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Zoos & Wildlife Parks in York

None of these are actually in York, so you are looking at a drive whichever way you go. Closest is Tropical World in Leeds, an indoor rainforest walk from £5.50 with free-flying birds, meerkats and a Creature Cavern, good for under two hours when the weather is against you. Further out, Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster has walk-through reserves, a dinosaur trail and giraffe feeding, with entry from £2 and six play areas to fill the rest of the day. For free days out, Lofthouse Colliery Nature Park in Wakefield has woodland, heathland and a pond on surfaced tracks that suit buggies, and Cannon Hall Country Park in Barnsley is free too, with an adventure play area, wooden tepees and a museum if it rains, plus food on site. Toddlers will do best at Tropical World or Cannon Hall. For soft play alongside the animals, Milestone Ranch in Doncaster has a petting barn, a soft play barn with a zip line and a scan-and-solve trail, from £1.57, for ages one to sixteen.

✓ 10 places✦ 4 free to visit