Last week, we had the privilege of being invited to ZSL London Zoo to experience their popular half-term event, #BooAtTheZoo. It had been a couple of years since our last visit, so the whole family was excited to see what had changed and to make some Halloween-themed memories with the animals.
Exciting Highlights and Adorable New Arrivals
With Halloween just around the corner, we were looking forward to the seasonal activities but equally excited to meet two special new arrivals: the zoo’s adorable baby gorillas and playful lion cubs! The children loved watching the gorilla mums, keeping a close eye on their little ones as they explored, climbed, and played—it was both entertaining and heartwarming. Simon especially enjoyed seeing the baby gorillas learning to swing and climb; their little escapades under the watchful eyes of their mothers made for one of our day’s highlights.
The Land of the Lions was another family favourite. At one point, the majestic male lion gave a loud, rumbling roar, which seemed to act as a call to his family. His mate and cubs responded, gathering around him, and after a quick meal, they settled in for a nap while he kept guard. It was a truly magical moment that reminded us how incredible and close-knit animal families can be.
Halloween Activities and Fun for All Ages
The Halloween-themed activities took place mainly on /around the central lawns, where the pumpkin patch offered an ideal spot for festive family photo opportunities. We paid £5 per child for tickets, which allowed them to decorate pumpkins with POSCA chalk pens and toast marshmallows over a fire pit. These simple but delightful activities brought out everyone’s creative side and added a cosy autumnal touch to our day.
Race Against Extinction
The Race Against Extinction activity invited children to locate the last survivors of species now extinct in the wild that live in the zoo. By following the zoo map to numbered locations, the children can learn about how they can help these extinct in the wild animals. In each location, they will see a coloured sand timer, which must be noted down on the Race Against Extinction Crossword to reveal a secret location. Once you have discovered the secret location, you can go to the Sands of Time room to fill up a special time jar to represent the six endangered species.
In addition to Halloween fun, we noticed that the Reptile House had been moved since our last visit. Although it meant saying goodbye to the nostalgic “Harry Potter” memories associated with the old Reptile House, the new space turned out to be a hit with the whole family. The revamped exhibits offered fresh ways to appreciate the zoo’s incredible range of reptiles.
Accessibility and Atmosphere
Although it was half-term, we were pleasantly surprised by how spacious and well-organized the zoo felt. We only waited about 5–10 minutes at the entrance when we arrived around 11 a.m., and the zoo’s layout allowed for easy movement between exhibits. Even popular spots like eateries and toilets had minimal queues, which was a relief for a family day out. With ramp access and wide paths, ZSL London Zoo is highly accessible, making it easy for families with pushchairs or visitors with wheelchairs to explore comfortably.
Lunch in the Sun
Midway through the day, we stopped by the zoo’s restaurant, where we grabbed a quick and tasty lunch. The children’s picnic boxes were a good deal, and the takeaway pizzas and skin-on chips were a big hit with everyone. We chose to eat outdoors, making the most of a rare sunny autumn day!
Final Thoughts: A Full Day of Family Half Term Fun at ZSL London Zoo
Our visit to #BooAtTheZoo was a truly memorable experience, and we would highly recommend it to any families looking for a unique way to entertain the kids this half-term. With so much to see and do, we stayed until closing time, even crossing the canal to explore the often-forgotten other half of the zoo. One last highlight was Monkey Valley, where we got to walk through the Colobus Monkey enclosure and see the charming family of seven monkeys, now with three new babies of their own after being rescued.
Parking and Travel Tips
We opted to drive and park in the zoo’s car park, which is conveniently located a five-minute walk from the entrance and costs £17 for the day—a cheaper option than public transport for our family. The parking was easy to access, making it a good choice for families with young children.
Would We Recommend It? Absolutely!
From baby animals and roaring lions to Halloween crafts and toasted marshmallows, #BooAtTheZoo offered something for everyone, young and old. It’s a perfect blend of festive fun and animal encounters, making it a fantastic family day out. We can’t wait for our next visit!
