Mini Adventurers

We believe the fun of Dukes Barn shouldn’t just be for schools and external groups. Our activity clubs give children and adults of all ages and abilities, from the local community, the chance to regularly participate in outdoor & nature activities at and around Dukes Barn. All abilities are welcome and the neuro- and physically diverse are encouraged to attend as we can cater for all needs. See below for booking and what is on at our clubs each week.

THURSDAYS 10 TILL 12 PM: INDOOR & OUTDOOR PLAY SPACES TO EXPLORE

***FREE hot drinks available for adults. Please feel free to bring your reusable cup with a lid.***

Our Mini-Adventurers is an ideal place to introduce pre-school children to the wonder of nature and the natural world around them. Running from 10 am - 12 pm — every Thursday during Derbyshire term-time, these sessions are aimed at tots on the move to school-aged children.

They are relaxed and informal sessions led by our qualified early years teacher. Younger siblings are, of course, welcome to come along too. However, we recommend a sling or baby carrier as the paths can be a bit uneven for prams and pushchairs.

We offer a different focus-led activity each week to support children in their learning, alongside a free-flowing play area in our allotment area. This includes a mud kitchen, water wall, sand pit, fairy glen, herb garden, fruit and vegetable plots, and wildlife area. All of our activities are optional, meaning children are able to make decisions and choices as to what they’d like to do throughout the session and work at their own pace.

Our allotment is a working allotment with fruit bushes, vegetable plots, grasses and other plants, and the minibeasts and insects they attract, which makes it a wonderful area to explore. It is surrounded by a gated wall perimeter; however, during our Preschool & Toddler session, the adult accompanying the child has responsibility for the child and must supervise them at all times.

These sessions must be booked online via the booking system. Please follow the button link below.

What to wear and bring

Wear sturdy shoes - open-toed sandals or flip-flops will not be suitable. We recommend that you and your child wear trousers and long-sleeved tops. Also, dress for the weather; wellies, waterproof trousers, and raincoats are highly recommended if it has rained overnight or is forecast.

There is a mud kitchen and water tray to play in, so old clothes, plus a change, are recommended whatever the weather.

If, on the rare occasion, the weather makes outdoor play too unpleasant, we do have access to both covered and/or our indoor climbing wall area, with soft play equipment, where we can continue play and complete craft activities.

Also, feel free to bring a nut-free snack and cold drink.