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Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks to Visit With Kids This Summer

Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks to Visit With Kids This Summer

Animal days out, safari parks, farm adventures and wild family savings with Kids Pass

Zoos, wildlife parks, safari parks and farm attractions are classic summer family days out.

They work for toddlers, older children, grandparents and mixed-age families. They get everyone outside, give children something exciting to talk about, and make the school holidays feel more memorable without needing screens all day.

Children can spot lions, giraffes, monkeys, penguins, meerkats, farm animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures. Parents can plan around animal talks, picnic spots, play areas, cafés, shaded paths and indoor spaces if the weather changes.

With Kids Pass, families can also save on selected zoo, safari, farm and wildlife days out across the UK, making wild summer adventures more affordable.

Family watching penguins at a zoo during a summer day out

Save on zoo, safari and farm days out with Kids Pass

Kids Pass has a Wild About Summer collection filled with zoo, safari and farm day out offers.

Families can find savings on animal attractions across the UK, including zoos, wildlife parks, safari parks, farm festivals and animal encounters.

Here are some of the biggest animal day out ideas to consider this summer.

1. Twycross Zoo

Twycross Zoo is a strong choice for families looking for a full animal day out, especially children who love monkeys, apes and wildlife discovery.

With Kids Pass, families can unlock up to 52% off, making it one of the biggest Wild About Summer savings.

It is a good option for:

  • animal-loving children
  • educational days out
  • summer holiday adventures
  • outdoor family time
  • wildlife learning
  • full-day visits

Look out for animal habitats, walking routes, play areas and family-friendly facilities to help make the day easier.

Child discovering reptiles on an animal day out

2. Africa Alive

Africa Alive is another strong summer choice for families who want a wild day out with bigger animals, outdoor space and plenty to explore.

Kids Pass members can save up to 50% off, which makes it a useful option for families planning a bigger animal adventure while still watching the budget.

It is especially good for:

  • children who love safari-style animals
  • outdoor summer days
  • wildlife discovery
  • family walks
  • picnic-style planning
  • educational animal experiences
Rhino at a wildlife park for a family animal day out

3. Cockfields Farm

Cockfields Farm is ideal for families who want a farm day with extra summer festival energy.

The Kids Pass offer includes 50% off Farmlife Festival, making it a strong choice for a summer day out with younger children and mixed-age families.

Cockfields Farm’s Farmlife Festival includes summer family fun, animal encounters, festival entertainment and seasonal activities.

Families can look forward to:

  • farm animals
  • hands-on animal experiences
  • tractor rides
  • adventure play
  • summer festival atmosphere
  • foam parties and seasonal fun
  • activities for different ages

It is a good option if you want something more active than a normal farm visit.

Children enjoying foam party fun at a farm park

4. Banham Zoological Gardens

Banham Zoological Gardens is a good choice for families who want a traditional zoo day with plenty of animals and outdoor exploring.

Kids Pass members can save up to 50% off, making it a useful summer option for families looking for a bigger day out.

It works well for:

  • animal spotting
  • family walks
  • picnic days
  • summer holiday trips
  • educational animal learning
  • children who enjoy discovering new species
Child seeing a tiger on a zoo family day out

5. Flamingo Land

Flamingo Land is a bigger family day out because it combines animals with theme park-style fun.

Kids Pass members can save up to £101.50 on tickets, which can make a big difference for families planning a larger summer treat.

It is a strong option for:

  • families who want animals and rides
  • older children
  • mixed-age siblings
  • full-day summer plans
  • bigger school holiday treats
  • families wanting more than a zoo visit

Because it is a bigger day out, check travel time, parking, food options, height restrictions and opening times before you go.

Kids visiting Flamingo Land for a summer family day out

6. Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a popular wildlife attraction for families who want a large outdoor day with big animals, walking routes and plenty to explore.

Kids Pass members can save up to 46% off.

It is a good choice for:

  • children who love lions, tigers, polar bears and big wildlife
  • outdoor summer days
  • family walks
  • animal talks
  • picnic stops
  • full-day visits

Plan your route around your children’s energy levels so you do not feel like you have to see everything at once.

Family taking a selfie on a zoo day out

7. Dudley Zoo

Dudley Zoo is a family-friendly animal attraction with the added interest of historic surroundings and castle views.

Kids Pass members can save up to 44% off.

It works well for:

  • zoo days out
  • children who enjoy animals and history
  • summer walking routes
  • mixed-age family days
  • educational animal learning
  • families looking for a Midlands day out

Because it combines animals and heritage, it can feel different from a standard zoo visit.

Family visiting a castle and zoo on a summer day out

8. West Midlands Safari Park

West Midlands Safari Park is a brilliant option for families who want a safari-style adventure.

Kids Pass members can save up to 39% off.

It is ideal for:

  • children who love safari animals
  • car-based animal spotting
  • big family days out
  • seeing animals up close
  • mixed-age families
  • summer holiday treats

Before visiting, check what is included, whether any rides or extras cost more, and what food or picnic options are available.

Children exploring a zoo adventure area during summer

9. Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is one of the UK’s best-known family zoo days out, with huge animal habitats, conservation work and plenty for children to discover.

Kids Pass members can save 30% off.

It is a strong choice for:

  • big family days out
  • animal-loving children
  • educational summer trips
  • conservation learning
  • families looking for a full day of exploring
  • children interested in habitats and wildlife

Because Chester Zoo is large, it helps to plan your must-see animals before you go.

Child seeing a crocodile on a zoo family day out

10. Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo is a good summer day out for families who want animals, open space and a relaxed outdoor attraction.

Kids Pass members can save up to 29% off.

