Lagos Zoo Portugal

Built in 1997 and opened in November 2000, the Parque Zoologico de Lagos (or Lagos Zoo, as it's commonly known) is one of the most popular spots for a family day out..

Every kind of animal imaginable

Home to more than 140 different species of animals from five continents, you'll also find 200 types of plants here, so make sure you pack your camera for your visit because there's plenty of photo opportunities. The zoo is actually fairly small, making it a great day out for those with younger children as it's not too tiring to walk around. for little legs. This beautiful, relaxing spot is the perfect place to visit the animals and enjoy a picnic or lunch in the sunshine.

Getting here

It couldn't be easier to get to the zoo if you're staying in Lagos; it's just a 20-minute drive up the A22. You can also take the bus; the Onda Verde (Linha 6) runs from early in the morning until mid-evening throughout the year, taking you from the centre of Lagos to the zoo's gates. You'll find the buses here run fairly frequently and this is an affordable way to enjoy a day out if you're not hiring a car.

Opening and feeding times

The opening times of Lagos Zoo vary throughout the year, however the park is always open seven days a week. During the summer months you can visit between 10am and 7pm, with slightly shorter opening times off-season. It's always best to call or check online before setting off, to make sure the zoo will be open.. Feeding times for the animals can vary too, but if you're here at midday, you're likely to see the meerkats enjoying their lunch. A little later in the day, primate feeding time usually takes place after 3pm, when you can feed the otters, pelicans and penguins too.

What can you see?

Lagos Zoo is a fun day out for the whole family, where kids and adults of all ages are sure to have a great time. Here you'll see birds, reptiles, fish, lemurs, otters, pelicans and primates, as well as the fascinating bat enclosure. Don't forget to spend some time at Penguin Beach, a recreation of the South African ”Boulders Beach', home to African Penguins. This is a unique opportunity to see penguins up close and personal, watching them play underwater and hopping around the beach You can also take younger children to the petting zoo to see the goats, pigs and other small animals.

A great day out at Lagos Zoo

You can buy tickets for the zoo online or at the gate, but by booking online in advance you'll usually get a small discount, which is great if you're bringing the kids and are on a budget. We recommend packing a picnic as there are plenty of beautiful spots to relax and watch the animals as you enjoy your lunch.

If you'd rather buy your food at the zoo, the Restaurante O Cangalho near the entrance serves up a delicious range of Portuguese dishes throughout the day, with an outside seating area that's perfect for enjoying the summer sunshine.

The zoo has two playgrounds for younger children, surrounded by miles of lush, green parkland and a sparkling lake. This is a great spot to grab a drink or a bite to eat while the kids let off some steam. It might be small, but Lagos Zoo really does have something for all ages. If the kids are bored of building sandcastles on the beach or you're looking for an activity to keep them entertained, you can't go wrong with this family day out.

Affordable entry, plenty of sunny spots to enjoy a picnic, and a wide variety of different species of animals ensures everybody will enjoy their trip to the zoo.

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