Bunnies at the Waterpark 🐰🏄‍♂️ Relaxing Kids Bedtime Stories

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[00:02:25] There's a fun story coming up tonight that was helped along by two of our listeners, actually. So, do you recall our bunny friends Bertie and Bobby?

[00:02:48] Well, like many of us, they are tired of the winter cold and have flown all the way to Australia to experience a sunny January down under, where many of you Aussie listeners are enjoying your summer right now. Oh, lucky you. Anyway, whilst they're there, they've planned an amazing time at the Lazy Lagoon water park. Oh, what a jolly good time they're going to have. I can't wait to join them and imagine all that sunshine.

[00:03:19] Let's get in the mood by lying down in bed as if we're on a sun lounger. Yeah, let's do it. Imagine the summer sunshine warming your face, making your cheeks all warm and glowy. And oh boy, it's so bright you need to close your eyes. Let out a little sigh. And perhaps let out a little summery smile too.

[00:03:48] Hmm. And perhaps let it just spread across your face. Ah, so warm and lovely. Shall we join our bunny friends then? This fluffy tale is Bunnies at the Water Park by Alicia Ainsley.

[00:04:14] It was a bright and breezy Wednesday when Bertie and Bobby decided to take their trip to the Lazy Lagoon water park. The bunnies were eager to visit from the first moment they laid eyes on one of the colourful posters. Bertie and Bobby had been practicing their butterfly strokes, doggy paddles and backstrokes in the pool back home. All in preparation for visiting the water park.

[00:04:42] Now, the day had finally come. Bertie and Bobby packed their swimming bags with all that they would need. They packed swimming costumes and goggles, a towel each and a pair of inflatable armbands just in case. Then, with their bags prepared, the little bunnies set off for the day out they had been dreaming of for weeks.

[00:05:07] As the huge entrance doors to the water park came into sight, Bobby said, I'm so excited. Look, you can see the top of the Niagara Falls flume from here. Bertie looked in the direction Bobby was pointing. He could see the top of the tallest slide beyond the park gates, too.

[00:05:31] They could hear the laughter and delighted squeals of visitors already enjoying the water park. Bertie and Bobby couldn't wait to be one of them. They reached the front of the queue, paid for their tickets, slipped on their yellow rubber wristbands and emerged through the gates into the Lazy Lagoon water park. Straight away, Bertie and Bobby audibly gasped.

[00:06:01] They couldn't help it. In front of them was a watery wonderland brimming with colour and the most sparkling turquoise waters they had ever seen. Where do we even begin? Bobby asked Bertie in awe. Bobby looked around and replied, I think we start by getting dressed in the changing rooms.

[00:06:28] Afterwards, we definitely should head over to the water slides. Giddily, Bertie and Bobby hopped over to the changing rooms. Then, once they were wearing their swimming costumes and goggles, they put their bags and belongings in one of the lockers. Just before they closed the locker door, Bobby paused and pondered for a moment.

[00:06:53] He eventually said, I think I'm going to put the armbands on to begin with. I still don't feel totally confident with my butterfly stroke, so I think I'll feel better with a little bit of help staying afloat. Bertie passed Bobby the armbands from the bag and they blew them up together.

[00:07:16] With the inflated armbands happily on Bobby's upper arms, they closed the locker door and headed towards the slides. The little bunnies were ecstatic to see so many slides on offer. There was the tall and steep Niagara Falls flume and the super windy water snake slide that coiled around on itself a dozen times.

[00:07:44] There was also a beaver raft ride that friends could go on together by sharing an inflatable raft. And another slide called the Mermaid Multi Racer, with four separate bumpy lanes all positioned next to each other so that riders could race to the bottom.

[00:08:06] Every slide finished in a pool of water, refreshing riders with a cooling splash at the bottom. Which one shall we go on first? Bobby asked with wide eyes. Bertie pointed to the water snake slide and replied, that one, I'll race you to the top.

[00:08:30] The eager bunnies were just about to hop off towards the slide when they spotted a tall lifeguard chair by the side of one of the swimming pools. Sitting in the chair was a polar bear wearing a red lifeguard hat and a whistle around the neck. The polar bear held a megaphone in case she needed to make any announcements.

[00:08:57] Bertie and Bobby smiled and waved at the lifeguard and they waved back. G'day little bunnies, the lifeguard said cheerfully. Are you looking forward to a day in the water park? Bertie and Bobby replied that they were extremely excited and they were going to start off by riding all of the slides.

[00:09:22] The polar bear responded, oh good, I'm sure you will have a fabulously fun time on the slides. Just remember to follow the rules on your way there. The lifeguard pointed to a big sign nearby which read, no running, hopping, slithering or fast crawling in the water park.

