Entry ticket to Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford

If you’re considering a day out that combines animal encounters, dinosaur adventures, and plenty of fun for kids, a visit to Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World might just be your answer. This family-run attraction in Telford, England, has earned a stellar reputation with a perfect 5.0 rating from over 300 reviews, and it’s easy to see why. With tickets priced at around $27.47 per person, it offers a full day of engaging activities, animal interactions, and educational fun—making it a smart choice for families, animal lovers, and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

One of the things we love about this experience is how well it combines the appeal of a traditional zoo with the thrill of encountering lifelike dinosaurs and participating in interactive animal experiences. The zoo’s commitment to conservation through education adds a meaningful layer that makes your visit feel more impactful than just looking at animals behind fences. However, a potential consideration is the need to book in advance—this popular attraction is often booked about 12 days ahead, so planning is essential if you want to secure your spot.

This experience suits families with children of all ages, especially those who enjoy hands-on encounters and interactive exhibits. If your kids are dinosaur-obsessed or animal-curious, this is likely to be a highlight. That said, it also offers enough variety to keep adults entertained, with opportunities to learn, engage, and simply enjoy a relaxed day out.

Key Points

• Pre-book for guaranteed entry: This attraction is popular and often booked a couple of weeks in advance.
• Great for kids and families: With dedicated play areas and close animal encounters, it’s ideal for children.
• Educational and conservation-focused: The zoo emphasizes conservation messages and offers numerous talks and feeding activities.
• Variety of experiences: From animatronic dinosaurs to live animal interactions, there’s something for all.
• Value for money: At around $27, the full-day tickets include many hands-on activities and animal encounters.
• Additional costs: Snacks and some activities, like mini quad bike rides, are not included in the ticket price.

The Entrance and Overall Atmosphere

Booking your tickets in advance guarantees smooth entry—something reviewers consistently appreciate. At around 10:00 am start time, the park opens early enough to make the most of your day. The first impression is of a welcoming, family-run atmosphere, with friendly staff eager to share their knowledge. Visitors often mention how the staff’s enthusiasm and helpfulness set the tone, making everyone feel comfortable and ready for a fun day.

The layout is designed with families in mind—wide paths, accessible gravel routes, and areas to rest or have a picnic. While some reviewers note the presence of gravel paths that might be a challenge for certain mobility scooters, the staff explains that the scooters are provided by a third party, with fees used to cover maintenance rather than profit. This transparency helps visitors plan accordingly.

Animal Encounters and Key Attractions

Hoo Zoo boasts over 100 animal species, from wolves and lynxes to meerkats and lemurs. These animals are kept in thoughtfully designed habitats that allow visitors to get close enough to really appreciate their behaviors and personalities. Many reviews highlight how the staff, including guides like Jody and Melanie, make the experience special by sharing detailed insights and answering questions.

The animal talks and feeding activities are among the most praised features. Participants can engage with a wide range of creatures—from reptiles like snakes and lizards to larger animals such as ostriches and deer. The meerkat and lemur experiences are standout moments, with visitors describing how they were able to sit with and feed the animals, sometimes even having meerkats sit on their laps. These intimate interactions are what set Hoo Zoo apart, making the visit memorable for kids and adults alike.

Some reviewers emphasize how well the staff, such as Jody and Melanie, know their animals and are eager to share interesting facts, which greatly enriches the experience. Feeding times and talks are scheduled throughout the day, allowing visitors to tailor their visit around the activities they find most appealing.

Dinosaur World: Animatronic Marvels

The dinosaur section features 45 animatronic dinosaurs and prehistoric beasts, creating a captivating scene that sparks imaginations. These lifelike models are positioned throughout a dedicated area, providing opportunities for fun photo ops and learning. Kids love the sheer size and realism of the dinosaurs, which are complemented by informative signs and occasionally interactive displays.

Reviewers consistently mention how these dinosaurs add an exciting dimension to the zoo experience, especially for those who grew up obsessed with the prehistoric creatures. It’s a playful way to introduce children to natural history, with enough visual impact to entertain even the most dinosaur-obsessed kids.

Play Areas and Additional Activities

The park features children’s play zones, where little ones can burn off some energy after wandering around the animal habitats. These areas are generally well-maintained and provide a safe environment for kids to run and climb. Some reviews suggest bringing your own snacks, but there’s also a café on-site offering hot and cold food, prolonging your day comfortably.

