Zoos & aquariums

Zoos, safari parks and aquariums for families

Penguins at feeding time, giraffes at eye level and sharks overhead. Zoos and aquariums are a day out every age enjoys. Here are the best, with Scout’s tips.

Photo: Daley van de Sande on Unsplash

Scout’s verdict

Scout’s zoo verdict

Arrive early, when the animals are most active, and plan your route around feeding times and keeper talks. Aquariums are the perfect rainy-day backup.

Best for: Every age, especially under-10s
Best saving: Membership if you’re local
Top tip: Check feeding & talk times

Zoos and aquariums we love

Photo: Daley van de Sande / Unsplash

Zoo

Chester Zoo

Chester, England

One of the UK’s biggest zoos, run by a conservation charity, with a huge site to explore. Expect a full day.

All agesFull dayCharity zoo

Book online in advance
Membership can pay off if you live nearby and visit a few times a year

Scout says: Wear comfy shoes and bring snacks: it’s a big site with lots of walking.

Zoo & aquarium guide chesterzoo.org ↗

Photo: Carrie Borden / Unsplash

Zoo

London Zoo

Regent’s Park, London

The world’s oldest scientific zoo, run by the conservation charity ZSL, in Regent’s Park.

All agesCentral LondonCharity zoo

Listed on the National Rail Days Out Guide in 2026 (you need valid National Rail tickets)
Combine with a free picnic in Regent’s Park

Scout says: The Days Out Guide offer needs paper or e-tickets from National Rail; Oyster and contactless don’t count.

How 2FOR1 works londonzoo.org ↗

A safari vehicle driving through dry bush

Photo: Ed Wingate / Unsplash

Safari park

Longleat

Wiltshire, England

The UK’s first drive-through safari park outside Africa, plus a stately home, gardens and adventure play.

All agesDrive-through safariFull day

Book online ahead
Its Festival of Light (in winter) is a separate seasonal event: check dates

Scout says: Keep windows up where the signs say so: the monkeys love a car aerial!

Zoo & aquarium guide longleat.co.uk ↗

A visitor watching a penguin swim past the glass

Photo: Zachary Spears / Unsplash

Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh, Scotland

A hillside zoo run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, famous for its penguins.

All agesHilly siteCharity zoo

Kids Pass has listed discounts here: check the app

Scout says: It’s hilly, so a sturdy buggy or a carrier for tiny ones makes life easier.

edinburghzoo.org.uk ↗

A toddler touching the glass of an aquarium tank

Photo: Caroline Hernandez / Unsplash

Aquariums

SEA LIFE aquariums

Across the UK, Europe and the US

Merlin’s chain of aquariums, with rainy-day-friendly indoor visits of a couple of hours. Great for toddlers.

Toddlers+IndoorRainy day

UK SEA LIFE centres (except Blackpool on new passes) are included in Merlin Annual Passes
Short visits: pair with another nearby activity

Scout says: A perfect rainy-day rescue. Most visits take 1.5–2 hours, so you can still do lunch out.

Rainy day ideas visitsealife.com ↗

USA

Photo: Daley van de Sande / Unsplash

Zoo

San Diego Zoo

San Diego, California, USA

One of the world’s best-known zoos, in Balboa Park, with a separate Safari Park in Escondido.

All agesBalboa ParkFull day

Children under 3 are free
Balboa Park around the zoo has free gardens and play areas

Scout says: Plan a whole day and use the bus tours to save little legs.

zoo.sandiegozoo.org ↗

An adult and child looking into a large aquarium tank

USA

Photo: lucas Favre / Unsplash

Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey, California, USA

A world-famous aquarium on Cannery Row, with sea otters, kelp forests and a giant open-ocean exhibit.

All agesSea ottersCoastal

Book timed tickets online at busy times
Pair with free coastal walks along Monterey Bay

Scout says: Check the feeding and talk times on arrival: the otter feeds are a must.

montereybayaquarium.org ↗

Europe

Photo: Tomáš Malík / Unsplash

Zoo

ZooParc de Beauval

Saint-Aignan, Loire Valley, France

One of Europe’s best-known zoos, with giant pandas and a cable car over the park.

All agesPandasLoire Valley

Two-day tickets suit families: it’s a big park
Combine with Loire Valley châteaux

Scout says: Book hotels early: the Loire Valley gets busy in summer.

zoobeauval.com ↗

Ways to save at zoos

Book online: most zoos charge less online and use timed entry at busy times.
Memberships: a year’s membership can cost little more than two visits for local families.
Rail offers: some zoos appear on the Days Out Guide.
Gift Aid tickets: charity zoos often show a price with an optional donation first. The standard ticket is usually available too.
Reciprocal discounts: some zoo memberships give discounts at partner zoos. Check your membership’s benefits.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit a zoo?

First thing in the morning, when animals are more active and crowds are smaller. Check feeding and keeper talk times as soon as you arrive.

Is a zoo membership worth it?

If you live nearby and expect to visit more than twice a year, a membership often works out cheaper, and supports the zoo’s conservation work.

Zoos, safari parks and aquariums for families

Scout’s zoo verdict

Zoos and aquariums we love

Chester Zoo

London Zoo

Longleat

Edinburgh Zoo

SEA LIFE aquariums

San Diego Zoo

Monterey Bay Aquarium

ZooParc de Beauval

Ways to save at zoos

Frequently asked questions

Keep exploring

Zoo day out tips for families

Rainy day days out: indoor ideas the kids will love

UK days out

Experiences

Where shall we go next?