Little Thirsk – Indoor Role Play Village
Packed with playful spaces to explore, children can step into different roles, get creative and enjoy hours of pretend play.
Outdoor Play Areas
Recently upgraded, the main outdoor play and picnic area is a fantastic large open space with plenty of tables, perfect for families to enjoy time relaxing, whilst the kids can enjoy time climbing and exploring.
We have a large sandpit for digging and building, we provide buckets and spades too.
We also have a second play area down by the lake which has a zip wire, play fort and swings. A hand wash area and animal feed station are also located nearby.
Train Ride & Air Bouncers
‘The Monk Park Express’, which is a gentle ride for all ages, is free to ride. Check the notice boards for operating times.
Our 2 giant Air Bouncers are great fun and provide a unique bouncing experience at a low level and they are suitable for all ages… but you might need a drink or ice cream after burning off all those calories!
Indoor Petting Barn
Our indoor petting barn is open daily.
Get up close with Guinea Pigs, baby Chicks, our Hen and Rabbits.
Depending on the time of year you can also see baby sheep, goats, llamas and pigs.
Check the notice boards for timings.
Bottle Feeding Arena
Situated next to the Animal Barn, you’ll find our new Bottle Feeding Arena.
Here you can take part in seasonal activities such as Wakey Wakey, giving you the chance to get up close and help bottle feed our lambs.
Please check the notice board in the entrance courtyard on arrival for times, location and availability.
Snuggle a Snout 🐷✨
Don’t miss one of our most loved activities – Pig Snuggling!
Available daily during spring and early summer, this gentle and heartwarming experience gives visitors the chance to get up close and cuddle our friendly micro pigs.
It’s included with your admission and always a firm favourite with families – a perfect mix of calm, cuteness, and unforgettable memories.
Heads-up: Our pigs’ wellbeing comes first, so sessions can pause at short notice. Before you travel, check our socials or drop us an email to confirm that Pig Snuggling is running.
The Barrel Ride
Our fantastic barrel ride operates at various times throughout the day depending on demand. Take a mini safari ride through the Deer and Llama park pulled by a vintage red tractor or ATV. (At additional cost)
Tractor Town – Pedal Ride-Ons
Head over to Tractor Town, where little farmers can jump on our pedal ride-on tractors and get moving.
Perfect for burning off some energy, it’s a fun, hands-on way for children to explore and play.
(This is still a bit of a ‘work in progress’ which will get even better in the coming weeks!)
Construction Zone – Diggers
Get stuck into our Construction Zone, where little builders can take control of our pay-and-play diggers.
With two diggers to hop on, it’s the perfect hands-on activity for those who love to scoop, dig and build.
Electric Fun Rides
Our latest attraction – take the wheel of one of fabulous electric ride-on vehicles. Suitable for all ages but younger children will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Our Rides have contactless payment systems
Pig Racing
These specially trained racing pigs have been preparing all year for their moment in the spotlight and can’t wait to show our guests how speedy they are! Miniature pigs are used for racing as they tend to be quicker and more nimble – it’s really something to watch them go!
The circular track, complete with jumps and tunnels, has been constructed as part of our ongoing programme of improvements and new additions.
Before the race, place your bets to be in with a chance of winning a prize if your chosen pig wins the race. Each zippy piggie will wear a coloured bib so you can keep an eye on their progress as they dash towards the finish line.
The pig racing at Monk Park Farm is part of the general admission fee. All bets are free. Races will take place up to three times a day, with times displayed on the notice at the entrance and by the track which is just past the pond.
As with everything we do on the farm, the welfare of our animals is our highest priority. Racing times may therefore vary, and different pigs will take part in different races to ensure they all get a good rest in between. The piggies generally love racing as it give them fresh air and exercise, as well as a lovely treat at the end. But if we ever think any of them are not enjoying the racing or are too tired, we won’t race them.
Check the signs at reception or petting barn for race times on the day of your visit – During the winter months, Pig Racing might not be available every day.
Foam Parties
During the summer months we will be holding foam parties next to the marquee – there will be changing rooms available so make sure you bring a change of clothes or swimwear and a towel.
The Woodland Walk
Your chance to explore with a relaxing walk around the park, discover Llamas, Alpacas, Sheep, Goats and an array of other animals. Take a walk through our Woodland Walk along side Balk Beck.
We have been working hard to make our footpaths more accessible for pushchairs and wheelchair users, the Woodland Walk has been upgraded with a new loose stone path which will make access easier for all visitors. We appreciate your patience while we improve this area of the Park.
On busy days we may have to restrict the numbers of children in the Petting Barn to protect the young animals.