Photo: Keven Law, CC BY-SA 2.0Animal parks, farms and wildlife centres in Kent
13 animal parks, farms and wildlife centres in Kent that suit families, each checked against official sources. Of these, 1 is free to enter, 1 has indoor space and 8 are marked as suiting toddlers.
Some animal experiences, tours and feeding sessions have to be booked in advance, so check the listing and the venue's website before you set off.
Free to enter
Free entry. Parking, food and activities inside can cost extra, so check each listing.
Image: Kenward PlaceKenward Place
Kenward Place is a countryside charity venue near Yalding, set around a manor house, where entry to the grounds, cafe and gift shop is free. Walk the friendly alpacas, meet the goats, try archery or disc golf, or simply enjoy coffee, cake and a light lunch at Kenward Cafe. It suits families, couples and dog owners, and every visit supports Kenward Trust's work helping people recover from addiction.
Paid entry
Each card shows the price band; the listing has the details.
Image: Eagle Heights Wildlife FoundationEagle Heights Wildlife Foundation
Eagle Heights is a non-profit wildlife foundation in the Darent Valley above Eynsford, caring for rescued animals and birds of prey. The daily flying display is the highlight, and visitors also meet rescued huskies and other animals, with bookable experiences such as flying an owl. Pair it with Lullingstone Roman Villa just down the road.
Image: Howletts Wild Animal ParkHowletts Wild Animal Park
Howletts is a 100-acre wild animal park near Canterbury, run by The Aspinall Foundation and home to more than 300 animals. Walk between the enclosures, then explore the Animals of the Ice Age trail of prehistoric creatures, which is included in your ticket. Allow a full day.
Image: Huckleberry WoodsHuckleberry Woods
Huckleberry Woods is a small, rustic farm near Faversham where micro pigs, miniature donkeys, teddy bear sheep, pygmy goats and alpacas roam freely around an old orchard. Book a relaxed 2-hour visit, add an experience such as a micro pig or donkey walk, then enjoy tea and cake at the mini cafe while children use the little play area. It suits families and animal lovers who want a quiet, uncrowded day out.
Image: Port Lympne Safari ParkPort Lympne Safari Park
Port Lympne is a 600-acre reserve near Hythe run by The Aspinall Foundation, where you can follow the walking routes or board a safari vehicle to see animals on its Kentish savannah. The Dinosaur Forest is included in your ticket, and there are several cafes plus a hotel for overnight stays. Plan for a full day.
Image: Wildwood KentWildwood Kent
Wildwood is a wildlife park set in 40 acres of ancient woodland between Canterbury and Herne Bay, home to more than 200 British animals past and present. See wolves, bears, bison and lynx alongside badgers, red squirrels and water voles, with walkthrough exhibits along the way. Allow half a day.
Image: Hemsley Conservation CentreHemsley Conservation Centre
A small zoo near Wrotham focused on conserving endangered species and their habitats. Visitors can see animals from monkeys to meerkats, catch keeper talks and book closer encounters such as a junior zookeeper day.
Image: Kent LifeKent Life
Kent Life is a heritage farm attraction at Sandling, just outside Maidstone, home to more than 200 farmyard animals from pigs and goats to donkeys and alpacas. Stroll the nature trail, meet the animals and check the calendar for seasonal events such as hops and harvest, fireworks and Christmas. It is aimed at families with young children and is dog-friendly in most areas.
Image: Wingham Wildlife ParkWingham Wildlife Park
Wingham Wildlife Park is a family-run zoo between Canterbury and Sandwich with a wide range of animals plus a Dinosaur Zoo. Animal experiences can be booked, and annual memberships suit regular visitors. It is open all year and fills a day comfortably.
Check the listing for prices
Prices vary by activity or are set by the venue, so we do not guess.
Image: Frampton FarmFrampton Farm
Frampton Farm is a small working farm near Dover that offers hands-on, pre-booked animal experiences, most of them exclusive to your group. Shadow the farmer on a feed round, walk goats or alpacas, or meet lambs, kids and piglets in spring. It suits families and animal lovers, and most experiences last 1 to 2 hours.
Image: Rare Breeds CentreRare Breeds Centre
The Rare Breeds Centre is a working farm and conservation park run by the Canterbury Oast Trust charity, set in 100 acres of countryside near Ashford. Children can meet more than 200 rare and native animals, ride the tractor trailer, explore woodland walks and burn off energy in the indoor soft play and outdoor play parks. Seasonal events include Halloween and a Christmas grotto.
Image: The Big Cat SanctuaryThe Big Cat Sanctuary
The Big Cat Sanctuary near Smarden is a conservation and rescue centre for wild cats, including lions rescued from Ukraine, Amur leopards, snow leopards, jaguars and clouded leopards. Visits are by pre-booked experience only, from 90-minute keeper-led Sanctuary Tours and hand-feeding Big Cat Encounters to photography workshops, afternoon tea and overnight lodge stays. It suits wildlife lovers and families with older children, and tours include full-day access.
Image: Willows Birds of Prey and Wildlife TrailWillows Bird of Prey Centre
Willows Birds of Prey and Wildlife Trail is set in 22 acres of countryside at Knockholt near Sevenoaks, next to the Coolings garden centre. Follow the woodland nature trail, see owls, hawks and eagles up close and catch the flying displays that run through the day. It suits families with children of all ages and makes an easy half day out.
Questions people ask
Which animal parks, farms and wildlife centres in Kent are free to enter?
Our listings show free entry at Kenward Place. Check each listing for anything charged on top, such as parking, food or activities.
Which of these suit toddlers?
Our listings mark Howletts Wild Animal Park, Huckleberry Woods, Rare Breeds Centre, Wildwood Kent, Willows Bird of Prey Centre, Hemsley Conservation Centre, Kent Life and Wingham Wildlife Park as suiting toddlers and young children.
Which of these have indoor space?
Our listings show indoor space at Rare Breeds Centre. The others are listed as outdoor visits, so dress for the weather.