Outdoor fun for kids at London Wetland Centre in Barnes

‘Let’s follow them!’

Baby Girl was very excited about us being invited to the large London Wetland Centre in Barnes the other week, and was particularly eager to explore when she realised there were lots of other young children in the park.

We found a well-prepared mum with a bird map walking around the same route as us with her son, and Baby Girl was immediately ready to run after them, try binoculars in one of the little huts along the route like the boy, joke around and point out all the baby moorhens and baby ducks she spotted with her new friend.

We only had a few hours in the Wetland Centre in the afternoon, but we still managed to not only make a new little friend, but also watch an otter feeding session and Baby Girl got to help feed birds.

I steered us on a route away from some of the amazing play areas this time, as I had Baby Boy to look after too, but it was easy to come here with both a preschooler and a baby since we focused on exploring the wildlife on the buggy-friendly paths around the park. With large open spaces and several routes to follow, this was the perfect place to run off some steam, learn about wildlife, play-and enjoy an ice cream in the courtyard while I had time to feed Baby Boy.

It only took us 15 minutes to drive to Barnes from Fulham, but it felt like we’d gone to the country for a day of fresh air and impressive nature. I love finding activities to do outside and London Wetland Centre is a brilliant place to bring children for a fun day outdoors.

In August, children can pick up a nature explorer passport in the courtyard with activities designed to keep them entertained and let them discover the outdoors. Every time they complete a challenge they can collect a sticker for their passport

Tags: Attractions, Barnes, London, London Wetland Centre, Outdoor activities, Playground, Staycation