Animal Antics at PLAY@

Saturday 23 May – Monday 1 June 2026

Get ready for even MORE animal fun this May half term as Animal Antics arrives at PLAY@ at Lower Drayton Farm!

Perfect for little animal lovers, Animal Antics is packed with interactive animal experiences, live talks and exciting encounters — all INCLUDED in your PLAY@ ticket alongside our huge indoor and outdoor play areas.

From reptiles and rabbits to ponies, goats and our NEW ferret play time, there’ll be friendly faces, fascinating facts and plenty of opportunities to get up close to some amazing animals throughout the day.

Buy PLAY tickets for Half Term

What’s Included?

Throughout the day, families can enjoy a rolling programme of indoor and outdoor animal activities between approximately 10:30am–4pm.

🐰 Small Animal Talks

Head into the Cinebarn for interactive small animal sessions where you’ll meet a variety of furry, fluffy and scaly friends.

Our team will share fun facts about each species while visitors can enjoy gentle petting opportunities with selected animals.

Animals may include:

Rabbits
Guinea pigs
Chicks
Tortoises
Reptiles and more!

Shows will run several times daily.

🦎 Dino Egg Hatchery (Reptile Show)

Our popular reptile experience returns for half term!
Meet fascinating reptiles before coming face-to-face with dino favourite Ivy. Learn amazing facts from the team and enjoy safe, supervised petting opportunities.

You may meet:

Bearded Dragons
Blue Tongue Skinks
Leopard Geckos
Tortoises
Corn Snakes
Ball Pythons

🐴 Meet the Ponies

Little farmers can help groom and brush our friendly ponies while learning more about their care and personalities.

A lovely hands-on outdoor experience for younger visitors.

Two ponies wearing halters, one with a hat.

Buy PLAY tickets for Half Term

🐐 Meet the Goats

Join the team outdoors to learn all about our playful goats, including fun facts, enrichment activities and daily care.

Visitors may even get the chance to help give them a brush!

🐾 NEW! Ferret Play Time

Say hello to Minx & Mabel — the stars of our brand NEW ferret experience!

Watch the ferrets play, explore and show off some tricks before cheering them on in their mini ferret race finale.

After the show, visitors will have the chance to meet and gently stroke them too.

Meet the Animals Around the Farm

As well as the Animal Antics activities, visitors can also spot lots of animals around the farm during their PLAY@ visit.

Outdoor Animal Zone

Keep your eyes peeled for:

Goats
Sheep & rams
Chickens
Alpacas
Donkeys
Emu
Free-roaming peacocks

Large Animal Zone

You may also see:

Ponies
Goats
Turkeys

Small Animal Zone

Home to:

Rabbits
Guinea pigs
Chicks
Tortoises
Ferrets
Reptiles and more!

Tractor Trailer Ride Route

You may also spot animals including:

Donkeys
Llamas
Emu
Cows

Please note: animals may occasionally be moved for welfare, weather or operational reasons. If you can’t spot an animal where expected, please ask a member of the team who’ll be happy to help.

Buy PLAY tickets for Half Term

Plus ALL the Usual PLAY@ Fun!

Your Animal Antics visit is INCLUDED in your PLAY@ ticket, meaning you can also enjoy:

Buy PLAY tickets for Half Term

Huge indoor playbarns
Role play village
Giant slides
Outdoor adventure play

Pedal tractors
Go-karts
Zipwires

Animal zones
Tractor trailer rides*
And so much more!

Child and man sliding down indoor play slide

Whatever the British weather throws our way, there’s plenty of family fun indoors and out.

Plan Your Visit

📍 Staffordshire — just 1 mile from Junction 13 of the M6

📅 Saturday 23 May – Monday 1 June 2026

🎟️ Included in standard PLAY@ admission

Book online in advance to save on gate prices and beat the queues!

Buy PLAY tickets for Half Term

Animal Antics at PLAY@ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Animal Antics at PLAY@?

Animal Antics is a special May half term event running at PLAY@ at Lower Drayton Farm from Saturday 23 May – Monday 1 June 2026.

Included within your PLAY@ ticket, the event features interactive animal talks, reptile shows, pony grooming, goat encounters, sheep shearing demonstrations and our NEW ferret play time alongside all the usual indoor and outdoor PLAY@ family fun.

Is Animal Antics included in PLAY@ admission?

Yes! Animal Antics is included within your standard PLAY@ ticket, meaning you can enjoy the animal activities alongside:

Indoor playbarns
Outdoor adventure play
Pedal tractors
Go-karts
Zipwires
Tractor trailer rides*
Animal zones
And more!

What animals can we see during Animal Antics?

Visitors may see a huge range of animals during the event, including:

Rabbits
Guinea pigs
Chicks
Ponies
Goats
Alpacas
Donkeys
Sheep & rams
Ferrets
Tortoises
Bearded dragons
Leopard geckos
Corn snakes
Ball pythons
Emu
Peacocks
And more!

Please note animal locations may occasionally change for welfare or operational reasons.

Can children touch or pet the animals?

