Explore and play
For families who enjoy a day of hands-on discovery, then you’ll find hours of fun at award winning Slimbridge.
Have a taste of the wild, without having to get your feet muddy - unless you want to! Get up close to rare and exotic birds, mammals and the largest collection of amphibians in the UK - all set in the tranquil surroundings of our nature reserve.
There’s something for all the family, 364 days a year. Whether you want to meet the rarest goose at Mission Possible, gaze at all six species of flamingo, or splash in the outdoor water playground - we’ve got something for everyone.
Here are just a few of our family highlights:
- Give birdwatching a go at our South Lake Discovery Hide. It has all the equipment you need such as ID guides, binoculars and a telescope, as well as nice comfy seats.
- Head to Toad Hall and meet colourful characters from all over the world - including frogs, toads and newts. Learn more about the dangers threatening their survival and how they are adapted by joining one of our daily talks. Toad Hall also has a soft play area for little ones to enjoy.
- Become a real life explorer at Arctic Adventure - delve deeper into the living conditions, food rations, and clothes worn by a researcher. Test your natural history skills by studying the bird leg identification rings and take part in science field work activities including animal poo analysis!
- If you have a youngster who loves nothing more than to have a good splash in puddles, then your day won't be complete without a play at Welly Boot Land. We recommend taking a change of clothes or even swimsuits! The play area has recently been developed so come and enjoy the new lily pad trampolines, climbing trees, log tunnel and basket swing. Surfaces have also been levelled making the play area more accessible.
- Run wild in Riverlife playground - featuring a tower and wobbly bridge.
- During the summer holidays dip for nymphs, water boatmen and water fleas at Pond Dipping. Use nets and trays provided at timed sessions and use our handy identification charts next to each pond to put a name to all your watery critters.
- Experience Slimbridge like never before with the family-friendly app, Wetland Heroes.
- Explore the Wild Play area in the Spinney woods, behind Riverlife playground. An unstructured, natural play space designed in-house by WWT Slimbridge Grounds Team. Den build to your heart's content surrounded by the beautiful Slimbridge landscape. Not a natural den builder? Then why not have a go at weaving a giant crane's nest and let your imagination run wild.
Don't just take our word for it!
If that can’t tempt you, Slimbridge won Family Day Out of the Year in the 2023 SoGlos Lifestyle Awards.