13 April 2026
Looking for things to do with the kids this spring? With 600 acres and thousands of animals, there's fun for the whole family at Whipsnade Zoo.
1. Don't miss our special events and activities
There's some exciting activities for the whole family running throughout spring. Join us over the early May bank holiday weekend (2-4 May) for the Big Birthday Bash, filled with crafts, games, and a gigantic picnic to celebrate 200 years of ZSL.
Then, join us for May half term (23-31 May) for the biggest ever paint-by-numbers and help us break an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title!
2. Hop about with wallabies and bunnies
Look out for our free-roaming wallabies and maras around the Zoo. You might spot them among the daffodils - they love to rest there. Other top places to see them are near the penguins and running in the trees between our yaks and elephant enclosure. It’s baby season so keep a look out for joeys and pups too.
There are also giant rabbits in the goat walkthrough that your little ones will love to hop around with.
3. Look out for our new arrivals
We've had lots of baby animals born in the last year! Look out for two giraffe calves, a baby rhino - Mick - plus lots more! Many of our animals are endangered in the wild and the new arrivals are really important as part of European-wide collaborative breeding programmes.
4. Enjoy the spring blooms
At this time of year, the Zoo’s wildlife-friendly plants and flowers are coming into their own. Wander through the grounds and enjoy the wide variety of foliage, specially selected by our horticultural team. Take a stroll down Central Avenue and enjoy a burst of colour and fragrance when our blossom trees are in full bloom; it's really special.
5. Have an adventure in our playground
Explore our themed outdoor play area. Mini safari jeeps, swings, bridges, tunnels, climbing frames, sand, and much more, will keep young adventurers entertained. And we have an indoor soft play area too, free with your Zoo ticket or membership.
Plus, look out for the Mini Rangers: Driving Adventure*, where kids can take the wheel of a mini Land Rover Defender, and try out an immersive Virtual Reality Experience* too and feel the wonder of wildlife in a whole new way.
*Additional charges apply
6. Ride The Great Whipsnade Railway
Go on a safari adventure aboard one of our steam engines, Excelsior and Superior. We’ll take you on a wildlife tour across the continents. You’ll see camels, rhinos, elephants and so much more! Dates and time for The Great Whipsnade Railway* can be subject to change, so please check on the day of your visit for the most up-to-date information.
*Additional charges apply
7. Have fun at the farm
Children of all ages can meet their favourite farm animals in our children's farm, from petting our pygmy goats and hopping around with our giant rabbits, to getting even closer to our animals in our Farmyard Fun Show, running daily at 12.30pm.
8. Enjoy stunning scenery
If you want to explore a Zoo with a view, then you've come to the right place. Whipsnade has plenty of fresh air and outdoor space, and overlooks the stunning Chiltern Downs. You can see for miles and miles – including all three local counties, visible from the same spot. And on a lovely spring day with blue skies, it's the perfect picnic spot or coffee stop.
7 reasons why Whipsnade Zoo is the best outdoor attraction
9. Enjoy food with a view
We've got refreshments options to suit all your needs - whether you're just looking for a quick bite to eat between animal habitats, or a sit-down option for lunch. Stay fuelled throughout the day and discover our food and drink options, including opening times. And remember that Gold members get a 10% discount in our shops and catering outlets.
You're also welcome to bring in your own snacks and we have picnic spots - both scenic and sheltered - dotted around the Zoo.
If you're looking to make your visit even more special, why not book a delicious afternoon tea**? It could make the perfect gift with Mother's Day coming up or for a birthday treat, and it's served in our Viewpoint Kitchen restaurant, overlooking the beautiful Downs and opposite our white rhinos.
**please book at least 48 hours in advance
10. Join a Toddler Safari or Walk and Talk
There's so much fun for little ones at the Zoo, including our free Toddler Safari sessions! Running on selected dates from March - July, children can go wild on a mini adventure, with a different theme each week.
If you're looking for something a little more relaxed, join us for a guided walk around the Zoo on selected Thursdays. Meet with other like-minded visitors to learn more about our animals from our experts. This year, to celebrate 200 years of ZSL, we have some extra special heritage tours running in May, where you can learn more about our fascinating history.
11. Upgrade your day with an experience
Want to make your Zoo visit even more special? We have a variety of experiences from taking our alpacas for a gentle stroll around the Zoo, to being a Keeper for a Day, or even sleeping over at the Zoo. Have the ultimate animal adventure and make lasting memories. Already a Gold member? Get 10% off of our experiences!
Don’t miss out on all the fun at Whipsnade Zoo this spring. Book your tickets today for a fun-packed day out for all the family. Become a member and you can enjoy unlimited free entry to Whipsnade and London Zoos the whole year round.
Under 3s go free!
Whether your child is a toddler or school-aged, Whipsnade Zoo is the perfect place in Bedfordshire for kids to explore and let off steam. Our seasonal events, indoor soft play, outdoor adventure play, and children's farm are all included in your Zoo ticket or membership. And don't forget, under 3s visit the Zoo free of charge.
April showers?
We know that our Great British weather can be unpredictable, and your spring visit might not be all blue skies and sunshine. But don't let grey clouds put you off - there's still plenty of fun to be had at the Zoo in the rain - just make sure you pack your wellies! Plus, find out more about our Rainy Day Guarantee.