We don’t go on many family trips to be honest, mainly because Toby is working quite a lot, plus the cost also comes into it. However, I really wanted to visit somewhere for the day – just the three of us, so I booked tickets online for Chester Zoo. Toby managed to book a day off work and we were all really excited to spend the day together.
I’ve always wanted to take Sophie to the zoo, but I guess we’ve never really got round to it until now! Sophie turns three in June and I think now was a really nice time to take her. She loved pointing out the animals and telling us what they were doing & which animals she wanted to see next. Before our trip, the lovely team at Trunki got in touch and we were very kindly sent a PaddlePak and a ToddlePak to review, so I thought our trip to Chester Zoo would be the perfect place to test them out!
In the morning, before we set off, Sophie packed her PaddlePak with her lunch and drink. It is very spacious and there was plenty of room for more items. The PaddlePak is a backpack made from lightweight and waterproof material, which stops water getting in (or leaking out!). This makes it perfect for days out and trips to the beach or swimming pool. It has plenty of useful features; such as a roll top closure with a safety buckle, adjustable straps for a comfortable fit, plenty of internal and external pockets and reflective strips too. I think it’s a must-have item for toddlers! It is suitable for children age 2+ and it’s very reasonably priced at £19.99.
We also thought it would be a good idea to take the ToddlePak, which is a safety harness with reins. Sophie has a tendency to run off and I didn’t want to take the risk – especially as it’s currently half term and I knew it would be really busy. After a little tantrum over not wanting to wear them – she agreed to put them on. They seemed very comfortable and are easily adjusted making them a secure fit. She didn’t complain once after that and wore them the whole time we were there. They are also made from a breathable material, allowing her to move freely and like the PaddlePak, it also has reflective details for extra visibility. The ToddlePak gave us peace of mind, knowing she couldn’t run off. They are fun and there a a variety of designs to choose from – but they are practical too. The recommended age is 6 – 48 months and they are very reasonably priced at £17.99. I would definitely recommend both items if you have a young child.
We forgot to take the pushchair with us, but Sophie did very well walking around, although we did stop off a couple of times for a bite to eat and ice cream!
I will leave you with some more photos from our trip:
I hope you enjoyed reading this post! Have you visited Chester Zoo recently?
* We were sent the items above for the purpose of this review. All opinions are our own and 100% honest.
Such beautiful pictures! We love the zoo! I also love the look of the paddle pack we are off to Italy end of the month and I think this would be perfect for it! Really looks like you had a great day!
Thank you so much! I would definitely recommend the PaddlePak if you're thinking of getting one. It was a lovely day 🙂 x
It looks like you had a lovely day out! As have the backpack fairy wing reins and they are fab. It gives Rosalie freedom but you know she can't run off xx
It was a great day! They're a lifesaver when you have a toddler aren't they. Gives you peace of mind, especially when you're in a busy place! xx
Looks like you guys had a great day! We went to a zoo when Corben was a bit younger and think he'd really appreciate it now. the backpack looks great, love that it stops stuff leaking out too!
Great post!
– Cydney
We did thank you Cydney! Sophie loved it – I can't wait to take her again! I'm sure your little one would love it 🙂 x
Thank you! This is a brilliant review because unlike so many other it mentions the price! As a parent, cost is an important part in deciding if a product is for me. Thank you for a thorough review.
Thank you Tori 🙂
This looks like a lovely zoo, she looks very happy with her ice cream!
Oh it's a lovely zoo! We will definitely go back :). Haha Sophie loves her ice cream, can you tell?! 😉 haha x
What a lovely zoo! I need to go here. I love the backpack too.
It's a fab zoo! I would definitely recommend the backpack too x
What gorgeous pictures! The products both look fantastic, definitely things I'd look into getting for Toby, although when I put reigns on him, he lays down and screams blue murder!xx
Thank you so much Hannah! They were great! Haha Sophie wasn't best pleased when we put the reins on, but we talked her round in the end! xx
I visited Chester Zoo when I was a child but I can't remember it! I really want to take the girls one day soon. Lovely photos x
Aaw, I hope you manage to go back! It's a great zoo! Thank you lovely x
Such a cute backpack. We love going to the zoo, haven't been yet this year but hopefully in the Summer we will.
🙂 I hope you have a lovely time if you get the chance to visit over Summer! x
Oh this zoo looks lovely, My son Leo has been begging me to take him to the zoo. Think we will definitely be going in the summer! Fantastic pictures