Rangers 6-12 years

Rangers is a three-day workshop for children aged 6 to 12, running from Monday 10 to Wednesday 12 August at Dartmoor Zoo in Sparkwell. It's built for the school holidays, so it's a full-day thing rather than a quick visit: 10:00 to 16:00 each day, with the whole three days grouped together. The zoo pitches it as a fun and educational childcare alternative for parents, which is a fair way to put it — it's a full day's activity that keeps them occupied while you're working or sorting things out.

The days are fully interactive, so the kids aren't just watching from the side. They'll get to feed small mammals and spend time learning about the zoo's different species, with the animal encounters being the main draw. Lunch is in the Jaguar Restaurant, and there's a certificate of achievement at the end for everyone who completes the three days.

It's run by fully qualified teachers and teaching assistants, so it's not just zoo staff leading the sessions — there's a proper educational structure behind it. That's where the learning side comes in, as the animal encounters are paired with information about the species they're working with.

If you're looking for something to fill the middle of the August break, it's a solid option: three full days of animal-focused activities at Dartmoor Zoo, Sparkwell, Plymouth, PL7 5DG, from 10:00 to 16:00 daily, 10-12 August.