For the family
Explore our haven for wetland wildlife with its paved, buggy friendly pathways and sturdy non-slip boardwalks weaving through exhibits and wild areas bursting with wetland nature.
When you arrive, book a Wetland Discovery boat safari at the admission desk when to receive a boarding time for £3 per person for this beautiful 20 minute trip. Children love experiencing the wetlands from on the water!
On weekends and holiday book a pond dipping session, for groups or families up to 6 people with our friendly Learning Team. Donations are welcome at time of booking at the admissions desk.
Then start a stroll around the site by saying hello to our huge Dalmatian Pelicans at Pelican Cove. Meet the pelican keepers at the free talk each day at 2pm. Then dip into the Discovery hide to look for kingfishers on the perches beside the nesting bank!
Venture into the Lakes and Forest exhibit to see the friendly nene geese and count the white headed ducks on the Reedswamp pond (they have blue beaks!). Visit the bird feeders in the shady Woodland Loop. How many birds can you spot? Can you hear birds singing in the trees?
Wander the reedbed boardwalk and stop in the Reed Chamber shelter to listen for warbler songs and the reeds whispering in the wind. When you emerge from the reedbed follow the arrows to view nature in the round inside the Reedbed Willow Sphere! Challenge your children to find all five wetland animals that are woven into walls of the sphere and enjoy views across the reedbeds to Arundel Castle.
Further down the long path pop into the Wetland Secrets Plant House to discover traditional uses of wetland plant. Then play wild in the Wildlife Garden and explore the secret glade. Then trundle down the trail to the Sand Martin hide, home to over 40 pairs and nesting sand martins and their youngsters. Watch them swooping just outside the hide windows!
Next find Waterside Walk and enjoy wild birds on the water from one of the many benches with wonderful views of Offham Hangar. Finish with a scramble on the Pond Skater play area. Enjoy a takeaway drink or ice cream from our Water’s Edge Café while you watch your youngsters.
There are lots of spaces nearby for a family picnic with the Water’s Edge café open 10am-4pm every day in the visitor centre for children’s lunch box specials and hot food for those with larger appetites.
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