Yes — selected animals will have supervised petting opportunities during talks and sessions.

For safety, hygiene and animal welfare reasons, all animal interactions are fully supervised by trained members of the team.

Are the animal handling sessions supervised?

Absolutely. All animal talks and interaction sessions are supervised by experienced staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both visitors and animals.

Are there hand washing facilities available?

Yes. Hand washing stations are available around the farm and we strongly encourage all visitors to wash their hands thoroughly after touching animals and before eating or drinking.

Good farm hygiene helps keep everyone safe while enjoying the experience.

Can we feed the animals?

Animal feed is available to purchase from reception.

Please only feed animals where feeding is specifically permitted and signage confirms it is allowed.

Some animals are on specialist diets and feeding unsuitable food could be harmful to their health.

Can I bring my dog to Animal Antics?

Sorry — dogs are not permitted at PLAY@ or Animal Antics.

As a working farm with a wide variety of animals, this policy is in place for biosecurity, animal welfare and to avoid distress to our resident animals.

Assistance dogs are permitted.

What happens if the weather is very hot or wet?

As a working farm attraction, some animal activities may be adapted depending on weather conditions and animal welfare needs.

During particularly hot weather, certain outdoor sessions or animal appearances may change or finish earlier to ensure the wellbeing of the animals.

Could show times or activities change?

Yes — all timings and activities are subject to change.

As animal welfare is our top priority, sessions may occasionally be shortened, amended or cancelled if animals show signs of distress, tiredness or weather-related discomfort.

We appreciate your understanding.

Are the animal activities indoors or outdoors?

Both!

Animal Antics includes a mixture of indoor and outdoor experiences throughout the day.

Many of the small animal and reptile sessions take place inside the Cinebarn, making this a fantastic family day out whatever the British weather.

Are sheep shearing demonstrations happening every day?

Sheep shearing demonstrations will take place throughout the half term week, subject to animal welfare and operational requirements.

Please check timings on arrival.

What time do the animal shows run?

Animal activities and talks will generally run between approximately 10:30am–4pm daily throughout May half term.

Is PLAY@ suitable for a family day out in Staffordshire?

Absolutely! PLAY@ at Lower Drayton Farm is one of Staffordshire’s most popular family attractions, offering huge indoor and outdoor play alongside authentic farm experiences and seasonal events.

Perfect for family days out in:

Staffordshire
The West Midlands
Birmingham
Wolverhampton
Telford
Cannock
Rugeley
Stoke-on-Trent
Lichfield
Stafford
Penkridge

We’re conveniently located just 1 mile from Junction 13 of the M6.

Do I need to book in advance?

We strongly recommend booking online in advance to:

Save on gate prices
Beat the queues
Guarantee entry during busy half term dates

Is there indoor play if the weather is bad?

Yes! PLAY@ features huge indoor playbarns and undercover animal areas, making it a fantastic rainy day family attraction in Staffordshire and the West Midlands.

There’s plenty to enjoy indoors and out whatever the weather.

Do you offer SEN / quieter sessions for Animal Antics?

Yes — we’ll be offering SEN / quieter sessions from 9am on Sunday 24 May and Sunday 31 May.

These sessions are designed to give families the chance to arrive early and start their PLAY@ adventure before the farm gets busier, with access to some earlier Animal Antics fun and all the usual indoor and outdoor PLAY@ activities

