10 Tips for Visiting London Zoo With Kids

Book tickets online in advance for better prices and guaranteed entry, then arrive early at 10am to beat crowds. Check daily schedules for feeding times and animal talks, starting with high-energy areas like Monkey Valley and Gorilla Kingdom. Pack snacks since re-entry isn’t allowed, and dress in layers for London’s unpredictable weather. Don’t miss interactive spaces like the Farmyard and strategic viewing spots at Penguin Beach’s underwater panels for the most memorable family experience possible.

Book Tickets in Advance for Better Prices and Guaranteed Entry

When you’re planning a magical day at London Zoo with your little ones, booking tickets online ahead of time saves you money and guarantees your family won’t face disappointment at the gates. Gate prices are higher than advance online rates, so you’ll keep more money for treats and souvenirs. Your dated tickets secure entry even during busy periods when walk-up visitors might be turned away.

Take advantage of special family savings like the Super Summer Saver, offering 30% off when you book by July 25th. Child tickets cost 30% less than adult prices online, and kids under 3 enter free with your advance booking. Remember that your tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed, so double-check your chosen date before completing your purchase.

You’ll have flexible entry from your ticket time until one hour before closing, making your visit stress-free.

Choose Your Route Based on Your Kids’ Interests and Energy Levels

Since every child has different interests and stamina levels, you’ll want to map out your London Zoo adventure before you arrive.

For high-energy kids, start with Animal Adventure’s petting zoo, then explore Monkey Valley’s walkthrough exhibit and Gorilla Kingdom where Venus and Juno climb frames. Visit Penguin Beach to see England’s biggest penguin pool featuring rock-hopper Ricky.

Low-energy children will enjoy indoor spaces like the Aquarium with stingrays and seahorses, plus enclosed Fruit Bat Forest and Butterfly Paradise.

ZooTown opens autumn 2025 for ages 3-8 with role-play activities.

Animal lovers aged 11-15 should book the Junior Keeper experience running 9:30am-1pm, plus catch scheduled shows like Animals in Action at 12:30pm and Lunch with Otters at noon. Participants will receive a certificate after completing hands-on animal care activities throughout the experience.

Arrive Early to Beat the Crowds and Maximize Your Time

Getting to London Zoo right when it opens at 10am gives you the best shot at enjoying the animals without fighting through packed crowds. Your kids will have clearer views and shorter queues at popular exhibits. The car park opens at 9am, so you’ll easily find parking spots.

Since you’ll need 2-3 hours for a proper visit, arriving early prevents rushing before last entry times. In spring and summer, that’s 5pm – giving you plenty of breathing room. Your entrance experience will be smoother too, with faster bag checks and security screening when fewer people are around. Download the mobile app beforehand to easily access animal information, event schedules, and helpful reminders during your visit.

Consider visiting mid-week during off-season months (November-February) for the smallest crowds and cheaper super saver tickets. Gold members even get special early Sunday access.

Check the Daily Schedule for Animal Talks and Feeding Times

Once you’re inside the zoo with your early start advantage, grab the daily schedule to plan your route around animal talks and feeding times. Download the London Zoo app for notifications and directions to each talk location. Check the ‘What’s On’ boards since schedules can change unexpectedly.

Morning talks start at 10:45 am with gibbons swinging during breakfast, followed by tigers at 11:00 am and lion cubs at 11:30 am. The daily talks focus on endangered species, habitats, and conservation efforts throughout the zoo.

Kids love the afternoon highlights: Bug Talk at 2:30 pm, Komodo Dragon Khaleesi at 3:00 pm, and playful penguins at 4:00 pm.

Weather affects outdoor talks like Super Species Live, so have backup plans. If you’re visiting on Friday evenings during summer, Zoo Nights offers special evening talks until 8:30 pm.

Plan Around the Monkey Valley Walkthrough Opening Hours

While you’re mapping out your zoo adventure, factor in Monkey Valley’s seasonal closing times since they’ll determine when you need to wrap up your walkthrough experience. The zoo closes at 6pm from March through early September, 5pm through October, and 4pm during winter months. Remember, last entry happens one hour before closing, so you’ll need to enter by 5pm, 4pm, or 3pm respectively.

Plan at least 3-4 hours for your entire zoo visit, arriving early morning when crowds are lighter. This gives your kids plenty of time to explore the 80-foot-high walkthrough structure and spot colobus monkeys in the treetops. Keep in mind that animal exhibits may close up to 30 minutes before the Zoo’s official closing time.

The covered sections provide shelter if weather turns, and the integrated picnic area offers perfect rest breaks for tired little legs.

