Super 6 for families this May

There is so much wonderful wildlife to see and activities to try during a family visit to Arundel Wetland Centre in May! With families of goslings, ducklings and chicks dotted about flowers in bloom and butterflies on the wing, there's lots to see, hear and do. Take a pic of our What’s On board when you arrive so you don’t miss a thing! Here's our Super 6 things for families to try on weekends and holidays this May.

1. Spot Signs of Spring

The Bing’s Nature Explorers trail featuring TV character Bing and his friends, encourages little legs to discover the signs of spring and learn more about the range of plants, birds and animals that call the wetlands home. Pick up a free trail guide for the pre-schooler set in centre and collect a sticker for finishing! Relax after the trail at a free Bing’s Story Time session on weekend’s and holidays.

Children a little bit older will enjoy the free ‘Spring Has Sprung’ booklet full of challenges. Kids will enjoy keeping a tally of baby animals, colours of spring colour wheel plus ticking off a list of birds, blossoms and bugs.

Being a Nature Explorer - its a Bing thing!

2. Book a Pond Dipping Session

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 each day. Book at the admissions desk - a £3 donation per family to help us cover costs would be gratefully appreciated.

3. Book a Boat Safari

One of the best ways to see the wetlands is from the water. Our expert wildlife guides take you through reedbeds, water meadows and carr woodland on quiet a quiet electric boat. This 20 minute trip gives you views of the fish in the clear water, ducks and geese on the water zipping dragonflies and any raptors on the magnificent cliff of the Offham hangar. Book your seat for £3 per person at the admission desk on the day of your visit.

4. Thrill at a diving duck

The Coastal Creek aviary is a stunning exhibit with no fences between you and the birds who live there. The birds can come up onto the pathway so encourage children to move slowly and to be mindful where they step. The glass-sided tank in our Coastal Creek aviary gives families unique views of ducks swimming and diving underwater. The ducks swim at eye level too! At 12 pm every day our Keepers feed them fish and give a short talk, and answer questions. You may be able to see the Keepers feed other aviary residents, like the red shanks and avocets, too.

5. Explore the Reed Willow Sphere

Surround yourself with wetland nature in the Reedbed Willow Sphere. Everywhere you look you will see more in this beautiful work, woven by local environmental artist Mark Anthony Hayden Ford of Two Circles design. Woven from willow, this work has hidden harriers, lapwing, sand martins, herons and dragonflies. Challenge your children to find them all. This quiet space with benches is also ideal for calm moments and watching wildlife in the reedbed. There is also lovely views of Arundel Castle across the way.

Wetland nature in the round - the Reedbed Willow Sphere

6. Pop into Pelican Cove

Say hello to our incredible Dalmatian Pelicans – the largest pelicans in the world with a 10 foot wingspan! See how do you measure up on the pelican wings sign. Meet one of our friendly Keepers at Pelican Cove each day a 2 pm. While feeding the birds they will talk all thing pelican and answer your questions about any of the amazing birds in the living collection at Arundel Wetland Centre.

A Dalmatian Pelican tries to catch his dinner

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. Browse gorgeous gifts, books, toys and bird care in our WWT gift shop.

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