Magical Christmas Events for Families in Devon at Dartmoor Zoo

Planning Your Chrsitmas Visit

1. Book in Advance – To ensure a smooth entry and avoid queues, consider booking your tickets online! You can also pre-book any unique experiences or encounters you wish to enjoy. Prebooking your general admission ticket in advance saves you £1 on every ticket. Book your general admission tickets here.
2. Don’t Forget your Annual Pass! – Make more memories next year, without having to pay for your return visit! Learn more about our Annual Pass here.
3. Check the Weather – Dartmoor Zoo is an outdoor attraction; it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before your visit and dress accordingly. Whilst there are plenty of opportunities to buy a hot drink or warm up in our Jaguar Restaurant, we’d recommend gloves, sturdy shoes and your best winter coat!
4. Plan Your Meals – Dartmoor Zoo has a great selection of food on the children’s dedicated menu or lunchboxes for those wanting to eat and explore on the go.

Navigating the Zoo over the Christmas Period

1. Arrive Early – To make the most of your festive day out, try to arrive early. This will give you plenty of time to explore all the enclosures. Consider giving yourself a bit longer if conditions are snowy or icy.
2. Use the Map – Make sure you see it all with our map which you can download here or via a QR code at the zoo entrance. You can also request a paper map if preferred. Use this to plan your route and ensure you don’t miss any favourite animals or exhibits. There are also 11 large maps around the site for reference – we would like to remain green and reduce waste/paper printing where possible.
3. Stroller Accessibility – The zoo is stroller-friendly, making navigating the site easy for families with young children.

Making the Most of Your Festive Day Out with All the Family

1. Join the Animal Talks – Dartmoor Zoo offers a variety of animal talks with enrichment activities throughout the day. These are entertaining and educational, providing insights into the animals’ behaviours and conservation efforts.
2. Participate in Interactive Experiences – From feeding the otters to meeting the tiger, several interactive experiences allow you to get up close and personal with the animals. These experiences are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Book your experience here.
3. Explore the Play Areas – Don’t forget to take some time to relax and let the kids burn off some energy in the play areas. There’s a calm garden with a play area, a climbing/jungle frame near the jaguar, and a playground on the lawn area/wooden build-your-own den section near the lynx. There is also a soft play area in the restaurant.
4. Visit the Gift Shop – Before you leave, stop by the gift shop to pick up a souvenir of your day. It’s a great way to remember your visit and also supports the zoo’s conservation efforts. Or make a headstart on those Christmas gifts for all the animal lovers you know!
5. Attend our Christmas Events – We have some incredible events over the festive period, including Zoolumate, Tumble Toddlers and Santa’s Grotto!

Remember, every visit to Dartmoor Zoo is a unique adventure. So, take your time, explore, and most importantly, have fun!

Don’t fancy one of our Christmas events in Devon but still want to explore Dartmoor Zoo over the festive period? Then we (and our animals) would be delighted to see you for a magical time!

At Dartmoor Zoo, we believe in providing a memorable, affordable experience. We offer a range of ticket options to suit different needs and budgets. Here’s what you need to know:

Individual Tickets

• Adult (age 16+): £21.95
• Child (age 3-15):  £16.50
• Child (age 2 and under): Free
• Concession (Students, Seniors 65+): £19.50
• Family (4 persons, max 2 adults): £63.95
• Carer supporting a disabled guest: Free – does not include annual pass and proof of ID required

(Pricing correct as of 11th November 2025. You can check the latest rates here.)

Family Tickets

We offer a discounted Family Pass for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children. This pass is priced at £63.95, providing a saving compared to individual tickets.

Special Offers and Discounts

We believe in rewarding our loyal visitors. That’s why we offer a 20% discount for those who have visited Shaldon Zoo and a whopping 50% off for visitors to the National Marine Aquarium. There is also a 25% discount entry to Drakes Den.

Annual Pass

Make new memories as often as you’d like next year without having to pay again! Just add a free Annual Pass upgrade to your ticket when you book.

Booking Your Tickets

We’ve made it easy to secure your spot at Dartmoor Zoo. Click on the link below to book your tickets.

Book Your Tickets Now

Please note that all prices are subject to change.

Festive FAQs & Support

We aim to ensure that your visit to Dartmoor Zoo is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you plan your visit:

Planning Your Visit

• Do you have baby-changing facilities? Yes, we have baby-changing facilities available for your convenience.
• Can I return to my car during my visit? Yes, you can return to your car if necessary during your visit.

Navigating the Zoo

• Do you have play areas? Yes, the zoo has several play areas for children to enjoy.
• Is the site stroller accessible? Yes, the zoo is stroller-friendly, making it easy for families with young children to navigate.

Making the Most of Your Day

• Are there any special offers or discounts? Yes, we offer discounts with other tourist attractions, such as 50% off with NMA and 20% off with Shaldon Zoo and a 25% Discounted to Drakes Den. This can help families entertain their little ones without breaking the bank.

If you have any other questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can reach us via phone, email, or our live chat service on the website.

For more detailed information, please visit our FAQ page on our website.