Bring Swimwear for the Animal Adventure Zone Splash Area

Pack swimwear and towels for your little ones because London Zoo’s Animal Adventure splash zone offers the perfect cool-down spot during hot summer days. This water play area features gentle plumes and sprinklers that’ll have kids aged 5 and under splashing with joy while mimicking nearby animal movements.

You’ll find the splash zone toward the back of the zoo, accessible through the HMS Beagle wooden ship and child-sized hot air balloon structures. The low barriers let children peek at meerkats, porcupines, and pigs between splash sessions. The area features a seamless surface that’s designed specifically for safety and easy maintenance in this high-traffic family zone.

Don’t forget spare clothes since they’ll get soaked!

Grab snacks from the nearby Peckish Parrot kiosk while kids play. Check for maintenance closures before visiting, and consider combining splash time with keeper talks at the adjacent amphitheatre.

Pack Snacks or Budget for On-Site Dining Since Re-Entry Isn’t Allowed

Since London Zoo doesn’t allow re-entry once you leave, you’ll need to plan your meals carefully before arriving. You can either pack snacks and lunches or budget for on-site dining at several restaurants throughout the zoo.

The Terrace Restaurant serves hot food from 11:30am to 2:30pm, offering pizzas, burgers, and fish & chips. Kids’ meals like fish fingers cost £7.50, while adult salads are £8.50.

There’s also The Beach Hut for milkshakes and sundaes, plus various kiosks serving coffee, sandwiches, and treats. The Beach Hut operates on weekends only, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting during the week.

All locations offer vegetarian and vegan options with sustainably sourced ingredients. Gold members receive 10% dining discounts.

If you’re budget-conscious, bringing your own food guarantees you won’t overspend while keeping hungry kids happy throughout your zoo adventure.

Make Time for Interactive Areas Like the Farmyard and Playgrounds

Beyond the animal exhibits, London Zoo offers several hands-on areas where kids can burn energy and engage with interactive experiences. The upcoming ZooTown Role Play Experience, opening autumn 2025, will be a game-changer for families with children aged 3-8.

This 45-minute indoor attraction transforms the former Reptile House into an immersive world where kids can play zookeeper, vet, scientist, or conservationist.

You’ll need to pre-book sessions three days in advance for just £1 plus zoo entry. Inside, your children will rotate through stations like the Vet Hospital, Science Lab, and Keeper Kitchen, using over 1,000 toys and props.

The experience perfectly accommodates shorter attention spans while teaching real conservation work, making it an ideal midday break from outdoor exhibits. Kids will also interact with 63 cuddly animals featuring embedded microchips, ranging from parrots to komodo dragons.

Use Strategic Viewing Points at Popular Exhibits Like Penguin Beach

While crowds naturally gravitate toward London Zoo’s most popular exhibits, you can transform potentially frustrating viewing experiences into memorable moments by positioning yourself strategically. At Penguin Beach, arrive during scheduled feeding times when penguins dive and zoom through the water, creating spectacular underwater viewing opportunities.

Use the split-level viewing areas to your advantage—let smaller children watch penguins waddle at ground level from sandy beach spots, while you observe from elevated positions. The underwater bubble viewing areas offer face-to-face encounters through glass panels that’ll captivate kids.

Take advantage of shaded overhang areas during busy periods to avoid glare and crowds. The amphitheater-style seating provides panoramic views without constant repositioning, making it perfect for families managing multiple children. Children will be delighted to learn that some penguins have Game of Thrones inspired names like Lannister and Targaryen, adding an extra element of fun to your visit.

Dress for All Weather Since You’ll Be Outdoors Most of the Day

London’s famously unpredictable weather can shift from sunshine to showers within hours, making layered clothing your best defense during a full day at the zoo. Pack a waterproof jacket and umbrella since light showers occur frequently throughout the year.

Even summer evenings require light sweaters as temperatures drop notably after sunset.

During spring visits, bring warm layers for the 20-degree temperature swings between morning and afternoon.

Winter trips demand coats, hats, and gloves for those 48°F highs and windy conditions. Your kids will thank you when sudden rain hits during outdoor exhibits.

Consider comfortable, weatherproof shoes since you’ll walk extensively on potentially wet paths. Autumn visitors should prepare for wet weather as this is typically London’s rainiest season.

Indoor attractions like the Secret Life of Reptiles provide perfect shelter during downpours while keeping everyone engaged.

The Sum Up

You’ve got everything you need for an amazing zoo adventure! Remember, your kids will get tired, so don’t try to see everything in one visit. Focus on their favorite animals, take breaks when needed, and let them lead the way sometimes. The most important thing isn’t checking off every exhibit—it’s watching your children’s faces light up when they spot a tiger or feed the goats. That’s what makes the trip magical.