Educational Visits

Mix the magic of Christmas with an engaging and fun educational visit from our reindeer!

School Visits

At Deer Friends we have a passion for reindeer and sharing our knowledge of these amazing creatures. Our goal is to educate others in a fun and engaging manner.

Our school visits consist of age appropriate talks, delivering fun and interesting facts in a way that is best for different age groups to understand. For younger groups, information is delivered through story and small activities encouraging participation, while maintaining the magic that is reindeer and Christmas. As we progress through to the older children, we build upon the details to add depth levelling up the facts with each year as we go and linking to relevant topics.

We offer a half day or full day visits to schools following a predetermined timetable. Each session is attended by a class or two of pupils and although we have rough structure to our sessions, it can be guided by the classes interested, lean into the appropriate curriculum or current subjects of learning.

Our visits are designed to:

Create engagement to maximise learning,
Leave children and teachers more knowledgeable and excited about reindeer,
Leave ready to use learning materials that help extend the learning to the classroom beyond our visit,
Finally, make sure we have fun while we learn!

Our sessions start by touching base on health and safety and an introduction to the reindeer. We then cover topics including habitat, diet, adaptations, senses, anatomy, the seasons, breeding and mating cycles and more. We also love nothing more than a question and answer session at the end of every visit!

SEN children

We understand that our standard sessions may not be suitable for everyone. Our SEN visits/sessions are tailored to your children and young adult’s abilities and needs. We know the positive impact that reindeer and animals can have and can adapt our visit on a one to one basis.

Our school visits can be tailored to each school, so please contact us for more information.

Frequently Asked Question & Answers

Find the answers to frequently asked questions here

Q: What makes up a 'team' for a reindeer event?

A: Our team is comprised of 2 reindeer and 2 dedicated, friendly and knowledgeable reindeer handlers.

Q: Do I have to hire 2 reindeer, can I just hire 1?

A: We do not hire singular reindeer. Although our reindeer are calm, confident and have a good relationship with us, fundamentally they are herd animals who like the company of one another. To maintain the welfare of our reindeer, they are displayed in a minimum of 2.

Q: Can the reindeer be touched?

A: We let our reindeer take the lead and allow them to interact with the public under the supervision of their handlers. They are very friendly and each have their own preferences.

Q: Can the reindeer be fed by the public?

A: Absolutely! although provided with their normal ration of feed everyday, our handlers always have treats like lichen (reindeer moss) on hand if anyone would like to feed the reindeer if they would feeding.

Q: Do the reindeer enjoy being on display?

A: Yes! We wouldn't do it if they didn't. As naturally curious and inquisitive creatures, our reindeer love going on display, meeting new people and taking in new sights, sounds and smells.

Q: What space do we need to hire reindeer for our event?

A: Our pen set up is approximately 4m x 6m, further space for the public to safely approach and pass is needed. We also need space for our truck and trailer to be parked within short distance of the display site.

Q: Do the reindeer need to be on grass?

A: No. We can be based on grass as long as it has not been treated with anything, although the reindeer can make it muddy if wet. Concrete is equally fine and advised if the weather is wet.

Q: What happens in bad weather conditions?

A: As song as it is safe to travel, we will attend as planned. We have a strong gazebo for weather protection for the reindeer so they can be displayed regardless.