Skip to main content
Sign In
London Zoo zoo in London, LDN
Photo: Google
View of London Zoo in London, LDN
Photo: Google
View of London Zoo in London, LDN
Photo: Google

London Zoo

4.3(35,307 reviews)$$Zoo
🕑 4-5 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the interactive Animal Adventure play area and Penguin Beach, while older children enjoy the Rainforest Life exhibit and learning about conservation through engaging keeper presentations.

About

London Zoo is one of the world's oldest and most beloved zoos, offering families an incredible day exploring naturalistic habitats filled with over 750 species. From watching penguins dive and splash at feeding time to getting up close with majestic giraffes and big cats, kids will be captivated by the daily keeper talks and interactive experiences that bring wildlife conservation to life.

Highlights

  • Penguin Beach with underwater viewing tunnels and daily feeding demonstrations
  • Land of the Lions featuring dramatic Asiatic lion habitats with interactive exhibits
  • Gorilla Kingdom where families can observe western lowland gorillas in a rainforest setting
  • Tiger Territory with Sumatran tigers and educational conservation displays
  • Animal Adventure children's zone with hands-on play areas and meet-the-keeper sessions

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Book tickets online in advance to save money and skip queues at the entrance, especially during school holidays and weekends.
  2. 2.Arrive right at opening time (10:00 AM) to see the animals at their most active and check the daily schedule immediately for feeding times and keeper talks you don't want to miss.
  3. 3.Bring a packed lunch to save money, as the zoo allows outside food. There are plenty of picnic areas, though on-site cafes are available if needed.
  4. 4.The zoo is hilly with some steep paths, so bring a stroller for younger children even if they usually walk, as little legs tire quickly here.
  5. 5.Download the zoo map on your phone beforehand or grab a paper copy at entrance to plan your route around must-see animals and scheduled events.

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekday mornings during term time (avoiding UK school holidays) for the smallest crowds. Animals are most active in cooler morning hours, making early visits ideal. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather without the summer crowds.

What to Know

Admission is moderately priced (book online for discounts), and while food is available on-site, prices are typical tourist attraction rates so many families bring their own. The zoo is accessible by tube (Camden Town or Regent's Park stations are closest), and while there is limited on-site parking, public transport is strongly recommended for international visitors.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with consistent hours. Some outdoor exhibits may have limited viewing in winter when animals are indoors. The zoo hosts special events during school holidays including Zoo Lates (adults only) and seasonal activities like Easter egg hunts and Christmas festivities.

Nearby Eats

Regent's Park has lovely picnic spots just outside the zoo. For sit-down meals, head to Camden Market (10-minute walk) for diverse, affordable food stalls perfect for picky eaters, or visit Giraffe Restaurant on Parkway for a family-friendly menu.

More Activities Near London

Arcade

Camden Town

$

Camden Town is a vibrant neighborhood bursting with creative energy, offering eclectic markets, colorful street art, and alternative culture that fascinates tweens and teens. While the bustling atmosphere and edgy vibe make it less suitable for toddlers, older children will love exploring the quirky shops, sampling international street food, and watching talented street performers along the canal and market areas.

Museum

The British Museum

4.7$

The British Museum offers families an incredible journey through human history, from Egyptian mummies that captivate young imaginations to ancient Greek sculptures and treasures from every corner of the globe. Best of all, admission is completely free, making it an unbeatable value for families traveling to London who want world-class culture without the hefty price tag.

Park

Hyde Park

4.7Free

Hyde Park is one of London's most iconic green spaces, offering 350 acres of family fun in the heart of the city. From splashing in the Diana Memorial Fountain to feeding swans at the Serpentine lake, renting pedal boats, and exploring multiple playgrounds, this royal park provides hours of outdoor entertainment without costing a penny.

Activity

Tower of London

4.7

The Tower of London brings nearly 1,000 years of history to life through interactive exhibits, dazzling Crown Jewels, and entertaining Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tours that engage children with tales of kings, queens, and even executions. Kids are fascinated by the armor collection, medieval torture devices, and the resident ravens, while the fortress setting provides plenty of space to explore towers, walkways, and battlements.