Edinburgh Zoo's Festival of Fun

About

Edinburgh Zoo's Festival of Fun transforms this beloved wildlife attraction into a summer wonderland with carnival games, entertainment, and special animal activities throughout July and August. Families can enjoy traditional fairground fun alongside encounters with over 1,000 incredible animals, from playful penguins to majestic lions. It's the perfect combination of zoo exploration and festive summer entertainment that keeps kids engaged for hours.

What to Expect

Expect a vibrant carnival atmosphere layered onto your zoo visit, with colorful stalls, games, face painting, and live entertainment scattered throughout the grounds. Families can participate in traditional fairground activities, special keeper talks, animal feeding demonstrations, and interactive wildlife experiences. The festival maintains a relaxed, family-friendly vibe with plenty of shaded rest areas and the zoo's regular attractions all remaining accessible. Summer weather in Edinburgh can be unpredictable, so activities run rain or shine with some undercover options available.

Highlights for Kids

• The famous daily penguin parade where these charming birds waddle past visitors on their outdoor adventure
• Carnival games and fairground activities with prizes that complement the zoo's regular animal attractions
• Close-up encounters with koalas, red pandas, and other rare species at scheduled feeding times
• The Budongo Trail chimpanzee experience where kids can watch these intelligent primates through floor-to-ceiling windows
• Special summer keeper talks and animal demonstrations that teach children about conservation in fun, interactive ways

Pro Tips for Families

1. Book tickets online in advance for significant savings and guaranteed entry, as the festival can sell out on peak summer days and school holidays
2. Arrive at opening time (9:00 AM or 10:00 AM depending on season) to see animals at their most active before the midday heat and to enjoy carnival activities with shorter queues
3. Download the zoo map ahead of time and plan your route around the daily penguin parade (typically 2:15 PM) and your children's favorite animals to maximize your experience
4. Pack layers and waterproofs regardless of the forecast—Edinburgh weather changes quickly—and bring sunscreen for those surprisingly sunny Scottish summer days

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings offer the best experience with smaller crowds and more active animals, especially Tuesday through Thursday in July before school holidays peak. The first two hours after opening are ideal for seeing animals during feeding times and enjoying carnival activities before afternoon queues build. If visiting on weekends, aim for late afternoon (after 3:00 PM) when many families with young children have left, though some activities may wind down earlier.

Food & Drinks

Multiple cafés and kiosks throughout the zoo offer family-friendly meals including the Mansion House Café with hot meals, sandwiches, and kids' lunch boxes, plus seasonal outdoor food stalls during the festival. Options include standard child favorites like fish and fingers, pizza, and burgers, along with healthier choices and vegetarian options. You're welcome to bring your own picnic (there are designated areas), which many international visitors find more budget-friendly. Water bottle refill stations are available throughout the zoo, so bring reusable bottles to stay hydrated.

Parking & Access

Edinburgh Zoo is located 3 miles west of city center, easily accessible by Lothian Buses (routes 12, 26, 31, and 38) which stop directly outside—purchase day tickets on the Lothian Buses app for convenience. On-site parking is available but limited and fills quickly during summer; arrive before 10:00 AM or use park-and-ride services from the city outskirts. The zoo is largely stroller-accessible with paved paths, though hilly terrain means some areas require effort to navigate—consider bringing a baby carrier for steep sections. Stroller parking is available at certain animal houses, and wheelchair/stroller-accessible routes are marked on zoo maps.