Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park

For a great family day out with the kids in Essex, visit leafy Lee Valley Park Farms in Waltham Abbey.

Let the children’s imaginations and their legs run wild in the indoor and outdoor adventure play zones.

Within this idyllic setting on the edge of River Lee Country Park, the farms have so many different animals to meet, from cuddly sheep, rare breed pigs and cows to llamas, reindeer and the loveable Meerkat family, so there’s never a dull moment.

At Hilltop Adventure, kids can bounce on the giant jumping pillow, climb the amazing Spider Tower, and drive the pedal tractors. At Alpine Adventure, besides tobogganing, they can also jump into one of the squishy doughnuts, alone or with a family member, and race down to the bottom of the slope!

If the weather is poor, everyone can head for the Bundle Barn, where children can dive into the ball pit and conquer the slippery slide. It’s great for little ones, with soft play areas where they can engage and discover.

The farmyard-themed playground is great fun too, with animal springers, balance beams, bridges and more.

All the family can take a stroll or a tractor and trailer ride to see the working dairy farm. You can also visit the milking barn and parlour and watch the calves being fed.

Look out for great activities such as falconry displays and pig and lamb racing at the Olambpigs race track!

It’s also a great place to have a birthday party, with up-close animal encounters and delicious party food.