Boo so liked that cow! x
I wish we’d been able to make the date, it looks perfect for Monkey #CountryKids
Oh yes, I think he’d have loved it. Another time perhaps x
This looks amazing. Unfortunately probably too far away from us x
It’s lots of fun, and only half an hour from us, fortunately! x
This reminds me a bit of The Big Sheep in North Devon Jocelyn (although they have sheep racing there!). Very similar looking indoor play area. I love taking the kids to anywhere like that because there are just endless things to keep them happy – much better than theme parks at this age for sure. The picture of all the scarecrows together strikes me as slightly sinister – a bit like they are forming their own army! I bet it was great fun to make one though!! X #countrykids
Ah yes, we’ve been there, it is similar. The kids loved it, though they do also love theme parks to be honest – they’re thrill seekers! I hadn’t viewed it as a sinister thing, but now that you’ve said it, I am scared…! x
I will have to let my sister know for my nephews. It looks lovely there!
Oh yes, it’s great. Just off the A38, and fun with the scarecrow record this summer holidays 🙂
I’m so sad that we couldn’t have come to this! We got invited too and it looks like it would have been so much fun all together. Sad times! Rubbish. Next time we shall defo come along xxx
It’s fab – you should visit as the kids would love it!
The National Forest Adventure Park sounds like a fab day out. Making a scare crow and getting close up with animals are great ways to engage children helping them to learn as they have fun. Did Boo end up with callused hands from all the milking?
Food prices sound very reasonable too, usually places like that charge the earth for food.
Thank you for sharing your fun day out.
Ha ha – no, not quite! She did manage to get wet, though! Yes, I though that, too, I was really impressed with the range and prices there x
Wow, that looks like an amazing farm. And such a cool maze. Love those scarecrows. I’m not 100% sure where Staffordshire is, but if I ever go then I know of a cool farm! #countrykids
Ha ha – it’s not far from me in Brum, if that helps?! It’s a great day out x
This place looks fabulous, so much to do. Love the scarecrow making, what a great activity for the kids. I love that a Boo named yours Lily 🙂 #CountryKids
It was a great addition to an already brilliant day out, and yes, Boo’s random like that! x
WOW! So much to do – this place looks huge and somewhere I’ve never heard of. It looks like a great day out! x
Loads to do there, and we’re so pleased to have found it now. We will be back!
Wow there’s so much to do there! I love the little ball popper in the under 3’s and how realistic does the milking cow look! #triestested
Oh, the kids loved that ball popper!
wow! Looks like a great day out, I’m going to have to add this to my list of places to visit x
Yes, do – it’s loads of fun there x
This looks like such a good day out, we’re up near that way in a month or so so might take a look on the way home! x
Ah yes, it’d be a good stop off to burn off plenty of energy!
That looks like such a fun day out…..So much to see and do! x
My girls would love it.
There is loads there – the kids loved it!
Reading a lot of reviews about this place, it does look like a lot of fun.
#Tried/tested
It’s great, loads to do there.
This looks fab! I actually thought it was a real cow being milked for a moment too! haha. 🙂
Oh this looks like such a lovely place with lots to do for all ages. The maze looks great, and I really love the idea of being able to make a scarecrow too. Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested
There is plenty to do there to keep everyone occupied. Thanks for hosting x
what a super place to visit, the maze looks amazing! x
I didn’t dare go in the big one, as I feared I’d be in there for hours!
This place looks fantastic, I’ll be sure to put it on my list! #triedtested
It’s great, yes, go visit!
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