Get ready to marvel at magnificent species from all over the world at these incredible attractions.
Animal-lover? Here’s the ultimate list for you – all of the zoos and aquariums to tick off in and around Manchester. From meerkats and monkeys to sharks and sea lions, you’ll get to come face to face with some seriously exotic creatures.
What’s more, many of these animal attractions also host exciting events every day, including hands-on zookeeper experiences where you can learn all about how to care for your favourite critters!
For something a little less wild, there are plenty of family-friendly farms in Manchester you can visit.
Chester Zoo
Home to over 37,000 animals, Chester is the big daddy of zoos, and it’s only around an hour away from Manchester. Resident animals live in amazing habitats, taking you from balmy tropical rainforests to the twilight Fruit Bat Forest, where live bats are free to fly around.
Aside from the wildlife, you’ll find plenty of play areas for the kids to blow off steam, as well as the Lazy River Boat Trip, where you can explore the islands of South Asia in a water-based adventure. Be warned – the zoo stretches across a massive 128 acres, so remember to wear comfy shoes!
Where is it? Chester – find it on Google maps.
How much? Entry starts at £38 for adults and £28 for children aged 3-15. Toddlers aged 1-2 cost £2.50, babies under 12 months go free.
Get it booked: chesterzoo.org
Blue Planet Aquarium
Credit: Blue Planet Aquarium
A visit to Blue Planet promises all sorts of underwater fun, as you travel from river to ocean to meet a host of curious creatures. Take a stroll through the UK’s longest shark tunnel, go eye to eye with snappy caimans and pop outside to say hello to a flock of pelicans.
With feeds, talks and underwater demonstrations throughout the day, there’s plenty to look out for. For the ultimate experience, the shark dive sees you kit up in scuba gear to take a swim with four different breeds of sharks – prepare to get the selfie to beat all selfies.
Where is it? Ellesmere Port – find it on Google maps.
How much? Entry starts at £27.75 for anyone aged 13 or over, £19.95 for 12s and under. Toddlers under 90cm go free.
Get it booked: blueplanetaquarium.com
Knowsley Safari
Credit: Knowsley Safari
As the only safari park in the North West, Knowsley is a unique experience, taking you on a five-mile drive through 11 zones. You’ll encounter lions, ostriches, camels and monkeys, as the animals have free rein – they might even come right up to your car!
If you’re nervous about your windscreen wipers, there’s a route that avoids the monkeys, but it’s all part of the fun. There’s more to explore by foot too – take on the tiger trail, come up close with playful meerkats and watch the super-impressive sea lion display, which takes place three times daily.
Where is it? Prescot – find it on Google maps.
How much? Entry starts at £15 during term time. Toddlers aged 1-2 cost £2, under 1s go free.
Get it booked: knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk
Cheshire Falconry
Ever wanted to hold a bird of prey? Cheshire Falconry is the place to go. Situated less than an hour from Manchester, this captivating aviary is home to stunning birds from all over the world, including owls, buzzards, falcons and eagles.
If you’re looking for a hands-on experience, you can pick one of the bird encounters to learn more about the fascinating creatures, even wearing a falconry glove to have them land on your arm! Led by super-knowledgeable handlers, it’s something you’ll remember forever.
Where is it? Northwich – find it on Google maps.
How much? Entry starts at £5 for adults and £4 for children. Under 4s go free.
Get it booked: cheshirefalconry.com
Peak Wildlife Park
Situated in Leek, an hour and a half’s drive from Manchester, Peak Wildlife Park is the furthest zoo on our list, but it’s well worth the journey. Home to everything from zebras to polar bears, it’s great for animal spotting, and you can even get up close and personal on their walkthroughs.
You can walk with lemurs, penguins, wallabies and more, with cheeky lemurs known for climbing over their new-found friends. You can get even closer with a one-on-one zookeeper experience, which puts you in charge of dinnertime at the zoo. If you want to get mobbed by meerkats, this one’s for you!
Where is it? Leek – find it on Google maps.
How much? Entry starts at £20.95 for adults and £18.95 for children aged 2-16. Under 2s go free.
Get it booked: peakwildlifepark.co.uk
Sea Life Manchester
Credit: SEA LIFE Manchester
While the idea of sharks in the Trafford Centre might sound absurd, it’s very much real, thanks to Sea Life Manchester. Home to 2,000 creatures over 10 aquatic zones, this indoor experience is perfect for fish-loving youngsters.
Stroke starfish in the Rockpool, say hello to smiling rays at Stingray Bay and wander through the the incredible Ocean Tunnel – a walk-through experience where you’ll be submerged under the sea, as sharks, turtles and more swim by. You can even snorkel with sharks if you’re really brave!
Where is it? Trafford Palazzo – find it on Google maps.
How much? Entry starts at £15.95 for adults and £12.50 for children aged 2-17. Under 2s go free.
Get it booked: visitsealife.com/manchester
Bolton Aquarium
Credit: Bolton Aquarium
You’ll find Greater Manchester’s only public aquarium at Bolton Library, home to over 70 different species of fish. First opened way back in 1941, the free-to-enter attraction is great if you’re looking for a rainy day activity for the family.
It’s all about freshwater fish here, from the snake-like ornate bichir to the ferocious piranha – one of the most popular residents for good reason! Be sure to check out the wider museum on your visit to explore everything from Egyptian mummies to local wildlife.
Where is it? Bolton – find it on Google maps.
How much? Free to enter.
Get it booked: boltonlams.co.uk/aquarium
Wild Wings Birds of Prey
Based in Croft, half an hour from Manchester, Wild Wings is a bird sanctuary with a full zoo licence. It’s home to hawks, falcons, owls and eagles, which you can watch preening, flying in impressive demonstrations or even just sunning themselves on the lawn.
As a fully-fledged sanctuary, Wild Wings take in injured birds and rehabilitates them until they’re healthy enough to go back into the wild. It’s not just birds either – you can meet a family of friendly ferrets and adorable racoons during your visit!
Where is it? Warrington – find it on Google maps.
How much? Entry starts at £8 for adults and £7 for children aged 3 and over. Under 3s go free.
Get it booked: wildwingsbirdsofprey.co.uk
