Our Family Day Out at Banham Zoo - A Wildly Fun Norfolk Adventure
We were recently gifted a fantastic day out at Banham Zoo in Norfolk - and what a memorable experience it was! If you are looking for a brilliant day out with children during your Norfolk holiday, we can highly recommend Banham Zoo. As Norfolk’s largest zoo and an award-winning family attraction, it offers so much more than animal spotting - it is a full-on adventure filled with fun, learning, and wild encounters.
Up-Close with the Animals
We were excited to visit as Banham Zoo is home to hundreds of incredible species from around the globe, all living in thoughtfully designed habitats. The children were fascinated by the Chilean flamingos, especially when they noticed they all stood on just one leg! It became the topic of conversation for the next half hour as they tried to imitate them (with mixed success!).
One of the real highlights of the day was watching the giraffe feeding session. Seeing them up close as they delicately took food from the keepers was magical - their sheer size and elegance left us in awe. You can experience this first-hand by booking a giraffe feeding session for your visit!
The black howler monkeys we could hear long before we saw them! Its booming call is the loudest of any animal – and we later discovered it can be heard from up to 3 miles away! The children were amazed (and slightly startled!) but loved learning that this might sound came from such a relatively small creature.
Keeper Talks - Learn and Connect
Throughout the day, we made sure to catch some of the keeper talks, and they were brilliant. The zookeepers are not only passionate and knowledgeable but also genuinely engaging. Each talk gave us a deeper understanding of the animals’ behaviours, natural habitats, and the important conservation work that Banham Zoo is involved in. It's these kinds of experiences that set Banham apart and make the visit feel meaningful as well as fun.
If you go, definitely check the schedule when you arrive - the talks are dotted throughout the day and are well worth planning into your visit.
The Tropical House - A Hidden Gem
One surprise highlight was the Tropical House. Warm and lush, it felt like stepping into another world. Here we met the world’s largest breed of pigeon - yes, pigeons! - called Victoria Crowned Pigeons. The stars of the show, named Beatrice and Alice, were strolling around casually like royalty, crowned feathers on full display. The kids loved how friendly and calm they were - not at all like the pigeons they see in town!
Rides, Playgrounds & Family Fun
For younger visits (and, let’s be honest, the grown-ups too), Banham Zoo offers much more than just animals. Hop onto the Safari Road Train for a scenic ride through the zoo with a live commentary full of fun facts! It is a great way to sit back, relax, and take in the whole site - especially handy for little legs after lots of walking.
The children also had a blast at Tarzan Towers, the massive outdoor play area. With climbing frames, slides and ropes, it was the perfect way to burn off some energy while we enjoyed a much-needed coffee stop. There’s also a large picnic area, ideal for lunch if you are bringing your own food.
A Perfect Family Day Out in Norfolk
Banham Zoo really is the ideal day out for all the family - whether you are on a Norfolk holiday or just lucky enough to live nearby, like us. It’s educational without being overwhelming, exciting without being chaotic, and there’s so much to see and do. From rare big cats to mischievous monkeys, elegant birds to curious reptiles, every part of the zoo offers something new.
It’s not just about the fun either - the zoo’s strong focus on animal welfare and conservation is genuinely inspiring. It gave us all a greater appreciation for the animals and the work that goes into protecting them, both in the zoo and in the wild.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re booking Norfolk accommodation and looking for family-friendly activities nearby, Banham Zoo deserves a top spot on your list. Whether you are staying in a Norfolk holiday cottage, exploring the Norfolk Coast or basing yourself near North Norfolk, Banham is easily accessible and well worth the trip!