[00:09:48] Bertie and Bobby thanked the lifeguard and slowly hopped their way over to the water slides. The lifeguard was right, the floor was quite wet. It was a good job they had moved slowly. The bunnies hopped up the slide stairs and waited for their turn.

[00:10:11] Each creature slid down the slide one by one and once they'd come out the other side at the bottom, the next in line was allowed to go. First it was Bertie's turn. He sat his fluffy tail on the platform at the top of the slide tunnel and watched streams of water gush down in front of him.

[00:10:34] The lifeguard manning the slide was a green-headed duck and he counted Bertie down as the little bunny grinned with anticipation. Three, two, one, go, the lifeguard ordered.

[00:10:54] Bertie pushed himself forward and allowed the stream of water to carry him down the slide, Bertie exclaimed, as he whooshed around the spiralling coils of the water snake slide. He slid at a pleasant pace. It was fast enough that it was fun, but smooth enough that he felt relaxed.

[00:11:21] Bertie slipped and slid along the tunnel as it wound round and round and round and round like a snake's body coiling around on itself. Finally, Bertie saw daylight at the end of the tunnel and shot out of the end into the pool of water with a great splash.

[00:11:47] Bertie giggled with glee as the cool water washed over him, wetting his nose and fur. Droplets dripped from his whiskers as he turned to look back up to the top of the water slide and waved to Bobby. Bobby gazed down at his friend's happy face and waved back.

[00:12:12] He sat himself down on the platform and waited for the lifeguard to give him the go-ahead. The lifeguard counted. Three, two, one, go. But Bobby stayed frozen in place. He couldn't move.

[00:12:34] The stream of water splashed against his furry feet as he stared down the long winding tunnel. It seemed like a long way down. Are you okay? The lifeguard asked Bobby. The little bunny nodded, but his cautious face gave away what he was thinking. He was a little bit nervous.

[00:13:03] Bobby stood back up and peered over the wall again to see Bertie waiting patiently at the bottom. Bertie spotted his friend still standing at the top and called up. Come on, Bobby. You can do it. It's so much fun. Bobby took a deep breath and counted to five. He could do this.

[00:13:33] The cautious bunny sat back down on the slide's platform and the lifeguard gave him a nod. Whenever you're ready, the duck said. Bobby pushed his armbands up a little higher and secured his goggles over his eyes. Then he took a deep breath and pushed himself forward into the tunnel. Wahoo!

[00:14:03] Bobby cried as he sped down the water slide. It was even more fun than he had imagined. His little fuzzy body whizzed round and round the coils of the water slide until he reached the bottom and spotted Bertie waiting for him at the other end of the pool. Bertie cheered as Bobby splashed into the pool of water and Bobby laughed with happiness.

[00:14:33] That was great, Bobby declared. Let's go again. Bertie and Bobby happily hopped back up to the top of the water snake slide to have another go before moving on to all the other slides. They raced each other down the mermaid multi-racer and shared a raft on the beaver raft ride.

[00:15:01] Only Bertie was brave enough to go on the steep Niagara Falls flume. Bobby watched his thrill-seeking friend from the bottom and cheered him on as he plummeted at great speed down the tallest water slide in the park. Once at the bottom, Bertie emerged from the Niagara Falls flume absolutely drenched with his goggles full of water.

[00:15:29] He took off his goggles and shook them out whilst Bobby applauded him for his bravery. That was brilliant, Bertie! Bobby congratulated him. Maybe one day I'll be as brave as you and ride that slide. Bertie smiled and replied, I'm sure you will, but for now, shall we go relax in the wave pool?

[00:15:58] I'm feeling a bit tired after all that excitement. Bobby eagerly nodded his head and the two friends left the slides to seek out an area of the water park that was a little less adventurous. The two bunnies reached the wave pool and climbed down the ladder into its tranquil waters.

[00:16:23] Other creatures were already swimming around in there, lying on their backs and enjoying being carried by the peaceful bobbing waves. Bertie and Bobby followed suit and laid on their backs to gaze up at the sky. The sound of the water filled their minds, blocking everything else out.

[00:16:49] The water in this pool lapped to and fro with gentle waves that lifted their little bodies up and down steadily over and over again. Ah, Bobby sighed. This is definitely more relaxing than riding the water slides.

[00:17:15] I feel like I could stay here all day. Bertie just about made out what Bobby said through the muffled watery sounds in his ears and sighed in agreement. You can't stay here all day. An unfamiliar voice piped up out of the blue. Have you been on the surfing simulator yet?

[00:17:43] That ride is the best. Bertie and Bobby sat up straight in the water and came face to face with a smooth sailing dolphin. The dolphin bobbed in the water effortlessly as she spoke to them. Um, what is a surfing simulator? Bobby asked curiously. The dolphin's eyes glistened as she explained.

