Dexter the Dragon
Daily Kids Trail in the Woodland
Follow Dexter’s journey and see if he triumphs despite his fiery antics. Along the way, join in the fun by taking on the summer challenge badges yourself. Complete them all to earn a special dragon prize!
Our summer trail is perfect for children aged 3-8 years. We’ve also created a separate trail booklet specifically designed for 9-12 year olds, ensuring our woodland adventure is engaging for all.
Cost: £4 per trail, plus Garden admission to include a prize. Free to Members (Child or Family Memberships).
Roarsome Summer Activities
Get ready for a summer packed with roarsome adventures! Join us on selected days throughout the holidays for thrilling dinosaur and dragon-themed activities guaranteed to keep children entertained. The activities will take place inside our Garden Marquee and additional charges apply (including members) – don’t miss out, spaces are limited so booking is recommended.
Thursday 25th July
2.5 hour sessions
at 10:00am and 1:30pm
Workshop: Create a Dinosaur Animation Film
Explore the magic of stop-motion animation using plasticine, card and other materials.
During the 2.5 hour session, make a film about dinosaurs, mastering storyboarding and participating in every aspect of the filmmaking process. Following completion, the finished film will be available for download on Vimeo, allowing viewing at home.
Suitable for children aged 7+
Cost: £20 per child – including Members. Tickets include admission. Supervised session – adults only need to attend in exceptional circumstances.
Friday 26th July
90 minute sessions
at 10:00am, 11:45am and 2:00pm
The Big Dragon Sculpture Workshop
Help us create a big dragon sculpture for our dragon trail using a variety of recycled materials, paints, collage materials and found objects.
Throughout the day, each group will add to the sculpture – progressing to a final piece which will be on display throughout the summer holidays. During the session, children will also be able to decorate their own small dragon head puppet, to make and take home!
Suitable for children aged 5-12 years.
Cost: £12 per child, plus admission – including Members. Children under 8 to be accompanied by an adult.
Tuesday 30th July
30 minute sessions
at 10:00am and 2:00pm
Clay Modelling:
Dinosaurs & Dragons
Come along and have fun using clay to make models of dinosaurs and dragons.
During this craft session, enjoy creating your favourite dinosaur or making dragons of all shapes and sizes to take home. You could even make dinosaur footprints, fossils or dragon eyes!
All materials are provided.
Suitable for children aged 5-12 years.
Cost: £5 per child, plus admission – including Members.
Children need to be accompanied by an adult.
Dino Day – Saturday 3rd August
Step into the roaring excitement of the prehistoric era at Dino Day! Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable adventure featuring two thrilling shows: “Dinotastic Dinosaurs” and “Meet a T-Rex!”. Don’t miss out, spaces are limited so booking is recommended.
Saturday 3rd August
30 minute sessions at 10:00am and 1:30pm
Interactive Show: Dinotastic Dinosaurs!
An exciting and fun interactive talk for children, that brings the wonderful world of dinosaurs to life. Our dinosaur rangers will share their amazing knowledge of dinosaurs and fossils including demonstrations of their incredible collection of real dinosaur and fossil relics and models. Join us for a unique Jurassic-park experience – you may even meet a couple of small dinosaurs!
Suitable for children aged 5+
Cost: £10 per child, plus Garden admission – including Members. Due to limited space, we can only allow entry to the show for one adult per child ticket.
Saturday 3rd August
30 minute sessions at 11:00am and 2:00pm
Interactive Show: Meet T-Rex!
A ROARSOME opportunity to encounter a moving T-Rex! Find out lots of great T-Rex facts from its handler – witness its feeding, hear its mighty roars, and enjoy its playful antics – you might even get the chance to touch it! Please be aware that the T-Rex is an animatronic puppet and will be safely positioned behind a chain barrier in the marquee.
Suitable for children aged 5+
Cost: £10 per child, plus Garden admission – including Members. Due to limited space, we can only allow entry to the show for one adult per child ticket.
More Roarsome Summer Activities
Our activities will take place inside the Garden Marquee and additional charges apply (including members) – spaces are limited so booking is recommended.
Wednesday 7th August
45 minute sessions
at 10:00am and 11:15am
Dino & Dragon Drawing Workshop
Join Tony De Saulles, the illustrator behind Horrible Science, for an entertaining drawing session featuring dinosaurs and dragons. Learn cartooning tips and some Horrible Science facts as you watch and copy. By the end you’ll have drawn your very own ‘horrible’ mini-masterpieces to take home. Children 6 and under will need guardian guidance, but it’s always fun when parents participate too!
Suitable for children aged 5+
Cost: £8 per child, plus admission – including Members. Due to limited space, we can only allow entry for one adult per child ticket.
Wednesday 14th August
45 minute sessions
at 10:30am and 11:45am
Storytelling & Craft Making: The Dragon’s Pearl
Join our storyteller, during an interactive story session, as she retells a captivating Chinese folktale about a young boy who finds a shining stone. What he doesn’t realise is that he has picked up a rare pearl that belongs to a dragon. Discover how the pearl changes the life of the boy and those around him before the dragon asks for its return. Will the boy give it back?
Following the story, enjoy a fun-filled dragon-themed craft session that includes making and decorating a special holder for your own dragon’s pearl and creating a range of dragon models and puppets.
Suitable for children aged 5-11 years
Cost: £8 per child, plus admission – including Members.
Tuesday 20th August
30 minute sessions
at 10:30am and 11:30am
Fossil Detectives:
Interactive Talk & Activities
Join our Fossil Detective as he unearths the secrets of fossils – their origins, types, and age. Explore the world of paleontology, including incredible finds from across the globe, and dinosaur discoveries in Cuckfield and Borde Hill!
Following the talk, unleash your inner detective with hands-on activities such as holding and examining real and replica fossils, fossil rubbing, drawing, completing a ‘Fossil Detective’ activity sheet, and playing a fun ‘match the fossil to the creature’ game.
Suitable for children aged 6-11 years
Cost: £5 per child, plus admission – including Members.
Saturday 31st August
30 minute sessions
at 10:30am and 1:30pm
Puppet Show:
Whispering Smith
A very shy creature gets stuck up a tree and has to find his voice so he can get help. Luckily the woodland animals know where they can find someone magical to come to his rescue.
Featuring interactive puppet theatre, captivating storytelling, and a touch of magic, this enchanting show promises to be a memorable experience for children and their families.
Suitable for children aged 2-8 years
Cost: £5 per child, plus admission – including Members.
Due to limited space, we can only allow entry for one adult per child ticket.
Saturday 31st August
30 minute sessions
at 11:30am and 2:30pm
Puppet Show:
Wildwood Tales
Curious about the mysteries of the animal kingdom? Join Charlie the fox and his woodland pals as they unveil the secrets of animal habitats, habits, and hobbies. Delve into the world of dragons and learn the distinctions between a stoat and a weasel.
Developed in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, London, this engaging show promises fascinating facts, colourful hand-made puppets and a generous sprinkle of silliness!
Suitable for children aged 2-8 years
Cost: £5 per child, plus admission – including Members. Due to limited space, we can only allow entry for one adult per child ticket.
