Entry ticket to Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford

If you’re looking for a family-friendly outing in the Birmingham area that combines wildlife, education, and a bit of prehistoric fun, the entry ticket to Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World offers a compelling day out. Located in Telford and highly rated with a perfect 5.0 from over 300 reviews, this experience is designed to appeal to kids and adults alike. For around $27.50 per person, you’ll gain access to over 100 species of animals, 45 animatronic dinosaurs, and engaging activities throughout the day. From close encounters with meerkats and lemurs to wandering through dinosaur-themed displays, this zoo isn’t just a walk in the park—it’s a mini adventure packed with variety and learning.

One of the standout features I appreciate is how the experience emphasizes conservation through education. The zoo’s staff, including guides like Jody and Melanie who receive praise for their knowledge and friendliness, do a great job of making the animal encounters informative and fun. A second strong point is the diverse lineup of activities—feeding sessions, animal talks, and experiences like the meerkat and carnivore experiences—blending entertainment with learning. That said, a note for potential visitors: the price for some extras, like mobility scooters, isn’t part of the ticket and can be a bit of a consideration if accessibility is a concern. Still, the overall value remains high, especially given the variety of animals and attractions on offer.

Key Points

Excellent for Families: With over 100 species, play areas, and interactive experiences, this spot is perfect for kids and parents wanting a day of engaging fun.
Pre-Booking is Smart: Tickets are mobile and must be booked in advance, ensuring you avoid disappointment on busy days.
Dinosaur & Animal Highlights: The 45 animatronic dinosaurs pair well with the real animals like wolves and meerkats, offering a mix of fantasy and fact.
Conservation Focus: The zoo actively promotes conservation, making it a meaningful place to visit alongside the entertainment.
Walking and Accessibility: Gravel paths and some terrain are present, with a note that mobility scooters are available at a charge, which some reviews interpret as a bit of a snag for accessibility.
Authentic Experiences: Numerous reviews highlight hands-on interactions, from feeding capybaras and lynxes to guided animal talks—these are the moments that make a visit memorable.

An in-Depth Look at the Experience

Getting Your Tickets and Planning Ahead

Booking your tickets in advance through a trusted platform like Viator is simple and ensures you’ll get in, especially if visiting during weekends or school holidays. The tickets are mobile-enabled, so no fuss with paper vouchers. Given the zoo’s popularity—most visitors book around 12 days prior—you’ll want to plan early to get your preferred date. The start time is 10:00 am, which is perfect for a relaxed morning, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the entire day.

Arriving and First Impressions

The atmosphere on arrival is warm and welcoming. Reviews mention friendly staff who make everyone feel at home. The zoo is laid out with gravel paths, which adds to its rustic charm but may require some thought if mobility might be an issue. You’re allowed to leave the premises to fetch your picnic, and there’s a designated picnic area if you prefer to bring your own lunch—an excellent way to save money given on-site food prices.

The Animal Encounters

Hoo Zoo boasts over 100 different species, making it a surprisingly extensive collection for a family-run park. Expect to see wolves, lynx, meerkats, lemurs, capybaras, and reptiles. Many reviews praise the animal talks and feeding sessions, some as long as 15 different activities taking place throughout the day. The standout experiences include close interactions with meerkats and capybaras—feeding them, sitting with them, and hearing fascinating facts from guides like Jody and Sarah.

Multiple visitors have described these moments as “amazing,” often highlighting how knowledgeable and friendly the staff is. For example, Jody, who led a capybara encounter, was described as “absolutely amazing” and taught a lot that kids and adults found memorable. The same goes for Melanie, who conducted a carnivore experience; visitors loved her kindness and insight.

Dinosaur World: The Prehistoric Highlight

The dinosaur element is authentic eye candy for kids and those young at heart. With 45 animatronic dinosaurs featured throughout the zoo, it’s a perfect blend of education, fun, and a bit of Jurassic Park flair. The realistic beasts spark imagination and make for excellent photo opportunities. The dinosaurs are spread out, creating a route that keeps visitors moving and engaged, rather than lingering too long in one spot.

