With the kids in Bristol: Bristol Zoo Gardens

What better way to spend a glorious sunny day than with the family exploring the fifth oldest zoo in the world, Bristol Zoo Gardens. We slapped on the suntan lotion, put on our sunglasses and set off on our wild adventure.

On arrival, we’d just about had a chance to say hello to some flamboyant flamingos, when the call came for the lion talk. We headed to where a crowd had started to congregate ready to listen to some fascinating lion facts, and were in for a treat as in the last few weeks a lioness has joined the zoo. We were lucky enough to see both of the lions, and my children learned plenty from the keeper, especially when she showed them a replica lion’s skull that they could touch.

Geting a zoo education with a replica lion skull

The fruit bats were next on our list. We entered the enclosure and were quickly aware that a few bats had come out to play. With the bats being overhead we were careful where we stood: presents from the sky whilst they are eating is not uncommon and they are not shy.

It was at this point that my children spotted the merry-go-round, and had a fun break before continuing to explore. The zoo is over 180 years old, having first opened on 11 July 1836. Through their work as a conservation and education charity, they have helped to save more than 175 species from extinction. They also have an established education and learning programme to help teach children and adults about the natural world, conservation and sustainability.

Bird watching at the zoo

Suitably educated, we headed for the reptile house, which actually felt cooler than outside. And so our game of hide and seek, with the reptiles, began. We moved from display to display trying to spot the different residents: snakes coiled up having a sleep, lizards blending into their environment, turtles hiding under leaves. The children found this hilarious, and after all that hard work it was time for a well-deserved lunch break.

As it was such a beautiful day, we decided to sit on the lawn for our picnic. As we started to eat we became slightly envious as the staff lit up the barbecue at the Fire Pit, which was serving hot dogs and burgers. We could have also opted for the Hide Cafe restaurant, for a dining experience, or the Hungary Monkey Kiosk, for food on the go. Maybe next time.

Let the creativity begin at the children’s activity centre

It wasn’t long before my children spotted the children’s activity centre, and to maintain peace and harmony we decided to go take a look. There were lots of options for the kids, including badge making, a lucky dip and hair braiding. My daughter opted for face-painting and was transformed into a beautiful unicorn. My son went for the simpler option of colouring in a dinosaur.

By this point, we’d seen about half of the zoo’s enclosures so we had to get our skates on. It was a rapid run through the mesmerising butterfly forest, the playful seals and penguins, the sociable lemurs and the charismatic gorillas on their own little island.

Who is watching who at the zoo?

Our final stop was the adventure playground. Whilst the children were busy playing with the sand, other visitors swung above us on ZooRopia, a contained high ropes course not for the faint-hearted. Closing time was imminent, but we managed to make the most of our final few minutes at the end of a jam-packed day.

Prices for Bristol Zoo Gardens are £13.63 for adults and £8.18 for children (aged two to 14 years). Children under two go free. Visit www.bristolzoo.org.uk/visitor-information for more details on prices and discounts.