info@katicatanya.hu
+36 30 411-6002
7477 Patca, Katica Tanya 1.
Today we are OPEN: 10:00-19:00
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It’s different for everyone… The experience of something new, something unknown, something unusual.
- a toddler in nappies, flying away from his mum on the colourful swing
- Panna, who’s still only in nursery, exploring the forest paths
- for Marcin, the little schoolboy, to climb among the trees and on the rope course
- for Mum to milk a real cow
- to slide down the steepest slide with Dad…
And we could go on and on, but one thing’s for sure: anyone who visits Katica Tanya will return home with a wealth of memories!
Anyone who visits us on a warm summer’s day is sure to feel an irresistible urge, regardless of their age, to walk beneath the rainbow created by the spraying water in the sparkling sunshine, and to brave the shower of water-filled bombs flying towards them from the water gun. Sitting in a boat, even the youngest visitors can see for themselves why tadpoles don’t die. And whilst wandering through the giant maze, everyone can put their sense of direction to the test. The more daring can walk across the water on wobbly planks and take a ride on a hand-powered ferry.
Here at Katica Farm, we believe the experience is only complete when every member of the family is having an equally good time. With the ‘Telibe’ sponge balls, everyone loves to bombard their imaginary enemies on the other side of the court. On our go-kart tracks, you can race against new friends. On our snow tube slide, you can whizz down at breakneck speed – even without snow.
At the same time, we cannot overlook the fact that we are able to do all this in a place blessed with such marvellous natural features. Wherever we go, the sight of verdant slopes and colourful forests alternates before our eyes. As part of our nature study programme, we can take a short walk through the cool canopy of the Zselic Forest, where we can spot foxholes in the crumbling loess cliffs, and, as we make our way down to the banks of the stream, we can observe the tracks of wild animals coming to drink and wallow. Nature lovers with a keen eye may come across dozens of medicinal herbs, even on the pasture stretching out behind the knight’s castle. Those less familiar with the area will be delighted to marvel at the plump mushrooms and their kin that pop up in the most unexpected places.
And for those who are interested not only in plants, but also in the animals If you’re a dog lover, you simply mustn’t miss the chance to meet our four-legged and two-legged friends. In our petting zoo, you can meet countless familiar and unusual animals. I dare say it, because the bunnies, donkeys and goats charm everyone. As part of our animal care programme, you can feel as though these little creatures are all your own. You can experience just how good it feels to look after them.
The forest adventures Visitors keen to give it a go can put their courage and determination to the test on our rope course. Even the youngest children can climb here with a bit of help from mum or dad. Less experienced youngsters are guided by a qualified instructor as they set out to explore the teen course. Experienced climbers, meanwhile, can put themselves to the test on our challenging course, where everyone ends up in a safety net. The zip line spanning the valley is a real adrenaline rush for those who love gliding above the treetops.
Lovers of tradition and the Middle Ages will also find plenty of opportunities for adventure at the knight’s castle; during our themed days, they can learn the basics of throwing battle stars and archery. Every weekend, the whole family can share in the excitement of these light-hearted folk games: who can catch the egg without breaking or spilling it, and who’s the best at tug-of-war? And can Dad and Mum agree on whether to start the walking race with the left or right foot… whilst the others have already covered half the race distance? We’ll fire at an imaginary enemy with the catapult – which certainly won’t be wound up in a minute! Everyone proves to be no match for the magical hamster wheel. But in the end, everyone claps together in celebration of the successful launch. And back home, they look back fondly on the adventures they’ve shared.
'But we haven’t tried them all yet!' argues one of the children.
- ‘And we haven’t even had a look at the goats yet!’ says the other one.
‘You promised I could go horse-riding!’ says the youngest, sounding a bit accusatory.
There’s a solution to this as well. If for several days, whether they’re visiting Katica Tanya for as long as a week, they’re guaranteed to be able to settle down for the night with happy, slightly tired children at the end of the day – in one of the apartment blocks, for example.
