Unwrap Joy: Animal gift experiences for kids
As Christmas approaches, why not think beyond traditional toys and gadgets and give a gift that creates memories too? For animal-loving children, an animal experience can be a brilliant way to get closer to wildlife, learn something new and enjoy a day they’ll remember.
Here are a few ideas for animal gift experiences in and around the Kidderminster, Stourbridge and Dudley areas.
🦁 West Midland Safari Park
For a really special animal experience, West Midland Safari Park has plenty of options beyond a standard day out. Gift vouchers can be used towards admission, annual passes and VIP Experiences, giving animal lovers the chance to choose their own adventure.
For younger animal lovers aged 5–9, the Mini Keeper Experience gives children the chance to meet, feed and help care for some of the Park’s smaller and friendlier animals, including meerkats, ferrets, rabbits and chinchillas.
For older children aged 10–15, the Junior Keeper Experience offers a taste of life as a real keeper. They can meet and help care for animals including rhinos, lemurs and meerkats, visit the Reptile House and get out into the Safari Drive with their guide.
There are also a whole host of other VIP experiences and animal feeds available, including giraffes, lions, Indian rhinos, lemurs and meerkats, as well as a Family Creature Feature for younger animal lovers.
There really is something for every animal fan – and an experience they’ll be talking about long after Christmas!
🦒 Dudley Zoo & Castle
For animal-mad children, Dudley Zoo & Castle is another great place to find an experience gift. As well as a day exploring the Zoo and its historic castle, there are lots of opportunities to get closer to the animals and their keepers.
Children aged 8–13 can become a Little Zoo Keeper for the day, getting a taste of what it’s like to work alongside the Zoo’s keepers and special animals.
There are also a range of Close Encounter experiences, including feeding giraffes and penguins and meeting lemurs, as well as experiences with sloths, big cats and other animals. Age restrictions vary depending on the experience.
Dudley Zoo also offers animal adoptions and gift vouchers, so there are plenty of options for children who simply can’t get enough of animals!
🐾 WILD Zoological Park
For something a little different, WILD Zoological Park near Stourbridge offers animal experiences and the chance to learn more about the creatures in its care.
The Junior Keeper Day is aimed at children aged 7–13 and gives budding young zookeepers the chance to spend a day learning what it takes to care for animals. Children can get involved with tasks including cleaning habitats, preparing food and creating enrichment activities, while learning about animal care and responsibility.
There are also opportunities through the WILD Explorers Society, giving young animal lovers the chance to get involved with special events, animal awareness days and further educational workshops.
It’s a lovely option for children who don’t just want to see animals – they want to learn more about them too!
🐑 Little Owl Farm Park – Stourport
For younger animal lovers, Little Owl Farm Park is a lovely choice for a family day out and makes a great experience gift. Children can meet and enjoy a range of farm animals, with seasonal events and activities throughout the year.
Gift vouchers are available online and are valid for 12 months, so the lucky recipient can choose when they’d like to enjoy their day at the farm.
A lovely option for children who love getting up close to animals and enjoying a good old-fashioned day on the farm!
🐄 Lower Drayton Farm – Penkridge
Lower Drayton Farm offers a brilliant family day out at its PLAY@ farm attraction. Alongside its huge indoor and outdoor play areas, families can meet and enjoy the farm’s friendly animals.
Gift vouchers can be used for entry to PLAY@, making it an easy experience gift for animal-loving children – and one that the whole family can enjoy together.
🦉 More animal experience ideas
The Falconry Centre – Hagley
For something a little different, why not give the gift of a bird of prey experience? The Falconry Centre offers opportunities to get close to and learn about birds of prey and owls, with children’s and family experiences available.
And don’t forget alpacas! 🦙
Alpaca walks and animal encounters can make a lovely experience gift too – a chance to get outside, meet some friendly animals and enjoy a walk together. It’s worth looking at what’s available within reach of our area when you’re planning your Christmas shopping.
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Do you offer an animal experience that you think our readers would love? Get in touch with Raring2go! Kidderminster & Stourbridge at kidderminster@raring2go.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you!
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🎁 Give them an experience they’ll remember…
Whether they’re fascinated by big cats, obsessed with farm animals or dreaming of becoming a zookeeper, there are lots of ways to turn their love of animals into a memorable gift.
Don’t forget to check age restrictions, dates, availability and voucher terms before buying. And if the experience doesn’t offer a physical gift voucher, you can always make your own little voucher to wrap up and give on Christmas Day!
Looking for more experience gift ideas? Take a look at our other Unwrap Joy guides for creative and activity experiences too.
Please, if you purchase from any of the above after reading this article, please let them know that Raring2go! Kidderminster and Stourbridge sent you 😊
