Better Days Out, Children's Activites, East Mids
  Children's activities and events
Parks and halls
  Animals and farms
  Museums and castles
  Theme parks and centres
  Indoor activities - softplay, swimming, children's theatre
Baby and toddler classes
  Baby and toddler groups
  Child friendly restaurants
  Birthday parties and children's entertainers
 
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Animals & Farms

Ash End House Children's Farm Middleton Lane, Middleton, Nr. Tamworth, Staffs B78 2BL, Tel: 0121 329 3240

Family owned farm which has been operating as a Childrens Farm for nearly 30 years. Enjoyable and educational hands on experience for children of all ages. Guided tours for school parties and play groups. Children are given food to feed the animals, can hold a newly hatched chick or duckling if they wish and have a farm badge of their choice. During Spring Summer season the children are also invited to help bottle feed the lambs and kids.

"Ash end Farm is an enjoyable experience for adults and children alike. Activities range from feeding the animals to having the pleasure of holding baby animals like new chicks."

Travel along the A4091 from either the A5 or the A446 and follow the signs.

Beamish Wild Beamish Country House Hotel, Beamish, Co Durham DH90YB
Tel: 0044 1207 233733

Set in the grounds of Beamish Hall in Co. Durhamt, Beamish Wild is a Birds of Prey Centre, Ropes Activity Course and adventure playground providing a fun day out for all the family.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush then Beamish Wild High Ropes is an adventure course set 35ft up in the trees. Take on a range of obstacles such as climbing through tunnel nets, zip wiring between the trees, jumping off the ‘leap of faith’ and freefalling on the incredible 35ft power-fan.



Beamish Wild

Whether it be face-to-face encounters with our feathery friends in our free flight demonstrations, taking the baby owls on an Owl Walk or letting the kids run wild in the adventure playground, Beamish Wild really is great fun for all the family.”

Tel 01207 233 733


Bluebells Brunswood Farm, Locko Road, Derby DE21 7BU
Tel: 01332 673924

Calves, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, a pony, a donkey and guinea pigs for everyone to come and meet and can also buy bags of food in the shop for children (or even adults!) to come and feed them. The ice cream parlour, shop and tea rooms is based in a wonderfully converted old farm building and everyone that enters can expect a warm welcome from Rosemary Brown and the Bluebells Team.


"It's ideal for younger children. It's got a play area, small animals and a cafe. It's also got it's very own made delicious ice cream!"

Chatsworth Farm Park Chatsworth, Bakewell Derbyshire (01246) 565300

A fantastic day out, especially for the under 10's.  A good selection of farm animals for children to see with a fabulous play area.  There are good, clean facilities with easy access for pushchairs/wheelchairs.  If you've got time the beautiful gardens are a must!

"Chatsworth Farmyard & Adventure Playground - Fun for all the family!  Wonderful day out with animals and a really fantastic playground - that the children will truly love!"

Chatsworth Farm Park

Go here for more on Chatsworth House>>

Drayton Manor Park near Tamworth, Staffordshire, 08708 725252

Full day of fun and lots to do. brill. Lots of family fun and rides for little ones too. The zoo has over a hundred species from all over the world including big cats, reptiles, monkeys, owls, eagles, parrots - plus there is an exotic creature reserve.

Please ring for prices. Ticket Hotline 0870 240 69 50.

Located near Tamworth, Staffordshire on the A4091, close to Junctions 9 & 10 of the M42 or exit T2 of the M6 Toll.
Ferry Farm Boat Lane, Hoveringham, Nottingham, Tel: (0115) 966 4512

This farm is a favourite. Farmyard animals, activity playground, young toddler playground and tractor area, trampolines, picnic or eat in. Tea room- reasonably priced with indoor and outdoor seating and highchairs provided.

Ferry Farm
There is an indoor activity centre suitable for all ages.
"My two little grandchildren love it here and we feel quite happy having a jump on the trampolines with them.(never too old!)  Particularly good for smaller children.  Reasonably sized indoor play area should the weather change. Food is very good. It never gets too busy so children are able to sample everything on offer. Enables children to appreciate natural environment as well as man made."

Jumicar is now onsite this is a fun and educational children's driving activity. There is a small extra charge and Jumicar is open at weekends and during the Nottinghamshire School holidays.

"This is a lovely place for grandparents to take their little ones. Both of our grandchildren love this place. It is ideal for younger children. Huge trampolines, go- karts, outdoor play area plus indoor play area.  Farmyard where children can pet and feed the animals. Restuarant serving good quality reasonably priced food." 

