Birds, beasties, boats and bouncy castles at Mabie Farm Park, Scotland

Opened in May 2000, Mabie Farm Park near Dumfries is a hugely popular destination for families with children throughout the year, but especially in summer thanks to its variety of outdoor activities.

As the name suggests, Mabie is home to a number of animals, including Highland cattle, Clydesdale horses, llamas, donkeys, goats, pot bellied pigs, sheep and a multitude of birds, such as peacocks, ducks, hens and even rhea – a large flightless bird from South America. Children are invited to feed many of the resident animals (both inside and outside), and donkey rides are also available. But the park offers much more besides. You and your little ones can take your pick from the boat pond, pets corner, bouncy castle, cable slide (very popular with adults!), grass sledging slide, pedal go-karts, sandpits, ride-on toy tractors and a 5000 square foot Indoor Playbarn. You probably won’t be able to do it all in one visit, but it’s guaranteed your babies and toddlers will adore this place.

If you want to save a bit of money, bring along your own food and you can eat at one of the many picnic areas throughout the farm park, and to make it feel really summery, you can even cook your own barbecue in a dedicated area. The on-site shop sells children’s food and also waterproofs – which will definitely come in handy here. Baby changing facilities are situated next to the Tearoom, and in the Farm Park near the animal barn.

Get there:

Where will you find it? Mabie Farm Park, Burnside Farm, Mabie, Dumfries,
DG2 8EZ
Where can you find out more? http://www.mabiefarmpark.co.uk/ or telephone: 01387 259666
How much is it? Adults: £5.50; Children (2-16 years): £ 5.00; Under 2s: FREE; Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children): £20.00. Certain rides and attractions within the farm park cost extra, so see the website for details.
When is it open? 10am-5pm, every day until 1st November 2009.