- Play Hard
- 10th Aug 2024
- 0
- 5 minutes
WWT Washington Wetland Centre is the perfect place to entertain the kids this summer – here’s what’s on…

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One of our favourite places to hang out during the summer holidays has a jam-packed events calendar this year to keep the whole family entertained.
From a brand new self-led postcard trail that you can complete in your own time, to scheduled events with Washington Wetland Centre’s expert wardens where children can learn new skills and get closer to nature.
There are also some lovely art workshops throughout the summer that the whole family can do together and take their art home as a memento.
HLN TOP TIP: Take your own picnic, or Washington Wetland Centre has a fantastic waterside café open daily between 10.00am and 4.00pm during summer. From delicious breakfasts to a well-earned lunch (as well as plenty of cakes and scones), all of the money spent in the café supports the centre’s conservation work – win, win.
VIEW THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR TO PLAN YOUR VISIT
Here are our top picks…

THE SELF-LED POSTCARD TRAIL
20th July – 1st September
Cost: Included in your admission ticket or free for Washington Wetland Centre members.
Deepen the whole family’s connection with nature with this new postcard adventure trail for summer 2024. Giant postcards designed by children’s illustrator Ella Beech share personal messages from nine animals who live in wetland habitats around the globe.
This is self-led so that you can undertake the trail on any visit and jet off on a first-class adventure.

POND DIPPING
15th, 21st and 30th August
1.00pm – 3.00pm (drop in sessions – no need to book)
Cost: Included in your admission ticket or free for Washington Wetland Centre members.
Join the Washington Wetland Centre team at Pondzone where the whole family can search for pond creatures big and small. This interactive activity is a great way to introduce kids to the interesting underwater world.

DEN BUILDING
16th, 20th, 25th and 30th August
1.00pm – 3.00pm (drop-in sessions – no need to book)
Cost: Included in your admission ticket or free for Washington Wetland Centre members.
Head down to the pines (opposite the flamingo flock) to spend some time building a den fit for a king.
Just watch out; they’ll be building a den in your own garden in no time…

DAILY OTTER AND FLAMINGO TALKS
Otters: 11.30am and 2.30pm / Flamingos: 11.45am and 2.45pm
Washington Wetland Centre has three Asian short-clawed otters – Mimi, Musa and their son Buster. Watch them go for swims, roll in the mud, juggle pebbles on their tummies and greet visitors with their adorable squeaks.
In the summertime, the North East’s only flamingo flock will be in full show with their striking pink plumage and dancing displays. Join a flamingo talk to hear everything about them and take a close-up view that you won’t get anywhere else in the region.

ANIMAL TRACKING
13th, 28th August
1.00pm – 2.30pm (drop in sessions, no need to book)
Cost: Included in your admission ticket or free for Washington Wetland Centre members.
Children can learn new skills for tracking animals during this interactive drop-in session with the expert reserve wardens.

SUMMER ART WORKSHOPS
10.00am – 11.30am
Cost: £16pp (adults taking part must purchase a ticket)
Ideal for children aged 6+ and their grown-ups.
12th August – Bugs, 19th August – Bees, 26th August – Birds
This is a lovely way for families to spend mindful time together. Adults are welcome to join the session (they must purchase a separate ticket) or watch from the sidelines.
Summertime fun with a splash of education and hands-on experience is guaranteed at WWT Washington Wetland Centre this summer.
VIEW THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR TO PLAN YOUR VISIT
Admission fees apply. You can book your tickets in advance, here.
WWT Washington Wetland Centre, Pattinson, Washington, Tyne and Wear, NE38 8LE
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