Opening times: 10.00am to 5.00pm.

Opening days: Thursday to Sunday until 19th December

Closed Mondays except for Bank Holidays and local school holidays.

Free Parking
The farm is situated off the A612, Nottingham to Southwell road between Lowdham and Thurgarton.


Floralands Farm Park Floralands, Catfoot Lane, Lambley, Nottingham NG4 4QL Tel: (0115) 926 8137

Children's play area, mini railway, feed and hold animals plus a cafe.


"This is a garden centre with a difference! I took my 4 yr old to floralands, they have a variety of animals you can hold and feed with a fabulous childrens play area all for £2 entry fee plus £1 for animal feed. they also have a nice cafe."

Admission £2 for a full day pass. Children must be accompanied by an adult.


Happy Hens Farm Highfields Farm, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire DE65 6LS Tel: 01283 732083

 
"A lovely little farm. £1 per adult and under 2's FREE! You can purchase a selection of food to feed the animals for £1 as well. Bouncy castle available and you can collect your own fresh eggs. Children can sit on Tractors and there are picnic tables and also a little shop to purchase fresh veg and your turkey for xmas."

Located near the village of Etwall, 7 miles from Derby on the A516, just off the A50, the main M1/M6 link.

Lanes Farm
Breaston Lane, Risley Draycott Derbyshire DE72 3TT (0115) 939 7128

You can buy carrots and cabbage leaves from the farm shop to feed to the animals. There are sheep, goats, cows, pigs, chickens and ducks to feed.  Also rabbits, birds, chipmunks and peacocks to see.

There is a child friendly cafe with homemade biscuits, cakes and children\'s meals.
There is a tractor for children to sit on.
There are plants and vegetables, fruit to buy in the shop.

Free entrance.


Naturescape Wildflower Farm
Maple Farm, Coach Gap Lane, Langar Nottingham (01949) 860592

If you like open meadows and fields, you'll love this farm. A real bonus is that you can shop for plants and flowers whilst still giving your kids a fun day out. It's a bit rustic around the edges, but your kids won't notice. Sand pit, playground, swings, trikes and more.
Naturescape Wildflower Farm
The Tea room is reasonably priced and offers generous portions of tea. Limited selection of food - cakes, crisps and candy bars. There are picnic tables outside so bring a packed lunch and have fun!

Admission FREE
Apr to Sept everyday / Oct to Mar weekdays only
Opening Times: 11am to 5.30pm
From the A52 towards Grantham, turn right to Langar just after Radcliffe on Trent. It's clearly signposted to both Langar (white sign) and Naturescape (brown sign).


Manor Farm Animal Centre & Donkey Sanctuary
Castle Hill, East Leake, Loughborough, Leics 01509 852525

The farm has nearly 100 acres with a natural wild flower meadow, a small lake, a nature trail and childrens' adventure play areas and also is home and sanctuary to many animals in need. You can adopt an animal! The Old Barn Cafe specialises in home made cakes and biscuits.

"A fantastic day out for all the family- we have 3 children aged 8,5 and 3, and there was something for everyone, the indoor play area was a massive hit, and so was the fort. Enterance price is reasonable too."

"Brilliant day out come rain or shine. My son who is nearly 3 loved the donkeys and the fact he got to ride one too was even better. Excellent for toddlers and a fab picnic area with plenty of outdoor toys to play with, such as toddler friendly climbing frames. Have been three times already this year!"

Opening Times: Weekends & Bank Holidays 10.00am - 5.00pm
School Holiday Opening Times: Weekdays 10.00am - 4.00pm, Weekends & Bank Holidays 10.00am - 5.00pm
Closed on Mondays except Bank Holidays and 24th December - 2nd January

Adults £4.50 Children £3.50 Under 2's Free
Free parking for cars, coaches by arrangement


Rand Farm Park
Lincolnshire (01673) 858904

What is there to do? Feed the animals, hatchery, small creatures house (pushchair friendly), adventure playground, indoor heated play pods, big toys for little people, play Village, ride-on tractors, sandpit, pedal kart tarmac track, tractor rides (with hydraulic chair-lift), birthday parties, special event days, special party room, gift shop, tea rooms selling fresh home-made food. Most attractions are under cover.
 

Admission: £4.50 per person per day, Children under-2 FREE, Car parking free.

Open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day
March-October 10am-6pm
November-February 10am-4pm

Sherwood Forest Farm Park
Lamb Pens Farm, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire (01623) 823558

Children and adults visiting Sherwood Forest Farm Park have the opportunity to see breeds of domestic animals not commonly found on farms since their grandparents' or great-grandparents' days.

