On a bright summer morning, my colleague and I joined the preschool children and staff from College Town Day Nursery for a special day out at Jake's Indoor Softplay and Mini Farm.
With lots of animals to meet, activities to enjoy and opportunities to explore, we knew there would be lots for the children to discover. What we didn't quite expect was just how many opportunities the day would create for learning, building confidence and developing independence along the way.
Before heading out to meet the farm animals, the children started their day with a soft play session.
The children made the most of the fantastic indoor facilities, with lots of opportunities to climb, run and explore. As well as being great fun, this gave them an opportunity to develop their physical skills, practise coordination and make their own choices about how they wanted to play.
After an energetic start, it was time to refuel.
The children enjoyed a lunch of sandwiches, fruit and vegetables, with juice and plenty of water to help everyone stay hydrated in the summer sunshine. Sitting down together also gave the children time to rest and chat with their friends and staff before getting ready for the next part of their adventure.
With much anticipation and excitement, it was time to meet the animals.
Getting up close with the rabbits
Our first stop was the rabbits. A member of the farm team explained and showed the children how to feed them safely, offering vegetables including carrots, peppers and cucumber. The children carefully followed the instructions before taking their turn to feed the rabbits.
It was lovely to see their curiosity in action as they watched the rabbits eat and noticed how they behaved. Experiences like this encourage children to ask questions, make observations and develop an understanding of how animals should be treated - with care and respect.
And, of course, there were plenty of smiles as the rabbits came over for their lunch.
A moment by the lake
Next, we made our way towards the lake where lily pads float across the water and ducks could be seen swimming nearby.
The children stood on the bridge and had the chance to feed the ducks while watching them move through the water. It was a quieter moment in the day, giving the children time to pause and really take in what was happening around them.
Watching the ducks, noticing the water and looking at the lily pads all created simple opportunities to observe, explore and learn.
Meeting the billy goats
Then came one of the highlights of the visit: the billy goats. The friendly goats came over to meet their visitors and the children were able to gently stroke their fur and feed them. There were lots of smiles, countless photographs and some special moments between the children, staff and animals.
For some children, approaching an unfamiliar animal can feel like a big step. With encouragement from the staff, they were able to take things at their own pace, helping to build confidence while learning how to interact with animals gently and respectfully.
It was a good example of how new experiences can help children develop confidence and independence in a supportive environment.
Learning about pigs and llamas
Our animal adventure continued with the pigs. The children were able to feed them while learning more about their muddy, water-based environment. Seeing the pigs in their natural setting helped bring their learning to life, giving the children the opportunity to connect what they were being told with what they could see for themselves.
Then it was time to meet the llamas. Once again, the children had the opportunity to feed the animals and observe them up close. Each animal offered something different to discover, encouraging the children to notice differences, ask questions and develop their understanding of the world around them.
After spending so much time with the animals, it was time for an important part of the day: washing our hands.
Building independence through everyday routines
The children washed their hands thoroughly after interacting with the animals before moving on to the next activity.
While handwashing might seem like a small part of the day, routines like this are an important opportunity for children to develop independence and learn about looking after themselves. With guidance from staff, children can begin to understand when and why handwashing is important and take greater responsibility for their own hygiene.
Time for more imaginative play
There was still more to explore! The children headed to another play area for a construction-themed session, complete with building blocks, slides, hard hats and high-visibility vests.
The children could choose how they wanted to play, build their own structures and use their imaginations to create different scenarios. After all the busy activity and imaginative play, everyone took some time to have more water and recharge before our final adventure.
Panning for gold
Our day ended with an activity that combined exploration, imagination and hands-on fun: panning for gold. The children got involved in the flowing water, using their hands to pan for treasure and see what they could discover.
The excitement was tangible as they searched through the water, looking for their next treasure. The activity encouraged curiosity, concentration and sensory play. It was a chance for the children to embrace getting hands-on with their environment and enjoy learning through play.
A day full of discovery
By the end of our farm visit, the children had fed rabbits, ducks, goats, pigs and llamas, explored the farm environment, enjoyed imaginative and construction play and tried their hand at panning for treasure.
But beyond all the activities, what stood out was the range of learning opportunities woven naturally throughout the day.
A great farm visit for children
From developing confidence when meeting a new animal, to making observations about the natural world, practising independence through handwashing and making choices during play, every part of the experience gave the children something new to discover! If you're looking for a great farm visit for children, we highly recommend visiting Jakes Indoor Softplay & Mini Farm - it's a great day out for whole family and one you'll certainly remember.
As members of the GrandirUK marketing team, it was wonderful to spend the day alongside the children and staff at College Town and see first-hand how experiences outside the nursery can support children's development in such a natural and enjoyable way.
Most importantly, it was a day filled with curiosity, laughter, friendship and new experiences. And while we arrived ready to capture the children's day, we left with loads of memories of our own.
Want to discover more about life at College Town Day Nursery? Get in touch with the nursery to arrange a visit or explore your local GrandirUK nursery to discover how we create opportunities for children to learn, grow and thrive through everyday experiences.