The countryside is becoming increasingly popular amongst our fellow city-dwellers. Whether staying for a short or long period, our weary guests can gain a glimpse into the beauty of village life. Leaving their worries behind, the fresh air clears their minds, leaving more time to focus on one another.
In Patca, there was plenty to get stuck into over the weekend: the craft workshops provide an opportunity to spend quality time together, unwind and, last but not least, bring out your creative side.
You’ll gain an insight into farm life without even realising just how much you’ve learnt and how many experiences you’ve gained. The animal care During this time, you’ll be able to experience first-hand what an animal’s love feels like, and get a taste of what it’s like to do a selfless good deed.
Our programmes are always linked to the current season, a festival or a tradition. We call these:
Every day between 7 and 8 am and 5 and 6 pm (depending on the season), there is cow milking, which anyone can try. Between 7 and 9 am and 4 and 6 pm, there is animal care, which anyone can take part in. As well as the dozens of outdoor and indoor play facilities, you can enjoy unlimited access to the attractions of this giant play and slide centre – unique in Hungary – including a playhouse, vintage machinery, an obstacle course, football billiards, ‘Kiütlek’ game, go-kart tracks for young and old alike – to name but a few. You can explore the knight’s castle, and plenty of excitement awaits in the realm of the lakeside attractions (the ‘Bolyongó’ maze, the ‘Luficsúzli’, trampolines, bouncy hills, a pontoon bridge and hand-operated ferries, and water vehicles). You won’t miss out on the animals either, as there are opportunities to take part in guided petting sessions three times a day. Similarly, the barrel-chase ride and the Matyi train run several times throughout the day, depending on the number of participants. You can put your courage to the test on the forest rope courses and the longest slides in Transdanubia (120 and 190 m). And in the craft corner, they could sit down for a little while to rest whilst doing their own drawing, painting, colouring and pebble painting.
Oven-baked langalló sounds familiar to many, but those for whom it holds the allure of something new will soon realise that this isn’t the sort of thing you simply pick off the shop shelf, pay for and eat straight away. That’s why you have to put in the effort, and once you’ve felt, smelled and tasted the fruits of your labour, you can happily conclude that it was well worth the wait – or even the work involved. The staff are helped by the many, many little hands of the children, who skilfully learn to knead, shape and roll out the dough…
Our restaurant offers à la carte service for guests travelling with their families. Guests staying for several days our school groups In fact, they can choose from three different menus. Every weekend, as part of our "Special Days at Katica Farm" programme series, we welcome our guests with a selection of culinary delights.
After a tiring week, the Szabós too smile with a deep sigh, because they know that a well-deserved active break awaits them at the Katica farm.
Katica Tanya is just like that! At the end of the main street of this lively little village of sixty, this magical world unfolds before us.
A on the shore of a small lake Pedalos are waiting to take you out on the water, whilst Dad, of course, works up a good sweat! After all, who else could pedal better than him! He’ll have a chance to rest whilst you and your little brother try to reach the sky from the jumping hill. Of course, Mum can’t miss out on all this fun either, and she’s happy to admit that it’s better than a gym session. After a short rest, Dad is immediately swallowed up by the giant maze – and thoroughly so… we’ve already got lost on the way here! But that’s what family’s for! We’re all shouting at him from the control point, „Turn left here!” It seems he’s more taken with the suspension bridge, which Mum certainly won’t set foot on! He’ll wave to us from the other side, and we’ll be proud to have taken over the tiny island! We sit down in the grass and admire the herd of cows grazing on the hillside. The idyll is interrupted by a cheerful tune… ”Animal petting time is about to begin”… calls a friendly voice.
„Get across on the handrail!” shouts Mum!