Sherwood Forest Farm Park
There is an under 5's play area, tea room, picnic area and a shop.

"Really good for toddlers. There is an under 5's play area which is set up just like a nursery play area, with trikes and play houses. Not to mention feeding lambs and miniature trains and all the farm animals too. The cafe is good because it is quite spacious and has several areas."


"Used to visit here regularly with my now grown-up children and they loved it. I now have a 4 year old and took him for the day and he loved it. Lots of  chickens, goats, cattle, sheep, pigs etc including some rare breeds.Very freindly staff, and a new attraction was a mini maize maze which we all thought was great. There are avairies and a steam train ride which you can use all day for just an extra £1 on the admission. there is a really nice terrace area leading down to a lake with ducks and swans with benches and tables to eat your picnic. The tea room looked clean and tidy. The indoor play area was a little worse for wear but this didn't detract from a really enjoyable day. Overall it's a down to earth place to visit, no frills or gimmicks. Highly recommended for any age"

"Sherwood forest farm park is very good value, lovely play area to picnic in for the little ones, lots of animals to feed and pet. We take our grandchildren several times a year. "

Open Sat 3rd April to Sun 17th October inclusive
Opening times: 10.30am – 5.15pm

Stonebridge City Farm Stonebridge Road, St Anns, Nottingham Tel: (0115) 950 5113

A hidden gem in the centre of Nottingham. Lots of fun animals but small enough to toddle round.

There is also a small but good play area and a cheap cafe.



Stonebridge City Farm

FREE admission
Open 6 days a week (closed Fridays)

Stonehurst Family Farm Loughborough Road,
Mountsorrel, Leicestershire Tel: 01509 413216

Excellent farm that children will want to go back to again and again. It is a real working farm with a wide range of animals including guinea pigs, rabbits, potbellied pigs, horses, donkeys, goats and sheep.



Stonehurst Family Farm
Tractor rides throughout the day and there's also an adventure playground, a motor museum and a teashop with highchairs available.

Open everyday 9:30am to 5pm
Prices:
Adults £3.45
Children £2.45
Family ticket (2 adults + 3 children) £12.50

Trentham Monkey Forest Stone Road, Trentham, Staffordshire ST4 8AY Tel: 01782 659 845

A unique experience for everyone - come to the only place in Britain where you can walk amongst 140 Barbary macaques roaming free in 60 acres of beautiful English Forest.

Trentham Monkey Forest
Walking in the park you are transported into a different world through close contact with the monkeys. Guides are positioned along the paths and are happy to answer any questions. Hourly feeding talks.

Twycross Zoo Atherstone, Warwickshire 01827 880250/880440

Twycross is renowned for its incredible range of monkeys but there are plenty of other staple zooalogical attractions, such as lions and elephants. Cafe and shop.

Twycross Zoo
Take a packed lunch and picnic on one of the many grassy areas.

Open all year (Closed Christmas day).
Opening Times: 10am-5:30pm summer/10am-4pm winter

Look out for our 7 part fly on the wall TV series, on ITV, 5.30pm starting Sunday 8th July 2007.


West Lodge Farm Park West Lodge Rural Centre, Back Lane, Desborough
Kettering, Northants NN14 2SH Tel: 01536 760552

"I recommend West Lodge Rural Center, which is essentially what you would call a farm park. Nice big playground, barrel rides, sheep, pigs, rabbits and more. The cafe is also nice with an open fireplace and there's plenty of free parking too. We have a season ticket which is especially good value."

Open every day from 1st February - 24th December / 27th - 31st December
Open weekends only in January.

Admission: Under two's FREE
Peak
Adult £5.50
Child £4.50
OAP £5
Family (2 adults/2 child) £18.00

Membership
Adult £27.50 per year
Child £22.50 per year
OAP £25 per year
Family (2 adults/2 child) £90.00 per year

Located within 30 minutes of Peterborough, Northampton and Leicester.

White Post Farm Centre White Post Farm Centre, Farnsfield, Notts. NG22 8HL
(01623) 882977

White Post Farm Centre is a great day out for all of the family! Come along and make friends with over 3000 animals from the instantly recognisable to the more unusual including meerkats, reptiles, llamas and bats.

White Post Modern Farm
Plus have a great time on our Brand New Outdoor Play Area and Go-Kart track, and enjoy the NEW tube slide in the Beach Barn.

Opening Times: From 10 am daily, closes at 5pm
The White Post Farm Centre is open all year round to the public whatever the weather.