Description
If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in Huntingdonshire, Hamerton Zoo Park is a brilliant choice. This popular independent zoo spans 25 acres and gives families an intimate, engaging way to discover exotic animals from around the world. It provides a wonderful educational day out where children can see rare carnivores, primates, and birds up close in beautifully landscaped grounds.
Standard adult fixed day tickets start from £18.36, while child fixed day tickets start from £14.86. Children under 3 years old enter completely free of charge. Concessions for senior visitors and flexible ticket upgrades are also readily available through the official booking portal.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines exciting animal species with open play areas and a miniature train, this destination ticks every box. It offers a relaxed, personal atmosphere that makes family exploring stress-free and fun.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Grafham Water: Head to this nearby reservoir for scenic lakeside family walks, cycling trails, and outdoor water activities.
- Kimbolton Castle: Explore the rich history and striking Tudor architecture of this nearby historic estate.
- St Ives Riverside: Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the historic town center and feeding ducks by the Great Ouse river.
- The Norris Museum: Discover local heritage and hands-on family exhibits located in nearby St Ives.
What Visitors Love:
- The park has a friendly, non-commercial feel that makes it much less exhausting to navigate than massive national zoos.
- The close proximity to animals like cheetahs and lemurs offers an immersive experience kids talk about for days.
- The combination of animal exhibits and a miniature train ride provides fantastic variety for younger children.
- Staff members are frequently highlighted as warm, knowledgeable, and eager to answer questions during keeper talks.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Some parts of the park involve walking on unpaved ground that can become muddy after heavy rainfall.
- Peak lunch hours can cause temporary queues at the main coffee shop and food kiosks.
- Certain shy animals can occasionally hide away from view during warmer afternoon periods.
Attractions & Live Exhibits
- Big Cat Paddock: Tigers, cheetahs, servals, and caracals.
- Primate Houses: Gibbons, lemurs, and marmosets.
- Australian Walkabout: Wallabies and emus sharing an open paddock environment.
- Bird Aviaries: Diverse collection of exotic wetland and perching birds.
- KT Express Train: Operating on weekends and school holidays.
New for 2026
- Brand-New Climbing Cubes: Recently installed in the main adventure play area to keep older kids active and entertained.
- Upgraded Cheetah Viewing Terraces: Enhanced low-level glass viewing panels allowing children a clearer sightline into the main cheetah habitats.
- Expanded Conservation Hub: New interactive displays detailing the park's global breeding programs and sustainable wind-energy systems.
- Refreshed Picnic Shelters: Upgraded outdoor seating zones located right next to the children's play areas for easier family snack breaks.
20.26 miles
