The Cheshire countryside’s all-weather play attraction and “world-first” drive-in has a summer of fun scheduled for the 2024 school holidays.
Kicking off the six-week break are celebrations to mark National Ice Cream Day (21st July), with The Ice Cream Farm dishing out free tasters of Cheshire Farm Ice Cream’s award-winning flavours, and launching ten days of half-price entry.
Circus Skills Workshops on the 27th and 28th July will see visitors able to try their hand at juggling and plate spinning, before feasting on freshly-made popcorn. And a new attraction will open for summer 2024 at The Ice Cream Farm: Sweet Success. Here the whole family can attempt to beat the timer to discover a hidden recipe in this sweet shop-themed escape room.
Charities and emergency services are also onsite on selected days in the school holidays to educate families on everything from sun protection to fire safety.
“The Ice Cream Farm is a unique Cheshire attraction where families can choose to spend a full day to experience a dozen different play areas. Or pop in for a reduced price later in the afternoon to enjoy a single attraction,” said Owner and CEO Jonathan Fell. “The fact our visitors can set their own budget ensures choice, and is a business model which aims to make a trip to The Ice Cream Farm inclusive for all families.”
Home to the world’s largest ice cream shop and Europe’s biggest indoor sand and water play area, The Ice Cream Farm is a one-of-a-kind day out for kids. Highlights include Gemstone Cove to sift for treasure; mini-Defenders to drive across Rocky Road; and The Loft, where older kids have access to all-inclusive games.
From the 21st-31st July The Ice Cream Farm will be offering 50% off entry tickets for visitors, with free entrance for members during the same period.
“We know that the six weeks of summer can take their toll on family finances,” said Jonathan. “So we hope this offer, and the free extras we have scheduled, help to make a trip to The Ice Cream Farm more affordable for parents and carers of school-age children.”
Next door to The Ice Cream Farm is The Ice Cream Drive In, the first service of its kind anywhere in the world. Here, drivers and cyclists can pull over by the lake, choose and pay for their order on their phone, then have their Cheshire Farm Ice Cream delivered to them via golf buggy to enjoy in their vehicle or in one of the comfy deck chairs. The Ice Cream Drive In will be promoting its own summer offers in the coming weeks.
“The Ice Cream Drive In is perfect for a low cost treat during the summer holidays,” added Jonathan. “It’s free to enter, there are farm animals to spot, and on sunny days you can recline by the lake under a sun shade, surrounded by wildflowers and with the sound of the fountain in the background.”
Visitors to The Ice Cream Farm during the summer holidays can take advantage of its annual Free Return offer too; where entry tickets bought within certain dates qualify for free return tickets this winter.
Following the success of last year’s Quiet Fireworks event for Bonfire Night, tickets have recently gone on sale for 2024. On Friday 1st November The Ice Cream Farm will host Fireworks and Fun; a low-noise, family-friendly fireworks spectacle, which includes entry, a play on one of the attractions and the fireworks finale at 5.30pm, priced at just £10 per child (£5 for adults).
Earlier in the year The Ice Cream Farm announced its charity partnership with The Joshua Tree, with recent support including a Stay & Play session for beneficiary families of the childhood cancer charity. The Tattenhall attraction also hosts regular SEN Sessions, where entrance is only open to children with Special Educational Needs and their families.