It's the first day of the Easter holidays and the kids are bored already. Jo Haywood finds a host of new furry friends to keep them entertained.

MOST children have had at least a casual acquaintance with a dog, a cat or a goldfish, but how many can boast a firm friendship with an alpaca?

While you dig out your kids' animal encyclopaedia to find out what on earth an alpaca is, let me tell you about Playdale Farm Park, a new animal farm and teaching centre which opens today in Cayton, near Scarborough.

It was set up, with the help of a government grant, by husband and wife team Mark and Jackie Wilson, who wanted to move away from pig farming into the more lucrative visitor centre market.

"I think we've managed to create an action-packed family attraction with a huge array of traditional and rare breeds," said Jackie. "Our aim was to provide a range of exciting, stimulating and educational activities for children of all ages. We'll find out today if that is what we've achieved."

Many of the animals, including alpacas (they're a type of America llama, in case you were still wondering), goats, rabbits and donkeys, are housed indoors to ensure the farmyard remains an attractive venue for family entertainment whatever the weather. But, whether inside or out, children will be encouraged to enjoy close contact with the animals during regular feeding and petting sessions.

The farm also boasts an extensive indoor play barn with ball pool, adventure trail and ride-on pedal tractors (knickers to the kids, I want a go on one of those), an outdoor play area, undercover picnic area, sandpit, gift shop and tearoom, which can cater for up to 80 people at any one time and offers a selection of hot and cold light lunches, cream teas and a children's menu.

If one day as Young Macdonald isn't enough for your bored brood, here are a few other farm attractions that might just keep them going until the new term starts:

Monk Park Farm Visitor Centre, Bagby: indoor and outdoor viewing and feeding areas, wild fowl lake, tea room and toilets, picnic area, play area (as seen on Blue Peter). Animal attractions include rare breeds, exotic breeds (wallabies, rheas, llamas) guinea pig world, rabbits, sheep, pet lambs, piglets, goats, deer, ponies ducks, geese, hens, swans and pheasants.
The Granary Wildlife Farm, Harewood Dale, Scarborough: friendly animals, lakeside trails, forest walks, indoor and outdoor play areas, country tea rooms open daily, wildflower trails, plant sales and 14 bedroom hotel.
Betton Farm Visitor Centre, East Ayton: Henry the goat, donkeys, Shetland ponies, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, a large selection of toy tractors, a sandpit and play equipment for younger and older children. Farm Shop sells traditional farmhouse produce, cakes and pastries freshly made in the farm bakery. Dogwood Home & Garden Craft Shop situated at the visitor centre.
The Honey Farm, East Ayton: working honey farm with an extensive exhibition of live bees. All visitors get a guided tour with a full description of the life and history of bees. Farm shop, cafe, farmyard animals, craft workshops and children's play area.
Shire Horse Farm Visitor Centre, Staintondale: award-winning family attraction with daily shows featuring 20 horses and ponies take in an all-weather show arena. Cowboy fun with Tony and his beautiful palomino, pony grooming sessions, roping skills, static displays, a small museum, video studio, cafe and souvenir shop, farm walks and picnic and play areas If you can scoot along to Playdale Farm Park today, all children will be admitted free. Adults will have to pay the standard entry fee of £4.50. For further information, phone 01723 586351.