23 June 2026
If you're looking for things to do outside with the kids, here are seven reasons to visit Whipsnade Zoo.
We're the largest Zoo in the UK
The Zoo is a fabulous day out for the whole family in all seasons, brimming with outdoor activities at every turn. Proudly the biggest Zoo in the UK, and home to some of the largest animals, there’s so much to see that it’s probably worth planning a return visit. Keep an eye on our upcoming events and daily talks and demonstrations so you don't miss out on the fun.
So dust off those cobwebs, ditch the sofa and bask in the fresh air with a stroll around our 600-acre site, surrounded by free-roaming Patagonian maras and lolloping Bennet’s wallabies.
We're home to thousands of animals
Whipsnade is home to more than 10,000 animals from hundreds of different species! These range from the very small (like butterflies and Extinct-in-the-Wild fish) to the very tall giraffes, and everything in between. Find out how we’re helping to conserve some of the world’s most endangered species.
In particular see if you can spot some of the newest additions to the Zoo.
INCREDIBLE SUMMER VALUE - SAVE UP TO £35 WITH A FAMILY TICKET AND GET A FREE RETURN VISIT!
Save even more with the family ticket for 3 or 4 people, and when you book online to visit before 2 September 2026, we’ll also give you a return visit absolutely free! T&Cs apply*
There's a large outdoor play area
In the heart of Whipsnade Zoo, next to our children's farm and soft play area, is Hullabazoo Adventure Play. This outdoor play area is bursting with colour and energy, with over 7,800 square metres of animal-themed play. Kids can go wild as they explore bridges, swings, slides, tunnels, a sandpit, and so much more.
Plus, there's an off-road driving adventure*! Kids can take the wheel of a mini Land Rover Defender, tackling rugged terrain, and navigating obstacles along the track. The trail also includes a special mission for the rangers-in-training.
You'll also find our immersive Virtual Reality Experiences* just outside of the adventure playground. Connect with the natural world in a 360° visual experience that combines the magic of a VR headset, stunning audio and a motion pod seat to transport you to amazing new habitats.
*Charges and age restrictions apply
The Mini Rangers: Driving Adventure
Join the Zoo Crew!
We’re packing the summer holidays with fun roleplay and costume dress-up activities, so junior animal-lovers can explore what it’s like to work at Whipsnade Zoo.
You'll find stunning views over the Downs
If you want a Zoo with a view, things to do outside, and plenty of fresh air, then we’ve got that covered. There are stunning views over the Chiltern Downs, where you can see for miles and miles – including all three local counties, visible from the same spot.
No matter the season, Whipsnade is a fabulous place to visit for a wander. In the spring, look out for wallabies hopping in amongst the daffodils, have a picnic overlooking the Downs in the summer, then crunch through the leaves in the autumn, before Whipsnade transforms into a frosty winter wonderland.
Top tip: See if there's a Walk and Talk on the day of your visit and go for a stroll with other like-minded Zoo visitors with an expert guide.
There's plenty of refreshment opportunities
Whether you're feeding a pack of hungry explorers or just sneaking a snack between animal habitats, we've options for all.
Grab a Costa coffee and a quick bite from our Visitor Centre at the Zoo entrance, and you'll find kiosks dotted around the Zoo for other light refreshments such as ice creams, pastries, crisps, and hot and cold drinks. If you're looking for a sit-down option we have a varied menu at our Base Camp restaurant, and serve sourdough pizzas in our Viewpoint restaurant opposite the white rhinos.
Stay fuelled throughout the day and discover our food and drink options, including opening times. You're also welcome to bring in your own refreshments and we have picnic spots - both scenic and sheltered - around the Zoo.
Look out for native wildlife at the Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo is a 600-acre wildlife sanctuary. It's a great place to look out for rare native wildlife as it’s situated on chalk grassland, one of the most endangered habitats in the UK. Over half of the country’s butterfly species have been recorded in the area, and it’s also home to a quarter of Bedfordshire’s bat hibernation sites.
In 2019, a black-throated thrush chose our grounds as its home – a bird that hasn’t been spotted anywhere else in the UK for years! So keep your eyes peeled as you explore.
You’re saving wildlife with every visit
Whipsnade Zoo is a conservation Zoo, part of global science-driven charity, ZSL. If you include a donation in your ticket price, you’ll be contributing to furthering our global conservation work, so that the world is still full of diverse creatures when your little ones are all grown up.
Through our leading conservation zoo we bring people closer to nature in shared spaces of wonder and unique centres of learning, advancing knowledge to better protect wildlife today, while inspiring a lifelong love of animals in the conservationists of tomorrow.
What if it's raining?
There are plenty of indoor areas and sheltered spaces to enjoy, come rain or shine! Follow our top tips to get the most out of your day, even when the weather isn't on your side. Plus, check out our Rainy Day Guarantee.
Help every child discover the wild
At ZSL, we believe every child deserves the chance to explore, play, and learn in nature. But for far too many young people, green spaces are out of reach.
Our Access to Nature Campaign is calling on the government to make access to nature a right for every schoolchild. That means funding for wellies and waterproofs, training for teachers, and wild spaces in every school.
The children who discover nature today will be the ones protecting it tomorrow. Add your voice – sign the petition today and help give every child access to the wonders of the natural world.