The new wet play area is likely to be a big hit in the warm weatherNew Paddle and Play area is opening at Martin MereNew Paddle and Play area is opening at Martin Mere(Image: Martin Mere Wetland Centre)

It’s loved by families making day trips from Manchester, but soon there’ll be even more reason for kids to head to the popular Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

A new wet play area is opening up in time for May half term, combining water activities with a play space that promises ‘something for everyone’.

Paddle and Play will include a number of exciting features, including inground trampolines, a rain curtain activated by a hand pump, and tunnels to crawl through and explore.

The new wet play area is opening up in time for May half termThe new wet play area is opening up in time for May half term(Image: Martin Mere Wetland Centre)

There’s also a toddler swing and slide and water play ‘perfect for cooling off in the sun’.

Launching in time for the school holidays, from May 24, the play area is part of a transformation of the centre’s popular Canoe Safari zone.

Visitors can still enjoy setting sail on a popular canoe safari or boat tour, offering a unique chance to explore Martin Mere by water and spot wildlife from the striking kingfisher to soaring marsh harriers while meandering through two kilometres of reedbed.

It will include a number of exciting features, including inground trampolinesIt will include a number of exciting features, including inground trampolines(Image: Martin Mere Wetland Centre)

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But Paddle and Play will expand the activities available on dry land, alongside den building, bug hunting and more.

Nick Brooks, centre manager at WWT Martin Mere, in Burscough, Ormskirk, Lancashire, said: “We’re thrilled to launch Paddle and Play as the latest addition to WWT Martin Mere. We aimed to create a space where children of all ages and abilities can play side by side while discovering just how fun and fascinating wetlands can be.

“From pond dipping and bug hunting to den building and moth trapping, Martin Mere is all about hands-on adventures in nature. Paddle and Play is our latest addition, keeping kids out enjoying nature”.

Artist's impression of the new Paddle and PlayArtist’s impression of the new Paddle and Play(Image: Martin Mere Wetland Centre)

The centre, which last year won the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism award at the Lancashire Tourism Awards, is open daily, offering family-friendly activities, close-up encounters with wetland species such as flamingos and otters, and ‘hours of exploration’.

Tickets cost £10.58 for kids, £16.29 for adults, or £45.81 for families, and can be booked on the website here.