If you’re looking for the ultimate family day out this spring, pack your binoculars and sharpen those eggs-plorer skills. London Zoo is celebrating a monumental milestone—its 200th anniversary—with a giant, clue-cracking animal adventure that is included free with every zoo ticket.
Young animal detectives, their friends and families are encouraged to embark on a Zoo-normous Egg Hunt this Easter holiday. This is more than just a stroll through the gardens but an immersive mission to uncover the secrets of the animal kingdom.
The great Easter garden expedition
The adventure begins in the Zoo’s Easter Garden, where the first set of clues has been carefully hidden. Young visitors will need to channel their inner detectives to track them down before heading out into the wider park to find six Zoo-normous, animal-themed eggs.
In honor of ZSL’s 200-year legacy, 2026 brings a special birthday twist. Each giant egg reveals a secret letter; once the young adventurers have scoured the grounds—passing majestic big cats and fascinating reptiles along the way—they’ll piece the letters together to crack the final code and claim an egg-cellent prize.
Step into the boots of a conservationist
No visit this spring is complete without a stop at ZooTown, the zoo’s iconic indoor role-play space. This “zoo-within-a-zoo” offers 13 unique experiences where children can truly immerse themselves in the life of a ZSL conservationist. Whether they want to be a wildlife vet, a dedicated zookeeper, or even the local barista, there is plenty to keep little hands busy.
ZooTown by the numbers:
- 1,000+ toys to play with
- 300 zebra “poo” balls (a firm favorite for the “bonkers” factor!)
- 150 zoo post parcels to deliver
- 63 cuddly toy patients waiting for a check-up at the vet clinic
Play with a purpose
While the kids are busy hunting for giant eggs and playing vet, parents can take heart in knowing that their visit supports a global mission. For two centuries, ZSL has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation, restoring habitats and protecting species worldwide. By heading to the zoo this Easter, your family is directly contributing to the vital work of inspiring the next generation of animal advocates.
After the Easter fun, families can explore the rest of the zoo, home to over 8,000 amazing animals – from the Zoo’s resident Asiatic lions Bhanu, Arya and their three cubs, to playful new born otter pups and swinging critically endangered young golden lion tamarins Pomelo and Clementine – all before burning off energy at the Animal Adventure play area.
A visit to our London Zoo is a great opportunity to get closer to nature and learn about its work to protect and restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. This amazing garden first opened to the public in 1828 and it is guided by a scientific approach and passion for nature with the aim to restore wildlife through vital conservation breeding programmes and inspiring a lifelong love of animals in the conservationists of tomorrow.
This event runs from 28 March – 12 April and it is free with Zoo entry and under 3s go free. Booking and further information available at www.londonzoo.org
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