This autumn, children are invited to imagine their future as they get to try out roles ranging from vets to scientists to zootritionists at London Zoo’s brand-new role-play experience, ZooTown.
Opening on Saturday 18 October, ZooTown invites children to unleash their wild side and dive into a playground of activities inspired by ZSL’s conservation efforts. This oasis of activities, part of our beautiful London Zoo, features over a dozen interactive play stations where kiddos aged three to eight can get their hands dirty while pretending to be the next great ZSL conservationist – whether that’s a horticulturalist, a scientist ready to conduct questionable experiments, or a zookeeper wrangling cuddly toy animals in the Vet Hospital.
From treating poorly animals in the Vet Hospital, to fighting germs in the Science Lab, there is something to spark interest for every child in ZooTown. With over a thousand toys at their disposal, including a whopping 300 zebra poo balls (yes zebra poop is somewhat special!), 150 mystery zoo post parcels, and 13 role-play scenarios, the fun is endless. And let’s not forget the sensory play and a sprinkle of real animal smells to ensure even the tiniest tots and big kids alike feel like they’re in the heart of the wild!
ZooTown is a zoo-within-a-zoo unique area based on a conservation zoo, created to inspire future conservationists. Designed with input from ZSL experts and children, it will welcome both individuals and school groups, offering fun learning opportunities. Kids can enjoy real sounds from the zoo, like gibbons Jimmy and Yoda, and the house sparrows living at London Zoo.
Emma Edwards, head of the London Zoo design team behind ZooTown, said: “We worked with children to dream it up together, so every corner is shaped by their ideas and imagination. It’s not just fun, it’s a doorway into curiosity and connection with wildlife. Whether they’re chasing zebra poo, delivering post to the plant nursery or feeding a penguin, they are finding out how many ways there are to help animals – and how they could fit in.”
Tickets can be booked online in advance alongside a London Zoo ticket, three days ahead of a visit, from Wednesday 15 October. Each ZooTown session lasts 45 minutes. Age guidance: three to eight years old.
Keep up to date with more family-friendly fun by following us on Instagram. For more ideas of things to do with the kids in London, visit our events and activities area which provides details of free and ticketed events and special offers from London’s finest venues.