If we hurry, we’ll definitely make it there…
A lovely lady greeted us in the reception building. When we asked about the activities on offer, she told us there’s a play area and a slide complex with a giant maze, and that we’ll soon be able to burn off our excess energy on the climbing walls too…
„We’re mainly interested in outdoor activities at the moment, as the weather’s so lovely and I just can’t get enough of the beautiful scenery,” Mum gushed.
A soft chime welcomes the animal loverswho would spend the whole day stroking the bunnies and feeding grass to the curious goats. All the signs suggest that our lovely little friends don’t mind the attention either. There’s a great deal of commotion, with the poultry launching into a frantic chase for the odd tasty morsel. Their four-legged companions let us know with a clamour: they don’t want to be left out either!
„Just like the Bremen Town Musicians,” laughs Dad!
„Lola, the silly little thing doesn’t even mind if you hop onto her back,” she smiles, and before you know it, she’s already reaching under Öcsi’s arm….
„I love riding,” he says, looking around proudly from the back of the donkey.
„Then you’ve come to the right place! The horse-riding programme is about to start, and you’ll be able to show us just how bravely you can ride our steed!” came the reply.
„I’d like to be a real knight, in a huge castle,” Öcsi daydreamed.
„Right then, come on, have a look out of here! Can you see that over there, beyond the pasture?”
„A real castle” – My little brother was so surprised his mouth just dropped open!
„This programme will have to wait until after lunch,” said Mum, leaving no room for argument.
Naturally, Dad was immediately worried that this surely wasn’t a proper restaurant! He particularly likes delicious traditional dishesto give it a try.
He could hardly believe his eyes when he spotted the sign on the menu board:
„Mum, I don’t like that…” the children said.
„We’ll choose something from the children’s menu for you – you’d just end up eating spaghetti anyway!” Mum said reassuringly.
„And I’ll have some vegetables baked in a tube, or fried cheese, or cauliflower – I don’t really know,” she mused at the sight of the vast selection, which she, as a vegetarian, wasn’t used to. She was pleased to see that there weren’t all sorts of fizzy drinks here, so the children would drink the fresh fruit juice without any fuss.
After a short while, everyone was staring listlessly at their empty plates. They’d thought that if they had lunch on the restaurant’s terrace, this wouldn’t happen, but the fresh air and the delicious food had done their job. The mouth-watering cream dessert would have to be saved for afternoon tea. They all agreed it would be a shame to miss out on it. They’ll rest for a few more minutes whilst Mum and Dad finish their coffee, then they’ll throw themselves back into the adventure and set off for the knight’s castle.
The simple palisade fortress seems to grow larger and larger as they approach….
The little brother can’t wait any longer and runs ahead.
„There are real knights here, come and have a look!” he calls out to the others, who look at him in bewilderment.
But as you step through the great gate, a truly medieval atmosphere takes hold of everyone. Young people in armour practise jousting and throw spears at targets. It’s Medieval Weekend, as you’ve heard. It’s the sort of event where everyone can take part in a little time travel. You can try on the armour, have a go at archery, and even try your hand at throwing a battle star. Naturally, we have to try everything. Whilst the monk initiates the little ones into the secrets of the Middle Ages, Mum and Dad act out the scene of the princess held captive in the castle tower and her rescuer.
„Come on, the view is wonderful from here,” Mum called to the children.
They were just standing there, gazing in wonder, when a strange sound broke the idyll:
‘Moo, moo, moo…’ – it went on and on.
Then that familiar tune… „The demonstration milking is about to begin at the milking parlour,” they hear.
Dad’s always boasting that he used to milk cows at Grandma’s when he was a child; we’ll see about that…
Piros is barking impatiently at the gate, and as soon as it opens, he sets off for the milking parlour. They’re waiting for the contestants; unfortunately, Dad has to take an important phone call, so it’s up to Öcsi to prove that he really can milk a cow!
It’s starting to get chilly – time to head home!
They are slowly making their way to the car park.
From the car, Mum keeps glancing back as they drive past the pastures.
