CONKERS is an award-winning family-friendly attraction in the heart of the National Forest.

Set in 120 acres of woodland, lakes and gardens, the on-site Discovery Centre, Waterside Centre and outdoor zones offer plenty of hands-on activities for children and adults.

The Walker family, from Greydawn Road, Hanley, decided to test out the nature-themed attraction over half-term holiday.

"This was our first time to CONKERS and I was looking forward to it because it seems to offer something different," says mum-of-three Louise, who is married to Chris.

"There are over 100 interactive exhibits and the children can have a go at them all so you don't have to worry about them touching things they shouldn't."

Josh, aged seven, five-year-old Mitchell and Kaitlin, aged two, started off their visit by learning about recycling and pollution.

"The first part of the indoor area teaches you about how you can be more environmentally friendly," says Louise. "We learned how pollution is affecting the world.

"There is a huge tree in the middle of the room with a glass floor so you can see what happens underground and where the roots go.

"The next part is dimly lit with noises from owls and other birds – just as if you're in the forest at night. The children enjoyed this section the best.

"The Enchanted Forest has slides and climbing frames, tunnels and giant bugs. There are lots of interactive gadgets and we'd have stayed in there all day if we could."

After exploring the simulated woodland below, the Walkers headed upstairs to venture into the treetops.

"It's as if you're high up in the forest at night," says Louise. "You walk into a tunnel full of stairs and they keep spinning around.

"It does make you rather dizzy but it is good fun. At the end of the treetops display you can either go down a slide, which is pitch black, or carry on through a dark tunnel where you are made to believe that bats are whizzing past your head.

"Downstairs there are more interactive exhibits about the energy we use in our homes, insects, different species of birds, badgers, plants and lots more."

And outside, in the attraction's vast grounds, Louise found there was even more to discover.

"There is a maze and an assault course," she says. "Our children loved the play area especially for their age group and there is a mini-version for smaller tots.

"A train carries you from one side of the park to the other, while the track also carries you all the way around the playground.

"On the other side of the park is an amphitheatre which hosts shows throughout the year, as well as a play area called Billy Bonkers.

"This is at an extra cost but it is reduced if you have already paid to get into CONKERS."

The Walkers say there was a wide good variety of eateries.

"There are three cafes or restaurants – The Olive Tree which serves hot and cold food, The Water's Edge which sells drinks and pasties and The National Forest Art Gallery," adds Louise. "This has a carvery on Sunday.

"Overall we had a really fun day and the sun was out too. We paid £19.96 online for a family of four and under-threes go free.

"We really enjoyed it and would recommend a visit. It would be an even better day in the summer when you can have a go at bug hunting and take a picnic."