Forest School Sessions
Overview
We offer an excellent forest school for young intrepid adventurers.
The forest school is along a scenic 1.4km nature trail and is located approx. 10mins walk from the main car park. The forest school Ballynahinch is located in a dense beech tree woodland and has two tiers. The upper tier is covered by a large tent canopy and is all weather. The lower tier has a campfire area and a short trail down to a small pond for fishing out swimming wildlife.
Our professionally run forest school is packed full of activities led by a trained forest leader.
Your child will be immersed in a dense woodland setting with lots of mini activities to promote fun learning and understanding about nature.
Each session is 2hrs long. Parents and kids will be met at our car park by the forest leader and taken to the forest school. At the end of the session the group will make their way to our coffee trailer via our scenic trail for a free hot chocolate for the kids. Parents can purchase hot or cold drinks and traybakes. Then back to the car park.
Muddy Tots Go Wild Forest School
Suitable for ages 18 months β 7 years.
Session Times
Holidays Tues & Fri or Sat during term.
Session: 09:30am β 11:30am
Activities Included:
π¨ Wild painting
πΈ Making of hammered flower prints
π Making of elder jewellery
π₯ Fire building and preparation
π Den building
πΊ Clay making
π Many other fun activities
Young Adventurers Forest School
Suitable for ages 4 β 12 years.
Session Times
Holidays Tues & Fri or Sat during term.
*Session 1: 09:30 β 11:30
Session 2: 12:00 β 14:00
**Session 3: 14:30 β 16:30
*Only session during Nov β Mar
**Summer Forest Camp sessions
Activities Included:
π¨ Wild painting
πΈ Making of hammered flower prints
π Making of elder jewellery
π₯ Fire building and preparation
π Den building
πΊ Clay making
π Many other fun activities
Forest School
π² Professionally run forest school with a level 3 forest leader with fire training. π₯ IFSA registered and fully insured.
π Book six sessions for just Β£81 and receive a Ballyburren Forest School T-Shirt for your child. π
- Muddy Tots (18 Months - 7 Yrs)
- Young Adventurers (4 Yrs - 12 Yrs)
Our Muddy Tots Go Wild Forest School Summer Scheme 2024 is packed full of great activities including themes for each day detailed below. Spaces are limited so we advise to book early to avoid disappointment.
Our Young Adventurers Forest School Summer Scheme 2024 is packed full of great activities including themes for each day detailed below. Spaces are limited so we advise to book early to avoid disappointment.
*We offer drop & go for these sessions for children 8 yrs or older. Maximum of two children allowed.
The book now button opens the Young Adventurers booking form. Simply select the date in July or August to book the Summer Scheme.
*For drop and go sessions you still need to input one adult. The 1st adult is free in any case.
The forest school camp is divided into zones with various items setup including hammocks, sensory play, a giant swing, potion station, a mud kitchen and more.
Activities Included:
- π¨ Wild painting
- πΈMaking of hammered flower prints
- π Making of elder jewellery
- π₯ Fire building and preparation
- π Den building
- πΊ Clay making
- π Many other fun activities
We have two forest school sessions depending on the age or ability of your child.Β
Muddy Tots Go Wild (18 months to 7 years)
Young Adventurers (4 years to 12 years)
The core content is the same however our forest leader will be able to introduce more advanced activities and crafting with the older kids.
- Our forest leaders are level 3 qualified
- Our forest leaders are fire qualified
- We are IFSA registered
- We have full insurance, including for the camp fire
- Our leaders are first aid trained and we have first aid stations at the camp
- We offer excellent value for money compared with other forest schools
- Our forest school is in a dense beech woodland along a nature trail with fairy houses
- Our forest school is packed full of activities and play areas
- Each session is 2hrs long with free toasted marshmallows and free hot chocolate for the kids*
*Excludes private or school trip bookings.
We recommend staying in the forest school with any child attending the Muddy Tots Go Wild sessions.
However we do allow a drop and go for the Young Adventurers. In fact you can avail of our nature trail, coffee trailer or book into any of our activities during your kids stay.Β
We have a number of schools that book private sessions with us. If you would like to book in then please call us on 02895 81 6650 or email info@ballyburren.com
Our capacity is up to 20 kids however we can take up to 40 with our second forest leader.
Muddy Tots Go Wild
Holidays TuesΒ &Β Fri or Sat during term.
Session:Β 09:30am – 11:30am
Young Adventurers
Holidays TuesΒ &Β Fri or Sat during term.
*Session 1: 09:30 – 11:30
Session 2:Β 12:00 – 14:00
**Session 3:Β 14:30 – 16:30
*Only session during Nov – Mar
**Will be reserved for weekly Summer Forest Camp sessions
Forest School Special Offers
We offer a 10% discount on bulk bookings of 6 or more sessions. Please select the extra option during checkout and enter your preferred dates.
Free Ballyburren Forest School T-Shirt if booking 6 sessions during school summer holidays. Also available to purchase separately at checkout.