„Don’t you all think we should come back here?” Mum asked.
But there was no reply; all he could hear was a faint wheeze…
Before I came to work at Katica Tanya, I was a primary school teacher in the capital for 20 years. Every four years, we would take my leaving-year classes to Patca so we could all have one last good time together. It never failed to be a success. Katica Tanya was always the very best; it was very difficult to find anywhere better, and after a while we stopped looking altogether… As a teacher, I always looked at the programmes through a different lens to the average person. Katica Tanya is a children’s paradise with a very well-structured programme. Its range of activities, which caters to every need, is grouped around four main themes: farming, crafts, preserving traditions and nature studies. Within this wide range, every class teacher or colleague organising a school trip can find the activity best suited to their particular group of children. Because every group is different; no two are the same.
It features what are perhaps the most popular activities amongst children from both large cities and smaller towns. They rarely get to see farm animals in real life. After spending time at Katica Farm, it becomes second nature to them to animals and the work that goes with them. After a few days, they are welcomed as acquaintances and are seen as a bit of their own, and this reinforces a sense of responsibility towards the other creature. They can participate in animal care (feeding, watering, fertilising, health checks).
They can learn how to milk a cow and marvel at the taste and texture of the warm milk straight from the udder. They can gain an insight into how a working farm operates and realise that eggs and milk don’t „just appear” on the shop shelves, but are the result of hard work.
Horse riding is also available for groups in the beautiful, sun-drenched meadow, with the assistance of our expert riders.
A great deal depends on teachers in this regard. As Ferenc Sebő said:
„Our traditions can only be preserved if we live them.” Katica Tanya is a great help in this regard.
Our most popular traditional activity is baking bread and langalló. Through their own hands-on work, the children can experience just how difficult and labour-intensive this used to be for the women of the past. From lighting the oven, through kneading the dough, right through to shaping the loaves and baking them. Every group can enjoy the well-deserved fruits of their labour – fresh, warm, crispy bread and langalló – and perhaps they’ll start to look at the piles of bread thrown away in bin bags („we’ll buy fresh bread tomorrow”) in a different light.
Another mainstay of our heritage programmes is the event entitled ‘In the Footsteps of Medieval Knights’. The knights of the Fehér Holló medieval workshop invite visitors on a truly exhilarating journey through time at the knight’s castle. The girls also enjoy trying on the knights’ costumes and watching the weapon demonstrations. The historical facts, which are illustrated through live demonstrations, are more effectively etched into the children’s memories.
You can have a go at archery and throwing throwing stars. These are all traditional forms of weaponry, which you can either master or at least gain some proficiency in.
Fun folk games are the third most popular traditional activity at Katica Farm.
Young people today can discover that it’s perfectly possible to have a brilliant time under the bright blue sky without a computer, mobile phone or tablet – using nothing more than a walnut or an egg. An activity that fosters a sense of community and develops empathy, which is also enjoyed by older age groups.
Our craft workshops mainly focus on long-forgotten activities and the use of natural materials.
Anyone can try their hand at making felted items from the wool of sheep stroked in the pasture. You can craft objects and gifts from clay, a natural material. How did people write with quill pens in the old days? It wasn’t that easy, was it!! How can you „make” toys and ornaments from wood? You can make your own unique T-shirt using batik, or learn the secrets of knotting and braiding. You can make leather jewellery, work with wax, and, last but not least, create everyday items from PET in the spirit of reuse.
The list isn’t exhaustive… but one thing’s for sure! Everyone can push the boundaries of their own creativity and let their hidden talents take flight!
If the class is a bit lively, then let’s go on a night-time hike! You’re guaranteed to sleep soundly afterwards! With the help of our guide, who knows the forests of Zselic very well, you can experience what a real, light-pollution-free Zselic forest is like. You’ll be able to hear the nocturnal rustling of wildlife and even collect useful plants along the way.
