1 / 20
🦁Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Paignton Zoo is a large, family-friendly zoo set in 80 acres of beautiful parkland. It is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world, including gorillas, lions, giraffes, and meerkats. The zoo is divided into several zones, such as the Savannah, Forest, and Wetlands, offering immersive experiences.
For families with kids, highlights include:
- Daily animal talks and feeding demonstrations
- A large adventure playground with climbing frames and slides
- The 'Wave' indoor play area for younger children
- The 'Zoo Train' that tours the park
- Multiple picnic areas and cafes serving family-friendly food
Facilities: baby changing, parent rooms, buggy hire, and accessible pathways. Practical tips: arrive early to see animals active; bring sunscreen and rain gear as much is outdoors. The zoo is pushchair-friendly but some paths are steep.
Paignton Zoo is not just about entertainment; it actively participates in conservation and education, with many interactive signs and activities for children. Recommended for ages 2-14, but enjoyable for all.
Travel tips
Arrive early for active animals
Get there early in the day when animals are most active and alert, making for better viewing and photo opportunities.
Pack sun and rain protection
Bring sunscreen, hats, and waterproof jackets as much of the zoo is outdoors and Devon weather can change quickly.
Hire a buggy if needed
Buggy hire is available on site. The 80 acres includes some steep paths, so consider hiring even if your child can walk.
Wear comfortable, supportive footwear
You'll walk several miles across uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for parents and older children.
Baby changing and parent rooms available
The zoo has baby changing facilities and parent rooms, useful for nappy changes and giving younger children a break.
Check daily animal talk times
Plan your route around daily animal talks and feeding demonstrations to make your visit more interactive and educational.
Bring a picnic or budget for cafes
Multiple picnic areas are available if you bring your own food. Otherwise, several cafes serve family-friendly options on site.
Use the Zoo Train strategically
The Zoo Train can break up the walking, especially helpful for tired younger children or if you have a large family.
Wave play area for younger children
The 'Wave' is an indoor play area perfect for younger children, offering a climate-controlled break from outdoor walking.
Adventure playground worth a stop
The large adventure playground with climbing frames and slides is a highlight for many children. Plan time here rather than rushing through.
Pushchair-friendly but with caveats
Whilst accessible pathways exist, some paths are steep. You may need to lift buggies occasionally or hire a terrain-suitable buggy.
Suit visit length to your child's age
The zoo is recommended for ages 2-14 but enjoyable for all. Plan 3-4 hours for younger children, longer for older ones who want to see everything.
Stay hydrated throughout the day
Bring refillable water bottles. Walking 80 acres in outdoor settings means children (and parents) can dehydrate quickly.
Educational value beyond the animals
Interactive signs and conservation activities teach children about animal protection and the zoo's environmental work.
Better value on quieter days
Weekdays outside school holidays tend to be quieter, allowing more enjoyable animal viewing without large crowds.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Sign in to leave a review
Nearby places
Torre Abbey
3.1 miTorre Abbey is a historic abbey turned mansion set in stunning gardens overlooking Torquay. Families can explore the medieval and Victorian rooms, art gallery, and the 'Pirate Trail' – a self-guided family activity. The gardens include a subtropical garden, yew tunnel, and a children's play area. There's a café serving light meals and snacks. Highlights for kids: - Pirate Trail with treasure hunt - Gardens with space to run - Art gallery with interactive exhibits - Seasonal family events Practical tips: Allow 2-3 hours. Pushchair-friendly mostly. Baby-changing facilities available. Garden is wheelchair accessible but some paths uneven. Age suitability: Toddlers will enjoy the gardens, older children the trail and history. Recommended for ages 3-12.
Kents Cavern
3.6 miKents Cavern is a spectacular system of natural caves in Torquay, Devon, one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe. Family-friendly guided tours take you deep underground to see ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and evidence of early humans. Highlights include: - Guided 50-minute tour suitable for all ages - Interactive museum with fossils and hands-on exhibits - Woodland play area and adventure trail - Café and gift shop on site Facilities: baby-changing, buggy parking, accessible paths for most of the cave (some steps). Best for ages 3+, but all welcome. Practical tips: wear sensible shoes, bring a jacket (cave is 14°C year-round), and book online to guarantee entry.
Babbacombe Model Village
4.8 miBabbacombe Model Village offers a magical miniature world set in four acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. With over 400 models including intricate scenes, moving characters, and a miniature railway, it captivates children and adults alike. Highlights include the 'Day and Night' experience where lights twinkle after dark, and the interactive 'Butterfly Walk'. - Over 400 detailed model scenes - Miniature railway ride - Interactive play areas for children - Café and gift shop on site - Accessible paths and facilities The attraction is primarily outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather. It is suitable for toddlers to teenagers, with plenty of photo opportunities and a relaxed pace. Allow 2-3 hours for a visit.
Dartington Hall Estate
6.0 miDartington Hall Estate is a historic estate set in 1,200 acres of stunning countryside near Totnes, Devon. Families can explore the beautiful medieval deer park, formal gardens, and woodland walks. The estate features a Grade I listed hall, a working farm, and the renowned Schumacher College. For kids, highlights include: - The Wild Wood Adventure: a natural play area with rope swings, balance beams, and den-building opportunities. - Space to run and play in the vast grounds, including a courtyard with a fountain. - The Cider Press Centre: a craft and food hub with a cafe serving children's meals. Facilities: pushchair-friendly paths, baby-changing in accessible toilets, and free parking (small charge for non-members). Practical tip: The estate's many trails are suitable for buggies, but some may be muddy after rain. Open daily from dawn to dusk.
Woodlands Family Theme Park
6.5 miWoodlands Family Theme Park is a family-run attraction set in 25 acres of beautiful Devonshire countryside near Dartmouth. It combines a traditional theme park with a farm, zoo, and indoor play centre, making it a full-day destination for families with young children. **Highlights** - Over 20 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, carousels, and water splash rides. - Woodlands Farm where children can feed and pet goats, sheep, and rabbits. - Woodlands Zoo featuring reptiles, meerkats, and more. - Indoor soft play area (Woodlands Adventure Play) ideal for rainy days. - Seasonal events like Halloween and Christmas festivities. **Practical Tips** - Best for children aged 2–12; toddlers and preschoolers will find plenty of gentle rides. - On-site café and picnic areas; you can bring your own food. - Parking is free. The park is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. - Allow a full day to explore everything. **Suitable for:** Families with young children looking for a mix of outdoor rides and indoor play.