Mini Moose Land at Chill Factore
We're huge fans of Chill Factore, next to the Trafford Centre in Manchester. It's one of our favourite places to go when we fancy something a bit different and you can't beat the opportunity to enjoy snow play on a bright Summer's day as we did a few weeks ago when we went along to the launch of Mini Moose Land - the newly updated and renovated Snow Play area for the under-5s.
We've been to play in the snow quite a few times, including last Christmas when we went to Santa's Grotto, but this was the first time LM had been able to play in the snow alongside her big brother. We arrived at Chill Factore and got in to our rented snow clothes (additional fee applies) then it was time to play in the snow!
A fair bit has changed since last time we went. The carousel has moved and there is a brand new Curling rink for your little ones to try out the Winter Olympics sport. There is far more of a hill for the little ones to sledge and tube on. It's nothing like the large hill in the Snow Park but it's lots of fun for the under fives. There is also a brand new play house (Mini Moose's home) and the opportunity to meet Mini Moose at certain times. Special mention for the staff who were on duty when we visited, they were so helpful, especially the guy who was helping with the Curling Rink, he was very patient with all the little ones who wanted to try it out. For the record, it's much harder than it looks!
We thoroughly enjoyed our Snow Play at Chill Factore this time, it was LM's first real opportunity to get out in the snow following our mild Winter last year and it was fun to see what she made of it. She wasn't too impressed to begin with but soon started to enjoy herself with Daddy pushing her on the larger foam pieces. It's worth noting that the snow clothes for hire start at age 3 so, if you have a two year old you will need their own snowsuit to protect them from the snow. All children must wear gloves too, the snow hurts if you touch it as it's so cold.
Chill Factore have recently launched a Play 'n' Cake session for parents and their under 4s to visit Mini Moose Land on a Friday morning between 9:30am and 12:30pm. The session costs £14 for parent and child and includes the chance to warm up in the Mont Blanc cafe with a hot drink and cake for the parent, and cookie for the little one after your snow session.
Snow Play in Mini Moose Land is available every day with prices starting at £5 for an hour's play. The Carousel only operates during Play 'n' Cake and at weekends. Children must be walking to play although babes in arms can be carried in. It's really important to wrap up warmly, especially for little ones as it is cold again.
We love Snow Play at Chill Factore and I'm sure it won't be long until we return again, hopefully at Christmas to see the great Grotto!
Disclosure: We visited Chill Factore as their guests and received complimentary entry and clothing hire.
