INVERARITY FARM FIELD GUIDE
Muddy Explorers Winter POP UP — Hands‑on farm sessions for curious 3–12 year olds in Inverarity
One‑hour, family‑focused farm sessions where children feed animals, explore a working livestock farm and make seasonal crafts — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Muddy Explorers Winter POP UP — Hands‑on farm sessions for curious 3–12 year olds in Inverarity.
At Newton Farm in Inverarity, Muddy Explorers condenses a season’s worth of farm life into a lively, hour‑long pop‑up: children help feed animals, explore the working farm, spot wildlife and turn feathers, leaves and wool into take‑home crafts in The Cart Shed. Designed for ages 3–12, the sessions emphasize sensory outdoor play, real‑world learning about where food comes from and confidence‑building through small practical tasks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close encounters with livestock in winter
Sessions give children hands‑on experience with animal feeding and basic animal care on a working livestock farm, offering a real view of winter farm routines and how animals are looked after.
Crafts and storytelling from farm finds
After outdoor exploration, The Cart Shed hosts creative activities where natural materials gathered on the farm are transformed into keepsakes — a sensory, hands‑on way to link discoveries to imagination and fine‑motor skills.
Confidence, teamwork and nature literacy
Small, mixed‑age groups promote turn‑taking, vocabulary growth and resilience as children tackle mini challenges like feeding animals and celebrating ‘I did it!’ moments while building friendships.
What the day feels like
What the hour feels like
The session moves between outdoor, whole‑body play and focused activity in sheltered spaces: a welcome, short guided exploration of the farm and livestock, hands‑on feeding and simple animal‑care tasks, then crafts or storytelling in The Cart Shed using feathers, leaves and wool — all designed to keep children active, engaged and connected to the farming calendar.
THE FARMYARD
Close encounters with livestock in winter
Sessions give children hands‑on experience with animal feeding and basic animal care on a working livestock farm, offering a real view of winter farm routines and how animals are looked after.
THE CART SHED
Crafts and storytelling from farm finds
After outdoor exploration, The Cart Shed hosts creative activities where natural materials gathered on the farm are transformed into keepsakes — a sensory, hands‑on way to link discoveries to imagination and fine‑motor skills.
SKILLS & SOCIALS
Confidence, teamwork and nature literacy
Small, mixed‑age groups promote turn‑taking, vocabulary growth and resilience as children tackle mini challenges like feeding animals and celebrating ‘I did it!’ moments while building friendships.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of Muddy Explorers — and who should take extra care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sessions run as one‑hour pop‑ups tied to the farming calendar; seasonal activities change with farm routines, so expect different discoveries across the year.
Wear layered, weather‑appropriate clothing and old trainers, wellies or sturdy boots for uneven or muddy terrain. Optional snacks or a picnic are allowed but must be consumed in designated areas after handwashing.
Handwashing stations are located near activity areas and The Cart Shed; thorough handwashing is required before eating or after animal contact. Plush toys are not suitable near animals; ASN children may bring washable fidget items or ear defenders.
All activities must be booked online in advance. Sessions have strictly limited numbers for farm safety; if a session is full contact the farm to enquire about extra places.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the Wee Angus Adventurers option?
From June to December 2025 Newton Farm is collaborating with three other Angus farms on a Wee Angus Adventurers Farm Trail Passport: book at each farm for a child aged 3–12 choosing the Wee Angus Adventurer option, receive a sticker at each farm and claim a farm‑focused reward on completion; organisers hope to repeat this in 2026.
I can’t book a child ticket. What should I do?
Select at least one adult ticket first during booking — the child option then becomes available because children cannot attend without an accompanying adult. Infants (0–1) are free but must still be booked in. Supervision ratio is 1 adult per 2 children.
I can't book an additional adult ticket. What should I do?
Muddy Explorers keeps numbers strictly limited for farm safety and spots often fill fast; contact Farmer Lou to see if an extra place is possible or to enquire about booking an additional adult.
Can I bring a pram or stroller?
Yes — the farm is child‑friendly and prams or strollers are welcome, though some paths may be uneven or muddy so suitable wheels are recommended.
Can I bring a dog?
Yes — dogs are permitted if kept on a lead at all times; if farm animals show signs of distress you may need to keep your distance, and you should include your dog when booking so the farm can accommodate your visit.
Do you have a café?
The Cart Shed offers hot drinks, a small selection of hot food and home baking, but it is only available to visitors attending tours and events and is not open as a walk‑in café.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — all activities must be booked online in advance. Spaces are limited and session times are planned around the farm’s daily work to protect animal welfare and the quality of the visitor experience.
Is the farm accessible and wheelchair‑friendly?
The farm strives to be accessible; many areas including The Cart Shed and key activity spaces are wheelchair‑accessible and there is an accessible toilet with baby‑changing facilities. From February 2026 a wheelchair‑accessible trailer will extend offerings; contact Farmer Lou with specific access questions.