Top Tips for visiting Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is a brilliant day out for families, animal lovers, and curious kids – but if you're heading there with little ones (or a pram in tow), it helps to know a few things in advance to make the most of your visit. Here's a quick guide with tips and tricks to help your zoo adventure go smoothly!

1. Save on your zoo day with the Kids for a Quid train offer!

Traveling to Edinburgh Zoo by train? You can get one free child admission when you show a valid Kids for a Quid train ticket at the entrance. You can use this offer by either:

• Buying an adult ticket online and redeeming the free child entry when you arrive, or

• Purchasing walk-up tickets on the day.

It’s a great way to make your day out a little more budget-friendly!

Click here for more information.

2. Universal Credit Tickets

The zoo offers reduced price tickets available online for those currently on Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Income Support. 

For more information on the reduced price tickets click here

3. Be Prepared for the Hills!

Edinburgh Zoo is set on a hillside, which means lots of climbing—and it can be pretty steep in places. If you’re visiting with a pram or buggy, be ready for a bit of a workout. Good shoes and regular breaks are a must.

The zoo offers a free mobility vehicle service all year round for visitors with additional and mobility needs. This vehicle can accommodate one wheelchair or pushchair and four additional passengers. From April to October, a second vehicle is also available that can carry a mobility scooter. Just ask at the ticket desk for more information.

4. Tired Legs? Try Pram Hire

If your little explorer starts to tire half way through the day, pram hire is available from the ticket desk. It’s a helpful backup option for when the energy dips but the fun’s not over yet.

5. Want to Skip the Gift Shop?

We get it—the gift shop can be a magnet for tired (and persuasive!) children. If you'd prefer a quieter exit, you can leave via the members’ gates, which bypass the main shop entirely.

6. Keeper Talks and Animal Shows

Don’t miss the keeper talks, where you can learn more about your favourite animals. These talks are often the highlight for curious kids and adults alike. Check the latest schedule here:👉 Keeper Talk Times

Also, be sure to check if the Animal Antics bird show is running during your visit.

7. Special Events: Peppa, Bluey, and More

From character visits to themed days, the zoo regularly hosts family-friendly events like appearances by Peppa Pig or Bluey. Make sure you check the events calendar before you go:👉 Zoo Events

8. Accessibility and Free Carer Admission

If you or someone in your party requires assistance, Edinburgh Zoo offers free admission for one accompanying carer with the purchase of a standard ticket (adult, child, or concession).

Just bring along valid proof of eligibility—such as a National Disability Card, Access Card with a ‘+1’ symbol, or a letter from PIP.

9. Rainy Day? No Problem!

The Zoo runs a Rainy Day Guarantee, if it rains continuously for more than two hours during your visit, you’ll receive a free return visit for another day this year. So go ahead and book, rain or shine!

10. Face Painting Fun

During summer months, stop by the face painting station near Penguins Play Park. From tigers to bears, they offer a range of animals. Price is around £5

11. Food Options at the Zoo

While it's definitely cheaper to bring your own snacks, the zoo has several affordable food spots that won’t break the bank (especially by tourist attraction standards).

• Penguins Café – The most budget-friendly option, with sandwiches, sausage rolls, and a few veggie/vegan items.

• Grasslands Restaurant – Family-style pizza restaurant.

• The Gannet – Serving fish and chips with seating to relax and recharge.

Check the full menu before you go for dietary options and prices.

12. Don’t Forget the App!

Before you head off, download the Edinburgh Zoo app. It’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss any animals and keeper talks around the zoo.

13. Don't Miss the Swimming Penguins

Tucked away to the side of the penguin enclosure is a hidden gem—a large underwater viewing window where you can watch the penguins swim and dive right past you. It’s, often quieter spot that many visitors miss.

There are also two benches nearby, making it the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a quick snack while the penguins put on a show.

14. Edinburgh Zoo Membership

If you’re planning a visit to the zoo (or a few), it might be time to think beyond single-day tickets. A zoo membership not only gives you unlimited access for a full year, but it can also save you money in the long run—especially for families or animal lovers who visit more than once.

Let’s break it down:

Standard Day Ticket Prices:

• Adult: £27

• Child (ages 3–15): £17.50

Now compare that to the annual Membership Prices:

• Adult: £81.09

• Joint Adult: £127.50

• Child: £43

That means if you visit just three times in a year, the membership will have already paid for itself!

A membership doesn’t just unlock the zoo gates—it usually comes with added perks like:

• Free or discounted entry to partner attractions

• Discounts in the zoo shop and café

• Free car parking

Worried about paying it all upfront? Good news: Edinburgh zoo let you spread the cost with monthly Direct Debit, making membership even more affordable and accessible.

Final Tips

• Bring water and sunscreen—it’s a full day of walking, especially in summer.

• Aim to arrive early to beat the crowds.

• Allow extra time for slow-moving little legs and animal detours!

Have a wild day at the zoo! 🐾