Little Explorers stay-and-play in Oxfordshire

Outdoor woodland play sessions for under 5s

Little Explorers is the name of our woodland stay-and-play sessions especially for under 5s. It’s a relaxed, welcoming forest space where little ones can play, explore and burn off energy in a safe, outdoor setting.

Our three weekly sessions run for 90 minutes, from 9:30am - 11am on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, giving children plenty of time to climb, build, discover and enjoy free play at their own pace. The sessions are planned and hosted by our events coordinator Emily, who is a Level 3 Qualified Childcare Practitioner.

Tickets are £10 per child, including one adult.

We’ll provide a mix of simple, engaging activities, encouraging imagination, movement and social interaction. Activities vary week by week, but you might see;

  • Mud kitchen

  • Water play

  • Miniature fairy world play

  • Bug hunting

  • Nature weaving

  • Giant chalk

  • Potion making

  • Giant bubbles

  • Guttering water run

  • Digging & construction

  • Stick painting & play dough

  • Den building

  • Sand station

  • Gardening and nature play

  • Baby woodland corner for non-walkers

Whether you’re meeting friends or just getting out of the house, Little Explorers is all about fresh air, freedom to play, and making those simple, happy memories together this summer.

Please note, spaces are limited, so booking in advance is essential.

We welcome siblings up to age 7, but please be aware activities are geared towards children age 5 and under. This is an outdoor event, although there will be some rain cover. We will only cancel sessions if the weather is particularly bad.

Come to the Thame Lane entrance of High Lodge Farm, postcode OX14 3DX, and park by our new barn. Parking is free.‍ ‍

There is a short buggy-friendly 5 minute walk to the wooded play area. Follow the signs over the small wood bridge, along the track. It will be sign-posted if you arrive late.

Grown ups can expect seating, barista coffee, other hot drinks, cakes & bakes and children’s snacks from The Toot.

There is a basic compost toilet nearby & hand washing available. Please note, we will not have a baby-changing area available.

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Little Explorers FAQs

Helpful information to plan your visit

  • The session will be held outdoors in a woodland clearing at High Lodge Farm (Thame Lane entrance OX14 3DX), close to our new barn. Play stations and activities will be set up in this area. There will be a simple awning for rain cover.

  • Little Explorers is designed for pre-school children, but we welcome children up to age 7. Older siblings are welcome if they are within a similar early years age range, but the activities are primarily tailored to toddlers and young children

  • Each session runs for 90 minutes. This gives children plenty of time to explore and play at their own pace without it feeling rushed.

  • Yes, booking in advance is essential because spaces are limited and sessions can sell out. Walk-ins will not be available on the day.

  • Sessions are non-refundable, although we may be able to move your tickets to another date at our discretion and subject to availability. Please email hello@highlodgefarm.com to enquire.

  • We are a farm-based outdoor venue, so we recommend clothes that can get messy such as puddlesuits and wellies. Weather-appropriate layers are a good idea.

  • Little Explorers is running for just 6 weeks over the summer, currently.

  • Little Explorers is an outdoor experience, so please dress for the weather, including sun hats and sun cream over the summer months. In the event of very severe conditions, we will contact you in advance regarding any changes or cancellations.

  • Yes, you’re welcome to bring snacks and drinks for your child. We just ask that you take all rubbish home with you and supervise children while eating.

  • Yes, a basic unisex compost toilet will be available on site and hand-washing. Please note, there are no baby-changing facilities currently.

  • Yes, the site will be accessible with a buggy. We recommend an all-terrain buggy, not a city or airport stroller, because it may need to contend with twigs, stones and small logs!

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