01/09/2026
💭 Over the school holidays, we’ve been reflecting quite a lot on our (peak especially) play sessions.
Mini Valley was created as a gentle, imaginative play environment for younger children, where little ones can explore, use their imaginations and play confidently in a safe and welcoming space.
Over the holidays, we’ve noticed that we’re having to intervene almost daily with situations where older children, particularly those who are more confident and independent, are playing in ways that aren’t quite so gentle towards our younger visitors.
We’re seeing more toy breakages, children blocking doorways and areas of the village, walkers in our growing garden which is for non walkers only, toys being gathered up and monopolised (for example, filling the fire engine with almost every toy!), and generally more energetic, 'steam-valve' play.
We completely understand that children will be children — and we know and love that many of our older school age visitors are absolutely fantastic. We have some wonderful families who supervise, guide and encourage their children to be gentle and considerate of all our but especially smaller visitors, and we really do appreciate that. ❤️
But as children get older and become more confident, it’s also completely natural that parents may feel they need to supervise less. Unfortunately, that’s often when we find ourselves having to step in.
The difficult part is that this can really change the atmosphere for our younger and less confident visitors and other guests, who can become overwhelmed when the play becomes louder, rougher or more chaotic. And ultimately, that’s not the experience we want anyone to have at Mini Valley Kids.
So… we’re considering a change.
We’re thinking about reducing our peak play age range from age 7 and under to children up to around 5 years old.
We are also considering allowing a small number of older “helper siblings” per session, so families with children of different ages can still enjoy Mini Valley together.
But before we make any decisions, we really want to hear from YOU.
Would you support a lower age limit for our peak sessions if it meant protecting the gentle play environment we’ve worked so hard to create?
Would having a couple of exceptions for older sibling helpers make this work for your family?
Or do you feel our current under-8 age range should remain?
Please be honest — we genuinely want to hear your thoughts, even if you disagree. ❤️
This isn’t a decision we’re taking lightly, and it’s certainly not about wanting to exclude older children. It’s about making sure Mini Valley remains the kind of calm, gentle and imaginative play environment that our little visitors — especially the quieter and less confident ones — can really enjoy.
Thank you, as always, for understanding and for helping us make Mini Valley Kids the best it can be. 🥰
Comment below and let us know what you think 👇
