With the summer holidays in full swing, Bolton Council’s fostering team asked their foster families about their favourite local attractions.
Foster carers become highly skilled in keeping children and young people of all ages entertained on sunny and not so sunny days and they are perfectly placed to provide their expert opinion on what makes outdoor visitor attractions great.
Here are their top ten places to visit with the whole family:
Coming in at number one was Moss Bank Park with the Hive, which offers a unique space made up of a series of gardens and natural play equipment. Designed with pre-schoolers and the under sevens in mind, it encourages young people to make lasting connections with nature through creative play including a restored mud kitchen, sensory garden and magical willow domes as well as a new water play installation.
Second place went to Leverhulme Park, which has a wide range of facilities like a football pitch, outdoor gym and running track as well as dog walking areas, nature trails and an orienteering course and cycle trail.
Third on the podium was Bolton Art Gallery, Library and Museum, which is a great place to visit if the British summer weather takes a turn for the worst. The special events throughout the year ensure that staff know how to keep children entertained.
Foster carers voted Smithills Hall and Farm fourth on the list with Rivington Village’s whole host of attractions like Rivington Hall Barn, Liverpool Castle and the terraced gardens securing fifth spot.
Sixth place went to Turton Tower and coming in seventh on the list was Moses Gate Country Park’s nature reserve with miles of scenic woodland and waterside walks, nature trails and horse and cycle routes.
In at number eight is Queens Park and ninth place went to Entwistle and Wayoh reservoirs.
Completing the top ten is Regent Park Golf Centre which is popular with teenagers who like the driving range which has a bucket of balls for £2.50.
Louise Barrett, who is a children and families worker for the fostering team at Bolton Council, said: “Our foster carers have come up with a good mix of activities that are suitable for children and young people of all ages.
“There is something to entertain all members of the family throughout the summer holidays and they are all great ways to get children outside where they can enjoy space and freedom to explore.”
For more information about becoming a foster carer visit www.Bolton.gov.uk/fostering email fostering@bolton.gov.uk or call 0800 107 1564 Why should you visit the top three?
Why are the top three places so popular with foster carers and their families?
Julie said: “Moss Bank Park is great for my two younger children and it is guaranteed to inspire young minds.
Michael’s teenagers like Leverhulme Park and the choice of sporting activities available.
He said: “There are so many indoor and outdoor activities to choose from and the nature reserve is home to an amazing array of wildlife.
“There’s something for everyone to enjoy here and it’s why we go back in each of the school holidays.”
Laura has been fostering for ten years and likes to make the most of the events at Bolton Library and Museum.
She said: “Everyone here is so friendly and they always give us a warm welcome.
“It’s a great day out if the weather isn’t great as it’s all indoors and free to enter.
“The activities and events constantly change so you can make several visits a year and always do something different.”
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