I have spoken about my love of outdoor play many times before, where you just have fun with whatever is around you, but there is always time for something a little more organised and unusual.
I blogged about getting a season pass to Adventure Wonderland in Bournemouth a couple of weeks ago, as there was such a good offer on, and this weekend was there first event of the year – Meet the Meerkats!
It wasn’t just the Meerkats that we got to meet though, so I put my fears of all things creepy crawlie aside and was actually amazed how close the kids actually got to the creatures that give me the heebie jeebies!!
The kids were fascinated by all the creatures and kept persuading me to go back so we could see them all again. The only one we didn’t meet face to face was the Scorpion!
The experts were on hand to talk to us about each animal, and were so patient with all the children who were asking question after question.
 |
| She isn’t her mother’s daughter! |
I was busy trying to get the kids to handle the creatures (keeping a safe distance myself) and taking pictures, when I was offered a chance to hold them. Now I am not good with small creatures and hate spiders with a passion, but after some influencing from Isaac I thought I ought to if they had.
Here is Isaac and I holding a Corn Snake – it was so beautifully smooth and didn’t feel creepy at all!
 |
| Go on Mum – I will if you will! |
Now the spider took more persuasion, and the handler was so patient. Sadly I didn’t get a photo (I was far to busy trying not to wave my arms in the air and flinging the poor creature to the floor), but I carefully positioned my hand next to the handlers and he gently made the spider walk across back to his. It felt bizarre, and actually wasn’t that bad, but you still won’t catch me picking one up at home!!
Next up, was something far more cute and cuddly – a 3 day old Chinchilla!
And of course, The Meerkats!
Even a Falcon, which some of the older children were allowed to hold!
And I much preferred the animals in Cuddle Corner! Isaac even got to ride a pony!
We spent another couple of hours exploring the park and doing some of the smaller rides, before heading home to tell Daddy all about our adventures!
I will treasure the memories of this day out – it really was full of Magic Moments, which is why I am linking up to The Olivers Madhouse Magic Moments Linky – why don’t you join in too!
Yikes, I actually feel itchy just looking at the photos. They’re so brave. I’d of ran a mile. I dread having to take my boys to something like that. Think it’s a job for their dad 😉
Looks like you had a great day, but not sure about the snakes
fantastic – I wouldn’t get anywhere near those things!
wow this place looks fantastic! i love these kind of #magicmoments. thanks for linking up 🙂 x
Oh my, you brave brave lady. I would never have the guts to do that. Just the pics have made me get goosebumps!!! Such a brilliant day of learning for the little ones though!