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Zoos & Wildlife Parks in Bristol

On the edge of Bristol, Westbury Wildlife Park Foundation runs bug hunts and pond dipping, plus a proper preschool session with fire and foraging, though it only opens at weekends. For anything with feathers, Congresbury's North Somerset Bird Of Prey Centre lets you hold a bird of prey on your fist, with free Open Days if you just want a look and paid Experience Days from £29 if you want hands-on time. A longer trip out to Newport gets you RSPB Newport Wetlands, free to enter, with four trails, dragonflies, water voles and 7,500-year-old footprints preserved in the mud. For free days out, Newport Wetlands and Cardiff's Roath Park (also a longer trip) both cost nothing, and Roath Park adds a lake for pedalos, two playgrounds and a trim trail if the wildlife trail alone won't hold their attention. Toddlers will get more from the pond dipping at Westbury or a wander round Roath Park than from a booked Experience Day, which suits older children who can sit still with a bird on their arm. Newport Wetlands has indoor play too, useful if the weather turns.

✓ 4 places✦ 2 free to visit