[00:18:12] It is a unique sort of swimming pool that makes big surfable waves. You have to keep your balance on a surfboard while the waves rush at you. It's a great way to practice if you want to go surfing in real life. Bertie's long bunny ears twitched with intrigue. This surfing simulator sounded very cool. He asked the dolphin,

[00:18:41] Have you ever been surfing before? The dolphin rolled her eyes and said that she went surfing all the time. She especially loved riding the waves around Hawaii. They were some of the most beautiful, bluest waters she'd ever seen. Although she didn't need a surfboard to ride the waves. She just used her own smooth stomach.

[00:19:09] Bertie turned to Bobby eagerly and asked if they could go find the surfing simulator next. Bobbie lazily bobbed in the wave pool and answered, I feel like I'm already surfing the waves right now. The dolphin giggled and responded, No way little bun! The waves you surf on are way better than these.

[00:19:40] Bertie and Bobby allowed themselves a few more minutes to enjoy the tranquility of the wave pool. Before climbing out and heading across the water park to find the surfing simulator. As they hopped along, looking around for signs of the special ride,

[00:20:03] they passed several different swimming pools with sprinklers, waterfalls and games galore. There was something for everyone here at the water park. They also passed snack stands and ice cream shops at which visitors could refresh and re-energize themselves.

[00:20:26] Bertie and Bobby decided to buy a bottle of water and an ice lolly each to keep themselves hydrated on this warm day. With their snacks devoured, they set back off in search of their ride. But on the way, there was something else that caught their eye. Bobby suddenly stopped in his tracks and gasped. Bertie, he whispered.

[00:20:56] Look over there. It's Barbie the bunnycorn. Sure enough, standing by the nearby water fountain was the lazy lagoon water park's mascot, Barbie the bunnycorn. Barbie was an incredible creature. She was a tall, aqua blue bunny rabbit with a shimmering silver horn upon her forehead,

[00:21:25] sticking out between her two floppy bunny ears. And she had a sparkly, fluffy rabbit's tail on her behind. There was no other creature like Barbie the bunnycorn. So, of course, she was naturally a bit of a celebrity. And who better to be a water park's mascot than a celebrity?

[00:21:51] Barbie the bunnycorn was greeting visitors to the water park and was allowing them to take photographs with her. Barbie hopped up and down on the spot with excitement. Can we go say hi to Barbie the bunnycorn? Barbie begged Bertie. Bertie looked at the line of guests currently waiting to meet her and grimaced.

[00:22:19] The line was quite long and he was desperate to ride the surfing simulator. Can we go meet her after we've been surfing? Bertie asked Bobby. The line is pretty long. Bobby looked disappointed and replied, But she might not be here when we get back. Please, Bertie. Please.

[00:22:48] Bertie looked again at the line and noticed the swarm of eager faces waiting there. Just as excited to meet Barbie the bunnycorn as Bobby was. Bertie couldn't risk depriving his friend of this moment. All right then, Bobby caved with a smile. Let's get in line.

[00:23:14] Bobby leapt for joy and bounced over to the back of the queue, barely able to contain his enthusiasm as they waited. When it was eventually Bobby's turn to meet Barbie the bunnycorn, he was a little starstruck. Now that he was up close with a celebrity, he didn't know what to do or say.

[00:23:39] Fortunately, Barbie the bunnycorn was clearly used to dealing with starstruck fans. Good day, guys. She greeted Bobby and Bertie in her warm, friendly voice. It's nice to see some fellow bunnies here today at the water park.

[00:24:02] Barbie might only be half bunny rabbit, but she possessed the same sweet temperament that most bunnies had. Bertie liked her immediately. Bobby stuttered and smiled. It's nice to meet you.

[00:24:23] Bertie introduced himself and Bobby, explaining that his friend was a big fan of hers, hence why he was so nervous. Barbie flashed a dazzling buck-toothed smile and said, It's always nice to meet a fan, but there's no need to be nervous. I'm just an animal like you. Would you like to get a picture together?

[00:24:51] Bobby nodded his head vigorously, still unable to speak. The bunnies stood on either side of the tall blue bunnycorn and posed for the camera. With a flash, the photo was taken and Bertie and Bobby's delighted faces were captured on film. They waved goodbye to the kind bunnycorn and thanked her for her gracious greetings.

[00:25:21] Then they made their way to the photo desk, where they could see their photograph on the big screen. In the photo, Bobby had the biggest wide-eyed grin Bertie had ever seen him wear. Bertie couldn't help but giggle at his friend's ecstatic expression. Shall we buy a copy? Bertie suggested to Bobby.

