The Bradenham
under-fives enjoy the playground |
Looking
for some outdoor fun for kids? How about discovering a giant
woodpecker, exploring a maze and cycling through the trees?
One Norfolk playgroup has been exploring the delights of Thetford
Forest...
Like all
playgroups, we at Bradenham Under Fives enjoy a cheap day out
and we decided on a visit to the High Lodge Forest Centre in
Thetford Forest Park.
The park
is Britain's largest lowland pine forest and the High Lodge,
along the Forest Drive, gives a glimpse of what this special
place has to offer.
If like
us you go along in a group, ranger-led sessions are available
(two hours costs £40) but we opted to try out the self-guided
activities at £20 for a group of 30. There were also plenty
of families there just to see the sights.
The children
got stuck into nature trail worksheets suggesting things to
find, draw and name.
Climb
the giant woodpecker... |
Along with
the playground, assault course, squirrel maze and giant woodpecker
they kept everyone happy until picnic time.
One mum
with older children hired bikes and put the younger ones in
a trailer on the back. Other
mums were happy to do their own exploring at a leisurely pace.
Those of
us with under-twos were not happy to let their toddlers crawl
on the grass or play in the dust, and a day in a push-chair
is no fun, but we cheered our toddlers up with bubble chasing,
swings and the experience of new sights, smells and things to
touch.
...explore
the giant squirrel maze |
The weather
was great and after lunch in the picnic area we had games, races
and played until it was time for ice-creams, toilets and the
journey home.
With the
summer holidays approaching fast I can recommend High Lodge.
Bike hire
is not cheap but you can take your own and have a full day out
whatever the weather.
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Getting
there: The Forest Drive is situated off the B1107 between
Thetford and Brandon in Suffolk.
The
centre is open from Easter until the end of October, 10am
to 5pm, plus winter weekends 10am to 4pm. NB Group
outings must be booked in advance.
The Forest Drive is open all year round from 10am-8pm
except Christmas Day. For a family trip the High Lodge
Drive toll is Β£2.50 per car on weekdays and Β£3 at weekends.
For more information call the Forest District Office on
01842 810271.
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Click
here for more pictures of the day>>>
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