Come along with your child to enjoy our outdoor setting, feel connected to nature and learn together. Through a combination of child-led play and educator led activities there is something for everyone. Learn about the seasons and the amazing wildlife that call Ness their home. Little acorns aims to be a welcoming, fun and safe space for you to enjoy nature together.
Sessions run weekly during term-time. Booking is essential.
**November and December dates now live**
The cost of the session is £4, plus admission to the gardens for adults.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please provide information about any allergens or additional needs at time of booking. If you would like to discuss any additional needs please feel free to get in touch with Ellie, Learning and engagement Manager on ehill22@liverpool.ac.uk
Please note the £4 charge is non-refundable.
FAQs
Who are Little Acorns Suitable for?
Little Acorns is most suitable for grown-ups with children from 1-4 years, however babies in arms are more than welcome. For the children to get the most out of the session they should be stable on their feet to explore the outdoor setting, however all children 4 and under are welcome.
Each child must be accompanied by an adult.
The session will involve both child-led activities and educator-led activities.
Why have we included child-led activities?
This is an opportunity for your child to choose what they would like to play with. You can play with your child, follow their lead and play together. They may choose to play with a different thing each week or they may like the familiarity of the same objects. It is their choice, they can follow their interests. Child-led play has been found to help promote confidence, self-esteem and problem solving.
Our trained educators and volunteers will also be on hand with a seasonal activity each week.
Where in the gardens will the workshop be held?
The Little Acorns sessions will be held in the Spinney woodland at Ness Botanic Gardens. We will have a Little Acorns base in the woodland and an undercover Roundhouse for the winter months.
Some sessions may explore other areas of the gardens.
Where do we go on the day?
One of our education staff or volunteers will meet you outside the Visitor centre.
It is approximately a 5-10-minute walk down to the woodland. We advise using the toilet facilities in the Visitor centre before making your way down as there aren’t any other facilities nearby.
The session will be based in the woodland. Some sessions may involve exploring other areas of the garden as we learn about the different seasons.
Do we need to bring anything?
The Little Acorns sessions will be outdoors. We advise you dress appropriately for the weather.
Anything you bring with you, you will need to carry as we explore or leave at your own risk at the Little Acorns base. There is no storage in the woodland for bags or personal belongings.
When does it run?
Little acorns runs on selected dates weekly during term time.
Sessions will run from 10.30-12.00 or 13.00-14.30. See the booking page for dates.
There will be no session during the school half term holidays as other family activities are on offer at the gardens. A reduced timetable is offered over the summer holidays.
Sessions will run whatever the weather! We cannot guarantee the planned activities. There may be times in extreme cases if the Gardens are closed that we may need to cancel a session. We will make every effort to let you know with as much notice as possible if this is the case. Please ensure you provide contact details during the booking process for us to be able to get hold of you. If you think this seems likely please feel free to contact the gardens before you set off for the session.
How much does it cost? Is there a discount for members?
Non-members
Non-members will need to pay for access to the gardens. Admission prices can be found here: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/ness-gardens/visit,us/ticket-prices/
The Little acorns sessions cost £4 per child. There is no additional charge for the adult to attend the session.
Members
Members will receive free entry into the garden with their membership.
The Little acorns sessions cost £4 per child. There is no additional charge for the adult to attend the session.
How to book?
Booking is essential as there are limited places per session, if your circumstances change please cancel your reservation to make it available for another family.
You can reserve a space on a Little acorns session via Eventbrite, you then pay on the day as you enter the garden.
Back to: Ness Botanic Gardens