Half term nature activities for families
Summer starts warm days of buzzing wetlands, full of hatching wildlife, leave loads for families to explore!
Here are some suggestions to get the most from your family day out at Arundel Wetland Centre this summer half term (May 27-June 4) .
Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT trail
Come and enjoy summer wetland adventures of imagination, inspiration and illustration with the artworks of the UK's best loved illustrator as your guide. Collect an illustrated trail map complete with Quentin Blake’s drawings and see wetlands in a whole new light! The trail map includes a collectable bookmark - collect one each season!
Feather quills and brass rubbings
Drop into the Outlook In building for artistic and creative family fun. Learn to draw and write with an ink quill pen made from a real feather! Smaller hands may want to try taking a rubbing from our brass plates of wildlife or colouring in a Quentin Blake picture from 10 am-12:30 pm and 1-3:30 pm each day. More info here.
This activity is part of the Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake and WWT program of activities.
Learn to Sketch a Bird workshop
Children 7-12 may enjoy the Learn to Sketch a Bird workshop led by our friendly Learning Team. Book it on the day for only £2 per child - the workshops held in the Swan Lake Room of our visitor centre on Mon 29 May, Wed 31 May and Fri 2 June. The workshops start a 11 am and last an hour - children must be accompanined by an adult.
This activity is part of the Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake & WWT programme of events.
Search for New Life
Kingfishers are nesting in the bank across from the family Discovery hide. Lapwings are raising chicks near the Ramsar hide and Lapwing hide. Sand martins are swirling at the Sand martin hides, popping in and our of the nest bank holes. Greylag goslings are waddling the reserve and a brood of Mandarin ducklings hatched out in the Woodloop. Ruby-tailed wasps are emerging, damselflies are on the wing and butterflies flit the pathways. Spend time in the hides or just listening and watching from a bench on any pathway and you are bound to connect with wetland nature.
Lapwing chicks at Arundel Wetland Centre Photo: James King
Pond dipping
We are drawn to water and the wildlife within it! Join our Learning Team at the Raised Pond to uncover incredible underwater life with a net and tray. Family dipping sessions for up to six people run in the morning and afternoon on weekends and holidays. Book at the admissions desk - a £3 donation per family to help us cover costs would be gratefully appreciated.
Book a family pond dipping session for up to six people at our admissions desk when you visit.
Experience the Willow Sphere
The new Reedbed Willow Sphere is a beautiful space to connect with wetlands. Enter this artwork and surround yourself with wildlife! Woven from traditional wetland materials, this willow work has hidden harriers, lapwing, sand martins, herons and dragonflies in its spherical walls. Challenge the kids to find them all in this stop on the Drawn to Water Trail!
Pop into Pelican Cove
Say hello to our incredible Dalmatian Pelicans and meet their friendly keepers at a free talk every day at 2 pm. While feeding the birds the Keepers will talk all thing pelican and answer your questions about any of the amazing birds in the living collection at Arundel Wetland Centre.
Dalmatian pelicans are the largest pelicans in the world with a 10 foot wingspan! See how do you measure up on the pelican wingspan sign.
A Dalmatian Pelican makes a splash while trying to catch fish - photo by visitor Tony Siddorn
A visit to Arundel Wetland Centre is a full, fun, family day out. Bring a picnic for outdoor eating or try the Water’s Edge Café with children's sandwich boxes or sausage hot dogs. Browse gorgeous gifts, books, toys and bird care in our WWT gift shop.
If you've been inspired to explore Arundel Wetland Centre this summer half term, find out more and plan your visit online.
Plan your visit
