Planning a winter family day out can feel like a gamble – especially when the weather’s unpredictable and everyone’s energy levels are high. If you’re visiting PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm this winter, a little forward planning goes a long way in turning your visit into a packed, stress-free family adventure.
Ideally located for families from Stafford, Penkridge, Wolverhampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham and Telford, PLAY@ is one of the region’s most reliable weather-proof family days out – with over 2km² of indoor space to explore.
Here’s how to get the very best out of your visit.
1. Embrace the Weather-Proof Advantage
Winter is when PLAY@ really comes into its own. With the majority of attractions indoors or undercover, you can plan your day with confidence – rain, frost or wind won’t affect the fun.
Top tip:
Arrive ready to stay all day. With so much indoor space, there’s no need to rush – pace yourselves and dip in and out of activities as energy levels change.
2. Start Big with the Main Indoor Playframe
If you’ve got children aged 5+, heading straight to the 4-storey indoor playframe is a great way to kick off your visit while everyone’s fresh.
Inside you’ll find:
- The giant purple Astro Racer slide for side-by-side racing
- The fast-paced Ninja Llama run
- The adrenaline-testing Skywalk
- A mini 3G sports pitch with football goals, basketball hoops and more
Parents are encouraged to join in on all the play equipment, making it a shared experience rather than one spent watching from the sidelines.
3. Plan Dedicated Time for Toddlers
Toddlers thrive when they have space designed just for them, so set aside time for the 3-storey toddler playframe.
This area includes:
- A colourful ball pool
- Slides and climbing features
- An interactive role-play village
It’s ideal for younger children to explore safely while older siblings burn energy elsewhere.
4. Don’t Skip Piglet’s Playpen for Babies
If you’re visiting with a baby, Piglet’s Playpen is a must.
Designed for little ones discovering their surroundings, it features:
- Soft ride-ons
- Gentle steps and slopes
- Sensory elements and a ball blower
Top tip:
This is a great first stop for babies before moving on to busier areas later in the day.
5. Save the Adventure Barn for a Mid-Day Boost
Once everyone’s warmed up, the Adventure Barn delivers a second wave of excitement.
Here you’ll find:
- Racing slides
- Two gravity-defying drop slides – Farmer Ray’s favourite part of the soft play
Many families find this is the perfect way to re-energise after lunch, especially on colder days.
6. Mix Indoor Play with Undercover Exploration
To keep things feeling fresh, alternate high-energy play with calmer activities in the Woodland Barn.
Under cover, you’ll discover:
- Bouncy pillows
- Sandpits
- A display of Farmer Ray’s vintage tractors
This balance helps avoid play fatigue and keeps children engaged for longer.
7. Make Time for Indoor Animal Encounters
One of the biggest winter surprises for first-time visitors is just how much of the farm is indoors.
PLAY@’s small and large animal zones are all undercover, with:
- Regular rabbit and guinea pig petting sessions
- Daily talks about larger animals
- Indoor access to goats, donkeys, pigs, ponies, llamas and more
- The farm’s cattle and calves housed inside
From February Half Term, families can also visit the Lambing Barn, meet newborn lambs and learn about how they’re cared for as part of the popular Lambs & Ewe experience, included in PLAY@ admission and running through to Easter.
8. Why Winter Is One of the Best Times to Visit
Families visiting from across Staffordshire and the West Midlands often say winter is their favourite time at PLAY@ – and it’s easy to see why:
- ✔ Over 2km² of indoor attractions
- ✔ Truly weather-proof
- ✔ Parents welcome to play alongside children
- ✔ Activities for babies through to older kids
- ✔ Animals, play and learning all included
A Packed Family Day Out – Whatever the Weather
If you’re planning a winter family day out near Stafford, Penkridge, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent or Telford, PLAY@ Lower Drayton Farm offers a full, flexible day that works whatever the forecast.
👉 Book online now for the best price and enjoy a packed family day out – whatever the weather.
