Description
Finding the best things to do with kids in Solihull brings families straight to The Jungle Hut, a unique exotic animal encounter and educational wildlife centre located near Earlswood. This intimate attraction allows children and adults to experience close-up interactions with fascinating reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates in a themed indoor setting.
Standard admission prices start at £40 for a private group booking covering up to 2 visitors. Additional visitors can be added for £10 per person, with infants under two years old entering completely free of charge. Visitors must book their required private sessions in advance through the official online booking portal.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines hands-on learning with rare exotic species encounters, this West Midlands venue offers a brilliant experience. Its personal guided tours, friendly ranger hosts, and interactive handling sessions make it a top weekend choice for young animal enthusiasts.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Earlswood Lakes Craft Centre: Charming local craft village setting featuring independent artisan shops and studios.
- Earlswood Lakes: Scenic local walking trails and reservoir paths ideal for outdoor family strolls.
- Nearby Solihull Parks: Open green spaces and family parks situated a short drive away.
What Visitors Love:
- Parents frequently highlight the personal and intimate nature of the tours, noting that it feels much more engaging than a massive commercial zoo.
- Children love receiving a signed certificate from the jungle ranger at the end of the tour, which makes them feel like true explorers.
- The staff receive glowing praise for being exceptionally friendly, patient, and knowledgeable when handling animals around young children.
- The unique opportunity to touch tarantulas, snakes, and chameleons safely creates unforgettable memories for kids.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Because the venue operates strictly on private individual bookings, slots fill up quickly during weekends and school holidays.
- The attraction is relatively compact, meaning it is designed for dedicated 1-hour tour slots rather than all-day wandering.
- Public transport options to the craft centre location are limited, making car travel the most practical choice.
Attractions and Experiences:
- Ranger-Led Educational Tours: Personal guided visits through the themed wildlife lodge.
- Reptile Handling Sessions: Close encounters with friendly lizards and tortoises.
- Invertebrate Discovery Stations: Safe handling demonstrations featuring tarantulas and millipedes.
- Junior Ranger Certificate Presentation: Special signed certificates awarded to children at the end of the visit.
- Ethical Retail Browsing: Exploring fair trade and handmade gifts from around the world.
- Conservation Information Points: Educational boards detailing global wildlife protection projects.
- Private Group Experiences: Tailored booking slots designed for families and small groups.
- Birthday Party Hosting: Exclusive private party experiences featuring interactive animal handling.
- Seasonal Themed Events: Special holiday sessions running across peak school breaks.
- Photography Opportunities: Designated moments to capture kids holding exotic creatures.
New for 2026:
- Refurbished Ranger Tour Routes: Updated 2026 scheduling and interactive tour paths designed for private family group slots.
- Expanded Ethical Product Range: New lines of fair-trade crafts and global souvenirs added to the gift shop.
- Enhanced Educational Displays: Newly updated informational panels highlighting rainforest conservation efforts.
10.46 miles
