Farmer Palmers Farm - Days out in Dorset
Farmer Palmers Farm is situated in Organford, Dorset. It is about a 20 minute drive from Poole. Originally a diary farm it became a children's farm in 1998. It is aimed at children of eight year's and under.
I have visited a number of children's farms over the years, but I like the friendly atmosphere of Farmer Palmers. Although I live some way from the farm we have returned there on a number of occasions while on holiday in Dorset. It is my daughter's favourite farm. She is a bit of an expert on the subject and a good judge too!
There is plenty for children to do throughout the day and it is worth checking before you visit to find out the timetable for a day. This way you can make sure you are around for feeding time and various other activities. I have yet to find a child that didn't enjoy feeding baby goats and lambs, so be aware your child may need to share a feeding bottle with another child.
Other opportunities for your children to get close to the animals living on the farm include handling pigs and guinea pigs as well as grooming ponies. There is also a daily cow milking demonstration.
To help children burn off energy there are 2000 square meters of undercover play facilities. These include pedal tractors, pig bouncy castle and ball pits. There is also a Straw Mountain with slides and tunnels. Outside there are a sand play area, a bouncy castle and pedal go karts. A few laps on the go karts gives you quite a good work out! You can also try the maize maze and a woodland walk in summer. I think I have tried just about everything apart from the tractor-trailor ride.
If the weather is not so good there is a soft play area indoors for two to seven year olds. For younger children there is a special play area.
You can bring a picnic or use the on site restaurant. There is space for around 100 diners with plenty of high chairs available. In addition you will find two nappy changing areas and ramps for pushchairs.
Standard opening times are 10am - 5.30pm in summer. The farm is open for most of the year, although there are periods where it is closed completely or only open a few days per week.
Under 3s get free entry. For everyone over three entrance costs £5.95 apart from OAPs who get a small reduction in price. Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) are available for £22. Season tickets are also available.
Farmer Palmers farm is also available for group or school visits. It also hosts birthday parties.
Getting to Farmer Palmers: The farm is in Organford. It is four miles from Poole and handy for the A35 and A351. Buses from Poole and Swanage can drop you very near to the farm.
Farmer Palmers Farm has been awarded the National Farm Attractions Network 2006 Farm Attraction of the year (for the over 50,000 visitors per annum category).
More details including current prices and opening times can be found by visiting the official website: Farmer Palmers .
Parenting.co.uk are happy to recommend Farmer Palmers farm as an excellent family day out for children of eight and under.
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