The day the Gruffalo came to life at Moors Valley
Today we were one of the first to visit a new augmented reality trail at Moors Valley.
The self-led trail is packed with fun facts about forest animals with fantastic activities to enjoy along the way and is completely free to do although you can purchase an additional activity pack at the visitor centre for an extra £3 if you choose.
To take part simply download the Gruffalo Spotter app before you visit which brings Julia Donaldson’s fabulous Gruffalo to life along the trail by simply reading the special code at selected points along the trail.
The really clever bit is that once you’ve spotted the characters you can use the app to bring the 3D character animations to life and take photos alongside them.
If you have done any of the Gruffalo trails at Moors Valley you will know how much fun they are and this one takes a different route through the forest to previous trails and is clearly marked with arrows to follow and clues to find.
The clues follow the story, introducing us to the mouse first, although you have to find a few clues first before each creature is able to be identified.
We found the mouse first and opened up the Gruffalo Spotter app, pointed it at the footprint marker and excitedly watched as Mouse appeared before our very eyes. The app even lets you take a photo!
The trail takes you through the forest and can be bumpy and muddy in places so wellies are ideal, especially after rain.
As soon as Sebby spotted the footprint marker he wanted to watch my phone as the animal appeared before our very eyes and the next one on the list was Fox.
The start of the trail is in the picnic area behind the Go Ape shelter and is just over 1 mile in length.
The clues included binocular shaped signs to look though, spinning wheels to identify each creature a final reveal of each animal.
The trail is aimed at young children and took us around 85 minutes to complete without needing to use the Gruffalo Activity Kit, which I would recommend getting if taking older children or a group around the trail.
The Activity kit contains an evidence collection bag; 5 fact and activity cards; stickers of the Gruffalo characters; a special magnifying glass; ruler and a pencil and I have saved ours for when we go with all the kids in the Easter holidays.
Did we find the Gruffalo?
Of course we did and he was HUGE!!!!!
We love Moors Valley anyway is it is packed full of fun things to do with the family including two parks, a miniature railway, play trail, nature trails and Go Ape and this trail certainly adds to the fun.
With warmer weather around the corner, pack a picnic, don your wellies and have a full day of fun at Moors Valley, you won’t be disappointed!
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too
We are looking forward to visiting our local Forestry Commission site over Easter
Fiona Cambouropoulos
I’ve never been to Moors Valley but I feel as though I have as I’ve read so many lovely posts from there over the years. The new Gruffalo trail is really clever and wow to the pictures, it really brings the characters to life. I should think there is a lot of persuading kids to stand randomly and then showing them the photo straight after so they can see why they were standing with nothing appearing to be there. Once they get the hang of it I should think it is great fun and a lovely woods to explore too.
Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
Kara
Sebby loved watching the character appear in the app before moving around to pose next to the sign. It is amazing seeing their imaginations at play with it
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill
I love this – it’s like being the star of your own animation movie!! What a great, modern day out!
Erica Price
What a great way to make a walk in the woods truly special! Love it.
Jen
This looks like the perfect kind of adventure my little boy would love. We do a regular forest trail when we can, and he really enjoys it, but with the added bonus of The Gruffalo, what could be better?
five little doves
Oh wow this is amazing! Sounds like such a fab day out, we did a Gruffalo trail last year but it wasn’t anywhere near as good as this!
Joanna
Oh I’d love to take Blake to something like this I think he would love it. I’ve never been to moors valley but it looks like a fab place to visit.
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love)
We’ve not yet tried this app out but it’s definitely on our list of things to do. What a brilliant way of bringing the book to life whilst encouraging children to get out and explore. I love that you can also take photos too. The Gruffalo you found was huge and I love that you got to meet a cuddly one as well as a virtual reality one! #countrykids
Mumonthebrink
What a great way to let the younger ones explore the woods! 85 minutes is a good length for little ones too.
Looking forward to trying this app soon.
Sunrise and Saturdays
What a great place! I’m planning our summer holiday down that way so will try and squeeze in a visit : )
Suzy McCullough
oh my goodness, this looks so much fun. I can’t wait to go ourselves. I’m a bit apprehensive about the app not working though as I know Sherwood forest doesn’t have the best mobile reception. We are in the woods after all. Did you have any issues?
Kara
It doesn’t need 4G to work but do make sure you download it before you go
Sonia Cave
This looks so amazing and such fun to do. We used to live not far from there and visited it often so know the place is truly lovely, but this adds another whole level of fun to a day there! #countrykidsfun
angela hamilton
oh my goodness this looks like so much fun!! My kids would absolutely love this!! Great photos x
The Princess and The Pickle
Moors Valley is great, we love it there and it looks like the new trail is a fab addition.
Emma Raphael
Sebby looks like he had the best day, what a fabulous idea! I really love the sound of this! Off to check out how far away Moor Valley Park is from us! 😀
Holly (Little Pickle's Mom)
This looks absolutely brilliant! I’ve already found out where our nearest trail is and can’t wait to take Pickle along. May have to wait until he’s a bit older until he can appreciate it though but I reckon my foster brothers would LOVE it!
Ana De- Jesus
I love the use of the animation and Moor Valley looks like a great place to explore. Glad you found the Gruffalo in the end x
MrsS
This looks like such fun!! My little ones would love it -it is such a great idea. Lovely photos too x
Anosa
Wow this is such an awesome experience. Looks like your kid really had a good time.
Lindsey
We love the gruffalo and did not realise they had a theme park outing my daughter would love this
Penny Alexander
Sooooooo cute! Fab pics! And so grown up, still remember you with a baby at Camp Bestival!
Natalia
omg! such a nice activity! technology and nature together to make children enjoy and learn! I love it!! xx
Fi Ni Neachtain
What a great trail to do with the little ones. I love that the story literally comes to life in front of their eyes 🙂
Sonia
This looks awesome! We absolutely love the Gruffalo x
Kate Williams
I’m so excited about this – we’re going to give it a go over the summer.