11 top tips for a day out with kids

Whipsnade Zoo is a wild day out in Bedfordshire for children of all ages. 

Home to more than 11,000 animals, from brightly coloured butterflies to gigantic elephants, you’ll make a big impression on your little one. Here’s our top tips for a great day out for families: 

1. Book online for indoor play 

We have our own indoor soft play area, free of charge with your Zoo entry or membership. Book online for Hullabazoo Indoor Play the day before your visit to secure your time slot and ensure that there's no disappointment on the day. If you're a Gold member, you have exclusive access to the 10.30am session every day!

2. Take the car in 

As the UK’s largest Zoo, set across 600-acres, there can be a lot of walking around Whipsnade Zoo. Children are able to bring scooters into the Zoo under the supervision of adults to help them get around. You can also drive your car around Whipsnade Zoo – perfect if you’re worried about your little one’s legs (or your own!). Just drive up to the gate and pay an additional fee on arrival - there's no need to book this online in advance, so you can decide on the day. Don't forget, Gold members get a discount on car entry. 

3. Visit the Zoo shop first

Begin your day at our Visitor Centre. With a coffee bar serving up a delicious range of hot drinks and food, it’s the perfect place for a snack stop before you head off around the Zoo. The gift shop is also here – it can get busy towards the end of the day, so why not have a quick browse at our educational and engaging zoo-venirs. We do also have an online shop if you'd rather browse for gifts from the comfort of your own home. Don't forget, if you're a Gold Member, one of many benefits is 10% off in our shops and catering outlets. 

4. Don't miss our daily talks  

As you leave the Visitor Centre or gift shop, take a photo of our advertised talks for the day on our 'What's On' boards, or find the talks listed on our website. Children can learn more about their favourite animals and have the chance to ask an expert their burning questions. Plus, our Birds of the World demonstration is a must-see - you'll be in awe of these majestic birds as they swoop above your head (this demonstration is seasonal). You can plan your route around the Zoo, depending on which talks you want to go to.

5. Surround yourself with beautiful butterflies 

Our Aquarium and adjoining Butterfly House are much-loved by children. And it's also the perfect place to warm up in or stay dry if the weather turns! Floor-to-ceiling tanks and sounds of bubbling water provide a unique sensory experience, and kids love to see how many fish they can spot hiding inside shells or behind sea plants. 

Once you’ve resurfaced from Whipsnade’s underwater world, it’s time to embark on a tropical adventure in the Butterfly House. Look out for the very hungry caterpillars hanging in their cocoons in our interactive metamorphosis zone, waiting to emerge as beautiful butterflies. And keep your eyes peeled for our West African dwarf crocodiles - little ones can get an up-close view of the miniature crocs who may be basking on land or lurking in their underwater home.  

6. Visit our goats in our farmyard 

As you leave the Butterfly House, the next stop is our children's farm. Home to all of your little one's favourite farm animals - from sheep to alpacas - they'll love to get up close and personal with these animals. We even have goats named after our members' favourite Disney characters. Plus, don't miss seeing our Guinea Pig Village!

7. Go wild in our play area

Next to our farmyard, you'll find our Adventure Playground - it's the ideal spot for pre-schoolers to go wild. With rope bridges, swings, tunnels and a sand park they’ll be able to embrace their inner-monkey and clamber away! Plus, you can grab a coffee from our Hullabazoo kiosk. 

8. Ride on a steam train 

See a different side to Whipsnade Zoo from a steam train! The station store, which is just outside of the play area, is where you can purchase tickets. Gold members get a discount on the train - and under 3s ride for free! 

9. Have lunch in our Base Camp restaurant 

Around now, you’re probably getting hungry yourselves and ready for feeding time at the zoo. Our restaurants and food outlets serve a variety of food options - and Gold members get a discount in our catering outlets. Or if you’d prefer to bring your own, we’ve got plenty of picnic areas dotted around the Zoo, including heated areas.

At the Base Camp restaurant we’ve made life easy for you. Order and pay via your phone, and we'll bring your food to you – all you have to do is choose what you’re going to eat. So there's no need to juggle trays of food and children at the same time! 

10. Don't miss our penguins

Energy levels restored, it's time to see some more animals! No zoo visit is complete without a p-p-p-peek at the penguins. Whipsnade Zoo is home to two different types of penguins, African black-footed and rockhopper penguins. These flightless birds provide endless giggles with their comical waddles – can your little one stick out their hands and do a penguin impression?  

11. Become a member 

We’re sure that you’ll want to come back again, so why not check out our Zoo Membership? You can visit us at Whipsnade as often as you like, and our sister site at London Zoo, and be the first to know about future events and promotions.