Children’s Falconry Experience
A falconry experience day to fly, handle, feed and get up close to our owls, falcons, hawks, buzzards and eagles. Chidlren’s falconry experiences are reccomended for 7 years and over. Our “Have a Hoot” experience is suitable for 4 year olds and upwards.
Children’s Bird of Prey Experiences
Step away from screens and into the outdoors with a day your child will never forget. Our children’s bird of prey experiences are fun, hands-on and inspiring, giving young people the chance to get close to magnificent owls, hawks and falcons in a safe and supportive setting.
Reconnecting Children with Nature
In today’s digital age, children spend more time on screens than ever before. Valuable interaction with nature is being lost, and the wonders of the natural world are becoming increasingly distant.
At Bird on the Hand, we believe in giving children the chance to slow down, look up, and reconnect with the beauty and serenity of the countryside. Our bird of prey experiences near London provide a rare opportunity to step away from technology and discover something truly real. Children witness the remarkable bond between man and bird, and experience first-hand the power and grace of these majestic creatures.
Fun, Educational and Confidence Building
Children love the excitement of holding a bird of prey on their glove and watching it fly across the countryside. For many it’s their first chance to handle a real bird, and the look of pride and joy on their faces is unforgettable.
These experiences are more than just fun. They are:
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Engaging and outdoors – fresh air, exercise and nature instead of more screen time
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Educational – discover how different species hunt, fly and live, with expert guidance from our falconers
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Confidence boosting – handling and flying a bird of prey is a unique achievement that builds self-belief
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Memorable – families tell us their children talk about their day for weeks afterwards
Experiences for Different Ages
Have a Hoot – from age 4 up
Our youngest visitors can enjoy meeting and flying our gentle owls. Calm, carefully guided and full of photo opportunities, it’s a magical introduction to the natural world.
Children’s Falconry – from age 7 up
Older children can fly hawks, falcons and owls while learning about their behaviour, the traditions of falconry and how these amazing birds are cared for. Packed with excitement, education and plenty of hands-on moments.
Safe and Supportive
Parents can relax knowing our falconers are highly experienced, fully DBS checked and skilled in working with children, including those with SEND. Sessions take place at private countryside venues, free from crowds and distractions.
A Unique Alternative to Screen Time
In a world filled with phones, tablets and games consoles, this is a chance to step outdoors and experience something truly different. The connection with a living bird of prey is powerful, sparking curiosity and respect for the natural world.
A Priceless Gift
Every child leaves with new knowledge, new confidence and a story to share. More importantly, they take with them a lasting appreciation for wildlife and the natural world. Whether they are four years old and meeting an owl for the first time, or older and flying hawks and falcons, it’s an experience they will carry with them long after the day ends.
Give your child the priceless gift of creating lasting memories, building confidence and fostering a deep connection with nature.
Practical Information for Parents
Venues
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Barn Owl Hollow, near Market Harborough – a ten acre countryside site with wide open views
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Alders Farm, near Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard – a lakeside and woodland setting on the edge of Stockgrove Country Park. We only have our Meet The Birds and Owl on the Hand 3 hour sessions available and these are great for seven years and upwards.
Session length
The various children’s sessions we run are from 30 minutes to 3 hours, giving plenty of time for flying while keeping the experience engaging.
Supervision
A parent or guardian must remain on site. Family members are encouraged to watch, take photographs and share in the excitement.
Group size
Groups are kept small so every child has lots of hands-on opportunities.
What to bring
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Outdoor clothing suitable for the weather
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Sensible footwear for grass or woodland paths
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A camera to capture special moments
Safety
All experiences are led by professional falconers who are fully DBS checked. Safety and enjoyment are always our top priority.
When purchasing Chidlren’s Falconry Experiences you get a free spectator to come and supervise, watch and capture those special moments. A spectator does not take part in the handling/flying of the birds but this can be upgraded with extra cost to a full experience voucher when purchasing.
Choice of Venues. Leicestershire and Bedfordshire
At Barn Owl Hollow, in south Leicestershire and close to the Northamptonshire border, we have a peaceful, private location with a wonderful view of the Langton Caudle Hills.
Alders Farm in Bedfordshire, between Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard, is a lovely location on the edge of Stockgrove Park alongside some beautiful lakes. We hold our fanttastic Meet The Owls and Meet The Birds mixed bird of prey sessions here.
To see more details of our venues Click Here. This opens a new tab. There is also a link in the FAQ menu.
Best day of the Summer holidays for my 6 year old ☺️
My six year old got this as a birthday present from his classmates. He LOVED it! Said it was the best day of the Summer holidays.
Charlotte and Andrew were fantastic- so passionate and informative, in an entertaining and easily digestible way….and the birds they have are very varied and special- lovely to see them flying, landing on our arms and hats!
Great to be able to get up close. My son especially enjoyed the eagle owl and the red kite. We will definitely come back. Thank you!
Lyndsey
Smiles all round on a children's falconry experience day.
Our children’s falconry experience day give lots of handling and up close time with the birds.
With small groups of up to six participants throughout your experience we’ll concentrate on being with the birds. With plenty of oppitunities for handling, flying and feeding and finding out all those special fascinating facts. We love our guests to ask lots of questions and delve into the combined 50+ years of falconry experience to answer them. We have a great location here in the Leicestershire countryside, marvellous birds and a generous welcome.