A Family Day Out at Twycross Zoo: Wildlife, Play, and Unforgettable Memories

If you’re planning a family day out in Leicestershire, Twycross Zoo is one destination that should be right at the top of your list.

We’ve visited countless attractions as a family, but Twycross Zoo always stands out as one of our favourites. Tucked away in the heart of the Midlands, it offers that perfect balance of excitement, hands-on experiences, and educational moments — all wrapped up in a fun day where children and adults can reconnect with nature.

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Meet the Animals: A World of Wildlife

Like most families, we started with the animals — and what a treat it was! The primate enclosures are the pride of Twycross Zoo, and it’s easy to see why. Watching the chimpanzees was mesmerising, especially with their expressive faces and playful behaviour.

The most unforgettable moment for us was spotting Jambo, the hairless chimpanzee. We had heard about him before, but nothing prepares you for seeing him in person. Jambo’s alopecia makes him instantly recognisable, but what truly shines through is his personality. He was indoors on our visit (the summer heat had driven him into the shade), but we loved watching him interact with the other chimps — lively, cheeky, and full of character. The kids were fascinated by him and still talk about Jambo now.

Another highlight was meeting the bonobos. Few zoos around the world house them, so it felt really special to observe their interactions and family dynamics. Twycross is actually the only UK zoo to care for all four great apes — chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and bonobos — which makes it an unmissable experience.

Beyond the apes, we wandered through habitats filled with tigers, rhinos, giraffes, and dozens of smaller species. Every corner offered something new, keeping the whole family excited and curious throughout the day.

Conservation and Learning for All Ages

One of the things we admire most about Twycross Zoo is its focus on conservation and education. It’s not just about watching animals — it’s about understanding them.

We joined a couple of the animal talks led by the zoo’s passionate team. The Sumatran Tiger session in particular struck a chord, with eye-opening insights into the threats these majestic animals face in the wild.

For younger visitors, the Gruffalo Discovery Land is brilliant. Blending storytelling with conservation, it’s a magical woodland trail where kids can meet characters from the beloved tale while learning about wildlife. Ours absolutely loved exploring and searching for the Gruffalo — it added a playful layer to the day that also sparked curiosity about nature.

Hands-On Adventures: Getting Closer to Nature

One of the biggest thrills at Twycross Zoo is how interactive it is. Kids (and grown-ups!) can get up close to the animals in ways that make the experience unforgettable.

At Lorikeet Landing, we fed the colourful lorikeets and in Butterfly Paradise, we were surrounded by hundreds of butterflies in a tropical oasis, which felt like stepping straight into another world.

If you want to make the day extra special, the zoo offers behind-the-scenes animal encounters. Feeding giraffes was a standout moment for us, and it’s the kind of experience children (and adults!) will never forget.

Playtime and Family-Friendly Facilities

A good family day out always needs space for children to burn off some energy, and Twycross delivers with brilliant play areas.

The Himalayan play zone and the Soft Play Jungle are both huge hits, with climbing frames, slides, and ball pools to keep little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor play spaces where children can run around, making it easy to balance structured activities with free play.

Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a well-earned break. We loved relaxing in the Vine Café, where the kids tucked into pizzas and veggie burgers while snow leopards prowled just beyond the glass — a mealtime setting you don’t forget in a hurry!

Planning Your Visit

Twycross Zoo is easy to reach, with ample parking close to the entrance. It’s open year-round, and each season brings something different — from summer animal encounters to festive winter events. With themed activities, seasonal celebrations, and new exhibits popping up regularly, there’s always a reason to return.

We finished our visit with a stop at the gift shop, where we picked up the most unusual memento: a print of Jambo’s footprint. It was the perfect way to take home a reminder of the day.

Our day at Twycross Zoo gave us everything we wanted: time together, learning opportunities, and plenty of fun. From extraordinary wildlife to hands-on experiences and brilliant play areas, it really is a family day out that has it all.

Most importantly, it left us with memories that we’ll treasure for years — and a new family favourite in Jambo the chimpanzee.

If you’re searching for a day out that’s exciting, enriching, and truly unique, Twycross Zoo is a destination that delivers in every way.

Plan your own visit here: Twycross Zoo official website