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United Kingdom/Things to Do in Edinburgh, with kids

Edinburgh Zoo (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Edinburgh Zoo?

94%Kids-Friendly
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What makes it 94% Kids-Friendly: School-age children see penguins march, koalas feed, follow activity trails and join discovery days, with cafés and toilets nearby; only the long hillside paths may tire small legs.

Google
Reviews4.3/ 5
(from 13,363 reviews)
4K | Edinburgh Zoo | Scotland’s Biggest and The Best zoo | Animal 2024 🦒 🦓 🐅
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4K | Edinburgh Zoo | Scotland’s Biggest and The Best zoo | Animal 2024 🦒 🦓 🐅
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Edinburgh Zoo | Full Tour in 4K | Scotland's Biggest Zoo
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Edinburgh Zoo | Full Tour in 4K | Scotland's Biggest Zoo
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Full Tour Of Edinburgh Zoo | Edinburgh Zoo | 4K | Finding Wonders
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Full Tour Of Edinburgh Zoo | Edinburgh Zoo | 4K | Finding Wonders
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We flew to Edinburgh Zoo to see Pandas!
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We flew to Edinburgh Zoo to see Pandas!
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Positives:

  • Family-Friendly Zones: Play areas and indoor houses offer calm spots for young children.
  • Free Animal Talks: Multiple daily keeper talks and feedings keep kids engaged.

Challenges:

  • Hills and Slopes: Paths can be steep. Use the free shuttle or bring a sturdy stroller.
  • Unpredictable Weather: Rain and mud are common. Pack raincoats and waterproof shoes.
  • Queue Times: Popular exhibits like pandas can have lines. Plan these first.
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🏖️ Explore Edinburgh Zoo with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Edinburgh Zoo. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Edinburgh Zoo?

  • A zoological park established in 1913 on 82 acres of wooded parkland at the western edge of Edinburgh, integrating historic landscapes with purpose-built animal habitats
  • A conservation-led institution housing over 1,000 animals across 120 species, including the UK’s only resident giant pandas, koalas and artificially incubated emperor penguins
  • A scientific research and breeding centre accredited for international wildlife programmes, pioneering captive-breeding techniques and collaborative conservation studies

What is so special about Edinburgh Zoo for with kids?

  1. Join fun keeper talks and watch penguin feedings up close
  2. Follow a story trail to entertain kids with puzzles and prizes
  3. Spot rare giant pandas in a shaded, low-crowd habitat
  4. Ride the free hilltop safari bus for parkwide views
  5. Use indoor exhibits and shuttle service for rainy days

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time lets you cover main exhibits, keeper talks and a trail without tiring young children.

(View Edinburgh Zoo on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Edinburgh Zoo

Penguin Lawn Keeper Talk:

Watch king and gentoo penguins feed and learn fun facts from a keeper.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early and stand close to the rail for best views.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Trail:

Pick up a map and follow story-themed stops to earn a small prize.

Tip: Buy the £3 trail map at the entrance and plan breaks near indoor exhibits.

Giant Panda Viewing:

See Edinburgh Zoo’s only giant pandas in a shaded, quiet habitat.

Tip: Visit early for smaller crowds and ask staff about feeding times.

Hilltop Safari Bus Ride:

Free shuttle ride gives a bird’s-eye view of the parkland and animals.

Tip: Board at the Lower Park stop and hold on as the bus climbs to the top.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Edinburgh Zoo

  1. Use the Zoo App: View map, talk times and facilities to plan your route efficiently.
  2. Pack a Picnic: Save money and time by eating at grassy picnic spots outside cafés.
  3. Time Keeper Talks: Check times on arrival and arrive 5 minutes early for best seats.
🏖️ Tour Edinburgh Zoo like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Edinburgh Zoo. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Edinburgh Zoo

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Ash OCP001

Ash OCP001

Sep 2025

First time here and it was thoroughly enjoyable. Parking is capped at £4 and the ticket is required to pay the £4. There were lots of lovely animals😍. Its a shame the lion and tiger were having a nap. At least the lion woke up, eat and and drank water and went back to sleep 😴. The giraffes were amazing to watch roaming around, such majestic creatures. Lots of uphill walking can be tiring so allo...

ZoltanoMoltano

ZoltanoMoltano

Aug 2025

Huge areas for the animals and many vantage points for visitors to watch them. I would say the best time is to visit around 4-6pm as the most activity starts from the animals at that time but all day is fine just there will be a lot of carnivores sleeping and most of the herbivores resting in the shade. WHEN you travel with car and use google maps make sure you don’t take the hospital parking lot...

isabela muntean

isabela muntean

Aug 2025

The zoo was a wonderful experience! I didn’t expect to spend so many hours there, exploring every corner and admiring each animal. They were all incredibly cute – if I could, I would have taken them all home. The place is very clean, well-maintained, with friendly and attentive staff. There are plenty of playgrounds and activities for children, as well as food and sweets stands for visitors. I wa...

J D

J D

Aug 2025

Beautiful Zoo! Plenty of animals to see although be prepared for hills! We have visited many zoos in the UK and this is second on the list (Chester is the best). Parking could be an issue, although we arrived early and only about 20 cars in the car park (staff I assume) We ate in the Penguin cafe which serves lovely food. We had an issue with one of our wraps. It was labeled incorrectly. Didn’t...

Anna Grabsztunowicz

Anna Grabsztunowicz

Jul 2025

One of the best zoos I’ve ever been to. It’s well kept. It seems like there’s new things being added or restored, which is important for comfort and safety. Most importantly the animals seem to be kept in right conditions, with plenty of space and the fauna mimicking their natural habitat. It was a great workout coming there with a pram as the entire place is on a hill— it’s not for faint hearted ...

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh Zoo (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?

In summer, start early to avoid rain showers and catch all daily talks. In spring, look for new penguin chicks on Penguin Lawn. In winter, wear waterproof shoes on sloped paths and dress in layers.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Edinburgh on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
2 adult ticketsGBP 43
2 child ticketsGBP 26
2 Caterpillar trail mapsGBP 6
Lunch and snacksGBP 30
Total EstimatedGBP 105

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Edinburgh Zoo

Address: 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, UK

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Edinburgh Zoo (Edinburgh)?

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About Edinburgh Zoo

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 131 334 9171

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