London Zoo

While it’s not huge, London’s zoo is one of the world’s oldest and best known, housing around 750 species hailing from around the world, from the jungles of South America and the outback of Tanzania to the bottom of the deep blue sea. Best of all, the last few years have seen the addition of some great attractions designed for younger visitors.

Best for: All ages

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Today

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What to Expect:

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• Cafe/Restaurant
• Educational
• Family tickets
• Farm animals
• Great for kids 4-12
• Great for teens
• Great for toddlers
• Pay on day
• Picnic areas
• Public transport
• Seasonal opening
• Special events

What to do

Check out the Rainforest Life exhibit – a walkthrough canopy simulating life in the rainforest, populated by monkeys, sloth, armadillos and aother creatures, plus, in the Night Life area, bats, rats and other nocturnal critters.
 
Take kids to their own mini-zoo, the Animal Adventure, where different zones allow them to get truly involved in the lives of various animals: swinging in the Treetop Zone with the coatis, meeting burrowing animals in the Roots Zone, learning about the importance of water in the Splash Zone, and even grooming and feeding in the Touch Zone.

Sign up animal-loving kids aged 11–15 for a new-in-2010 Keeper for a Day experience (£150 including zoo entry for one child and an accompanying adult) taking them behind the scenes at the Zoo and giving them the chance to muck out and take part in other keeper tasks.

Bring younger kids (8–11) to spend the night at the Zoo as part of a BedBUGS sleepover, including a tour of the site by night (when many animals are more active).

Check out the ‘What’s on’ section of the website if you want to see some of the animals being fed, including penguins.

Where to stay

See our London destination guide for our recommendations for family-friendly hotels and other accommodation in the capital.

Alternatively, the Zoo’s website lists nearby hotels offering packages combining a family room and breakfast with zoo entry

When

The zoo is open daily except Christmas Day, 10am–4pm in winter, 10am–6pm in summer.

How

London Zoo is well served by public transport, with lots of bus routes to hand and Camden Town tube station a 15min walk away. For those coming by car, the zoo has a large car park and is outside the congestion zone.

The best way to come is by canalboat/waterbus – the London Waterbus Company runs one-way trips to the Zoo, with entry via a special gate that means you don’t have to queue at the main zoo entrance.

An alternative way to get to the zoo (and a bit more exciting) is by waterbus. Find out more details on the website.

Eat

There is plenty of choice on-site, from indulgent treats to healthier fare in the Animal Adventure Café and Oasis Restaurant, both fully kitted out for kids. A special Picnic Shops sells goodies to eat on the extensive lawns, or you can bring your own picnic.

Cost

A new tiered ticket system allows you to save a bit on entry in the Winter or Mid seasons, as does buying a Family Saver ticket (about £50–60), which is only available in advance via the website. Buying tickets in advance also lets you skip the queue for entry. Note that under-3s go free.

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