A FAMILY fun adventure park is launching its new outdoor area this weekend.

Holmside Park at Edmondsley, near Chester-le-Street, opened in May following £500,000 investment, creating over 50 jobs.

The former petting zoo, which was known as Mini Moos Fun Farm, has been transformed with a giant inflatable obstacle course, a jousting platform, a roller rink and a soft play area.

Go karts, a wooden fort and an outdoor dining area are being unveiled today with the promise of bigger plans in the pipeline.

General manager Terry Woodhouse said: “What we are going for is an interactive experience right throughout people’s visit.

“The variety of activities we have are not really offered anywhere else.”

There is also archery, as well as axe and knife-throwing for older children and adults.

The visitor attraction is owned by Teesside-based leisure company, Battlezone, which offers paintball, laser games and quad-riding experiences for groups.

Part of the Holmside Park site is also used by the company for groups, stag and hen parties with quad-biking, buggies and It’s a Knockout contests.

There is a café, offering main meals, as well as snacks and drinks, and facilities for children’s birthday parties including soft toy making facilities for teddy bears’ picnics.

Mr Woodhouse, 35, from Newcastle, said the attraction has plans to develop zip wires, woodland walks and themed events throughout the year.

The father-of-two said: “The kids encourage their mams and dads to take part and the smiles we see on their faces are unreal.

“Once the parents see the inflatable, and see how much fun it looks, they cannot say no.

“A lot of adults are orientated towards to roller rink and it brings back a lot of memories from the 70s and 80s and the roller discos they used to go to.”

Mr Woodhouse, a former nursing home manager is also looking widen the appeal to older generations by making the café dementia friendly.

He said: “We have had a lot of people aged 60 and above who have been able to give the giant inflatable a try and we have got staff who are able to help them get around.

“It is a lot of fun and everyone can join in.”

The attraction is open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday and entry is £5 for children one to three and £12 for anyone over four.