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. 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 £2.50 per car on weekdays and £3 at weekends.
For more information call the Forest District Office on 01842 810271. |
Click here for more pictures of the day>>> | 
