Description
Finding the best things to do with kids in Kent brings families straight to Howletts Wild Animal Park, a renowned 90-acre wildlife conservation park set in ancient parkland near Canterbury. This popular family attraction allows children to discover rare and endangered animals, including the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, western lowland gorillas, and majestic big cats.
Standard online adult admission prices start from £23.64 (excluding donation) or £26.00 (with donation), while online child tickets start from £18.18 (excluding donation) or £20.00 (with donation). Infants aged two and under enter the park completely free of charge. Visitors can spend hours exploring woodland pathways, watching daily keeper talks, and experiencing immersive animal encounters.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines conservation education with close-up animal observation, this Kent attraction offers brilliant value. Its daily keeper talks, walking routes through mature woodland, and exciting seasonal trails make it a top choice for a memorable family weekend trip.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve: Sister park located near Hythe, featuring 600 acres of safari experiences and endangered species.
- Canterbury Historic City Centre: Medieval shopping streets, cathedral tours, and family dining options located just three miles north.
- Wingham Wildlife Park: Alternative regional animal collection situated a short drive away across east Kent.
What Visitors Love:
- Parents frequently praise the open, naturalistic enclosures that offer clear views of rare animals without feeling overly commercialized.
- Children love walking among the free-roaming lemurs and exploring the spacious woodland trails.
- The knowledgeable staff and engaging daily keeper talks receive positive feedback from visiting families.
- Visitors appreciate the strong conservation ethos and the focus on breeding endangered species.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Some reviewers note that parts of the 90-acre park involve sloping terrain and gravel paths that can prove tiring for very small children.
- Catering queues can get busy during peak lunch hours in the summer school holidays.
- Certain outdoor walking paths can become muddy during wet winter weather.
- Parking areas can fill up quickly during popular seasonal events and school holidays.
Park Attractions and Habitats:
- African Elephant Paddock: Grazing area for the UK's largest elephant herd.
- Gorilla Kingdom: Large outdoor and indoor habitats for western lowland gorillas.
- Walking With Lemurs: Immersive primate walkthrough path.
- Big Cat Territory: Specialized enclosures for tigers, lions, and leopards.
- Primate Trail: A network of habitats housing rare monkeys and apes.
- Anteater Enclosure: Specialized habitat for giant anteaters.
- Conservation Station: Educational hub for interactive family activities and enrichment making.
- Main Pavilion Restaurant: Central food hall and indoor seating area.
- Park Gift Shop: Retail shop located near the exit gate selling souvenirs.
- Ice Age Trail: Wooded trail featuring prehistoric animal sculptures.
New for 2026:
- Expanded Elephant Activity Trails: Interactive self-guided family trails helping young explorers learn about herd conservation.
- Upgraded Woodland Pathways: Newly maintained walking routes ensuring smoother pushchair movement across sloped park terrain.
- Enhanced Conservation Signage: New digital interpretation boards detailing global breeding and animal preservation projects.
5.61 miles