You can enjoy stargazing through a telescope, learn to read maps using a compass and an orienteering map, or simply discover the tree species, animal habitats and folklore of the Somogy region.
We also provide walking trails if you’d like to explore the area for yourselves!
Katica Tanya is the environmental awareness He lives his daily life in this spirit. We would like our children to grow up in this spirit too. They need to know that we have not inherited our planet, but have merely been lent it. Our two fantastic programmes aim to broaden and deepen their existing knowledge on this topic.
We can guide primary school pupils towards environmentally conscious shopping through interactive games, puzzles and tips on reusing items.
We introduce upper-school pupils to the world of renewable energy sources, sustainable development and the ecological footprint.
If none of these take your fancy (though I doubt it ), then just come along and let the Adventure Centre take you on a wild ride! You’ll see that even without a set programme, you won’t get bored with all the slides, bouncy castles, shooting galleries, go-karts (and even more extra attractions from spring 2018)!
Because………. THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON HERE! We look forward to welcoming everyone!
On behalf of the Katica Tanya team: Vanda Tinusz, programme organiser and host
In contrast, at the Katica farm: Goodness me! It’s raining again! How lovely!
What’s so good about the rain?
A day like this opens up new opportunities to keep the children occupied, to relax, play, learn, build team spirit, bring out our creative side, unwind through craft activities, share experiences and truly spend time together.
What can you do when it’s raining? There are loads of things.
There is a separate play area for toddlers, growing children, and those who are no longer children in body but still are in spirit.
Games and riddles line the way at every turn. All of the following are located in a rain-protected area: air hockey, table tennis, billiards, table football, numerous board games, small games to develop dexterity, and memory games. Those who have already tried them all can venture outside the building, where, still sheltered from the rain, a different kind of competition can begin. Telibe-Találda offers carefree fun for all ages; as the name suggests, the essence of the game is clear. Two teams of five can shoot at each other simultaneously in a flurry of sponge balls. For those who have already perfected their billiards skills, an enhanced version awaits: football billiards, where it’s your feet, rather than your hands, that get to shine.
Once the whole family has worked up a sweat playing the big game, they can get a breath of fresh air and gain an insight into life on the farm. Nature lovers can continue on to the petting zoo in the direction where the farm’s animals await curious eyes and caressing hands, sheltered from the rain here too
This unique new indoor play centre, opening in the spring of 2018, is set to thrill both existing and new visitors with even more exciting features – but we can’t reveal any more about them until March.
Preserving traditions is an integral part of Katica Tanya’s philosophy. One of the „most mouth-watering” examples of this is the regular weekend tradition of making langalló dough and baking bread, with every member of the family able to play an active part in each stage of the process, whilst taking a little trip back in time and, of course, sampling the end result. Creativity comes to the fore during the craft sessions, where thematic programmes are available upon purchase of a ticket. The custom T-shirts and the wax handprints provide the children with a lasting memento.
Everyone gets hungry in the big game. The restaurant Its excellent kitchen offers a wide range of delicacies both in the morning and in the afternoon. Guests can enjoy home-style dishes à la carte. Each themed weekend features a special culinary offering. Katica Tanya is also a superb venue for events of all sizes. There’s no better place to celebrate a birthday.
We only use energy that we generate ourselves in a self-sustaining way to run Katica Tanya renewable energy source. Solar panels and solar collectors also serve this purpose. Collecting rainwater reduces the consumption of drinking water. Motion-sensor lighting is fitted in every washroom. The constructed wetland wastewater treatment system „removes” substances harmful to us without the use of chemicals, relying instead on nature. As a result, everyone who visits Katica Farm has a lower environmental impact than if they had stayed at home. We’re doing nature a favour by reducing our ecological footprint!
Whether the aim is to burn off excess energy, shake off boredom or lift a gloomy mood, the first thing that will spring to the Takács family’s mind from now on is none other than the Katica Tanya Adventure Centre in Patca.
