Children's falconry experience - A young Boy holding Elvis the an Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) at Bird on the Hand falconry experience days

Children’s Falconry Experience

A True Falconry Adventure for Young Explorers

Our Children’s Falconry Experience gives young people aged 7 and above the chance to take part in a real falconry session — meeting, flying, and learning about owls, hawks, and falcons in a safe and supportive setting.

This is not a simplified or token experience — children enjoy the full excitement of our Meet the Birds or Meet the Owls sessions, guided carefully to ensure their confidence grows naturally and every moment feels achievable and fun.

What Happens on the Day

Your child will:

  • Meet and fly several birds of prey, including owls and hawks (on Meet The Birds).
  • Learn fascinating facts about how they hunt, fly, and live.
  • Experience the thrill of calling a bird to their gloved hand.
  • Have plenty of time for photographs and questions.

Each experience runs for about three hours and follows the same structure as our adult sessions — simply with an approach that introduces younger participants gently, ensuring comfort and safety throughout.

Group sizes are limited to six participants, allowing individual attention and time with the birds.
Each booking includes one free supervising adult. Additional adults can attend as spectators or join in as full participants with their own voucher.

Read on for purchase details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is it suitable for?

Children aged 7 and above can take part. We introduce younger participants gently, but they still enjoy the full structure of our Meet the Birds or Meet the Owls session.

What happens during a falconry experience?

es. Every child handles and flies several birds (typically owls and hawks), with close supervision from our falconers.

How long does it last?

Approximately three hours, including introduction, handling, flying, and time for questions and photos.

Where does it take place?

At Alders Farm, Ivy Lane, Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, MK17 9AH. See the Locations page for directions and travel options.

How many adults can attend with a child?

Each booking includes one free supervising adult. Additional adults need their own voucher, spectator or participant.

What should we wear and bring?

Outdoor footwear and weather-appropriate layers. Most of the experience is outdoors on grass and field areas.

What if the weather is poor?

If it’s safe, we fly. In unsuitable conditions, we may adapt the session or reschedule—you won’t lose your booking.

Can we take photos or video?

Yes—photography is welcome. Spectators can take photos; only booked participants handle the birds.

Can I buy this as a gift?

Yes. Digital gift vouchers are available and valid for 12 months. They can be upgraded to other experiences later.

Two girls with a saker falcon
Children's falconry experience day. Boy holding Dotty our African spotted eagle owl (Bubo Africanus)

Safe, Educational and Unforgettable

Every session is supervised by qualified falconers experienced in working with young people. We tailor each activity to the group’s confidence level while ensuring children get to experience the real essence of falconry — not just observation.

These encounters encourage focus, calmness, and respect for nature, offering a rare opportunity for children to step away from screens and connect with wildlife in a meaningful way.

Meet The Birds Child – Details
A fantastic memorable falconry experience up close to hawks, falcons, Hawks and owls, a packed half day and a special price for a Child plus supervisor.
 
A great gift for youngsters under 14. A fantastic activity to get kids involved with nature. A fantastic and memorable experience up close to hawks, falcons and owls. These half day events are held at Alders Farm Fishery south of Milton Keynes From 1st April to 31st October.
 
See the beauty and grace of these magnificent birds as they dominate the sky and fly them to the glove in spectacular countryside. A packed half day experience designed to give you a greater insight into the ancient & noble sport of Falconry. Your session will be spent seeing, handling & flying many types of bird, which include several species of Falcon, Hawks and Owls This is without question our most popular falconry experience for young and old alike.
 

Price £89.99pp – Spectators £35.00pp

One adult supervisor FOC per group

Full Experience Details

Falconry Experience – Milton Keynes 

A fantastic and memorable opportunity to get up close to hawks, falcons, owls—and even eagles.
This experience is a brilliant introduction to birds of prey and makes a wonderful gift for both the young and the young at heart.

You’ll witness the grace and power of these magnificent birds as they fly to your glove in beautiful countryside surroundings. This half-day session is packed with hands-on opportunities and fascinating insight into the ancient and noble art of falconry. You’ll handle and fly a variety of birds, including several species of falcons, hawks, and owls.
This remains our most popular experience for all ages.

Child Friendly

Youngsters from age seven can participate in this event and they can bring along their chauffeurre and supervisor free of charge. They get to watch and take photos of their star of the day. Any additional spectators are welcome but need to pay the spectator charge.


Location
This event takes place near Milton Keynes:

Alders farm, Ivy Lane, Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, MK17 9AH


Companions / Spectators
You’re welcome to bring family and friends to share the day with you. Spectators are fully involved—they stay by your side, can ask questions, take photos, and soak up the experience. While they won’t handle the birds, they’ll still enjoy learning about them up close.

  • Select the number of spectators during booking to see pricing.

  • Children under 16 may spectate for free when accompanied by a paying adult spectator.


