If you’re a parent searching for a day out that’ll leave everyone satisfied, then a trip to The Ice Cream Farm in Cheshire is an absolute must. Samantha Bevington has the inside scoop:
[Not an ad: just something we love!]
Imagine a place where award-winning ice cream meets incredible family fun – all in one magical setting. Whether you’re heading there for a chilled-out afternoon or looking to make it a full day of adventure, this unique spot offers something for everyone.
I have to admit, I’d heard of the Ice Cream Farm for years before I actually decided to take my kids (3 & 6) for a day out. Some of these places are my idea of a nightmare: busy, chaotic and expensive. But this place is different.
I honestly think this might be the most budget-friendly, value for money attraction in the North West.
The entry fee is a flat rate for everyone, usually £2.50 a head but they do run promotional offers from time to time making it even cheaper. Once you’re in, you only pay for what you use, which will be music to the ears of those with children at different ages.
We’ve all been there – paying for two children to access something that only one will stay awake for. The Ice Cream Farm makes it easy to manage your budget, unless you opt for a 3 scoop sundae when you can’t choose one flavour in the parlour… (I know, that’s my issue not yours)
Let’s take a moment to appreciate that ice cream parlour though. It’s reported to be the largest in the world, offering an array of flavours that will both impress and frustrate those who find it hard to make decisions quickly…
The first time we visited, I was shocked by how well managed everything is. In true Mum style, I was more impressed with the queuing system they’ve got in place than anything else. The farm’s dedication to catering to all diets means lactose-intolerant kids or those with allergies won’t miss out either, with dairy-free and gluten-free options available. Our vegan pals were impressed that they could still indulge.
The ice cream is an obvious attraction at this place and not to be missed, but let’s get back to the attractions.
You can either pay as you go at each of the different stations around the place or you can save money by buying a ‘Play Pass’ at the information desk. I bought a play pass with 10 ‘plays’ for £30. We actually made this last over 2 visits, but you could also spend it all in one day if you wanted to!
The main concourse as you enter the Ice Cream Farm has a huge play-scape called Daisy’s Garden: slides, swings, giant tree houses and trampolines surround the centerpiece – a huge tree with scoops of ice cream which seemingly shoots out bubbles every so often. It’s the playground of dreams for toddlers and younger children and they could play here for hours without having to spend a penny more…
But the real adventure comes from the attractions dotted around the outside of this central play zone. Our favourite by far is the Honeycomb Canyon. It costs £4.50 to enter (you only pay for children) or 1 ‘Play’ from your Play Pass. This is an outdoor sand and water play area with the perfect combination of taps, waterfalls, wheels & pulleys.
You can watch (or get involved!) as your kids team up with others to fill basins, control pumps and scoop water up into the top of pipes by spinning and pulling at the well-organised stands. They can splash about in shallow streams or dig for treasures in the sand, while you relax and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a space designed to encourage creativity and exploration, perfect for those little explorers.
Warning: they will get wet. I’d highly recommend puddle suits and wellies in the winter or flip flops and a change of clothes for summer months! This attraction is technically inside, but it’s a barn with open elements so it does get chilly.
Top Tip: Stick a bucket and spade under your pram as you can’t really enjoy the sand part without! They are on sale, but I do wish they were just included and scattered around or hung on the wall for people to take and put back whilst enjoying the attraction.
When you need somewhere to dry off and get warm and cosy, The Fun Factory is the indoor soft-play. It’s perfect for toddlers and younger children to explore in a safe, brightly coloured environment.
There are climbing frames, slides, and mini obstacle courses to conquer, giving them plenty of opportunities to burn off some of that seemingly endless energy. There are tables in here too, giving grown up feet a chance to rest. Again, access to the soft-play is £4.50 or 1 ‘Play’ from a Play Pass.
But by far the best thing about the soft play is it’s location. If you’re not a soft play person, just like me, you can easily avoid it. It’s not visible from the main play zone at all. There have been times where my eldest would have been too small to go in alone, but my youngest would have been best staying asleep in a pram. Having it hidden inside is a great move, allowing parents to choose something different that really suits their family’s needs.
After all that playing, you’ll need to recharge. The Ice Cream Farm offers a variety of food options, from light bites to more substantial meals, all family-friendly of course. At Sticky Paws, you can grab anything from pizzas to salads, while the Pit Stop Café serves up quick snacks and refreshments.
After lunch, you might feel refreshed enough for a spot of mini golf at Strawberry Falls. The park’s adventure golf course will bring out your competitive side while you all navigate through fun, ice cream-themed obstacles. Imagine a volcano full of strawberry ice cream sauce. If you weren’t craving a 99 before the game, you will be by the end.
Round the corner from this is one of our other favourite attractions – Gemstone Cove. Again, it’s the standard £4.50 to enter, or 1 ‘Play’ from your Play Pass. Here you and your crew can grab a sieve and pan for ‘gold’, or some colourful little gems, within streams of water.
The set up is great – everyone can reach the sand and gems – and there’s plenty of space for everyone, including prams. You’re even given a little gift bag to store your gems in and yes, you can take them home (where they will be scattered across your living room and end up wedged in the vacuum, so I’d highly advise they go straight outside into your own sandpit or mud kitchen…)
Another standout attraction is Scoop JCB, where kids can hop aboard a mini digger and scoop away to their heart’s content in mountains of sand. They’ll feel like real construction workers as they maneuver their vehicles. It’s hands-on, active, and tons of fun for little ones who love vehicles and machines.
If you’re visiting with younger children, you’ll find plenty of toddler-friendly activities too. Mini Tractors is an absolute hit with the littlest guests, where they can hop on pint-sized tractors and cruise around their very own mini-farm.
For parents of children with special needs, The Ice Cream Farm also hosts SEN sessions, providing a quieter, more relaxed environment so everyone can enjoy their day at their own pace.
Throughout the year, they also put on some fantastic seasonal events, from Santa’s Grotto at Christmas to themed Halloween Spooktaculars. These events add an extra layer of fun and make it an excellent choice for special occasions like birthdays or school holidays.
Bonfire Night promises a display of quiet fireworks – perfect for those with little, sensitive ears.
There’s so much I haven’t managed to mention here – little glimmers that make this place so much more enjoyable than it’s alternatives. A special shout out to the raised picnic platforms in the outdoor pizza restaurant, where you can picnic on grass together under a pagoda. We also love the ‘bouncy marshmallow’, as my kids call it – a huge inflatable pillow that toddlers and older kids can enjoy together.
As always, exit is through a gift shop. It’s my only criticism of the place but you can see why they do it! If you’re not just marching your kids straight through, check out the ice cream tubs in the freezer where you can buy litres of your favourite flavours, not just scoops!
Find out more about The Ice Cream Farm!
