In a bid to meet new people the girls and I sometimes join groups of other mums and their kids through meet up groups. Our latest venture was to Dr Maze’s Farm.
Dr Maze’s Farm is a family run working farm that grows seasonal crops. What I loved about it was that it was a no frills day of outdoor fun. It was lovely to visit a farm that didn’t have rides, softplay or large playgrounds, no café or extras to pay for; a place that encouraged exploration and being at one with nature.
Dr Maze’s farm is open during the Summer months on a Friday and Saturday from 10am till 2pm. Opening hours are extended during their special events such as Lavender Festival in July and Pumpkin Patch during October.
On a Friday morning Tots Friday is included in the admission price ($6 increasing to $9 from 12th July) and runs from 10.30 to 11.30. Tots Friday is aimed at the under 5’s but my 9-year-old was welcomed and enjoyed herself too. Each week they have a different theme with activities set up under cover. The theme when we attended was goats, which included goats for the children to pet. There was also a large mud pit for the children to dig and find worms, various sensory bins containing grain and a cut and stick caterpillar activity.
Towards the end of the session they took the children out to pick crops from the field. They picked kale, sugar snap peas and chard and were encouraged to fill a bag to take home with them. This was a great opportunity for the children to see how crops grow, how to harvest them and experience some new plants.
Once we had filled our bags the girls enjoyed petting and feeding the animals before going on a tractor ride around the farm.
We explored the grounds further. There was plenty for them to do from giant Jenga, mazes, a chicken show, a giant spider web and various things to ride on. My personal favourite was the music garden. They had perfectly utilised household objects to make a great little sound garden that would be an inspiration to any pre-school or someone like me who now wants to build one in the garden.
Next came the girls favourite part of the day ‘Bubble Friday’. A station was arranged with all kinds of bubble wands and trays of bubble mixture. The girls started with familiar ones and then learned how to use more elaborate methods to make giant bubbles. They had an amazing time experimenting with the different types, supported by 2 very friendly ladies. They were so proud of their huge bubbles.
When it was time to go, they didn’t want to leave but I promised we would go back. We are going to sample the Lavender Festival tomorrow armed with a picnic and with extended opening hours I’m sure we will have a very busy day.
It feels like you are visiting the farmer’s family, who give the impression that they are people who love children, being outdoors and sharing their farm with the public. They even gave us a freshly laid egg to take home with us.
There is a small shop in the entrance selling plants, lavender products, honey and drinks but I would recommend taking a picnic or at least snacks if you intend to stay until closing time.
This is a personal recommendation, no payment of any kind was received for writing this post.
Right from the Start 
this looks like such a lovely place! and love the bubbles!! 😀
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What a unique place, I love the fact that they help the children to explore nature and have fun doing so. Thanks for sharing your great photos and outdoor adventures with Country Kids.
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The bubbles do look fun.
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This looks like a fun place to visit
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