ZSL London Zoo, London – Kids Days Out Reviews

We L-O-V-E London Zoo.

Dating back to the 19th century, the zoo has been admitting paid visitors since 1847 and has seen millions of people pass through its gates. The zoo is located within London’s Regent’s Park, and covers 36 acres.

We went mid-week during the Easter holidays. It was a very cold day but meant the crowds were non-existent.

We visited the aquarium…….

…..and also the Reptile House and the Creepy Crawlies exhibition. We saw swarms of locusts, sea snails and some slimy salamander type thing (sorry, that’s as good as you’re going to get from me).

Our favourite bit was Penguin Beach, where we saw the penguins being fed. There is now a large spectator area, which is great.

We also loved the giraffes – we saw the feeding time at 3pm, which is aptly called “high tea”.

Then we had a go at making our necks as long as a giraffe’s.

We also very much enjoyed the bit where you can walk through the monkey enclosure and they run about around and above you.

Animal Adventure is a discovery corner aimed at young children.

There are some things to play on here, as well as hands-on exhibits, like these very friendly goats.

There are literally hundreds of animals at London Zoo, including tigers, lions, (but no bears), leaf-cutter ants, and the ever-popular meerkats. There is a fantastic bat cave, an indoor rainforest (with more monkeys), and a pool of lovely, squeaky otters.

London Zoo is very much about the conservation of animals (as you are constantly reminded at each talk), and there is a lot to learn about how animals fit into the world.

I love London Zoo as it’s huge and you get so much for your money. You need to get there early though to make the most of it.

We have been several times in the past, and we’ll definitely be back in the future.

More info –

There are plenty of toilets, and baby changing facilities though the signposting could be a little better. The accessibility for prams is very good.

There are cafes, and snack bars, and plently of benches to sit if you have a picnic.

There is a large gift shop at the exit (naturally), and also smaller themed gift-shops at the exit of certain attractions, such as the gorilla kingdom, and the penguin enclosure.

Nearest tube station is Camden Town, but also walkable from Baker Street or Regent’s Park.

Under 3s are free. Ticket prices vary throughout the season (cheaper in the winter) and a discount can be gained by buying in advance online. Adult prices start from £20, children from £15.50.

Visit length – all day from 10am to 4pm at least. Allow at least four hours, more if you can in order to see everything.

London Zoo don’t tend to do special offers for admission but you can use Tesco Clubcard vouchers to buy zoo vouchers. You can also get reduced admission if you travel by train and use DaysOutGuide.

Parking is available in the official car park near the main gate for £14.50 per car (zoo visitor rate), or pay and display from £1.40 per hour within Regent’s Park. Please check the website for up to date prices and more details.