Wednesday 17 May 2017

Review visit to Greenwood Forest Park

We enjoy getting out and about and doing things with the kids, adventures and day trips to create memories for them to look back on, and as they are getting older the options are becoming wider. Since they were little we have spent our twice yearly holidays visiting different places in the UK exploring local attractions and places of interest so we thought we would explore a bit closer to home.

Greenwood Forest Park is situated in North Wales and offers a fun filled day for all the family, we were given family entry in exchange for an honest review of the Park. Greenwood has been voted North Wales top family attraction for the last 6 years and we can totally see why. 



Prices on the day would of meant our entry would of cost around £50 for a family of 4, however savings can be made by booking online in advance, compared to other attractions and parks we have visited we thought this to be a very reasonable entry price for the activities available once inside. 

Greenwood is home to the UK's only solar powered water slide, the world's first people powered roller coaster and the steepest sledge run in Wales! Quite a boast for one Park. As well as the thrill seeking rides there is a bare foot trail to weave your way through, a massive Jumping pillow for the kids to bounce off some energy, the jungle boats, which require the whole family to work together to pull yourself around using the overhead ropes, the crocodile maze - can you find your way to the centre and back out?, at set times there are archery lessons for all ages, moon karts for the kids (young and old!) to race around the track on, as well as the tree top towers to challenge the little climbers to make their way to the top and back down using ropes and slides which is right next to Den building in the woods!! As well as all these activities there are play areas both indoor and outdoor. Phew such a lot to fill the day with fun and adventure. 

So what did we think or more to the point what did the kids think!

We were greeted by sunshine when we woke which is always a bonus and always sets the day off well, we received a really warm welcome when we arrived at the park and every member of staff we met throughout the day were friendly, helpful and appeared to enjoy their jobs. We were given a programme of activities to help us plan our day and there was always a member of staff around to help if need be. 


The kids absolutely loved the people powered roller coaster, and the eldest was really intrigued with how it worked, learning while having fun!! having to go down in the 'tram' to create energy to lift the roller coaster was a really interesting aspect of the ride. 


While the boys were busy on the Moon Karts, we went through the bare foot trail, through water, sand, stones, straw and the different textures and shapes of the pathway. A really different sensory experience especially for kids to explore textures, shapes and different natural materials. 





Well what can we say about the Solar powered water slide! I think we all loved it, even the 12 metre high climb (12 times at least) was well worth it for the shrieks of fun the kids (and us) gave as we flew down the slides, time and time again. Most definitely a great addition to the park and again running on Solar power adds another aspect to it, a great way for the kids to be introduced to solar power. 




The youngest really surprised us on the great green run, she has been up to now reluctant to try things on her own and one of us usually have to go on with her, well not anymore, she was straight up the steps and came flying down with the biggest laugh and smile on her face, time and time again, a real hit, and so accessible for the kids to have the independence to do things on their own but at the same time in view so we can keep an eye on them. 



There was so much more to do too, the kids loved the giant pillow, tried out archery, rode on the donkeys, took us through the jungle in a boat, and were amazed by the magic chair! We ate our packed lunch at tree top towers where the kids were able to come and go and play and climb, the Tunnel Warren play area for under 7's is situated in the same area so families of mixed age children can allow them all to play in the same part of the park and sit and take a well earned rest!

There is a cafe and indoor soft play area which is great if the weather is not the kindest or if you decide not to take your own lunch and want somewhere to sit and eat indoors whilst the kids can play. The park has plenty of eating places for picnics as well as snack and take away food outlets throughout the park so always somewhere for a pit stop and of course a play close by. There is so much more than we have mentioned so you really do need to go and see for yourself what a Hidden Gem this place is. On top of all the activities in the park they have special events during school holidays held in the forest theatre, during Whitsun join Ricardo the Pirate, Smarty Marty the Clown, Erwyd the Magician and Harley’s Showtime at the Forest Theatre for their ever popular and unforgettable shows and challenges, there is also traditional welsh dancing, costume, story telling, face painting and some very special visitors!



As parents we were really impressed with the layout and ease of access to everything within the park, anywhere the kids wanted to stop and play there was somewhere for us to sit and watch (or join in) and there is so much to do it really is the Best (stress free) day out in North Wales!