Photos Copyright: Maggie May
As it was half term in Bristol this week, I decided to take my granddaughters some where really special. I know that Amber had already hinted to me before, that she'd like to go to the Bristol Aquarium by the harbour. Millie had already been with the school previously and had said that she enjoyed it.
I decided to keep the visit secret and asked their dad to bring packed lunches when he brought them round.
We set off on the bus and Amber asked, "Is it a quality outing?"
I replied that I thought it was and I assumed that a *no quality outing* would mean a picnic in a park or something, which they used to like but are now getting a bit bored with.
When we got off the bus at the city Centre and started to walk towards Millennium Square, Amber's face brightened and she appeared to be really pleased with where we were going and said she'd hoped it would be the Aquarium.
We entered the darkened corridors that twisted and turned and looked at the colourful tanks of fish.
There was a large octopus hiding in one of the tanks...... not very photo friendly one as I just couldn't get a snap of him. I have never been up close to one before though, so I was intrigued to watch it.
In another tank were some slimy giant eels of an enormous size. They got fed while we were watching them and gobbled the fish straight down. They moved too fast for a photo but were fascinating to watch.
I enjoyed the sea horses and and the beautiful coral reef which was a living wall, opening and shutting all the time.
The entrance fee also entitled us to see some 3D films in the Imax theatre, which we enjoyed and there were plenty of tables and chairs where we could sit and eat our sandwiches later.
Being a bit older, Amber doesn't go galloping through to the next thing as quickly as she used to do and both children do stop to look at things for longer. Amber had to say to Millie a few times though, "Lets make the most out of everything and not rush through." I was pleased about that as I like to savour everything at a slower pace.
The corridor opened out into a large room and in the centre of it was a huge tank with many different sea fish and living coral. Very beautiful to see.
We had already walked through glass tunnels at the bottom, seeing fish on different levels.
This tank was extremely deep by the time we got level with the open top that had just a fence round it. In the picture at the bottom, you can see lifebelts.
Thankfully nobody fell it while we were there!
We all had a really good day out and were tired out by the time we got home.
Yes, a successful outing.
25 comments:
sounds like my kind of outing..glad you all had a good time
Oooh, Amy would love it there. I think there's something similar near Newcastle and I must take her one of these days. Such a lovely place to visit on a hot day.
CJ xx
Sounds like a lovely day out. And did you manage to restrain yourself from paddling your feet in the tanks for a quick piscatorial pedicure??
Mya x
nice..this is very cool...wish we had an aquarium nearby...the closest is about 4 hours away...we are going up in about 3 weeks.
It is so much fun bringing a child to see something interesting. Even if you've seen it before, you now get a whole new experience from it.
That's a fun day for you and the kidlets. And like Suldog indicated, so much fun to see it through their wide eyse.
How interesting for Amber to ask about the outing, is it a quality outing? Yes, she has quality tastes, and quality manners too.
What a fun day you shared with your granddaughters, so happy for all of you. Hope your weather has cleared and that you and Harry are doing well....:-)
Hi Maggie, hope it wasn't too busy with half term crowds. Hope you're keeping well!
What a fun thing to do. When my kids were young, I enjoyed taking them to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Never got tired of that. I'm glad your granddaughters enjoyed it. A really quality outing indeed.
Two years ago this summer, the agency that works with my grandchildren had received funding to arrange for tickets to the Pittsburgh Zoo and anyone who wanted to get these could do so. Mandy got tickets for the four of us to go to the zoo and for the most part, it was a really fun time. I do think the part Kurtis actually enjoyed the most though was the aquarium. He had some interest in seeing many of the other creatures there but it wasn't until we went into the aquarium part that he seemed to get more excited. But, considering his maturity level and where it is today as compared to two years ago, I really wish we could get tickets to the zoo again this year as I think he would enjoy all of the sights there and appreciate them all so much better too. (Who knows but maybe a trip to the aquarium there now could end his fear of the imitation (paper mache) shark his Uncle Clayton has hanging on the corner wall in his "entertainment" room at his house. Kurtis is terrified of that thing even though he will tell you "is just pretend, is just pretend."
Looks very tranquil. Which im sure your part of the world needs at the mo.
I just love aquariums. So relaxing. You got some great shots too! Well done..not easy to do.
Yes it was a quality outing for sure.
Hugs
SueAnn
That sounds like a really good day out. I love aquariums but have never been to the one in Bristol yet. Lovely photos too, I'm so glad it went well.
Up close and person to fish like that is fascinating! :)
I love aquariums too. Great choice of outing. Good pics too!
What a good idea. Sounds like you all enjoyed your special outing. Nice pictures of the aquarium.
My mum took my twin npehews there over half term too... wouldn't it have been funny if you were all there at the same time! They all really enjoyed it too
What a treat!
I think I could spend days in an aquarium.
what beautiful golden fishes...sounds like you and your granddaughters did indeed have a "quality outing"
When my sons were little the Seattle acquarium was their favorite. Isn't lovely when they grow enough to take their time and really see things, a time to savor.
Beautiful, lovely pictures. What a fun day out for you all. There is a wonderful one down in Monterey (CA) where you can stoke all the sting rays....
Definitely a "quality outing"! Amber sounds like my youngest granddaughter--you know children are growing up when they make comments like this:) Aquariums, though, were always one of the favorite places for my kids to visit no matter the age. There is something fascinating about this undersea life that we never see otherwise.
Aw, love that Amber said about making the most of everything! And enquiring whether it was a 'quality outing' - that's brilliant! What a lovely Nan you are, it sounds like they had a great day out. I love that top picture as well - looks like a painting!
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