Reading Zoo
Reading Zoo

experiences

As Wild as it Gets!

Our animal experiences are a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with our incredible wildlife. Join our keepers in the enclosure for a chat and some quality time with our animals.

Categories

Ages

6 – 12

Zoo Club

Got a young zookeeper in the making? Zoo Club is perfect for all animal enthusiasts! This is a five-week course that covers all aspects of life as a keeper, with each week focusing on a new skill. There will be some theory-based learning, the chance to put it into practice, and the opportunity to get up close with a range of zoo and farmyard animals – all making for a memorable experience.

5-week course on Tuesdays, at 4:00 PM

60 minutes

£90 (admission included)

Course Dates: 5 weeks, 15th Sep - 13th Oct

If the minimum number is not reached the course will not run.
Snacks are not provided, and children are asked to bring a water bottle and their wellies.
The course is over five sessions at the zoo.
Entry for one parent/guardian included for the 5 session times.
Theory workshops and practical activities in the zoo.
Certificate of attendance.

*We also offer a home educators Zoo Club, please see the home educators page for more details.

Zoo Academy

Ages

6 – 12

max 12 ppl

Zoo Academy

Have you got a young, wild, explorer at home? We have a holiday club suited to those young explorers that enjoy animals, nature and all things outdoors. Activities: The day will be with us at the wildlife park where we have a mixture of activities planned. Including being out and about in park with our Zoo and Farm animals, as well as on our grounds looking at our native animals too.

Select Tuesdays and Wednesdays

9AM - 3PM

£49 (admission included)

Additional guests wanting to access the park during/after the club they will have to pay entry.

Dates this Summer: July 29th, 4th August, 12th August and 18th August.

*Please note activities on the different weekdays will differ but there may be repetition of activities between the different weeks.
What to Bring
Children will need to bring a (nut -free) packed lunch and a snack
Suitable footwear
Long trousers
Sun lotion dependant on weather
Hat dependant on weather
Rain coat
Drinks
Snacks (nut-free)
Lunchboxes (nut-free)

Terms and conditions
Tickets must be pre-booked online.
Tickets are non-refundable but we may be able to move your booking to another day.
Zoo academy will run in all weather, so you are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and to bring a water bottle.
Join us for an unforgettable experience at our holiday club! Book now to secure your spot and create lasting memories with our wonderful animals and fun outdoor activities.

Ages

6 – 12

Home Educator Zoo Club

Is your child a future zookeeper? The Zoo Club is a five-week program designed for young animal enthusiasts aged 6-12. Children will learn various zookeeper skills, engage in theory-based learning, and gain hands-on experience with a variety of zoo and farmyard animals.

5-week course on Wednesdays, at 2:30 PM

60 minutes

£90 (admission included)

Course Dates: 5 weeks, 16th Sep - 14th Oct

If the minimum number is not reached the course will not run.
Snacks are not provided, and children are asked to bring a water bottle and their wellies.
The course is over five sessions at the zoo.
Entry for one parent/guardian included for the 5 session times.
Theory workshops and practical activities in the zoo.
Certificate of attendance.

Ages

12 – 15

Max 10 ppl

Intro to Animal Careers

Our new course has been designed for older children interested in a career with animals. Here, they get the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in what it takes to work somewhere like Beale Wildlife Park, or another animal-based job. All the activities revolve around the different aspects of caring for animals at our zoo. These afternoons will be spent learning through insightful theory workshops, as well as hands-on practical activities.

5-week course on Sundays at 2:00pm

2 hours

£175 (admission included)

Topics covered:
• Animal Behaviour and Welfare
• Nutrition and Health
• Conservation and Enclosure Design

Course Dates: 5 weeks, 13th Sep - 11th Oct

Limited to 10 places. Places are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
If the minimum number is not reached the course will not run.
During the course a parent of the student may come onto the site to wait free of charge.
Entry to the zoo will be granted at the time of the activity (2pm).
*Please note that snacks will not be provided but can be brought along (nut free). We ask the students to bring water bottles and their own boots (walking boots or wellies).
We will be working with animals, so please wear long trousers and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty!

What is included in the course:
Five afternoons at the zoo.
Entry for one parent/guardian for the 5 afternoons.
Theory workshops and practical activities in the zoo.
Certificate of attendance.
Digital reference available for applications for work or college.
Copies of photos taken throughout the course.

Ages

2 – 4

Nature Tots

Calling all grandparents, parents and guardians exploring the park mid-week with toddlers! Our nature club is designed to engage your little ones with all thing’s nature. Each session is centred around a new theme linked to the natural world.

5 Weeks, Tuesdays 15th Sept – 13th Oct

10:15 AM - 11AM

£30-£50 (details below)

What’s included:

– One free hot drink for the accompanying adult

– Entry to the park on the day of the session

– Free time in the park or soft play

 
30 minutes of practical animal or nature activity, followed by a story or craft session (location may vary depending on the weather)

Starting 25th September. Please note that each child will need a parent to support them with activities. Nature Tots ran successfully last year, with sessions quickly booking up - early booking is recommended.

Pricing:
Non-member: £50 for 5 weeks (1 parent & 1 tot, includes park entry)
Member: £30 for 5 weeks (1 parent & 1 tot, excludes park entry)
Additional child/adult (non-member): £25 (includes park entry)
Additional child/adult (member): £15 (excludes park entry)