At times like this, Mum or Dad sits down at the computer and starts frantically typing away on Google, searching for weekend activities that will suit the whole family. Activities where everyone can have a good time, regardless of age or gender. Afterwards, the whole family says in unison: ‘Wow! That was brilliant! It was worth going.’ And the children pester their parents: ‘We’ll go again next time, won’t we?’
The machine drops the Katica Farm in Patca. Why there of all places? Let me tell you.
Katica Tanya is a place where you can give your weary nerves a rest after a hectic week. It’s a place where you can breathe a sigh of relief, put your worries aside and leave them at the door. You can recharge your batteries whilst taking in the sight of the hills and the colourful sheep grazing on them. And most importantly: you can do it with the whole family.
Family activities offer a great opportunity to share experiences together. Do something together that everyone will look back on fondly, even years from now. During our craft sessions, you can create something lasting and bring out your creative side.
Your children can learn through play about animals, plants and farming. During the animal care sessions, you can experience first-hand what it’s like to love an animal, and get a taste of what it’s like to do a selfless good deed.
During our traditional events, you can taste the sweet fruits of your own labour: fresh, warm, crusty bread.
You can be children again: you can slide, jump, go-kart and shoot to your heart’s content. You can discover your limits. You can overcome your fears if you dare to go down the steepest slide or make your way along the longest zip line. You can encourage your children, boost their self-confidence and set an example. Once you’ve experienced all this – tried it out, failed or succeeded – it’s time for a well-deserved delicious lunch. At our restaurant We can treat the whole family to home-cooked meals served à la carte. The time spent at the castle, which you’ll spend winding up the catapult, is a wonderful opportunity to embark on a journey through history, and for fellow „fellow travellers” winding the machine to get to know one another and forge friendships, which are then sealed with a glass of pertu on the restaurant terrace as the sun sets. But if you’re not looking to make new friends, we can also help you organise „reunions” with old ones. Whether you’re planning a get-together with friends, a school reunion, a wedding or a birthday party, we’re here to help.
We only use energy that we produce it ourselves from renewable energy sources. We have installed solar panels and solar collectors. We collect rainwater, thereby reducing our consumption of drinking water. You’ll find motion-sensor lighting in all our washrooms. Our constructed wetland treatment system „removes” substances harmful to us without the use of chemicals, relying instead on nature. As a result, when you stay with us, you’re having less of an impact on the environment than if you’d stayed at home. Your ecological footprint is reduced, and you’re doing nature a favour!
- ‘What will happen to the newborns?’ the mothers wondered anxiously.
‘Our ears are freezing!’ grumbled the old folk.
The survivors just stood there, at a loss, and the best advice they could offer their companions was to burrow into the straw, huddle together and keep each other warm.
Days passed in this way, and they had almost resigned themselves to their bleak future when the sound of heavy footsteps and voices could be heard.
First, the little ones and the newborns disappeared. They were grabbed by the neck and taken away.
‘What’s happening? Where are they taking our young ones?’ – a wave of anxiety swept through those left behind. The despair grew as it was the mothers’ and the elderly’s turn. The adult animals fled in terror and hid. If they couldn’t save the others, at least they themselves would survive.
BUT WHAT EXACTLY????? They had no idea; they just found the others’ disappearance suspicious.
Then, that very same day, they too were „trapped”. They were ruthlessly rounded up and taken away. They made the journey to their new winter quarters, utterly dejected.
In a huge, warm place strewn with fresh straw, they spotted their companions, whom they had thought lost, and were overcome with joy.
-Everyone’s here! Everyone’s alive! Wonderful!
‘And best of all, it’s warm!’ the mothers sighed with relief and gratitude.
This is how our little sea piglets moved house.
They’re having a brilliant time, and their numbers are growing.
If you’d like to look after one and call it your own, it can be yours for a nominal fee! Take the one you like best!
