farm activities
We have plenty of farm activities for children and families at The Dandelion Hideaway. We’re tucked away in a tranquil location in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside and there is so much to do, that you might find that you never need to leave the farm! Take a look at what there is to do below.
Farm Diary
We are a working farm and we have a daily routine of milking, feeding and littering our animals which children and parents alike love to be a part of. It’s wonderful and very rewarding for us as farmers and custodians of the countryside to introduce you to our life and share a little of our world with you.
Farmer John’s walk
John will take you on a guided tour of the working farm; you will hear all about the farm animals, learn more about the crops that are grown and the diet of the animals. You’ll also see the large farm machinery, the tractors and automatic feed machines. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask John anything you have ever wanted to know about the countryside and farming.
The Hen Coop
We have the hen coop with a flock of free range hens. You can help care for the hens, letting them out of their house in the morning, and shutting them back in at dusk, and ensuring they have food and water. It is also important to remove the eggs from the nesting boxes each day and is one of the farm activity jobs that kids adore doing. You will have great pleasure in collecting freshly laid eggs from the hens. Each canvas cottage has an egg-collecting basket for this daily delightful task. Every week Sharon hosts a complimentary introduction to hen keeping hands on talk at the guest hen house.
Milking Goats
Our thousand goats on the farm are milked twice a day, 365 days a year. Morning milking starts extremely early, so we'll suggest an afternoon visit to the dairy instead! Farmer John explains the milking process, and you will get the chance to taste some of the fresh goat’s milk during this farm activity. You can even try your hand at milking too!
Grooming the Shetland Ponies
Every week on a Tuesday and Saturday, children have the opportunity to meet and groom the Shetland ponies, the oldest and hardiest breed in the British Isles. We have a herd of thirteen ponies on the farm; we are a registered stud with the Shetland Pony Society, known as the Osbaston Stud. So if your little one is really keen on horses, this makes a perfect activity for them to get involved in.
Birdwatching
We actively support birdlife, having five acres of ground purely dedicated to wild bird cover and being members of the RSPB Volunteer & Farmer Alliance. There are several species on the farm which fall into the ‘high conservation of concern’ category; linnet, reed bunting, skylark, song thrush and yellow hammer. Buzzards, kestrel, hawks, tawny and barn owls are all resident, and the graceful swallows return home to us every year to breed. We also have game birds - pheasant and partridge. If you are keen on birdwatching, take some time exploring the farm to indulge your passion.
Nature hide
One of the great features of the farm is the wildlife. Much of this beautiful wildlife can be spotted from the canvas cottages. Many animals can be spotted during the daytime; one creature that is far less likely to make an appearance is the badger. Badgers are nocturnal; the hide will give you the opportunity to get close to badgers for a rare glimpse of this night-time wild animal.
Campfire
A truly memorable holiday experience - there’s nothing quite like a cosy campfire to warm your toes. A glowing pile of logs makes the perfect setting for good, old-fashioned, late-night storytelling, or strumming a guitar. Most people are back at their canvas cottages by early evening and this is a special time on camp. There is a central communal fire with logs for seating and complimentary fire wood.
The Old Cow Shed & Children's Den
Somewhere to explore: this is our reception, farm shop and information centre rolled into one. Read more about the Old Cow Shed farm shop. An 'Alice in Wonderland' door leads from the Old Cow Shed into the children's den. Here they can get together, read, draw and play with toys or just 'adventure'.
Children’s Games Den
Adjacent to the Reception Hub and Cow Shed Shop, the Den is home to table tennis, table football with hay bales for seating, another area for the children to meet and explore and feel that sense of adventure.