Description
Planning the best things to do with kids in Broxbourne leads straight to Hertfordshire Zoo, a premier wildlife attraction set within the beautiful surroundings of Broxbourne Woods. Home to a wide range of exotic and endangered animals, this family-favourite zoo combines conservation projects with interactive play areas and immersive walkthrough zones.
Prices start from around £26.49 for children and £55.98 for adults when booking standard tickets online in advance, while under-twos enjoy free entry. Booking online saves money compared to gate prices. Families can spend days watching big cats, meeting farm animals, and exploring dedicated adventure zones.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines education with wildlife exploration, this zoo offers fantastic value. Its mix of hands-on exhibits, outdoor adventure playgrounds, and peaceful countryside location makes it a top choice for a fun-filled family day out.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve: Expansive woodland trails surrounding the zoo, ideal for family walks.
- River Lee Country Park: A nearby scenic park featuring walking paths, wetlands, and water sports facilities.
- Hoddesdon Town Centre: A historic local market town offering traditional shops and independent cafes.
What Visitors Love:
- Families frequently praise the wide variety of animals and the engaging dinosaur trail that keeps children thoroughly entertained.
- The friendly staff, interactive feeding opportunities, and manageable park size receive top marks for younger kids.
- The clean play areas and well-maintained outdoor walking paths make navigating the zoo straightforward with pushchairs.
- The balance between educational wildlife talks and fun play spaces provides excellent entertainment value for a full day out.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Some reviews note that catering and gift shop prices can be high during peak school holiday periods.
- Popular paths and the main entrance car park can get quite busy and crowded on sunny weekend afternoons.
- Certain visitors feel that queue times for food outlets stretch too long during peak lunch hours.
- A few guests mention that the nearest train station requires a short taxi or bus ride to reach the zoo entrance.
New for 2026:
- Advanced Zoo App Navigation: Visitors can use the newly updated interactive map app to track live feeding schedules and locate nearby family facilities instantly.
- Enhanced Sustainable Picnic Zones: Newly landscaped outdoor rest areas feature solar-powered phone charging stations and eco-friendly seating made from recycled materials.
- Streamlined Fast-Track Entry Gates: Upgraded digital barcode scanners at the main entrance allow families with pre-booked tickets to breeze through security much faster.
Zoo Exhibits and Daily Activities:
- World of Animals: Big cats, wolves, and primates.
- Land of the Dinosaurs: Animatronic prehistoric trail.
- Safari Adventure Ride: Family-friendly train or car ride.
- Animal Adventure Playground: Multi-zone children's play area.
- Farmyard Corner: Petting and feeding area for younger kids.
- Reptile House: Snakes, lizards, and tortoises.
- Indoor Soft Play: Weatherproof play space for toddlers.
- Birds of Prey Displays: Scheduled flying demonstrations.
- Keeper Talks: Educational talks held throughout the day.
- Sensory Trail: Interactive pathways designed for younger visitors.