Chester Zoo
Chester, CheshireAbout Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is the ultimate family day out - where wild adventures, unforgettable encounters, and inspiring discoveries await at every turn. Nestled in the heart of Cheshire, this world-class conservation zoo is home to around 35,000 animals!
Things To Do At Chester Zoo
From the dense rainforests of South America to sweeping African savannahs, every habitat at Chester Zoo is designed to immerse visitors in the wonders of the natural world. Families can watch elephants roam, marvel at the grace of big cats, and spot monkeys swinging through the trees. Every visit is a chance for families to experience the magic of wildlife up close and to learn about the fascinating animals that share our planet. You'll also learn all about how Chester Zoo is helping animals survive and thrive across the globe.
Family-Friendly Facilities
Chester Zoo has thought of everything to make family visits easy and enjoyable. Spacious picnic areas offer the perfect spot for a mid-adventure snack, while baby-changing facilities and buggy hire ensure even the tiniest adventurers are comfortable. For those moments when little legs need a break, there are plenty of rest areas throughout the zoo.
And for boundless energy that needs burning off? Look no further than the zoo’s five epic adventure playgrounds! With climbing nets, water play, giant slides, and sand pits, kids can unleash their inner wild side and play to their heart’s content.
Planning a great family day out? Our new Family Ticket is the perfect way to save! This discounted option covers 2 adults and 2 children, offering a lower combined rate than purchasing individual tickets.
Grab your Family Ticket today and treat your loved ones to an unforgettable experience for less. Booking is quick and simple, so you can lock in your savings and look forward to the fun, whether you're planning ahead or keeping it a surprise!
Extraordinary Experiences
For families looking to make their visit even more memorable, Chester Zoo’s exclusive Experiences offer unique opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of wildlife. Visitors can go behind the scenes, join expert-led tours, or learn more about the conservation work that supports species in the wild. These experiences offer insights into the zoo’s important role in global conservation efforts.
To make navigating the zoo even easier, families can download the Chester Zoo app, packed with interactive maps, real-time updates, and fun animal facts. The app provides a handy guide to animal talk times, special events, and must-sees, ensuring visitors can make the most of every moment.
See Conservation in Action
Throughout the zoo, families will find interactive exhibits that bring science and conservation to life in exciting, hands-on ways. Children can discover how habitats are protected, learn about species-saving projects, and even find out how they can help wildlife in their own back gardens.
Delicious Dining Options
A day of exploration builds up an appetite, and Chester Zoo offers a fantastic range of food and drink options to suit the whole family. Whether it’s enjoying a freshly made pizza at June’s Food Court, trying bold South East Asian flavours at Manado Street Kitchen, or winding down with a hearty meal at The Oakfield pub, there’s something for everyone.
For quick bites, families can grab a snack from one of the many food kiosks, offering everything from sandwiches to sweet treats. Those who prefer to bring their own food can make use of the zoo’s designated picnic spots.
Why We Think Families Will Love Chester Zoo
A trip to Chester Zoo isn’t just an incredible family day out - it’s also a chance to be part of something bigger. As a national conservation zoo, every ticket, meal, and souvenir purchased helps fund vital projects that protect endangered species and their habitats around the world.
Families can explore beautiful themed habitats, enjoy playgrounds, and even take part in unique experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters. Plus, with great facilities, picnic areas, and plenty of food options, it’s the perfect place for a full day of family fun. One Zoo. Endless Adventures.
Discover Over 35,000 Amazing Animals
Chester Zoo is home to thousands of extraordinary animals!
Wander through lush habitats and come face-to-face with Sumatran tigers, elusive Sunda gharial crocodiles and the striking Boelen’s python. Listen for the calls of birds, watch elephants roam and see monkeys swing through the trees.
But this isn't just a zoo, it's a global conservation powerhouse. Every visit supports projects that protect wildlife, restore habitats and fight extinction in more than 20 countries worldwide. Chester Zoo is making a difference where it matters most.
Every step brings a new discovery. Whether you're marvelling at a towering giraffe or spotting tiny frogs hidden in the rainforest, you're part of something bigger. This isn't just a day out, this is conservation in action.
Step into the Wild at the Heart of Africa
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Chester Zoo’s Heart of Africa!
This immersive habitat transports families straight to the African savannah by exploring a NEW ecosystem, observing a mixed savannah, like majestic giraffes, playful zebras, and ostriches, and even learning all about the Maasai Olympics! You can also enjoy African craft sessions, observe the science that shapes their conservation and even let loose on the new Pamoja Village play area, where you can also grab a bite to eat!
With exciting viewing areas, interactive learning opportunities, and stunning scenery, the Heart of Africa is a must-see for families looking to experience wildlife up close and make magical memories together!
Get Even Closer To Wildlife
Make your visit to Chester Zoo unforgettable with a unique Experience. Enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, up-close animal encounters, and exciting ways to connect with nature.
From learning about wildlife conservation to meeting truly incredible animals, there’s an adventure for everyone to enjoy. Book your Chester Zoo experience for an even more memorable day out!
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
ATM
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Pushchair Hire
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (3-15) : £25.45
- Adult (16+) : £34.21
- Child (1-2) : £2.50
General Admission
Adult (16+) admission: £34.21Child (3-15) admission: £25.45
Student admission: £33.63Child 2 & under admission: £2.50
Under 12 months admission: Free
Carer admission free
Please note that tickets will not be available to buy online on the day after 9:30 am. You can purchase tickets from the ticket windows on-site when you arrive!If you want to visit the zoo a lot, then a membership may be for you. With a membership, you can get unlimited free entry for a year, plus loads of other great benefits, from discounts on food and drink in the zoo, to exclusive member previews to special events, and so much more! Members are the first to hear all the latest zoo news!
Chester Zoo Annual Membership Standard Prices: Adult (16+): £146.34Child (3-15): £110.39
Child (1-2): £10Infants (under 12 months): FREE
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Chester Zoo by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time more than 5 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
By Train
Chester Zoo is a couple of miles from Chester Station and Bache Station.
By Bus
You can take the Stagecoach 1 & X1 Service from Chester to Liverpool, as well as the PR3 and 5 buses, which run seven days a week.
By Car
Chester Zoo is not far from the M56 or Chester city centre. Follow the motorway signs to Chester, then follow the brown tourist zoo signs.
Once on the A41, stay on that road until you reach a roundabout with signs for Chester Zoo. Don’t turn down Flag Lane North; it’s a dead end.
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 10:01 28/05/2026
Chester Zoo Reviews
Recent blog posts

