Family Fun at Martin Mere Wildlife Refuge

Last updated on November 16th, 2023 at 05:27 pm

Mr P took an unexpected week off work, this week, to have some family fun and adventures. It took us away from our weekly routine and got us all very excited for the  (JEAP) adventures we would be going on throughout the week.

Yesterday, we ventured to Martin Mere Wildlife Refuge.

We were not sure how Buba would respond, as the last visit to Chester Zoo wasn’t easy with him being scared of everything. But a little older and wiser, we thought we would see how he got on.

The weather was beautiful, there was a warm breeze and the sun peaked out for us for most of the day. We got very lucky as today has been shocking weather. IMG_0545RSThis is Buba’s first reaction as soon as we opened the doors. His face light up so bright at the sight of hundreds of various ducks, ducklings, birds, and flamingos all in one place. It took Mr P and I both by surprise that he was so excited and not running for the door to go back inside. IMG_0542RSMissy Moo stayed snuggled in her stroller for most of the morning, as she peered over her fluffy pink coat to witness her brother chasing duck after duck, giggling away at his silliness. There were birds flying overhead which she was fascinated by. Even at such a young age, she was thoroughly enjoying it. IMG_0590rsI braved it and asked a stranger to please take a family photo of us. We never have pictures of the four of us. After a few (many) grunts from Mr P and the kids, the lady quickly snapped it and walked away. I prayed the one and only picture she took without warning, would be ok. The kids really were having a blast I promise, don’t go by their facial expressions here. haha Buba kept saying, “but that’s Mommy’s camera, give it back”. Thanks son, she isn’t stealing it. He is always my protector. MartinMereCollageI was amazed how beautifully colored the animals all were, so vibrant and stunning. There were so many different species it was amazing to see them all together in one place. I had a soft spot for the flamingos. They are gorgeous but I was far too big of a wuss to go any closer for a better picture as they were making such a commotion. Again we were surprised that Buba didn’t bat an eyelid at them.

There were yellow and white flowers blooming every where. We had got there when it first opened so it was just us, so peaceful. I could have sat there amongst the flowers listening to the birds and ducks all day. The only other thing you could hear was Buba shouting from each corner of the path, “LOOK AT ALL THESE DUCKIES”, over and over again. It was hilarious. With his arms stretched out for a dramatic effect. He even frighten the pants off this elderly couple walking by gazing out onto one of the ponds with their cameras in hand waiting for that perfect moment to capture whatever they had their eyes on. Buba ran up behind them, “ALL THESE DUCKIES”. The poor woman jumped out of her skin and the old man had a chuckling fit. I was so embarrassed but at least he was having the time of his life. IMG_0547RSEvery once in awhile our hyper, excitable two year old, would throw us for a loop. Turn pensive and stare out onto the waters below. He was truly mesmerized by all that was around him. This is one of my favorite photos of the day. He really does well in wide open spaces, a chance to run around, be a kid, and enjoyed the fresh air.IMG_0572RSBuba is very much a Daddy’s boy and so like his Daddy is so many ways. They both have this passion and love for the great outdoors. It is heart warming to see them exploring together. IMG_0581RSWe found a mini waterfall, that was so scenic. I had to share it with Missy Moo, she had long been in her stroller and we got to places where she could no longer peak over the sides to see the animals. She was very happy to be out so she could take it all in with the rest of us. I had our double stroller with us, but in future I will just bring a sling for Missy Moo as the double stroller really is only used to carry everything on top of it, these days.

The kids are growing up so fast, this family day out really made me realize this. No more needing strollers, and Buba with his big boy pants on, didn’t need a diaper changed. I know it will happen eventually but I stood there foreseeing them running down that very path in the near future together, pointing out different things to each other.

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Buba eventually discovered all the Bird Call Posts. At first it was a great way for him to hear what each animal sounded like, he fully expected when he pushed each button that those animals would come to him. It didn’t happen. After numerous bird calls being pushed over and over, we had to move on, I didn’t want to stress out the wildlife.PlaygroundMartinMereRSWe promised Buba at the start of our adventure, he could play on the big park afterwards, as he saw it when we first pulled up. Clever design layout, Martin Mere!

Although the swings were occupied the entire time we were there, Missy Moo took comfortable in a big kid’s swing. She was laughing her head off as I pushed her back and forth.

Buba took to bigger challenges, and attempted things that were far too big for him but enjoyed it nevertheless, especially when he made it to the slide.

