What and where?: Monk Park Visitor Centre, at Bagby, near Thirsk.

Why?: My boys are 18 months and four and loved Monk Park Farm, which offers plenty of opportunities to meet the animals, take a leisurely walk and enjoy the wildlife in a safe environment. On our visit, we went straight to the main animal shed armed with two bags of animal feed (50p each). Starting small, we befriended the guinea pigs which were nonplussed about being handled as they munched on carrots. Close by, ducklings snuggled under a heat lamp, while the goats were straining to reach their visitors – and food bags – through their pen rails. A kid had been born just hours before, while there were also piglets and pigs, sheep, calves and chinchillas.

At lamb feeding time (twice daily), visitors waited outside in a semi-circle, into which the animals made a hungry dash, in search of bottles of milk held out by the children. It is quite an experience, and this is a great time to visit to see the young animals. Outside there are donkeys, highland and longhorn cattle, fallow deer, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, as well as rheas (a bit like ostriches), wallabies, ducks, geese and hens. There is also a lake, a nature trail and play areas including a huge sandpit, sit-on tractors, and motorised go-karts (£1 a go). New for 2011 are the barrel rides. To make a day of it, take a picnic – there are tables outside – or enjoy refreshments from the café or shop.

When? Open every day until October 31, 10am to 5pm.

How much? Adults £5.50, children (two-15 years) £4.50, adult season ticket £28, child season ticket £24, senior citizen season ticket £24.

Getting there: From York, take the A19 north towards Thirsk; take the right turn for Bagby, Balk and Kilburn, then at the top of Bagby village, turn left and drive half a mile. Monk Park is on the right and is well signposted en route.

More information: Phone 01845 597730, visit monkparkfarm.co.uk or email enquiries@monkparkfarm.co.uk