Zoos and Safari Parks with Kids Go Free Offers 2026
A zoo day is one of those classic family days out that never gets old. But let’s be honest, when you add up adult tickets, child tickets, parking, and the obligatory ice cream, it can start to feel a little wild in the wallet department! The good news? Plenty of amazing UK zoos and safari parks offer kids go free deals, permanent free entry for little ones, or seriously impressive discounts in 2026.
We’ve rounded up the very best options so you can plan an unforgettable animal adventure without the eye-watering price tag. From safari truck rides in Kent to meeting all four great apes in the Midlands, there’s a wild day out for every family budget!
Top tip: Always check whether under-X-age free policies require you to still add a free ticket at checkout. Most do, so make sure you grab it when booking!
Chester Zoo: Babies Under 12 Months Go Free
One of the UK’s most-loved family days out, Chester Zoo offers free entry for babies under 12 months (you’ll still need to add a free ticket at checkout). And with over 37,000 animals and 523 incredible species to discover, this is one day out the whole family will be talking about for months!
What’s new in 2026? Chester Zoo has just opened its breathtaking brand-new Heart of Africa habitat, a 22-acre savannah where giraffes, zebras, ostriches and over 50 other species roam together in a spectacular open landscape. It’s the biggest zoo habitat ever built in the UK and it’s included in your ticket!
There’s also serious cuteness on the way, with ten fluffy Humboldt penguin chicks currently taking their first swims, plus a brand-new VR dinosaur experience you won’t find anywhere else.
- Free for: Babies under 12 months
- Carers: Go free
- Parking: Free on-site (plus EV charging)
- Tickets from: £34.21
Book Chester Zoo tickets here and get instant e-tickets straight to your inbox. No queues, no fuss!
Twycross Zoo: Under 3s Go Free (Plus 12 Months of Free Returns!)
Twycross Zoo is genuinely unlike anywhere else in the UK! It’s the only zoo in the country where you can meet all four great apes: chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and bonobos. And for families with little ones, children under 3 go completely free!
But here’s the bit that makes Twycross really stand out for value: every ticket includes 12 months of free return visits. One visit becomes a whole year of wild adventures. That is an absolutely brilliant deal.
What’s waiting for you:
- The magical Gruffalo Discovery Land, with immersive animatronics and interactive adventures
- The brand-new Close Encounters reptile and spider zone (including a 3-metre boa constrictor!)
- A new snow leopard, Nuri, recently arrived from Salzburg Zoo
- Daily ranger talks and interactive play zones
And when you book through Day Out With The Kids, every child ticket also comes with an exclusive Zoo Crew Champions Pack (worth £19.99!) completely free.
| What you get | Details |
|---|---|
| Under 3s | Free entry |
| 12-month returns | Included with every ticket |
| Zoo Crew Champions Pack | Free with every child ticket via DOWTK |
| Tickets from | £22 |
Book Twycross Zoo tickets here and unlock an incredible year of zoo adventures!
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park: Under 2s Go Free (Plus 20% Off!)
Want an African safari experience without leaving the UK? Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent is absolutely extraordinary! Spread across 600 stunning acres with over 900 animals from around 75 species, it’s one of the most authentic wildlife experiences in the country.
Children under 2 go completely free, and right now you can also grab 20% off all tickets when you book through Day Out With The Kids. No codes, no faff, the discount is pre-applied!
Every ticket includes a safari truck ride through the Kentish savannah, where you’ll come face to face with giraffes, rhinos, lions and more roaming freely. It’s the kind of experience that genuinely takes your breath away.
Port Lympne highlights:
- The UK’s only park with three species of rhino
- Over 900 animals across 75 species
- Safari truck ride included with every ticket (1.5 hours!)
- Gorillas, big cats and primates on foot
- Animal talks throughout the day
- Carers go free
Good to know: The UK’s Largest Dinosaur Forest is currently closed until Spring 2026, but the park’s incredible animal experiences are fully open and better than ever!
Tickets from £28 (down from £35) when you book Port Lympne tickets here.
More Zoos and Safari Parks with Kids Go Free Offers
The three above are our absolute top picks, but there are loads more brilliant options across the UK! Here’s a quick-fire round of other zoos and safari parks with great kids go free policies or VIP Pass savings in 2026:
London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo (ZSL)
Both ZSL sites offer free entry for under 3s as standard. If you’re heading to London Zoo, it’s also worth knowing that Blue Peter badge holders (aged 5-15) get free entry when accompanied by a full-paying adult. It’s a proper classic London day out with penguins, gorillas, giraffes and more right in the heart of Regent’s Park!
Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire is the UK’s largest zoo by area and is brilliant for a full family day out with free under-3s entry too.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
The sister park to Port Lympne, Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury is home to the UK’s largest gorilla colony and an incredible collection of rare and endangered animals. Another Aspinall Foundation gem, and well worth pairing with a Port Lympne visit if you’re exploring Kent!
West Midlands Safari Park, Marwell Zoo and More via the DOWTK VIP Pass
Looking for even bigger savings? The DOWTK VIP Pass unlocks kids go free offers at a brilliant selection of UK zoos and wildlife parks, including:
- West Midlands Safari Park (up to 42% off!)
- Marwell Zoo
- Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World
- Lincolnshire Wildlife Park
- ARK Wildlife Park
- Edinburgh Zoo (save up to 32%)
- Blackpool Zoo
- Woburn Safari Park
- Yorkshire Wildlife Park
One membership covers the whole family and you can try it for just £1 for the first 30 days. If you visit even one zoo with the family, it pays for itself instantly!
Quick Guide: Kids Go Free Zoo Offers at a Glance
Not sure which zoo is right for your family? Here’s a handy summary to help you choose!
| Zoo / Safari Park | Kids Go Free Age | Extra Savings Available |
|---|---|---|
| Chester Zoo | Under 12 months | Best price tickets via DOWTK |
| Twycross Zoo | Under 3 | 12 months free returns + free Zoo Crew Pack |
| Port Lympne | Under 2 | 20% off via DOWTK |
| London Zoo (ZSL) | Under 3 | Blue Peter badge free entry (ages 5-15) |
| Whipsnade Zoo (ZSL) | Under 3 | Blue Peter badge free entry (ages 5-15) |
| Howletts Wild Animal Park | Check on booking | Official tickets via DOWTK |
| West Midlands Safari Park | Via VIP Pass | Up to 42% off with DOWTK VIP |
| Edinburgh Zoo | Via VIP Pass | Save up to 32% with DOWTK VIP |
| Marwell Zoo | Under 3 | Savings via DOWTK VIP |
| Yorkshire Wildlife Park | Via VIP Pass | Savings via DOWTK VIP |
Always check the attraction’s current terms before booking, as age limits and offer conditions can change throughout the year. Booking in advance online is almost always cheaper than paying on the day!
Ready to Book Your Wild Family Day Out?
Whether you’re after a full safari experience, a classic zoo day, or something a bit different, 2026 is a fantastic year to get the family out amongst the animals! With kids go free policies, 20% discounts, and year-long return passes available, there’s never been a better time to explore the UK’s incredible wildlife parks.
Browse all our zoo and safari park tickets and find the perfect day out for your family. And don’t forget to check out the DOWTK VIP Pass for even more kids go free deals, exclusive discounts and savings at hundreds of the UK’s best attractions!