There’s nothing like a family trip to Chester Zoo to make you feel like David Attenborough on a mission—with snack breaks, of course. We set off early, armed with a picnic, sunscreen, and an unshakable sense of adventure. By the time we arrived, the kids were already arguing over which animal to see first. Spoiler alert: the elephants won.
The Mighty Elephants: Stars of the Morning
Our first stop was the elephant enclosure, and wow, these gentle giants know how to put on a show. One baby elephant decided it was time for a bath and splashed around like a toddler in a paddling pool. The kids were in stitches watching its antics, and I couldn’t help but admire the older elephants’ patience. They just stood there, munching on hay, completely unbothered.
We spent a good chunk of time here, trying to mimic elephant trumpets (some of us better than others), and learning fun facts about their trunks. Did you know they can pick up tiny objects like a coin? My eldest immediately tried to grab her brother’s snack, claiming it was “research.”
Butterflies and Chaos in the Tropical House
Next, we entered the butterfly house, which was both magical and a bit chaotic. Imagine dozens of colorful butterflies fluttering around while my youngest screamed, “LOOK, A FAIRY!” at the top of her lungs. At one point, a butterfly landed on my shoulder, which made me feel like a Disney princess—for about three seconds, until the kids started arguing over whose arm it should land on next.
The heat in there was intense, but it added to the tropical vibe. We came out a little sweaty but very satisfied. If you go, be prepared to move quickly if your kids are prone to chasing anything with wings.
Snack Time with a Side of Roars
By mid-morning, hunger struck. We found a shady picnic spot near the lions’ enclosure, where the faint sound of roaring provided the ultimate jungle soundtrack. Sandwiches were devoured at lightning speed, which might have had something to do with the kids wanting to get closer to the “big cats.”
The lions didn’t disappoint. While they mostly lounged around like overgrown house cats, one gave an almighty roar just as my youngest was mid-sentence. Her face was priceless—equal parts awe and terror. I told her it was probably just saying hello, but let’s be honest, it was probably complaining about the heat.
Exploring the Islands: A Mini Jungle Adventure
The islands section was next, and it was hands down one of our favorite parts of the day. We hopped on the little boat ride, which made us feel like explorers in a nature documentary. As we floated along, we spotted monkeys swinging through trees, a komodo dragon looking grumpy in the shade, and a couple of flamingos standing on one leg like yoga pros.
The kids loved pretending they were on a jungle expedition, whispering (not so quietly) about spotting treasure. My treasure was the 15 minutes of relative calm during the boat ride.
Penguins: The Underwater Rockets
If there’s one animal that always delivers entertainment, it’s the penguins. We could have spent the entire afternoon watching them dive and zip around in the water like tiny, tuxedo-wearing torpedoes. The viewing area with the underwater windows is genius—you get an up-close look at just how fast they move.
The kids tried to race them by running along the glass, which ended with one of them tripping over their shoelaces. Classic.
Giraffes: The Gentle Giants of the Afternoon
We saved the giraffes for last, and they were worth the wait. Watching them stroll gracefully around their enclosure, you can’t help but feel a bit jealous of their long legs and calm demeanor. My youngest decided she wants a pet giraffe. I explained the ceiling height in our house might be an issue, but she’s not convinced.
We also learned some fun facts from one of the zookeepers, who explained how giraffes use their long tongues to grab food. Naturally, this led to everyone sticking out their tongues to see who could “grab” their drink bottle first. Parenting is nothing if not creative.
The Gift Shop: Where Wallets Go to Cry
No family trip is complete without a stop at the gift shop. The kids each picked out a souvenir—a cuddly tiger for one and a glittery butterfly keyring for the other. I considered buying a mug with a grumpy-looking meerkat on it but decided my kitchen didn’t need more mugs.
The gift shop is a bit of a trap, but to be fair, it’s packed with lovely things. Just brace yourself for the inevitable negotiations if you’re taking kids in there.
Why Chester Zoo is the Perfect Family Day Out
Chester Zoo isn’t just about seeing animals; it’s an experience. The enclosures are thoughtfully designed to make you feel like you’re stepping into the animals’ natural habitats. The staff are brilliant, always ready to answer questions or share fun stories about the animals.
There’s something for everyone, whether you’re an animal lover, a parent looking for a fun day out, or a kid with endless energy. Even the food options looked great, though our picnic kept things simple (and budget-friendly).
Tips for a Great Day Out at Chester Zoo
- Arrive Early: There’s so much to see, so give yourself a full day to explore.
- Pack Snacks and Water: There are plenty of places to eat, but snacks help keep the little ones happy between stops.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll rack up steps without realizing it.
- Bring a Map or Use the App: The zoo is huge, and you don’t want to miss your favorite animals.
- Budget for the Gift Shop: It’s impossible to leave empty-handed.
Heading Home: Tired but Happy
By the end of the day, we were all a bit tired but absolutely buzzing from the experience. The kids fell asleep on the drive home, clutching their new treasures and dreaming of giraffes and penguins.
Chester Zoo gave us a day full of laughter, learning, and memories we’ll cherish. If you’re looking for a family day out that ticks all the boxes, this is it. Just don’t forget to practice your penguin waddle beforehand—it’s a crowd-pleaser.
