Wingham Wildlife Park is all about discovery, where curious minds meet extraordinary animals, hands are busy with make-and-do, and families can share those "did you see that?" moments that become the highlight of the holidays.

With one of Kent's most diverse collections of species, from majestic big cats and elegant flamingos to intriguing bats and the irresistibly cute red panda, the park turns learning into pure, playful fun.

Wingham's focus is firmly on keeper talks, animal feeds and seasonal, hands-on activities and visitors can shape the perfect day by weaving regular presentations and feeding times into their route, catching animals at their liveliest while learning about care, conservation and the quirks that make each species special.

Halloween and half-term activities

A free programme of family-friendly events runs throughout the week at the park, which is close to the beautiful cathedral city of Canterbury.

The Education Centre becomes a creative hub on multiple days, hosting sensory stations and spooky-themed arts and crafts from late morning into the afternoon, ideal for small hands and big imaginations.

Reptile fans get a tactile treat on October 20, when the Reptile House hosts a reptile touch table in two relaxed blocks, 10.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 3.30pm.

Dinosaur enthusiasts can step into the Dinosaur Zoo on October 23 to meet a baby dinosaur between 10.30am and 1pm, then handle fascinating dinosaur artefacts from 2pm to 3.30pm.

Sustainability takes a turn in the spotlight towards the end of the week with a palm oil touch table in the giraffe / orangutan house, running 10.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 2.45pm on October 25.

Across the opening and closing weekends, along with Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, sensory play and craft sessions keep the Education Centre buzzing, from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

There are also seasonal pop-up talks exclusive to this time of year. On October 21 and 22, the education team presents Myth Busters at 11am by the wolf enclosure, Extinction at 12.30pm in the Dinosaur Zoo and Creepy Crawlies at 2pm in the Bug Garden.

The three themed sessions blend science, stories and a dash of spooky-season intrigue.

More to explore

Beyond the special programme, the park's resident stars take centre stage. Big cats prowl, penguins preen and splash, lemurs leap and red pandas munch their bamboo in style. The Dino Park offers roarsome photo moments and prehistoric wonder, while a round of crazy golf adds friendly competition between talks and feeds.

For blustery or drizzly days, the indoor soft play provides a lively, weather-proof pit stop where little legs can clamber and slide while adults take five.

Keep the curiosity going

For a dose of behind-the-scenes insight before or after a visit, Wingham's YouTube podcast, What's Up With Zoo, delivers animal stories, keeper chats and conservation conversations in a family-friendly format. A quick search for "What's Up With Zoo" on YouTube brings up the latest episodes.

Discover everything that is on at winghamwildlifepark.co.uk

*As with all live events, times and locations can change; on-park notices and the website carry the latest details on the day.