We found visiting Willows Activity Farm a fun experience for a toddler. It is not the cheapest day out, but we found it very well organised (you get what you pay for and all that…). Willows Activity Farm is near St Albans in Hertfordshire, just off junction 22 of the M25. The entrance fee includes the kid’s farm, all shows, fun fair rides, a tractor ride, huge outdoor and indoor play areas, including the Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground. They hold different activities throughout the year, depending on the season. We visited in December, so there was of course a Christmas theme, including a visit to Santa.
We were surprised at how much there was to do. You really could spend the whole day here. Even in winter, there were lots of things that we didn’t see/do/play on. There were of course queues for the key seasonal activities, such as seeing Santa, but these were very well managed. And nothing else seemed that busy. Although top tip: we went prepared for cold weather, so spent most time doing outdoor activities. I suspect that the indoor play areas would be super busy in the winter. (Maybe save those ones for the summer?!)
Visiting Willows Activity Farm: Our Toddler’s Highlights
Ice skating: This was a seasonal activity and not even real ice. But Daisy loved her first go at ‘ice’ skating nonetheless.
JCB Young Drivers Zone: This was a major hit, with all sorts of mini JCB ride-on toys, complete with obstacles to negotiate.
The Farmyard: Daisy really like this big barn full of farmyard animals. Personally I found it a bit disappointing as you can’t get very close to the animals, apart from an opportunity to pet the guinea pigs. But anyway, it was for the toddler, not me, and she enjoyed it!
The Big Dig: This is an enormous sand pit (more like a sand field really). I think Daisy could have spent all day in here despite the weather, digging and playing on the slides.
Such a picturesque place which I would love to explore. The Willows Activity Farm goes to my bucket list right after reading your post!
Thank you!
This is really close to us and we’ve never been. I think the price puts me off. However, Peter Rabbit is my 3 year old’s fav teddy so I really should go there before he gets any older! Thanks for the reminder. #Mondayescapes
I must admit that the price put me off a bit too – but we had a good time so it was worth it
This sounds a lot like our local loved farm park here in Gloucestershire. It is great that they change it for the different seasons introducing the ice skating rink in the winter.
I might try Willows this weekend… depending on the weather!
#Familytraveltips
This place sounds great fun! I have friends who live close by so I’ll definitely keep it in mind. Thanks for linking to #MondayEscapes
This looks lovely, great idea to do the outdoor activities while everyone else was keeping warm indoors! My two would love the sand pit too, whatever the weather! Thanks for linking up with #familytraveltips.
Nat.x
Oh we used to love Willows when the kids were small. I had a family membership there so we could go after school if we had nothing on, just for an hour or so. Brilliant place!
We used to live near here and I loved visiting! The Peter Rabbit trail is fab! #familytraveltips
We didn’t have time for the Peter Rabbit trail this time – but it’s nice to save something for a return visit!