About Ponderosa Zoo
Home to a diverse collection of wildlife and an exciting outdoor play area, this Wakefield zoo offers animal encounters and active fun for the whole family in accessible surroundings.
What's nearby
- Lakeside Restaurant next door
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Facilities
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
My children had visited previously but this was my first time and I have to say I was impressed by the sheer size of it. Lots of outdoor space so it didnt feel crowded. The children absolutely loved seeing all the animals and the outdoor play area is a massive bonus. We had a pizza which was delicious and freshly baked. There is a coffee shop and plenty ice cream to buy too. The gift shop is a lovely addition and very reasonably priced too. All in all we had a fabulous day out and the weather helped also spent nearly four hours there. We will definitely be going back during the next holidays.
· via Google
Absolutely brilliant place. Went Wednesday 27th May and had such a good time we are taking my niece on Friday! Everything you want from a family day out. The zoo is on the smaller side but is laid out incredibly well. The staff are all friendly and helpful. The price is brilliant across the zoo. Nothing overpriced. Beautiful well kept and maintained enclosures and a great selection of animals to see. The biggest compliment I can give is that the animals all look happy and healthy. This is clearly run with the animals welfare first and foremost and not as a place to just stare at unhappy, lifeless creatures. You may have to visit some enclosures a few times to spot the more elusive animals but it is well worth the effort. The scheduled talks are brilliant and informative. My son did the meerkat feeding and now wants to protect all meerkats. Each of us had a different favourite animal (mine is the Serval Venus). Absolutely wonderful place and well worth the visit. Looking forward to going again tomorrow!
· via Google
Brilliant family day out. Fantastic value for money. Not a huge zoo but a good variety of animals to see. There are a couple of parks, a man made beach area and air pillows to keep the kids occupied. Plenty of picnic tables around and a couple of cafés. Plenty of free parking available on site. The staff were very friendly. Certainly worth a visit.
· via Google
Well ! What a great little Zoo. We went with our Daughter for a birthday present. Spent a lot longer there than expected. Great day out with lots to see and do. Friendly helpful team and you actually get to see most of the animals. Very reasonable price and so is the food and drink inside as well. Recommend for a visit.
· via Google
Visitors say this zoo offers a good variety of well-cared-for animals and excellent play areas, including sandpits and bouncy pillows, perfect for younger children. They also highlight the reasonable entry fees, friendly staff, and good value for money on food and drinks.
Some reviews mention there can be few animals to see.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Off Smithies Lane, Liversedge, Heckmondwike, WF16 0PN Get directions
- Category
- Zoos & Animal Parks
- Guest rating
- 4.4 / 5 (3,213 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Suggested visit
- 1-2 hours
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Heckmondwike