Activities and Shows

The zoo doesn’t just house animals; it organizes daily talks, feeding opportunities, and themed experiences. Some reviews mention engaging sessions involving snakes, skunks, and hedgehogs, often led by guides who are passionate and well-informed. The meerkat and lemur breeding programs, plus special experiences like the carnivore meet-and-greet, make a trip here more than just a walk-about.

Food and Facilities

While the zoo’s on-site café offers hot and cold options, a common theme in reviews is that food can be pricey. Bringing your own picnic is encouraged and facilitated, with the ability to return to your car to grab supplies. The picnic areas are pretty, and it’s often quieter when you dine alfresco after a busy morning.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

A noted point from reviews is that gravel paths and uneven terrain might make travel difficult for some. The zoo provides third-party mobility scooters for a fee, but not everyone is happy with the cost, which is charged as a £20 fee—not a deposit—adding a potential barrier for some visitors with mobility issues. To maximize your visit, wear comfortable shoes and plan for a full day of exploring.

Final Thoughts on Value

For around $27.50, this ticket offers more than just entry—it includes a full day of opportunities for interaction, education, and entertainment. Given the numerous positive reviews praising the friendly guides and well-cared-for animals, you’re getting a genuine, family-friendly experience that balances fun with conservation education.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This day out is perfect for families with children, especially those who love animals, dinosaurs, and hands-on experiences. It’s also suited for travelers seeking an affordable, engaging activity within a reasonable drive from Birmingham. If you enjoy interactive experiences like feeding animals or seeing animatronic dinosaurs, you’ll find plenty to love here. However, if you or your family require full wheelchair accessibility, you might want to clarify the scooter costs beforehand or consider mobility needs.

The Sum Up

The Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World ticket offers a well-rounded, value-packed day suitable for all ages. It combines the joy of animal encounters with educational talks and the thrill of prehistoric creatures, making it a fun and meaningful trip. The knowledgeable guides, the variety of species, and interactive moments stand out as highly praised features—rarely matched in similar attractions. While some reviews note the gravel paths and scooter charges, these are minor considerations in an otherwise excellent experience.

If you’re after an authentic, family-run zoo that emphasizes conservation and offers plenty of sensory delights for children, this is a spot worth visiting. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy seeing animals up close, participating in feeding sessions, and having fun learning about the natural world and its history. Plan your visit early, bring snacks if on a budget, and prepare for a full day of adventure and discovery.

FAQs

Is it necessary to pre-book tickets?
Yes, pre-booked tickets are recommended and ensure you won’t be turned away. They are available as mobile tickets and are booked, on average, 12 days in advance.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket grants you full access to Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World for the entire day. It includes all the animal exhibits and animatronic dinosaurs but does not cover extra activities like mini quad bike rides or snacks.

Are there any restrictions for accessibility?
The zoo has gravel paths which might limit some wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties. Scooters are available at a £20 charge, but this fee isn’t a deposit, so some visitors see it as a drawback.

How long should I plan to stay?
Most visitors spend around 8 hours exploring, taking part in animal talks and feeding sessions, and enjoying the dinosaur displays. It’s best to start early at 10:00 am to make the most of the day.

Can I bring my own food?
Absolutely. There are picnic areas and the ability to go to your car to fetch supplies, which many reviewers find convenient and cost-effective.

What are some highlights of the experience?
Expect engaging encounters with meerkats, lynx, capybaras, and more, along with spectacular animatronic dinosaurs. Guided talks and feeding experiences, like the lemur and carnivore tours, are especially popular.

This ticket to Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World offers an authentic day filled with discovery, fun, and meaningful animal interactions. It’s a solid choice for families eager to combine education with entertainment without breaking the bank.