- Aimee Oakley
An Incredible Day Out at Lower Drayton Farm!Wow! Wow! Wow! We visited Lower Drayton Farm today, expecting a small petting farm, but we couldn’t have been more wrong—it was absolutely amazing! From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by how much there was to see and do.Our little one had the time of his life jumping, climbing, hiding, crafting, and riding on everything in sight. The roaming peacocks, cuddling the adorable chicks, and feeding the pigs were unforgettable experiences. Some of our absolute favorite activities included the fire engine, the bouncy pillow, the scenic tulip fields, the daffodil walk, and the exciting tractor ride.The staff were beyond incredible—so friendly, happy, and clearly passionate about making everyone’s visit special. A special shout-out to the lovely lady at reception who made us feel so welcome!!Since it’s Easter, the Golden Egg Hunt was in full swing—adults, keep your eyes peeled because the prize is fantastic! There were so many crafts, so many smiles, and so many memories made.My husband, our 2-year-old, and I are already planning our next visit with family and friends. What a perfect way to spend a sunny day—thank you, Lower Drayton Farm!10/10—Highly Recommend! - Aimee Oakley - 11/04/25
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- hannah clarke
Fantastic time here today for the first time. Great time to come at start of easter break and best to arrive early 10/10.30am as you are able to get around all the things to do. The animals there to see ranging from rabbits, guinea pigs, to donkeys, cows, sheep, goats, shetland ponies. Indoor soft play with role play section, cafe, plenty of outdoor benches seating for families who wish to use. We bought a pack lunch which saved us on the cost. But also plenty of outdoor activities climbing equipment, sand pits, big bounce areas for children to enjoy. Tractor tour was fab with Farmer Richard educating us about the cows 🐄 On average it took us 4 and 1/2 hours all the way around, so would recommend to arrive early as soon as it opens. And from Birmingham to Stafford around a 45 minute up to 1hour drive. Also they have an app 'Play at Lower Drayton' here you can select activities and tick off when you've seen animals or activities found this useful. 😊All age of children were there on our visit from babies to teenagers everyone welcome including wheelchair access for children as there were flat areas parts too. Highly recommend for a lovely day out. - hannah clarke - 31/03/26
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- Harry Raffan
Fantastic day out veey good value for money lots to do the place is kept incredibly clean and the food was great too. Will definitely return again soon👍 - Harry Raffan - 06/02/23
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- Faye Allen
We came for the Easter event and it was our first time here- we will be back! It’s a huge farm with so much going on. Especially with the extra Easter activities. I am very impressed. We spent most of the day there and could honestly go back tomorrow. The tractor trailer ride and baby animals were my children’s favourite. - Faye Allen - 14/04/25
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- Emma Collard
Brilliant day out with the Grandkids. So much to do and lots of fun.Even though it was busy as its the Easter holidays we didnt have to que for anthing apart from the cafe which was also value for money and sold amazing slices of cake. Drinks were also reasonably priced. There kids had a fabulous day. - Emma Collard - 09/04/26
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- Kate Barratt
Took the family on Easter Monday had a wonderful day out lots of things for the kids to do, very organised staff very friendly definitely worth a visit - Kate Barratt - 11/04/26
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- Mr. Ahmed
Had wonderful time at farm during the Easter break. Lots to do with the kids. Try to make most of the day by going as early as possible so that you can participate in all the events. The events do vary depending on the timing of the year. - Mr. Ahmed - 24/05/25
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- Christopher Davis
My daughter loves coming here and with a Season Pass, it didn't cost a penny to get in. There is so much to do outside and the Soft play indoors is worth it alone.We end up staying the whole day as my daughter plays all day and the food is reasonably priced too.We went today on a busy Easter Saturday. The Meet the Animals was lovely and great to see my daughters confidence growing.Thank you for a lovely day out. - Christopher Davis - 04/04/26
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- Lynda Galliers
Great day at the Easter Egg - venture with the family - Lynda Galliers - 14/04/25
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- Abbie Smith
Such a great place for the children we had an amazing time and such a lot to do!
The soft play is absolutely great and the food is delicious. Would highly recommend for a fun day out
Farm animals are so cute and got to stroke the chicks - Abbie Smith - 17/02/23
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Site Map

Illustrated map of Lower Drayton Farm attractions

Find out what's here

Absolutely worth every penny I had previously been skeptical about coming to Play @ Lower Drayton as I thought it seemed expensive (adult price costing the same as a child's) but I have to admit that it was absolutely worth every penny. The facilities were great and there is SO much to do. You could easily spend a whole day in there and once in there, food, drinks and other items (buckets and spades etc) are a very reasonable price. Every single member of staff was polite and attentive (even those we simply walked passed always gave us a smile or said hello). We cannot wait to return again and when we do, will ensure to spend a full day at Play.
Anon Guest
03 Jun 2024
Very good, plenty of things to do throughout the day
Peter Warby
05 May 2024
Always love coming to the Play Barn and walking around the farm. There is so much to do and they always go the extra mile to create special events throughout the year! My son had his 4th birthday party there this weekend and it was amazing, everything went like clockwork, the party room (pig) was great with plenty of room and had everything we needed. I opted to have LD supply the party bags too which contained toys and treats all in a bag covered in activities. The staff are always amazing, so friendly and there on hand to help all the way though. we were let down last minute by an external Spiderman character and without even asking they found a costume in their bag of tricks and Miss Marvel brought in the cake and had a dance party with the kids!
Annemarie Garner
21 Apr 2024
Mum of 4 and 1.5 year old x Excellent facilities, we're members and try to go twice a week. My little ones love the farm and outdoors in their wellies/puddlesuits. Great sandpit and love jumping on the bouncy pillows. The old fire engine is a great hit. Lovely big soft play. Lots of friendly staff.
leannesgriffin01
16 Jan 2023
Great experience Great place to bring kids of all ages. Good food and friendly staff and clean facilities. Our daughter really enjoyed the soft play and petting the animals. As we went funking the Christmas period we really enjoyed the Santa experience and activities. Would definatly recommend
JadeHan91
13 Dec 2022

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Animal Antics at PLAY@

Saturday 23 May – Monday 1 June 2026

What’s Included?

🐰 Small Animal Talks

🦎 Dino Egg Hatchery (Reptile Show)

🐴 Meet the Ponies

🐐 Meet the Goats

🐾 NEW! Ferret Play Time

Meet the Animals Around the Farm

Outdoor Animal Zone

Large Animal Zone

Small Animal Zone

Tractor Trailer Ride Route

Plus ALL the Usual PLAY@ Fun!

Whatever the British weather throws our way, there’s plenty of family fun indoors and out.

Plan Your Visit

Animal Antics at PLAY@ – Frequently Asked Questions

Site Map

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