Experience Details

  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours

  • Group Size: Usually up to 6 participants

  • Times: Morning (10am–1pm) or afternoon (2pm–5pm)

  • Voucher Validity: 12 months from purchase date


Good To Know

  • Weather: This experience is weather dependent and may be postponed in wet or extreme conditions. You’ll have ample opportunity to rebook if needed.

  • Booking Calendar: Online bookings are available up to 4 months ahead. If you’re planning for a special occasion beyond that, please call us to discuss options.

  • Tea and Coffee available here.
  • Toilet Accesible for wheelchairs

What to Wear

  • Dress appropriately for the weather. On colder days, you won’t be moving much—layers are important.

  • The ground is rarely muddy, so walking boots or sturdy shoes are usually sufficient.

  • Avoid bright dayglo colours, as these can disturb some birds.

  • In summer, sunscreen and a bottle of water are sensible.

  • If you suffer from hay fever, bring antihistamines—you’ll be outdoors in a grassy field


Gifting Options

  • Upgrade to our Deluxe Presentation Pack to add:

    • Your printed voucher 
    • A smart gift box with gold bow (Picture in the galley)

    • A real leather mini falconer’s gauntlet and falconry bell keyfob  (various colours)

 

Meet The Owls  (3 Hours)

Discover the awesome and inspiring world of owl handling with Bird on the Hand where you will immerse yourself in our half-day owl handling experiences.

You will be told the mysterious, magical secrets and facts of these magnificent birds and you will feel the exhilaration and honour as they gracefully land on your glove, entrusting you with their presence.

This unparalleled adventure is a must for anyone seeking an authentic and breathtaking connection with nature. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to meet our owls from the smallest to the largest.

Any booking for a child under 16 can include one free supervising adult spectator.

Price £89.99pp – Spectators £35.00pp

Full Experience Details

Meet The Owls Experience

They’re cute, fascinating, and truly amazing. Enjoy a fantastic and memorable encounter with our incredible owls—up close and personal.

A superb and unique experience for owl lovers of all ages! Get a real “Owl on the Hand” as you fly a wide variety of owls, from the smallest to the largest. Owls are among the most mysterious birds of prey, and they inspire deep admiration and passion in their fans.

You’ll get hands-on time with several owl species—watch them fly, feed, and return to your glove. Learn captivating facts about these enigmatic raptors. This is a three-hour experience not to be missed by any owl enthusiast. Book today for a day you won’t forget.


Companions & Spectators
You’re welcome to bring friends or family to share the experience. Spectators stay by your side throughout the session—able to take photos, ask questions, and join in the excitement. While they won’t handle the birds, they’ll still have a fantastic time.

  • Select the number of spectators during booking to see pricing.

  • Children under 16 may spectate for free if accompanied by a paying adult spectator.


Location
This event takes place near Milton Keynes:
Alders farm, Ivy Lane, Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, MK17 9AH


Experience Details

  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours

  • Typical Times: 10am–1pm or 2pm–5pm

  • Group Size: Usually up to six participants

  • Voucher Validity: 12 months from purchase date


Good To Know

  • Weather: This experience is weather dependent and may be postponed in wet or extreme conditions. You’ll have ample opportunity to rebook if needed.

  • Booking Calendar: Online bookings are available up to 4 months ahead. If you’re planning for a special occasion beyond that, please call us to discuss options.

  • Tea and Coffee available here.
  • Toilet Accesible for wheelchairs

What to Wear

  • Dress appropriately for the weather. On colder days, you won’t be moving much—layers are important.

  • The ground is rarely muddy, so walking boots or sturdy shoes are usually sufficient.

  • Avoid bright dayglo colours, as these can disturb some birds.

  • In summer, sunscreen and a bottle of water are sensible.

  • If you suffer from hay fever, bring antihistamines—you’ll be outdoors in a grassy field


Gifting Options

  • Upgrade to our Deluxe Presentation Pack to add:

    • Your printed voucher 
    • A smart gift box with gold bow (Picture in the galley)

    • A real leather mini falconer’s gauntlet and falconry bell keyfob  (various colours)

 

Where It Takes Place

Our Children’s Falconry Experiences take place at:
Alders Farm, Ivy Lane, Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, MK17 9AH and at our Leicestershire location.

Set in peaceful countryside, it’s the perfect setting for young explorers to learn about birds of prey and enjoy their first hands-on falconry adventure.

Gift an Experience They’ll Treasure

Give a gift that sparks imagination and creates lifelong memories.
Our Children’s Falconry Gift Vouchers are valid for 12 months, making them ideal for birthdays, Christmas, or family days out — and can easily be upgraded to any of our adult sessions later.

 

Grandad and Granddaughter with Fletcher the tawny owl

“My daughter loved every second — she flew owls, held hawks, and learned so much. The falconers were brilliant with the kids and made it feel like a real adventure.”
Clare, Buckinghamshire

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