Today was our second trip to the National Forest Adventure Farm, and once again it was a fantastic day out. With both indoor and outdoor activities and plenty of seasonal events, I’d really recommend visiting with families for a day out all year round.

The last time we went, it was the Paw Patrol weekend, so extremely busy. As the first Sunday in September, I thought it would be just as busy, but it really wasn’t and we managed to enjoy all the activities without any queues at all!

Summer activities

Being September 1st, we were lucky enough to catch the last weekend of their summer activities, as well as the first day of their autumn activities. There was a 10 acre space-themed maize maze, with moon-landing themed puzzles throughout the maze, as well as an astro-adventure mini maze for the smaller kids.

We also enjoyed the Space Rangers Alien Rescue, which was a 15 minute interactive experience through an indoor space station, rescuing some alien eggs. Complete with smoke, lights, silver capes and music throughout, Lily really enjoyed getting involved!

Spudfest

At weekends throughout September, Spudfest allows you to pick your own potatoes. Kids are given a voucher to pick two potato plants each, so armed with a pitchfork, you’re able to head into the field and dig up enough potatoes from 2 plants to fill your bucket.

A really unique activity, and great fun too – plus it is included in your ticket price. Lily is excited to make some mash with her pick of the crop!

Outdoor activities

There are so many things to do for all ages at the National Forest Adventure Farm. Lily ran straight for the giant jumping pillows – with one for over 8s and one for under 8s.

There are also several sandpits, including a Jurassic Canyon where you can dig for fossils, and a brand new musical maze where you can explore some amazing musical instruments as you follow the maze around.

Another highlight was the Go Kart area, mainly for older children, however there is a junior karting track too. Lily’s legs were just a bit too short, but she had fun anyway!

She also enjoyed the JCB area, where you can drive smaller JCB trucks, and climb on the larger one, as well as the little assault course too – not much wonder she slept well on the way home!

The farm & animals

You can also enjoy tractor rides and barrel rides throughout the day at set times (all included in the entry price), which are both fun ways to explore the farmland.

You can buy food for £1 at the entrance to feed the animals in the animal feeding areas, both inside the barn and outside too, as well as enjoy the seasonal animal activities and demonstrations on the farm, from feeding the lambs in the spring through to grooming the ponies.

The indoor play area & eating

You can find plenty of outdoor and covered picnic areas to enjoy your picnics (just remember to wash your hands after the animals!). Indoors you can find a huge indoor dining area with a cafe, restaurant and even a fish & chip stand.

Inside there is also a huge soft play area with big slides, with areas for younger children to enjoy too – great for when it is colder or raining outside – or if you want to enjoy a coffee while they play!

Events

Throughout the year, the National Forest Adventure Farm hosts some fantastic events for all the family to get involved with, many of which are included with the normal entry price.

We originally visited on a Paw Patrol weekend, where she met Chase and Marshall, but they also run events such as unicorn weekends, and we are looking forward to the October events where you can learn to ride broomsticks and pick up your own pumpkins!

Conclusion

We really love it at the National Forest Adventure Farm because it really is a fun day out, whatever the season. It is a great way to explore nature, learn about animals, as well as to get some fresh air in little ones’ lungs while they run around outside.

Tickets are slightly cheaper if you book them online before 10am on the day of your visit, but then almost everything is included – aside from £1 for animal food, and a couple of the motorised activities once inside.

We really look forward to coming back next month for the Halloween event, but we really recommend it for all ages to enjoy at any time of the year. The staff are always really friendly, there are plenty of toilet / hand-washing/ other facilities, and although it can get busy, there are so many activities, that there is always something to do.

To find out more, visit the National Forest Adventure Farm website here.

Tips for visiting with families

• The whole site is mainly step-free, so accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Some areas are ‘farm land’ so not so easy to push on, however you can get into the barn and around the activities easily.
• The tractor ride does involve some steps, but there is an area to leave your pushchairs and staff are able to assist with access if needed.
• There are baby changing facilities as well as plenty of toilets. Lily liked the lowered toddler toilets and sinks, helping them to be independent too!
• There are plenty of picnic areas both inside and outside to be able to enjoy the picnics you bring.
• I really recommend keeping an eye on their social media pages for upcoming events as even though they can be busy, they really are great fun!
• Bring a few £1 coins if you want to buy animal food or go on the mini quad bikes
• Tickets are cheaper bought online before 10am on the day you arrive.