Discover 10 brilliant free days out across the UK, led by Manchester Museum. Perfect family ideas for budget-friendly adventures without entry fees.

The arrival of June signals just one thing: SUMMER has officially landed! We know you’re itching to dive into sun-drenched family adventures and soak up every second of the great outdoors before it’s gone. Keep scrolling for our weekly top picks of attractions… The UK Family Days Out Everyone’s Booking This Summer Wonderland, Telford Get…

Wow what a SCORCHER this May half-term has been! Whilst it might be back to routines sooner than you’d like, the fun needn’t be over as there’s still plenty going on for you and your family to enjoy! Check out these trending family attractions you won’t want to miss out on: The Days Out Families…

May Half Term 2026 – Best Days Out May half term is one of the best times of year to get the kids out of the house: warmer weather, longer days and a packed calendar of limited-time family events. To make planning easier, we’ve pulled together the best May Half Term 2026 days out from…

May half-term has officially arrived, and with a week of glorious sunshine ahead, it is the perfect time for an outdoor adventure! We have rounded up everything you need for the ultimate break. Searching for inspiration? We have found some fantastic last-minute options to help you plan a truly memorable trip. Attractions nationwide are launching…

May half-term is certainly on the horizon now, which means it’s time to start planning some unforgettable family days out! With Whit Week just around the corner, attractions across the country are gearing up for a packed schedule of special events, live entertainment, thrilling rides, and seasonal activities perfect for all ages. Below is a…

It’s that time of the week again when you start scratching your head as to where to take the children this weekend. Well, there’s no need to worry as we’ve got you covered with a whole range of entertaining activities suitable for your youngest right up to your eldest. Below is a list of all…

Discover unusual Airbnb stays for UK families in 2026, from treehouses to castle stays, plus tips for booking around school holidays.











