Description
Planning the best things to do with kids in Norfolk leads families straight to Banham Zoo, an exciting wildlife park set across nearly 50 acres of beautiful parkland. This popular zoo allows children to get close to hundreds of exotic animals from around the world in a fun, natural setting. Visitors can spend hours wandering through open-air enclosures, indoor tropical exhibits, and interactive learning zones.
Standard online admission prices start from £26.00 for adults and £20.00 for children on standard dates, with peak school holiday prices rising to £26.00 and £20.00 respectively. Infants aged two and under along with registered carers enter the park completely free of charge.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines conservation education with outdoor fun, this Norfolk attraction delivers exceptional value. Its wide pathways, play areas, and engaging daily keeper talks make it a top choice for a weekend family adventure.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Applewood Countryside Park: Adjoining campsite and park area offering rural glamping and outdoor breathing space.
- Thetford Forest Park: Nearby expansive woodland ideal for family cycle tracks and walking trails.
- Bressingham Steam & Gardens: Local heritage attraction featuring historic steam trains and formal gardens.
What Visitors Love:
- Parents frequently praise the spacious, green layout of the park, which makes walking around with kids feel relaxed and unhurried.
- Children love the immersive walkthrough areas where animals like wallabies are close to the path.
- The variety of keeper talks provides an engaging, educational break between exploring enclosures.
- Families appreciate the inclusion of multiple picnic spots and children's play areas.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Some reviewers note that walking the full 50-acre site can be tiring for younger children who need a pushchair.
- Catering queues can get busy during peak lunch hours in the summer school holidays.
- Certain outdoor exhibit areas are exposed, meaning bad weather can impact walking comfort.
- Popular animal viewing areas can attract large crowds during peak weekend afternoons.
Zoo Attractions and Habitats:
- Tropical House: Multi-species indoor rainforest exhibit with free-flying birds.
- Amur Tiger Enclosure: Specialized viewing habitat for endangered big cats.
- Giraffe Heights: High-level viewing tower and feeding platform.
- Wallaby Walkthrough: Immersive open path through a wallaby habitat.
- Farm Barn: Traditional domestic animal interaction zone.
- Sri Lankan Leopard Habitat: Secure enclosure showcasing elusive leopards.
- Cheetah Territory: Open viewing grasslands for athletic big cats.
- Red Panda Exhibit: Forest canopy habitat for native Asian red pandas.
- Meerkat Mob Area: Low-barrier glass viewing exhibit for active meerkats.
- Main Children's Playground: Outdoor adventure play zone with swings and climbing frames.
New for 2026:
- Upgraded Conservation Signage: Newly installed interactive digital displays detailing international breeding programs and animal care.
- Refurbished Path Networks: Smoothly resurfaced main walking loops designed to enhance pushchair and wheelchair mobility.
- Enhanced Outdoor Seating Hubs: Expanded family picnic spots featuring weather-proof tables near primary food outlets.
26.68 miles
