This afternoon little Michael & I took a spin over to the Plant & Play Wildlife Garden, just outside Bangor, very close to Donaghadee Garden Centre. If you are stuck for a day trip idea this coming summer, you can book a morning or afternoon at the Garden and leave your little ones in the hands of Vikki, the gardening expert.

You can relax at the shady picnic table area as your children play and learn.

The first activity was bug hunting. We found slugs and spiders, much to the other little boy who was there's delight!

Vikki has a fab way with children, and they listened as she pointed out the various vegetables and fruit growing in the planters.

The garden also has a gorgeous willow tree dome, which the children ran through as they caught bubbles in their nets.

We then went inside for a while to the bright education and craft space. There is a fun, grass carpeted playroom with cushions, cuddlies & blow up snakes and ladders.

Then came the part my Michael loves the best, crafts! He absolutely loves being artistic. The kids made paper flowers and flapping butterflies.

Vikki led us outside again for more play & a go on the outdoor musical instruments.

Vikki helped each child plant a spinach plant to take home, and gave them a work booklet to record how it grows, encouraging us to send it via Facebook to their page.

Next Vikki passed the kids sheets with silhouettes of various animal paw prints, and they searched the soil for tracks. She showed us where a fox arrives and sleeps in the long grass.

The last activity was guessing what certain plants smell like. I had to have a go at this myself!

We had to leave a little early, as you can stay and play from 2-4.30pm and Vikki was getting them set up to do some helpful weed digging as we went. There's a morning session too 10-12.30pm, but all visits must be pre-booked. There is ample free parking at the site.

I highly recommend an afternoon at the Plant and Play Garden, we were there for 90 mins and had a very relaxing time. Refreshments are also available, and raised beds for nurseries who don't have outside space to rent.

Vikki can also hold parties here if you fancy a unique birthday treat. Just give her a shout on Facebook.