Forest school for toddlers near me
At ourΒ forest school camps, youβll have the chance to play freely, build forts, and explore like never before. Youβll get to paint with natural colours, using the plants around us.
Weβll teach you the ancient secrets of making fire safely. And youβll even learn cool skills from our expert instructor!
Our forest is a special place to learn, make friends, and have tons of fun. So join us at our forest school holiday clubs, where every week is new adventure waiting to happen!
Session will finish around the campfire with a toasted marshmallow & a hot chocolate at the end of the trail, a perfect day for a young adventure π
Suitability
- Individual kids, school groups or birthday parties
- 18 months - 12 years of age
- Wet weather suitable due to a covered area
Restrictions
- Minimum age: 18 months. Babies in arms are free.
- Suitable clothes to be worn including rough shoes or boots
- Kids under 5 must be accompanied by an adult
More activities
Golden Hour Alpaca Trekking
- Easy
- 2 hours
- Β£45
Alpaca Trekking
Alpaca Trekking Near Me
Your mini adventure commences as you arrive at our meticulously landscaped car park, boasting a variety of amenities including toilet facilities, catering to the needs of all visitors, including those with reduced mobility and families with babies. Warmly greeted by our friendly alpaca trekking guides, you will be introduced to your very own alpaca companion. Under the guidance of your expert handler, embark on our distinctive trail, which typically spans around 30 to 40 minutes. Towards the end of the trail, your guide will ensure the alpacas are securely tied up, while you venture forth to the island oasis housing the coffee trailer and inviting picnic tables, offering an array of refreshments and snacks for purchase. For a truly indulgent experience during lunchtime slots, you have the option to pre-purchase a luxury picnic with alpacas. This exquisite hamper can be enjoyed at one of our picturesque picnic tables reserved for our luxury picnic experience. Please note that each time slot is strictly limited to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or 2 hours if you opt for the gourmet picnic hampers. It is imperative to arrive at least 10 minutes before your designated slot time to ensure a seamless experience, as the group will proceed without any latecomers. Join us on this extraordinary alpaca walking experience and let the tranquillity of nature and the companionship of these gentle creatures create memories that will stay with you forever.- Easy
- 1.5 hours
- 4 Max
Alpaca Meet & Interact Session
- Easy
- 1hr 30mins
- from Β£5
Outdoor Adventure Party Venue for Kids
- from Β£150
- 3 hours
- 20
Forest School – Nature’s Classroom at Ballyburren
- Educational
- 2 hours
- 20 Max
Foraging Walk & Bushcraft Cookery Course
- Beginner
- 3hrs 30mins
- 8 max
Kids School Day Trip Experience Package
- π¦ Alpaca Meet & Interact Experience: Meet and interact with our cuddly alpacas. Learn about them and feed them straight from your hand.
- π² Kids Forest School: Our professional forest leader will ensure each child has lots of fun with, free play, den building, fire safety and preparation, bushcraft, crafting and more.
- πΏ Enhanced Nature Trail: Our trained forest leader will take the group around our nature trail explaining about nature and having some fun along the way.
- π Picnic Experience: Elevate lunchtime with our kids lunch boxes or for larger groups we can organise a chip or pizza van.
- π§ββοΈ Yoga and Meditation Retreat: Recharge the children's energy with a tailored yoga and meditation session in our serene outdoor setting.
- π₯ Tribal Drumming Lessons: Experience the beat of unity through dynamic tribal drumming lessons, adding rhythm to your trip. Basic circus skills will add that extra bit of fun to every kids day.
- πͺ Crafting: Ignite creativity with expert-led crafting sessions, turning your day into an artistic exploration.
- Easy
- Half or Full Day
- 10+
Group Days Out
- π¦ Alpaca Trekking: Traverse scenic trails with our gentle alpacas.
- π² Bushcraft Basics: Learn essential survival skills in the heart of nature.
- π§ Outdoor Yoga and Meditation: Find peace and serenity amidst natural beauty.
- π₯ Drumming and Circus Skills: Channel your inner rhythm with tribal drumming and master basic circus tricks like juggling and plate spinning.
- πΏ Foraging and Bushcraft Cookery: Discover wild edibles and cook up a delicious feast over an open fire.
- π½οΈ Optional Luxury Picnics: Indulge in a gourmet picnic amidst stunning surroundings.
- Easy
- Half or Full Day
- 8 Min
Yoga Classes
- All Levels
- 1hr 15min
- 15
Luxury Picnic Experience at Ballyburren
- Luxury
- 2 hours
- 8 Max
Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Spook Event
- Easy
- 2hrs
- 30 max
Adults Only Glamping
- Luxury
- 1 day
- 2 Adults
Parent & Baby Day
- Easy
- 1hr 30mins
- Free
1.4km Scenic Nature Walk
- Easy
- 1hr 30mins
- Β£4 Redeemable
Easter Egg Hunt Trail Event
- Easy
- 2hrs
- 30 max















