Horrible Science at London Zoo at London Zoo

This
summer, families are invited to step into a world of gruesome experiments,
time-travelling scientists and species-saving silliness as Horrible Science
takes over London Zoo for the school holidays.

Running
from Saturday 18 July to Wednesday 2 September and included with Zoo entry,
Horrible Science at London Zoo will bring two centuries of scientific discovery
to life through an immersive trail, live sketch shows and hands-on science
experiences inspired by some of the extraordinary characters who helped shape
ZSL's 200year history and based on
the books of Horrible Science author, Nick Arnold and illustrator, Tony De
Saulles, published by Scholastic.

At the
heart of the event is Back from the Brink, a fast-paced comedy sketch
show, where science goes spectacularly wrong and legendary ZSL scientists burst
through a time vortex with one mission: to save a species from extinction.
Along the way, families will meet pioneering figures from ZSL's past, take part
in live experiments and discover why protecting wildlife today is more
important than ever.

Across
the Zoo, young explorers can embark on a Horrible Science Trail,
travelling through centuries of zoological discovery as they search for six
famous ZSL scientists. Armed with their own Horrible Science Fact File,
children will solve puzzles, crack clues and uncover missing words hidden
throughout the Zoo, learning about remarkable figures including Charles Darwin,
Joan Procter, Christine Hawkey and Evelyn Cheesman along the way.

From
searching for hidden clues through vats of blood and spider webs and
investigating the science behind vampire bat saliva, each trail stop combines
fascinating science with hands-on family fun. Those who complete their Fact
File can collect their very own Horrible Scientist button badge.

Families
can also get stuck into a series of pop-up science experiments inspired
by the groundbreaking conservation work being carried out by ZSL today. Through
engaging activities and demonstrations, visitors will discover what ZSL
conservationists do to protect wildlife around the world - cue the poo and
slime!

Alongside
the Horrible Science activities, visitors can enjoy a full day out exploring
London Zoo's 8,500 animals, from majestic big cats and playful penguins to tiny
insects and endangered species from across the globe. Guests can also mark
special occasions with a host of upgraded animal experiences, such as Meet the
Capybara and Meet the Meerkats, or even wake up to the sound of lions roaring
with an overnight stay at London Zoo Lodges.

The
event forms part of ZSL's 200th anniversary year celebrations and will
run alongside ZSL’s vibrant new Heritage Exhibition and Zoo Plaques trail, and
a limited-edition immersive exhibition from Disney’s award-winning musical THE
LION KING, who are partnering with London Zoo again for a
summer-long exhibition (included in ticket entry). On select dates in August,
there will be pop up workshops with the team behind The Lion King,
including puppet workshops and dance workshops.

Running
throughout the summer holidays from Saturday 18 July to Wednesday 2 September,
Horrible Science at London Zoo is included with Zoo entry. London Zoo’s
accessibility programme, Zoo For All, will run on select weekends and every
Wednesday for visitors with additional needs.

For summer 2026
guests can save up to £39 on a Family Ticket to London Zoo, for groups
of either three or four, and the ticket also includes a FREE RETURN over
the summer.  FREE entry for kids under 3.

Find
out more and book tickets at www.londonzoo.org.