Summer vibes were experienced as we ventured into The Patch MK! We arrived as it was opening and immediately headed to the massive signage where the wildflower field was beginning, and a glimpse of a large dinosaur could be seen on the horizon! So, engaging and before we’d even started any trails, we were actively enjoying what was on offer.
It was such a beautiful sight to see a field of wildflowers; hues of blues, purples, pinks and oranges were just some of the colours to be seen. It demonstrates a great way to care for bees.
The kids enjoyed taking it all in by climbing on the tractor near the ticket tent, while we sorted tickets out. As we showed our tickets, each child was given a Maze Map, with challenges on it and stickers to complete the spotting challenge.
I was impressed by the clear signage and site map at the beginning, showing areas of engagement.
One of the elements, I loved was that the Patch MK had various educational signage up about wildflowers, sunflowers, dinosaurs and bees. The signage was super and designed well, so that you could pick out a few facts for littler children as you wandered around and there was enough information to engage older children.
A great touch was the QR code links to sites such as National Geographic, which allowed extra resources around topics of the environment and dinosaurs to be found. The Patch MK can be congratulated in demonstrating that learning can be playful and experienced.
Once, we enjoyed a stroll through the wildflower field, we found ourselves in an open field where toilets, café, ice cream were based. The toilets were very clean, one thing is that I thought there could be more for extra comfort at the entrance. We thought the café food and ice cream on offer was a really great quality.
These facilities were surrounded with interactive activities, which the kids instantly got involved with, while we sat and drank coffee. There was so much choice and originality. Most of the play equipment had been created out of farm vehicles and infrastructure, i.e. a beautifully renovated trailer sand-pit, called the Patch MK Beach.
This was super clean and various sand-pit toys were dotted around. Adults could also kick back and relax on deck chairs.
Other activities included a wonderful slide climbing frame, climbing wall, lots of hay bales to climb and duck race station, where rubber ducks needed pumping around a drain pipe! This was very popular.
We then ventured to the Maze of corn where we hunted dinosaurs! Lots of fun and giggles were had as we greeted a Triceratops around the corner. Be prepared to learn things about dinosaurs as adults, as well! Do you know what a Postosuchus is?
Have you ever had lunch with a baby Triceratops? We have! One of the patch team, introduced us to a very life like dinosaur puppet as we refreshed with our picnic in the very useful marquee tent.
One of the unexpected highlights was experiencing a Barrel train ride! We were in fits of laughter as we bumped along in the field, as if we were on a farm rollercoaster! You can buy tickets for £2.50 at the entrance or at the Barrel Train with cash. It’s very safe and each passenger has a strap to pop on.
Adjacent to the activity field was the sunflower and wheat field, with a higher-level viewing station to see over the sunflowers. Here you can take sunflowers home for £1, as well as explore paths, have your picture taken with a butterfly and experience sitting on a combine harvester and tractor.
I was very impressed with the thought, creativity and design of the Patch MK. There is so much to keep the kids entertained, as well as the grown-ups. It’s a great interactive learning experience with multiple ways to engage the family; I don’t think I mentioned that there is also mini golf. It is an active and colourful day out! Do make sure you visit and pop the pumpkin patch in the diary for the autumn. I can guarantee that summer memories will be made.
