The Mini Farm Keeper Experience at Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park gives children aged 5, 6 and 7 the chance to get properly involved in looking after some of the farm’s animals.
Rather than watching from the other side of a fence, children take part in real keeper tasks alongside members of the Hogshaw team. They might feed the animals, help with grooming, clean their areas, or discover that poo-picking is considerably more entertaining at five years old than it sounds to an adult.
Designed for younger children, the experience offers a friendly introduction to hands-on animal care in a small group of no more than six. Gift vouchers are also available – making this a gift idea worth bookmarking for birthdays and Christmas.
Mini Farm Keeper Experience: What Is It?
Some animal experiences work best for older children who are already confident around animals. This one is different. It has been created specifically for children aged 5-7, giving them an age-appropriate way to learn what caring for farm animals actually involves.
The one-hour session runs from 9:30am to 10:30am on Saturdays and Sundays – plus Thursdays and Fridays during school holidays – so children get early access to the farm before it opens to the wider public.
With keeper guidance throughout, children can meet animals such as goats, alpacas and donkeys while taking part in jobs that keep them happy and healthy. The exact animals and activities vary between sessions, which means each visit reflects real keeper routines rather than a fixed formula. Full details are on the Mini Farm Keeper Experience page.
Mini Farm Keeper Experience: What Children Get Up To
One of the best things about a hands-on session for young children is that the less glamorous jobs are often part of the adventure.
Activities can include feeding, cleaning, grooming and poo-picking, as well as other age-appropriate keeper tasks. It gives children a rounded picture of what animal care actually involves – feeding matters, but so does keeping living spaces clean and spending time around animals calmly.
Animals involved may include goats, alpacas and donkeys, although the exact combination can change from session to session. This flexibility exists because the animals’ needs always come first. Families looking for something similar for older siblings can also explore the Junior Farm Keeper Experience, designed for children aged 8-13.
What to Expect on the Morning
The experience begins at 9:30am, giving participants early access to the farm before general admission opens.
Sessions are kept small, with a maximum of six participants. Children may share their session with other young visitors, so it is not necessarily a private booking.
A keeper guides children through their activities throughout. At the end of the session, participants receive a £5 Farm Kitchen voucher to spend after the experience. If you would like to stay and explore Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park for the rest of the day, general farm admission needs to be booked separately – check the Times & Prices page when planning your visit.
Is the Mini Farm Keeper Experience Right for My Child?
It is completely understandable to wonder whether a five-year-old will feel confident enough for an animal experience.
That is one reason this session focuses on younger children rather than adapting something built for older participants. The small group size gives children space to take things in, the keeper is there throughout, and the animals – goats, alpacas and donkeys – are farm favourites rather than the wildlife species used in Hogshaw’s experiences for older guests.
Your child does not need previous experience of handling animals. An interest in animals and a willingness to join in are far more important. Under-16s must be accompanied by a supervising adult who does not participate in the keeper activities themselves.
A Full Day of Animal Adventures at Hogshaw Farm
The keeper session lasts an hour, but it can easily become part of a much bigger family day out. Afterwards, families can spend the rest of their visit exploring the animals and wildlife across Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park.
You can see what is included on the Explore the Farm page, and browse the full range of animal experiences if you want to add something extra to the visit. The Farm Kitchen is also there when everyone needs a break and a snack.
For families who find themselves returning regularly, annual membership is worth exploring, with additional benefits available for members.
Mini Farm Keeper Experience: How to Book
The experience costs £39.95 per person and runs on Saturdays and Sundays, plus Thursdays and Fridays during school holidays. Sessions take place from 9:30am to 10:30am.
Spaces are limited to six per session, so booking in advance is recommended. Gift vouchers are also available – a thoughtful alternative to another present for a young animal lover at Christmas or for a birthday.
Ready to Book?