It works well for:

  • families with younger children
  • animal spotting
  • picnic-style days
  • summer walks
  • learning about wildlife
  • a full but manageable day out

Check animal talks and feeding times before you arrive so you can plan your day around key moments.

Zebra at a wildlife park for a family animal day out

11. Trentham Monkey Forest

Trentham Monkey Forest is a unique animal day out where families can walk through woodland and see free-roaming Barbary macaques.

Kids Pass members can get an extra 25% off the online price.

It is a great option for:

  • children who love monkeys
  • woodland walks
  • shorter animal days
  • educational wildlife experiences
  • outdoor summer plans
  • something different from a traditional zoo

It can be a lovely choice for families who want a calmer animal day with a strong nature feel.

Monkey at a wildlife park for a summer family day out

12. Whipsnade Zoo

Whipsnade Zoo is a large zoo and wildlife attraction with plenty of outdoor space and animals to discover.

Kids Pass members can save 25%.

It is ideal for:

  • full-day family adventures
  • children who love big animals
  • outdoor summer walking
  • animal talks
  • picnics
  • learning about conservation

Because Whipsnade is spacious, comfortable shoes and a flexible plan will help make the day easier.

Child enjoying a zoo adventure trail during summer

13. Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo is a popular family attraction that can work well as part of a bigger Blackpool day out.

Kids Pass members can save up to 20% off.

It is a good choice for:

  • animal days out
  • families visiting Blackpool
  • summer holiday plans
  • children who love zoo animals
  • combining with other local activities
  • a manageable family day

Check travel, parking and opening times before visiting, especially during peak school holiday dates.

Family watching lions at a wildlife park

14. Cannon Hall Farm

Cannon Hall Farm is one of Yorkshire’s popular family farm attractions and offers a mix of countryside experiences, friendly farm animals and family play.

With Kids Pass, families can save 20% off admission, valid on selected sessions.

It is a good option for:

  • younger children
  • farm animal encounters
  • indoor and outdoor play
  • countryside days out
  • summer holiday family trips
  • meeting friendly farm animals
Cows at a farm park for a family animal day out

15. Farmer Ted’s Farm Park

Farmer Ted’s Farm Park is a family-run adventure farm near Ormskirk in West Lancashire.

Kids Pass members can save 20% off.

It is also home to the UK’s only Shaun the Sheep attraction, making it a fun option for children who recognise Shaun and his friends.

Useful highlights include:

  • Shaun the Sheep attraction
  • farm animals
  • indoor play area
  • outdoor play areas
  • adventure maze
  • mini beasts centre
  • family-friendly farm fun

It is a good choice for families looking for a mix of animals, play and themed entertainment.

Children meeting Shaun the Sheep at a farm park

How to make zoo and wildlife days more affordable

Animal days out can become expensive if you do not plan the extras.

To keep costs under control:

  • check Kids Pass offers before booking
  • compare adult and child ticket prices
  • look for off-peak sessions if available
  • take a packed lunch
  • bring reusable water bottles
  • check parking costs
  • set a gift shop budget before you go
  • check whether animal experiences cost extra
  • bring snacks for the journey home
  • check if there are picnic areas
  • plan one paid treat, not several
  • avoid buying drinks and snacks all day
Polar bear at a wildlife park for a family day out

How to make animal days educational for kids

Animal days out are naturally educational, but you can make the learning feel fun rather than forced.

Give children a simple animal mission.

Ask them to find:

  1. the tallest animal
  2. the smallest animal
  3. the loudest animal
  4. the sleepiest animal
  5. the funniest animal
  6. an animal with stripes
  7. an animal with spots
  8. an animal that lives in water
  9. an animal that climbs

You can also ask:

  • What does this animal eat?
  • Where does it live in the wild?
  • Is it endangered?
  • How does it move?
  • What does its habitat look like?
  • What would you ask a keeper?

After the visit, children can draw their favourite animal, write three facts or create their own mini zoo map at home.

Children watching penguins at a zoo or wildlife park

Animal days out and nearby add-ons

You can make an animal day feel even better by adding one simple extra nearby.

Ideas include:

  • zoo plus picnic
  • safari park plus ice cream stop
  • farm park plus playground
  • wildlife park plus family meal
  • animal day plus cinema
  • aquarium plus beach walk
  • farm festival plus café stop
  • zoo plus hotel stay for a bigger treat

Kids Pass can also help families check savings on nearby cinema, dining, indoor activities and family attractions, depending on location and availability.

Hippo at a wildlife park for a summer family day out

How Kids Pass can help with wild summer days out

The Wild About Summer collection brings together zoo, safari and farm offers in one place, helping parents find family days out that feel exciting, educational and better value.

Offers and participating venues can vary, so always check the Kids Pass app before booking.

Zoos, safari parks, wildlife parks and farm attractions are some of the best summer days out for families.

They give children space to explore, animals to discover and plenty of reasons to ask questions.

That is what makes animal days out so memorable.

Whether you are planning a big zoo day, a farm festival, a safari adventure or a smaller wildlife visit, Kids Pass can help make wild summer days out more affordable.

Not a Kids Pass member yet? Start your £1 Kids Pass trial today and unlock zoo, safari, farm, cinema, dining and family day out savings across the UK.

Valentina's avatar

About the author - Valentina Kandaurova

Valentina’s always on the hunt for her next little adventure — whether it’s a woodland walk, a beach day, or a cheeky detour for ice cream. She’s mum to Daniel, her pint-sized partner-in-crime, and together they’re rarely indoors for long. If there’s mud to stomp in or a new spot to explore, chances are they’re already halfway there.

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