Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World Shropshire

What makes us a great choice for education

Whilst our combination of Dinosaurs and Animals are not necessarily unique (although close to it) our passion for historical accuracy is. Here you will find the UKs most realistic Dinosaurs and staff who will passionately speak about them at levels tailored for children and adults alike.

Join the staff for our fossil workshop as well and all the kids get to take home their very own genuine fossil.

Accreditation and Awards

We are Zoo Licenced.

What is typically included on our school trips

Visits to Hoo Zoo are unguided. They include admission to the entire zoo (and dinosaur world) for the whole day along with all the daily talks and activities. The content of these talks are tailored to hit the points discussed with the teachers during the booking process.

Specific talks can be requested and visits can be tailored when requested.

We offer 3 paid for activities:

Dinosaur Tours: Exclusively for groups we offer Dinosaur Tours. These are roughly 30 minute long tours with our Dino Ranger who will tell the children all about the Dinosaurs in each area whilst also bringing along fossils (both replica and genuine) for the kids to get up close to and touch. £1 extra per child – as of 2024.

Fossil Workshop: This 30 minute long workshop includes:

Introductory talk about fossils, dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures. During this talk we will cover the fossilisation process and the difference between body and trace fossils whilst also showing some of our own fossils.

Tactile session where children can physically hold some of our fossils and touch others whilst being told about them and invited to ask questions.

Sorting session where children are encouraged to sort each fossil into trays indicating whether they are ‘trace’ or ‘body’ fossils. Short show and tell of specific geodes and minerals with an explanation of how they form.

A short quiz on what the children have learned during the session.

Finally, all children get to take their very own REAL fossil home with them! £3.50 per child – or £4 if combined with the Dinosaur Tour.

Climbing Wall: Looking for something different on your visit? How about a climbing wall experience?

Suitable for children 5+ climbing walls are a great way to build confidence, build communication and develop motor skill (not to mention just being all round good fun).

£3.00 per child.

Please be aware this cannot run in windy or very wet weather.

Group Sizes Catered For

Up to 100 children

Materials, Resources & Information Provided

We can provide links to relative Twinkl pages (we are one of their recommend ‘out and about partners’). We also provide educational videos on our youtube page and via the Hoo Zoo app.

Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions

No restrictions.

Risk Assessment Details

We provide Risk Assessments when booking but recommend teachers conduct a preliminary visit (this is free of charge) before visiting.

Education Officer Information

Booking Contact: Will Dorrell – info@hoo-zoo.com

Pricing Information

£10 per person (adults and children). 1 adult to every 6 children

Clothing Requirements

Wellies recommended but not required. Waterproof jacket recommended but not required.

First Aid Information

Nearly all staff have current first aid certificates and there are 2 first aid stations on site (café and shop).

Available Facilities

Café, shop, classroom (on request when booking), toilets, disabled toilet (no winch), undercover picnic area for packed lunches. Play area.

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

We have wheelchair accessibility to the entire site but pathways are gravel. Mobility scooters are available to hire. We have a disabled toilet but it does not have an adult changing area or winch.

Opening Hours & Information

Everyday (except 23-27^th Dec). 10am to 5pm.