Battersea Park Children's Zoo
Wild Adventures in the City
At a Glance
Best Ages
All ages
Cost
Varies
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Indoor/Outdoor
Outdoor
Weather Fit
All weather
Stroller Access
Yes
Washrooms
Yes
Food
On-site cafe
Parking
Limited nearby
Booking
Recommended
Parent Effort
Low
Explore nature's wonders with your little explorers at Battersea Park Children's Zoo - where every animal encounter sparks joy and learning.
About This Place
Battersea Park Children's Zoo is a charming wildlife attraction nestled inside Battersea Park in central London, celebrating its 75th anniversary. The zoo is home to meerkats, monkeys, otters, lemurs, tropical birds, and a variety of farm animals, with daily zookeeper talks and hands-on keeper experience sessions. Multiple adventure playgrounds on-site keep younger children entertained, and birthday party packages are available. Open daily 10:00–17:30.
Official Website open_in_new- Monday – Sunday
- 10:00 – 17:30
Hours were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
Check the official website for current admission prices.
Animal Encounters
Meet meerkats, lemurs & more!
Adventure Playground
Climb, slide, and play outdoors.
Educational Fun
Learn about conservation the fun way.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Animal Encounters
- Hands-on experiences available, including behind-the-scenes visits with armadillos and daily keeper talks.
- Interactive Play
- Adventure playgrounds feature a fire engine, tractor, helicopter, climbing web, and sensory sandpit for active play.
- Conservation Focus
- Accredited by BIAZA; emphasizes education, conservation, and animal welfare.
- Family Events
- Birthday party packages include guided animal tours and clue-based games.
- Accessibility
- Located in an accessible urban park with cafes nearby.
- Educational Value
- Daily zookeeper talks and interactive events promote wildlife education for children and adults.
- Animal Variety
- Over 100 animals from around the world, including rare species like the pancake tortoise.
Kid Fit by Age
Stroller access is available, but the zoo may be overwhelming for very young infants due to noise and crowds.
Ideal for toddlers with interactive play elements, animal encounters, and manageable distances to explore.
Perfect for preschoolers with engaging animal talks, hands-on experiences, and sensory-rich play areas.
Excellent for elementary-age kids with educational content, keeper talks, and interactive games.
May find some aspects repetitive, but still enjoyable due to unique animal encounters and behind-the-scenes access.
Teenagers may enjoy the conservation message and unique experiences, but the overall setting might feel more geared toward younger children.
Insider Tips
Join the 11:00 am zookeeper talk for live feeding
Visit the meerkat enclosure first - it's a favorite
Check the event board for surprise animal encounters
- •Keep children close near animal enclosures
- •Follow zookeeper instructions during talks
- •Avoid feeding animals intentionally
- •Step-free access to main paths
- •Sensory-friendly quiet zones available
- •Baby change facilities in main restroom
schedule Best Time to Visit
Visit mid-week mornings for fewer crowds and quieter animal activity.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxWater bottles
- check_boxComfortable walking shoes
- check_boxSnacks for children
- check_boxCamera for photos
- check_boxSunhat or raincoat
Location
Make it a half-day
View All London
Last checked: 2026