# Ponderosa Zoo, Heckmondwike — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > 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. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/heckmondwike/attractions/ponderosa-zoo (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Zoo # Ponderosa Zoo Ponderosa R T C [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=14257446914635793276&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Ponderosa Zoo](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/113548708747523727097) **In short:** Ponderosa Zoo is a zoo in Heckmondwike, rated 4.4 out of 5 from 3,213 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## 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 Toilets Free Wifi Gift Shop Onsite Parking Accessible Toilets Baby Changing Food Available Wheelchair Friendly Pushchair Friendly Card Payments Accepted Wheelchair Hire ## 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 [Marsha A](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106032537561631842350/reviews) ★★★★★ 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 [Bryan Harper](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117108423644414844105/reviews) ★★★★★ 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 [Deborah Wright](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114131475674026722093/reviews) ★★★★★ 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 [Matt Hart](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116164940517560160998/reviews) ★★★★★ 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 [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x487bdf9459739943:0xc5dca06dfedb037c!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) 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](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=53.6942142%2C-1.6705093) **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 [More attractions in Heckmondwike](https://staycation.co.uk/heckmondwike/attractions) ★ 4.4 (3,213 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.ponderosa-centre.co.uk/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01924235276](tel:01924235276) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Heckmondwike **Postcode** WF16 0PN **Payment** Cards, Contactless **Plus Code** 9C5WM8VH+MQ [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x487bdf9459739943:0xc5dca06dfedb037c!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487bdf9459739943:0xc5dca06dfedb037c!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487bdf9459739943:0xc5dca06dfedb037c!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Heckmondwike Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DHeckmondwike%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/heckmondwike/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/heckmondwike/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Ponderosa Zoo? Ponderosa Zoo is open Mon–Sun 10am–5pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Ponderosa Zoo any good? Ponderosa Zoo is rated 4.4 out of 5 from 3,213 Google reviews. ### Is Ponderosa Zoo good for children? Yes, Ponderosa Zoo is listed as good for children. ### How long do you need at Ponderosa Zoo? Allow one to two hours. ### Is Ponderosa Zoo indoors or outdoors? Ponderosa Zoo has both indoor and outdoor areas. ### What ages is Ponderosa Zoo suitable for? Ponderosa Zoo suits all ages. ### Is Ponderosa Zoo wheelchair accessible? Ponderosa Zoo has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. ### Is there parking at Ponderosa Zoo? Yes: free car park, paid car park and free street parking. ### How do I contact Ponderosa Zoo? Call Ponderosa Zoo on +44 1924 235276. ## Stay near Ponderosa Zoo [Holiday cottages nearby 82](https://staycation.co.uk/near/ponderosa-zoo/cottages) [Campsites nearby 14](https://staycation.co.uk/near/ponderosa-zoo/camping) [Hotels and B&Bs nearby 10](https://staycation.co.uk/near/ponderosa-zoo/hotels) ## More near Ponderosa Zoo ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [The Liversedge ★ 4.0 · 1.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/liversedge/hotels/the-liversedge) - [Healds Hall Hotel ★ 4.5 · 1.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/cleckheaton/hotels/healds-hall-hotel) - [Geordie Pride Lodge ★ 4.7 · 1.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/liversedge/hotels/geordie-pride-lodge) - [Healey House Hotel ★ 3.1 · 1.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/batley/hotels/healey-house-hotel) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Martha’s Place 2.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/kirklees/cottages/martha-s-place-uk45210) - [Ashgrove Leisure - Clock Tower Cottage 4.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/calderdale/cottages/ashgrove-leisure-clock-tower-cottage-uk51907) - [Ashgrove Leisure - The Parsonage 4.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/calderdale/cottages/ashgrove-leisure-the-parsonage-uk51906) - [Ashgrove Leisure - The Coach House 4.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/calderdale/cottages/ashgrove-leisure-the-coach-house-uk51908) ### Campsites nearby - [Highfield House Caravan Park ★ 4.5 · 4.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/west-yorkshire/camping/highfield-house-caravan-park) - [Parkwood Activity Centre Certificated Site ★ 4.7 · 5.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/west-yorkshire/camping/parkwood-activity-centre-certificated-site) - [R.S.H. Southedge Works Campsite (Certificated Site) ★ 4.4 · 6.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/west-yorkshire/camping/r-s-h-southedge-works-campsite-certificated-site) - [Plane Trees Farm Certificated Location ★ 5.0 · 6.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/west-yorkshire/camping/plane-trees-farm-certificated-location) ### Things to do nearby - [Krazy Kids Adventure World ★ 4.4 · 1.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/heckmondwike/attractions/krazy-kids-adventure-world) - [Tenpin Dewsbury ★ 3.7 · 1.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dewsbury/attractions/tenpin-dewsbury) - [Diddy Middys ★ 4.3 · 2.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/cleckheaton/attractions/diddy-middys) - [Bagshaw Museum and Wilton Park ★ 4.5 · 2.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/batley/attractions/bagshaw-museum-and-wilton-park)