Buba and Missy Moo weren’t the only ones out to play, Mr P found numerous big kid things to do as well. I think he had just as much fun as the kids, running around the playground. IMG_7338rs

We ended our lovely family day out with a nice latte and a scrumptious scone full of clotted cream and jam because there is no better way to enjoy them! I justified it with all the walking and playing we just did! I was even so keen you can see my finger swipe in the cream before I could reach for my camera. haha

Overall, I was really impressed with Martin Mere. It really had so many things to offer: wildlife, playground, cafe, great gift shop even, where I picked up yet another scarf, I know I should be banned from buying them. But it was navy, my favorite color and had owls on it, another favorite. That’s my excuse anyway. It truly was a great place for a great family day out!

31 thoughts on “Family Fun at Martin Mere Wildlife Refuge”

  1. I love taking my kids to nature reserves! Sounds like a very lovely day out – and ooh do i miss a good scone with clotted cream.

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    • Thank you Caroline. I know I was so excited that we got one even with grumpy faces for all of us. It was April 1st so at least it can count as my me and mine picture this month. hahahaha I never usually get them. It really was a great family day out. We weren’t sure what to expect.

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    • Thank you it truly was a great day out all together. I was so impressed with it. We weren’t really sure what to expect but it turned out perfect.

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  2. Looks like a really fantastic family day out together. Nature reserves are great.
    Thanks for sharing #LetKidsBeKids

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    • Thank you Karen. Ya I wasn’t sure how the kids would like it or how it would go but it turned out a perfect family day and a place we will go again. Thanks for hosting, love “letkidsbekids”

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    • I am like that, I am hardly in any and if I am then Mr P is taking the photo so I have had to resort to asking strangers everywhere we go, could you take a picture of all of us please! It works. Not always a great shot but at least you have the memory.

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  3. A lovely day out, and great that they enjoyed it so much. They do grow so quickly, and what the dislike the first time, they end up loving within weeks! Gorgeous photos, and I do love a clotted cream tea 🙂

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    • Thanks Jocelyn. It really was the perfect family day out. And completely unplanned we just wanted to do something fun and different since Mr P took a random week off work to spend some quality time with us. Ohhhh naughty clotted cream gets me every time. 😉

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  4. Like you I often am the photographer and am never in the photos so well done in asking someone to take a family snap – it’s lovely. What a fab family day out and it was dry! I can see that you all had a great time and spent some quality family time together. Thanks for linking up and sharing your fun with Country Kids.

    Reply
    • Thanks for hosting, I was just glad we got out of the house and had an adventure we could finally share. I am always the photographer so strangers are my only hope for a family pic. Funny thing was when we got their we were the first for ever and didn’t see anyone we could ask. lol

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    • Thank you ever so much. They are so much fun and I am really grateful for each one of them. I hope we have many more trips successful like this one.

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  5. So lovely to have a whole week together as a family! Martin Mere looks like a great place to go too – anywhere with a bit of nature plus a play area dnd cafe is perfect in my book. I love the picture of Buba looking out pensively over the river. And you’re right, Mr P definitely looks like he was having a great time – I’ve been known to have a sneaky turn on the occasional kids zipwire in my time too – any excuse!! X #CountryKids

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    • Exactly, they should make more wide open spaces for kids to run around and look at things and a playground with a cafe should always be a must together. It was a real treat to have him with us for a whole week. Doesn’t happen alot unless it’s a big trip planned so to stay home and just spend great time together was amazing. That’s my favorite picture of our whole trip of Buba looking over the ducks. Love it.

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    • Oh I wish I could send you one, it’s my one english weakness. So yummy! I will eat one for you if you want. 😉 Thanks it really was a fab family day and great quality time needed too.

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  6. Some really lovely family photos to treasure. Your Daughters smile is gorgeous, looks like a really happy baby. Popping over from #countrykids

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    • Thank you so much Candace, and thanks for popping over and commenting. She is so much fun at the minute. She is ALWAYS smiling then we took our first proper family photo and she just stared all serious. It was crazy because my toddler who never smiles was smiling and she refused. The one time I need her too. lol We had a good time too. It’s a lovely place for the whole family to visit.

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    • Thanks Vic, we really did. It was highly unexpected too as it was unplanned. Those always seem to be the best days out together!! Thanks for hosting.

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  7. I’ve lived up here for almost 20 years and have been a parent for 10 of those years and never once have we been to Martin Mere! My husband used to go almost every year as a school kid and it put him off! We must plan a trip for 2015 x x x

    Reply

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