Free Admission! December Family Trips to See Wild Animals Up Close and Learn!
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Introduction
Hello everyone, today I’m here to recommend a great winter birdwatching spot for kids~
When it comes to taking kids to see wild animals in December, many people immediately think of zoos. But did you know? There are actually several fantastic nature reserves where this season is perfect for observing wildlife up close! Recently, I’ve seen many parents asking where they can take their kids to experience nature closely and see real wild animals. Honestly, although December is cold, the withered vegetation actually makes it easier to spot the little animals usually hidden in dense forests.
After some on-site visits and in-depth research, I’ve finally found a few treasure-level places!
The best part is, not only can you see wild animals at these places, many of them are truly free to enter! Plus, they’re less crowded and beautiful, making it a great educational trip for kids.
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Zhalong Nature Reserve – The Winter Kingdom of Red-crowned Cranes
This place is truly the pinnacle of December birdwatching in my heart!
Every year from November to March, large flocks of red-crowned cranes winter here. Imagine a snowy white landscape with a group of elegant red-crowned cranes leisurely foraging — it’s like a fairy tale scene.
📍Address: Zhalong Township, Tiefeng District, Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province
⏰Best Viewing Time: December to February, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
🎫Tickets: Tickets are required for the core viewing area, but the surrounding wetlands are free to enter
The first time my child saw wild red-crowned cranes, the excitement was just adorable. Remember to bring binoculars; although the distance isn’t very close, you can definitely see them clearly.
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Dongzhai Port Mangrove Reserve – A Tropical Paradise for Migratory Birds
If you don’t want to freeze in the Northeast, Hainan is an amazing alternative!
December is the peak of migratory bird season, with all kinds of water birds gathering here. And it’s free to enter! Kids can see egrets, herons, various wild ducks... so many species it’s hard to count.
📍Address: Yanfeng Town, Meilan District, Haikou City, Hainan Province
⏰Opening Hours: Open all day, free admission
🎫Tickets: Free
⚠️Note: Remember to wear non-slip shoes as the boardwalk may be slippery
The wooden boardwalk here is very well built, stroller-friendly too. The most stunning moment is at dusk when flocks of egrets return to their nests, filling the sky with birds.
My child was mesmerized, constantly asking, "Mom, where are they going?"
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Poyang Lake Migratory Bird Reserve – The Home of White Cranes
When talking about December birdwatching, how can we miss Poyang Lake?
98% of the world’s white cranes winter here! That statistic alone is impressive, right? Plus, many birdwatching spots are free if you know where to go.
📍Address: Wucheng Town, Yongxiu County, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province
⏰Best Time: December to January, 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM
🎫Tickets: Some birdwatching platforms are free
The number of white cranes here is truly breathtaking. They’re so dense that from afar they look like white clouds floating on the lake.
✅Tip: Bring a thermos and some snacks; birdwatching requires patience
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Nanji Wetland – A Lesser-Known but Stunning Birdwatching Spot
Not many people know about this place, but it’s truly a gem!
Located in the core area of Poyang Lake, December sees a huge variety of water birds. The best part is fewer tourists, so you can observe quietly.
📍Address: Nanji Township, Xinjian District, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province
⏰Open All Day
🎫Tickets: Free
The highlight here is a birdwatching platform with a very wide view. Bringing kids here, you can use a bird guidebook to identify species, making it both educational and fun.
I remember last time, my child was seriously taking notes on every bird seen — that focused look was just adorable.
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How to Make Birdwatching with Kids Most Effective?
Preparation is key.
First, teach your kids about the animals they’ll see, or else it’s just a quick glance. I usually show my kids related documentaries in advance, like "The Migration of Birds."
Here’s a checklist of gear:
Binoculars (a must)
Bird identification guidebook
Thermos and snacks
Camera (to capture beautiful moments)
Small stool (great for waiting spots)
Observation skills are also important.
Tell kids to move gently and keep quiet, as wild animals are easily scared. It’s best to wear dark-colored clothes, avoiding bright colors.
Also, be patient; sometimes you have to wait a long time to see the ideal scene. But this waiting teaches kids focus and perseverance.
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Why Recommend Going in December?
Honestly, many people think winter isn’t suitable for outdoor activities, but December is actually the golden season for birdwatching.
Migratory birds have mostly finished migrating and settled in their wintering grounds. There are many birds, making observation easier. And although it’s cold, the air is clear with excellent visibility.
Also, there are fewer tourists, so no worries about crowds, and kids can concentrate better on observing nature.
Most importantly, letting kids experience the wonder of life in a real natural environment is far more meaningful than just a quick zoo visit.
Watching migratory birds fly south and feeling the rhythm of nature are lessons you can’t learn from books.
Just imagine, when kids grow up and recall that winter morning quietly waiting with mom and dad for the white cranes to return — what a precious memory that will be!
If you want to give your kids a unique nature education experience, pick a weekend, pack your gear, and set off! Don’t forget to share your birdwatching experiences in the comments~
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