DINOSAURS have invaded Hatton Adventure World this Whitsun Half Term.
The animal kingdom has been transformed into a Junior Jurassic prehistoric playground full of dinosaurs and discovery.
We were given the chance to travel back in time to admire the extraordinary creatures and discover the wonders of the Jurassic period.
The activities from crazy golf to a dinosaur dig it managed to keep away the ‘I’m bored’ chimes.
Life-sized walking dinosaurs take centre stage in the main area from the baby dinosaurs that were fawned over or the terrifying Tyrannosaurus and Spinosaurus who wowed the crowds.
There’s even a touch of panto hitting Hatton with the family dinosaur show which saw Professor Zoobee create a bespoke dinosaur chosen by the audience on his machine.
In the show audiences meet a baby velocoraptor and Scar the Spinosaurus who did a well choreographed ‘it’s behind you moment’ with ranger Laura before discovering there’s something not quite right with the dinosaur making machine.
We also met Tiny the Tyrannosaurus who needed help from the children, and adults alike to perfect his roar.
So with scary faces and big dinosaur claws at the ready the audience – including my eldest who claimed he was ‘too cool’ – showed Tiny how it was done.
The Junior Jurassic is in addition to the usual activities and fun that can be had at Hatton.
Having the chance to get up close, cuddle and feed animals is a firm favourite activity in my house.
So when given the chance to have a guinea pig on their lap in Guinea Pig village my two were already there sat down nicely waiting to be handed one of the furry residents for a cuddle.
And with the children sat quietly it gives the adults a few moments to re-group from chasing the little ones around.
Back up and about there’s the tails and scales section where snakes and ghekos can be seen and handled.
Outside there’s even more to see with goats, sheep, pigs and alpacas waiting for fusses from visitors.
There’s also the Sheep Grand National where visitors get the chance to back a sheep who take on the course complete with jumps.
The Tractor Ride around the farm is also a hit – not only because visitors get to see life on the farm and the animals who like to be away from the crowds like the Highland Cow and her three-week old calf – but also because of the tour guide given by the drivers.
Our driver not only took us off the track to see the adorable cow and calf but also entertained the children with games, questions and facts.
And of course, no tractor ride around Hatton is complete without a trip passed smelly poo mountain, through the stinky puddle or cheering Trevor the tractor up the big hill.
