Zoo days out in Scotland

Compare indoor tropical-house visits with larger zoos, safari and wildlife parks.

5 places to compare

Paid admission; ticket details are in each guide.

  • Amazonia
    Location
    Motherwell, Central Scotland
    Allow
    1.5-2.5 hours
    Weather
    Indoors

    A warm tropical house at M&D’s, suited to a shorter animal visit with younger children. Older children will get more from it if they already enjoy wildlife.

  • Blair Drummond Safari Park
    Location
    Stirling, Central Scotland
    Allow
    4-5 hours to full day
    Weather
    Mostly outdoors

    Combine a safari drive with walk-around animals, Dinosaur Kingdom and large play areas. There is plenty to fill the day, with some rides and animal experiences costing extra.

  • Edinburgh Zoo
    Location
    Edinburgh, Central Scotland
    Allow
    4-5 hours
    Weather
    Mostly outdoors; indoor breaks

    Animal viewing, daily talks and three playgrounds make this a substantial city day out. Expect hillside walking and allow a slower pace: animals may not always be easy to spot.

  • Five Sisters Zoo
    Location
    West Calder, Central Scotland
    Allow
    A substantial part of the day
    Weather
    Mostly outdoors; indoor breaks

    Animal viewing, outdoor play and picnic stops fill a substantial day. The reptile house offers an indoor break, but Leaping Lemurs Soft Play needs a separate ticket.

  • Highland Wildlife Park
    Location
    Kincraig, Scottish Highlands
    Allow
    3-5 hours
    Weather
    Mostly outdoors; severe weather can affect the drive

    Combine the drive-through reserve with walk-around animals and the Wildlife Discovery Centre. The site is hilly and spread out, so younger children may tire before you have seen everything.

Farm parks mix animals with play, while these bird centres offer a more focused wildlife visit.

  • Farm Park

    Location
    Stirling, Central Scotland
    Allow
    3-5 hours
    Weather
    Mostly outdoors

    Farm animals, jumping pillows, go-karts and mazes suit younger children who like switching between animals and play. Most of the visit is outside, so it is not a wet-weather fallback.

  • Farm Park

    Location
    Crossford, Central Scotland
    Allow
    Usually 3–5 hours; all-day admission
    Weather
    Mostly outdoors; paths can be muddy

    The play equipment is designed for grown-ups to join in too. Animals, the safari train and outdoor play make this a longer visit rather than a quick animal stop.

  • Wildlife

    Location
    Balloch, West Coast Scotland
    Allow
    Around 1.5 hours for the centre and one display
    Weather
    Outdoors; uncovered display seating

    A small bird-of-prey centre at Loch Lomond Shores, best timed around a flying display. All-day re-entry lets you look around the wider area and come back later.

  • Wildlife

    Location
    Whitburn, Central Scotland
    Allow
    About 1.5-2.5 hours
    Weather
    Outdoor aviaries; all-weather flying displays

    A focused owl visit with aviaries and timed flying displays. Polkemmet Country Park’s playground, picnic areas and woodland walks can extend the day, with all-day re-entry to the centre.