- Play Hard
- 27th Feb 2026
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The new interactive trail kids will love at WWT Washington Wetland Centre
- Advertisement Feature
Are you searching for ‘things to do with kids near me’ this spring? WWT Washington Wetland Centre has got you covered.
There’s something about spring at WWT Washington Wetland Centre that just feels hopeful. The air’s a little lighter, the reeds are rustling back into life, and everywhere you look, there are tiny signs of new beginnings. And this year, there’s an extra special reason to visit.
From Friday 20th March to Tuesday 31st May, you and your little ones are invited to step into a storybook adventure with Gozzle the gosling – the adorable new character from Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie, brought to life in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books.
Think muddy boots, rosy cheeks and lots of giggles – this is spring, the WWT Washington Wetland Centre way.
JOIN GOZZLE’S WETLAND ADVENTURE
At the heart of it all is an interactive family trail that follows Gozzle on her journey from fuzzy hatchling to full-fledged flying goose. Little ones can hop along stepping stones to practise their balance, strike their best animal poses and even use their sense of smell to sniff out a snack – just like a real gosling.
Keep your eyes peeled as you go; there are 15 mini Gozzles hiding along the route. Spot them all and you’ve officially earned your explorer badge.
For even more feathery fun, the Gozzle activity pack – available for £4 from the visitor centre or when booking tickets online – is packed with games, puzzles, stickers and a headband to help your little adventurer look the part.
BECOME AN ANIMAL HELPER AT GOZZLE’S VET CHECK
If your child has ever declared they’re going to be a vet “when they grow up”, this is their moment.
On selected dates (Thursday 9th and Monday 13th April during the Easter holidays, and Friday 29th May for half term), the Gozzle Vet Check station opens from 1–3pm in the education barn. Here, mini animal lovers can pop on a lab coat, grab a record card and nurse a toy goose back to health.
There are six hands-on stations to explore – from gently learning how to hold a bird safely, to measuring webbed feet, weighing their patient and even taking a pretend x-ray of a Nene goose. It’s playful, educational and just the right amount of wholesome chaos.
And speaking of Nene, WWT has played a real-life role in helping these Hawaiian geese recover from near extinction – proof that the work happening here goes far beyond a fun family day out.
MORE THAN A DAY OUT
Once you’ve reached the giant goose wings and waved Gozzle off on her migration, don’t rush home. Spring at WWT is full of firsts – first pond dips, first looks through binoculars, first sightings of ducklings skimming across the water.
It’s the kind of day that ends with muddy wellies in the boot of the car and tired, happy children in the back seat.
You can also pick up a copy of Gozzle in the gift shop to keep the adventure going at home – a lovely reminder of a day spent outdoors, discovering, learning and laughing together.
This spring, if you’re looking for something screen-free, joy-filled and genuinely memorable, WWT Washington Wetland Centre is ready and waiting. And Gozzle? She can’t wait to meet you.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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