A Great Family day out at Chester Zoo Review

Trying to find fun activities to do with kids through the school holidays can be a hard task. This year as a family myself, my husband and our two children took a trip to Chester Zoo. With so many animals to see and all the learning to be had around animals and how they live from around the world, we were looking forward to this adventure.

Asian Elephants

Firstly what a breathtaking family day out. Initially we headed straight to see the elephants seen as this is my youngest son’s favorite animals and he was so excited. They are totally magnificent creatures that are a sight to behold. My son stood watching in oar as he watched his favourite animals stomping around their large enclosure.

Big Cats

Asiatic Lions, North African Cheetah, Jaguars, Sumatran Tigers. Chester Zoo most certainly has a great selection of big cats and they all look so adorable, yet so dangerous. I love the fact you can stand and watch the animals up close and through glass portals as they approach you at their own will. My kids would not go to close to the glass due to their fear, but my husband loved to show the kids just how unafraid he was by standing close to the windows. You can learn about each animal whilst you watch them by reading the signs attached to the enclosures.

There are so many varied Mammals at Chester Zoo

There really doesn’t feel like there is enough time in the day to visit all of the enclosures but we did managed to walk and use the on site monorail to get around and see so many of them. Below are just some of the different types of animals you would expect to see whilst at Chester Zoo.

• Horses & Rhinos
• Hoofed Animals such as Giraffes, Okapi, Barbirusa, Onagers, Congo Buffalo, South American Tapirs this is to name but a few.

Birds

• Flamingos, Penguins, Parrots, Owls , Passerines, Hornbills, Cranes, Pigeons and doves, vultures, Rollers, Southern Cassowary.

Reptiles

• Snakes & Lizards, Turtles and Tortoises.

Amphibians

• Frogs and Toads.
• Marine Fish.
• Fresh Water Fish.

Invertebrates

• Butterflies and Moths.
• Leaf and Stick Insects and so many more.

You find yourself walking amongst animals that you would never see within the UK and the experience is mind blowing. By the end of the day we had sore feet and big smiles on our faces, but it was certainly worth it to experience Chester Zoo.

Take a look at this YouTube video by Chester Zoo

My Top Chester Zoo Tips

• Take a packed lunch even if you do plan on eating at the zoo, it’s always a good idea to have plenty to eat and drink whilst walking around this huge venue.
• Look for promotional voucher online before you go. You may well save you and your family money on entry.
• Wear comfortable shoes at Chester Zoo. Most certainly do not wear heels, and new shoes because the last thing you want is sore feet.
• Take a jacket, don’t get caught out by the british weather!
• Take some spare cash. The monorail actually costs £2 for Adults and £1.50 for Children Ages 3 to 15 years of age.

 The Gift Shop and Food at Chester Zoo.

• For lunch we attended at June’s Pavilion where we found a great selection of freshly cooked food mostly prepared to order, food to suit all tastes and they even provided a family meal deal to help cut the costs of a day out.
• Other places to eat include Bembe Kitchen, Jaguar Coffee House, Acorn Pub and BBQ. (We went to the Jaguar Coffee House in the afternoon for Coffee and Ice-Creams whilst having a much needed break from the walking.)
• There are at least 3 gift shops at Chester Zoo, however the main shop is situated nearby the main gates.