Note that activities like mini quad bike rides are optional extras, not included in the standard ticket. So, if your kids are keen on more adventure, budgeting for these extras might be worth considering.

Conservation and Education

One of the most appreciated aspects of Hoo Zoo is its focus on conservation education. Throughout the park, signs and staff share messages about protecting wildlife and habitats. The animal talks and feeding sessions are designed to foster understanding and respect for the animals, making it more than just a fun day out—they’re learning about the importance of conservation.

Practical Aspects: Cost, Duration, and Booking

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, giving plenty of time to see everything at a relaxed pace. Most visitors find that booking about 12 days in advance ensures they secure tickets for their preferred day. The ticket price of around $27.47 per person offers excellent value considering the extensive range of animals, interactive experiences, and the dinosaur exhibit.

You can purchase mobile tickets, which makes entry easy and hassle-free. Reviewers highlight the ability to explore at their own pace, with the flexibility to revisit favorite spots or skip some activities if needed.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This day out is exceptionally suited for families with children, especially those who enjoy animals and dinosaurs. From hands-on animal feeding experiences to lifelike dinosaur models, there’s enough diversity to keep everyone engaged. The staff’s enthusiasm and detailed explanations turn a simple zoo visit into an educational adventure.

While it’s primarily targeted at kids, adults who appreciate wildlife or want a relaxing, informal day with the family will also find plenty to enjoy. Keep in mind that since it’s a popular spot, early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford offers a well-rounded, engaging experience for families seeking a fun, educational day out. The combination of live animal encounters, animatronic dinosaurs, and interactive talks makes it a standout among UK zoos with a focus on conservation. The ticket price is competitive, especially considering the breadth of activities and encounters included.

The friendly guides, like Jody and Melanie, who are highlighted in reviews for their knowledge and warmth, elevate the visit beyond mere sightseeing. Plus, the chance to feed animals like meerkats and capybaras adds a special touch that kids will remember for years.

While there are some considerations—such as advance booking and costs for extras like quad rides—the overall value is undeniable. If you’re after a family-friendly experience that balances education, fun, and close animal interactions, this spot is a fantastic choice.

If you’re traveling with children who love animals or dinosaurs, this is a day that will delight and educate simultaneously. It’s perfect for families looking for a full-day outing that balances engaging activities with relaxing breaks. The focus on conservation and education makes it suitable for parents wanting a meaningful experience as well.

It’s also a good pick for animal enthusiasts of all ages, as the interactive encounters and knowledgeable guides offer plenty of opportunities to learn and connect. However, those with mobility issues should consider the gravel paths and the scooter fee, but the staff’s transparency helps in planning accordingly.

Ultimately, Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World delivers excellent value for money and a genuinely fun, family-oriented atmosphere. It’s ideal for anyone wanting a memorable day amid animals, dinosaurs, and good old-fashioned outdoor fun.

Do I need to book my tickets in advance?
Yes, booking about 12 days ahead is recommended to guarantee your entry, especially during peak times. You can purchase mobile tickets for easy entry on the day.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket provides full-day access to Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, including over 100 animal species, 45 animatronic dinosaurs, and participation in animal talks and feeding activities.

Are there any extra costs during the visit?
Snacks are not included, although there’s a café on-site. Some activities like mini quad bike rides are additional and not covered by the ticket price.

Is the experience suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues?
Most of the paths are gravel, and some mobility scooters are available for hire for a fee, which covers maintenance costs. Staff are helpful and can advise on accessibility.

How long does the visit typically last?
Most visitors spend around 8 hours exploring the zoo, animal encounters, and dinosaur exhibits, making it suitable for a full-day outing.

Can I bring my own food?
Yes, there are no restrictions on bringing a picnic, and visitors appreciate the picnic areas. The café offers hot and cold food if you prefer to buy on-site.

To sum it up, if you’re after a lively, educational, and thoroughly enjoyable family day out, Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World ticks all the boxes. With a blend of animal adventures, dinosaur delights, and friendly guides, it offers excellent value and memorable moments for kids and adults alike. Just remember to plan ahead, book early, and come prepared for a full day of fun.