[00:25:47] The little bunnies happily bought a key ring with the photograph printed inside, and Bertie let Bobby keep it. I think you will treasure this more than me, he said to his friend, and Bobby gratefully accepted it. He certainly would treasure this key ring for a long time.

[00:26:13] Now that Bobby had enjoyed his special treat meeting Barbie the bunnycorn, it was time to do what Bertie had been waiting to do. And that was riding the surfing simulator. They found the surfing simulator in the middle of the park. It was slightly different from all the other attractions they had seen.

[00:26:38] It was a small pool with very shallow water, and only one visitor could be in it at a time. Inside the pool was a lone surfboard which creatures took turns to ride. Bertie and Bobby watched a jolly orange-beaked puffin ride the surfboard first, followed by a black bear, followed by a tiny newt.

[00:27:05] It seemed that creatures great and small wanted to try their hand at surfing. While rolling waves of water splashed against and beneath the lone surfboard, the waterpark guests tried their best to stay upright on it. Some creatures chose to lie down on their fronts to begin with, while others went straight for standing up.

[00:27:33] Spectators watched from the sidelines, patiently waiting for their own turns or just simply enjoying the show. Bertie was keen to have a go of his own. The little bunny stood patiently in line and watched every creature before him ride the waves.

[00:27:56] He noticed that the best way to stand on the board was in a sideways stance, with your arms held out to help steady your balance. By the time it was Bertie's turn, he had picked up a few tips. The little bunny made his way over to the surfboard, while Bobby watched from the sidelines.

[00:28:20] He planted his two big bunny feet on the board in a sideways stance and held out his arms in preparation. The waves started to roll in. He took a deep breath in through his nose and focused. As the waves hit, the surfboard tilted and rocked, and Bertie tried to keep his balance.

[00:28:46] All the spectators cheered him on as he battled to stay upright, and the sound of the supportive crowd helped him feel more confident. If Bertie ever wanted to have a chance of riding the cool blue waves of Hawaii like the dolphin had, then he needed to prove that he could keep upright on his board.

[00:29:11] The motivated bunny repositioned his body as he navigated the waves, and to his surprise, surfing was easier than he thought it would be. When his turn was over, the spectators clapped and Bertie grinned from ear to ear. He was really proud of himself for staying upright the whole time.

[00:29:38] Bobby waved to Bertie and declared that he wanted to have a go next. Seeing Bertie do so well inspired Bobby to be brave and have a go too. The bunny friends hopped back into line and waited for the chance to go again. Bertie and Bobby loved the surfing simulator so much that they had several turns each.

[00:30:08] Every time they finished their go, they dashed back into line to wait to go again. By the time they decided to call it a day on their surfing experience, the bunnies felt confident that they could head to Hawaii next and ride the waves there.

[00:30:29] As they walked away from the surfing simulator in search of the next thing to do, Bertie yawned and stretched his little bunny arms high above his head. The sun is going to bed, Bobby, he said sleepily. Should we go home to bed too?

[00:30:54] But Bobby had one more thing in mind for their trip to the water park. We can't go just yet, Bertie, he whispered. There's one last thing on our list. The lazy lagoon. He pointed to the entrance of the lazy river ride and Bertie smiled. Of course, he replied.

[00:31:23] We can't go without riding the lazy lagoon. As it turned out, the lazy lagoon was the perfect place to be as the sun set and the stars came out. Bertie and Bobby boarded an inflatable donut ring each and floated down the lazy lagoon without a care in the world.

[00:31:51] The slow current of the lazy river carried them along and guided them around the winding routes of the water park's lagoon. The water was gentle and calm. The water was gentle and calm. And the bunnies' inflatables glided gracefully and smoothly along the water's surface.

[00:32:19] The sides of the lagoon were decorated with big-leaved tropical green plants and bushes. The tree branches overhung the edges of the river banks and angled delicate pink blossom flowers overhead. Bertie and Bobby reclined and watched the stars appear in the sky above, one by one.

[00:32:49] The orange sunset sky soon faded away to leave behind inky blue and the moon slowly but surely rose up high in the air. Bertie let out another yawn and placed his hands behind his head. The red sky above the sky above the sun shot. He said, this is wonderful. He gushed sleepily.

[00:33:19] I could float here all night. Bobby let out a little yawn in response. Ooh, me too, he agreed. Watching the twinkling stars overhead beam and wink.

[00:33:43] It had been a perfect day at the water park, but Bertie and Bobby had to admit that this was their favourite part. Against the backdrop of the moonlit sky, the little bunnies floated along the lazy lagoon peacefully and happily.

[00:34:11] The steady current carried them along the river, weaving round and round the watery paradise. The little bunnies never wanted to get off their floats. They didn't want this blissful ride to end.

[00:34:33] So, they simply allowed the water to continuously carry them round and round, round and around beneath the starry sky.