A popular Durham family attraction is actively searching for 10 lucky children to become official play testers at its new adventure playground ahead of its official opening to the public.

In what’s being described as the ‘ultimate kids’ job’, Adventure Valley has launched a competition to find keen youngsters to be among the first to try out its brand new play structure which is officially the first of it’s kind in Europe.

The new, state-of-the-art playground featuring a giant tower and slide, has been designed to create an exhilarating and inclusive play experience for children of all ages. The new play structure named ‘Talon Towers’ has been designed by playground specialists Kompan, and is the first of it’s kind in Europe.

The giant tower at the heart of the new play structure stands as a spectacular centerpiece, combining elements of climbing, sliding, and social interaction.

TEN lucky children are being offered the chance to 'play test' a brand new adventure playground with a 'sky high' play tower.

Described by the manufacturer as “sky-high,” the tower structure offers children a variety of thrilling experiences with speedy slides, gentle swings, and challenging climbing features, all encapsulated within a transparent design that encourages safety and parent visibility. Scheduled to officially open during the upcoming February half term period, the new playground will include features that foster social-emotional skills such as self-regulation and empathy, helping children build vital interpersonal connections during physical play.

Accessible ground-level play features, including play shells, a talking tube, a hammock, and tic-tac-toe, create a welcoming space for collaboration and creativity. Additionally, low climbing structures and ropes with pods will provide further options for children to socialize and participate, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to engage in active play.

Ten lucky children will win the chance to be the first to try out the new playground courtesy of a competition being hosted on Adventure Valley’s social media pages. The fortunate winners will win tickets to the attraction and be able to access the playground an hour before the general public.

This latest significant development at the attraction follows the successful integration of an inclusive accessible playground at Adventure Valley in late 2024. The development of both the upcoming new playground and the already open accessible playground on the site have been made possible to a grant from UK government.

Adventure Valley made a £100,000 grant application to the Rural England Prosperity Fund, funded by UK government in 2023, with Adventure Valley’s owners contributing the remainder of the funds towards the £350,000 total investment.

Adventure Valley’s owner, Janine Calzini, shared her excitement about the new addition: “We are thrilled to introduce our second new playground in quick succession. 2025 is going to be a year for both exciting new adventures and play and we can’t wait to invite children from across the region to come and try out the new play feature.

"Being an ‘official play tester’ is definitely the ultimate job for kids!”

Tickets for February half term are now on sale via the Adventure Valley website with families encouraged to book early.

'Dream Job' on offer for ten lucky children