Hullabazoo Adventure Play

Child playing on Hullabazoo Adventure PlayOur brand new outdoor play area will be opening this spring!

We can't wait for your little explorers to enjoy our new outdoor play adventure. 

It’s time to let their imaginations run wild and discover over 7,800 square metres of themed play area, including bridges, swings, climbing frames, sit-on crocodiles, tunnels, boats, mini safari jeeps and so much more. 

Hullabazoo outdoor play will open to the public on Friday 30 April - but Gold Members, Fellows and Patrons will be able to get a sneak peek from Friday 23 April while we are adding the finishing touches.

The playground is included with Zoo entry, although time slots and onsite pre-booking will be necessary during peak times and the preview week, so we can keep everyone safe.

When does the playground open?

The new outdoor playground at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo will open for Fellows, Patrons and Gold members to preview from Friday 23 April while we are adding the finishing touches. Please note, onsite booking will be in place during the previews. 

The playground will open to all visitors on Friday 30 April. 

Do I have to book the playground?

Due to the current COVID restrictions, tickets do need to be booked in advance, and we are limiting the number of children in the playground to 50 during the preview and 80 from 30 April. This number does not include the supervising adults (all children need at least one supervising adult with them to enter the playground). You can pick up a ticket at our Playground pop up tent at the main entrance (just next to the lemur walkthrough entrance). You will get a specific time ticket which you need to hand in at the entrance to the playground at your designated time slot. 

Do I have to pay for the playground? 

No, admission to the outdoor play is included in your ticket/membership. 

How long are the time slots?

The time slots are 45 minutes. The playground will be cleared at the end of each slot to allow for the next group to use the play area. Please leave the playground at the end of your slot by the train exit. 

Where do I queue to get into the playground? 

For the preview slots, entrance and exit will be via the Station Store side of the playground. For general opening, the entrance for the playground will be opposite the Butterfly house/arena, from the main lawn. No access to the playground from the Farm, Train, or Tiger area will be permitted. Exit will be to Station Store end. Please ask a member of staff if you are unsure and they'll be happy to help. 

What happens if I am late to my time slot? 

You can enter the play area anytime during your time slot but you will be asked to leave the area at the end of your time slot, no matter what time you entered. 

Will I always have to get a slot?

No, we are only operating this during our busy periods and while Covid restrictions are in place. When social distancing rules are relaxed, or if we are very quiet on site, we will not be operating a ticketed approach. 

What can I do if there are no more timeslots available when I arrive? 

Unfortunately, at the moment we are having to restrict numbers in the play area to ensure the Playground is operated safely alongside our Covid secure site. We will not be able to allow additional people into the playground if we have reached capacity for the timeslot. During quieter times and when restrictions ease further, we will remove the time/capacity on the playground. 

Do members have to book?

While onsite booking is in required, Patrons, Fellows and Gold members are able to access the playground exclusively for the first and last slot each day (10.30 - 11.15 & 4.30 - 5.15pm) on a first-come first-serve basis, but will still need a Playground ticket. They will need to show their Patronage, Fellowship or Gold membership card at the pop up tent to get a ticket before going to the playground.

Please note, the first and last slots of the day reserved for Gold Members, Fellows and Patrons will only be available while onsite pre-booking is in place. All slots will be reserved for Patrons, Fellows and Gold Members during the preview week.

What times are the slots available?

10.30 - 11.15 (Gold members, Patrons and Fellows only); 11.30 - 12.15; 12.30 - 1.15; 1.30 - 2.15; 2.30 - 3.15; 3.30 - 4.15; 4.30 - 5.15  (Gold members, Patrons and Fellows only). 

Please note, the first and last slots of the day reserved for Gold Members, Fellows and Patrons will only be available while pre-booking is in place. 

Can I get tickets for more than one time slot? 

As we want as many people to experience our new playground as possible each day, we are limiting tickets to one slot. When Covid restrictions are reduced further and on quieter days, there will be no time limits. 

What age group is the playground for? 

This new playground is designed for children from 0-13 years of age. We have worked with an amazing play company to design a challenging play area – if your child is unable to climb onto a piece of the equipment themselves, then it is a bit too old for them. There are lots of different areas to explore, and lots for all ages. 

What kind of play is to be expected/is there play equipment for children with additional needs?

We have a huge array of sensory and physical play to delight children, including - for the first time - both water and sand play. We also have a first in the UK, a ZSL Jeep that you can climb up to. There are swings, slides, a zip wire, sound, balance, climb and chill out areas.

We have designed this equipment so that children of all abilities will be able to access the play. For families with additional physical needs we have installed the following accessible play equipment: slide, nest swing, music, sand, water and roundabout. There are also accessible picnic benches.

All of the play equipment is accessed via wet pour and there are no steps to access the play area. There are also sensory elements throughout the play equipment including wooden animals. Chill out areas and quiet spots have also been incorporated into the play design. 

Hullabazoo indoor play

Hullabazoo Indoor Play

Let your little ones have a truly wild day out with Hullabazoo Indoor Play!

Find out more