We recently spent a Chester Zoo family day out enjoying time together, and I’ll be honest, it wasn’t the kind of day I usually blog about.
There were no elaborate plans. I didn’t have a list of “must-see” animals or a list of must-take photos for Instagram. And unlike most of our outings, I barely took any photos.
But maybe that’s why it was so special.
This time, I let go of the pressure to document every little moment. I wasn’t reaching for my phone every few minutes. Instead, I chatted with the kids, soaked in the scenery and took in the giggles and silly observations as we strolled through the enclosures.
And you know what? I remember more because of it.
Moments That Stuck (Even Without Photos)
There were no fancy photo ops, but there were so many lovely, real moments. Like Daisy thinking I told her to “look at the tiger’s balls” instead of paws, and all of us getting more excited about seeing the rooks that were fighting over crumbs on the floor. Or walking endlessly around the snack stands, trying to find one that had the slushy drink in stock that they wanted.
There was a moment where we were all just… still. Like when a butterfly landed on my pant leg and we just observed it in awe of its colours and delicacy. That rarely happens on family days out. And it felt good.
Letting Go of the ‘Perfect Day Out’
I think we sometimes feel pressure (especially as parents or creators) to turn every outing into content. To capture every memory. But this day reminded me that we don’t have to.
Some days, it’s okay to just be, to go slow, to stay present, and to soak up the laughter, the conversations and the company.
A Little Reminder, for Me, and Maybe for You Too
If you’ve ever left a day out feeling like you didn’t “get enough” to post or share… I see you. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t enough. Sometimes, the best memories are the ones we keep just for ourselves.
So here’s your gentle nudge: it’s okay to have days that aren’t perfectly documented. It’s okay to choose presence over pictures.
And if you ever get the chance to wander Chester Zoo with your favourite people, I hope you do. It’s a beautiful place to make real memories.
Those days where you don’t have big plans and expectations are always the best!
It sounds like you had a lovely time at the zoo.
I know what you mean, I have stopped blogging about every day out and the fun times we have as much because sometimes it’s just best to keep them for ourselves. x
That sounds like a lovely day at the zoo! I often do a “bad job” at taking photos when we have family outings but I do think it’s because I am more focused on living in the moment and that really is a good thing.
It sounds like you had the perfect day. The tiger’s balls comment made me laugh!
I haven’t been to the zoo but Chester itself is lovely.