When it comes to a family day out for all the family, Paradise Wildlife Park (PWP) in Broxbourne is a perfect choice.
From big cats to small mammals, and from reptiles to birds of paradise, there is plenty to capture the interest of visitors of all ages in the World of Animals.
The primates are always hanging around, and there is even a farmyard to explore.
There are regular improvements made at the zoo, and now the sun bears and jaguars are enjoying new habitats, with Sun Bear Heights and Jaguar Jungle opening this year.
There is plenty of interaction from the friendly and informative staff at PWP, with regular animal feeds, talks and shows throughout the day, as well as pre-booked animal experiences.
Meanwhile, the World of Dinosaurs is one of the UK's biggest animatronic dinosaur attractions, set in acres of natural woodland. It features 30 life-size, moving and roaring dinosaurs - and even the odd water-spraying one, so watch out!
There's also the Rex Express dinosaur train, as well as a Dino Dig area, for little ones to become paleontologists and uncover fossils in the sand.
Children can burn off some energy in the outdoor play areas, or Tumble Jungle indoor soft play area, and why not have a go at Safari Adventure Golf? It's all included in the entry fee.
If the little ones are feeling hot, they can cool off with a splash at Boulders Beach, which boasts a large paddling pool and slide, with changing rooms located conveniently nearby.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for something to do during the October half-term, are you brave enough to walk amongst the dinosaurs after dark? Dinos After Dark at PWP will run from Friday, October 20 to Sunday, October 22 and from Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 29.
Packed full of dino-themed events, from T-Rex talks to exclusive entertainment, you can discover the World of Dinosaurs and watch them come alive from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, as the night begins to set in.
The Rex Express, safari stage shows, outdoor play areas, crazy golf, food outlets and shops will be open each evening too.
General tickets are £16 per person, with members' tickets £13 per person. Under 2’s are free to enter at the gate, with proof of identification.
To book, visit pwpark.com/events/dinos-after-dark-1
From April 1 next year, Paradise Wildlife Park will be re-branded as Hertfordshire Zoo, to celebrate the venue's 40th anniversary.
Founder Peter Sampson explained: "It’s time for us to look to the future and, as the natural world does, evolve. By becoming Hertfordshire Zoo, we want to align ourselves more closely with the whole of the Hertfordshire community and establish ourselves as a zoo that everyone across our county is proud of. We will shine a spotlight on Hertfordshire as a positive beacon for animal welfare, conservation and education."
Animal welfare, conservation and education is at the heart of Paradise Wildlife Park, which is family-run. Its registered charity, the Zoological Society of Hertfordshire (ZSH), raises funds to support wildlife conservation projects, both in the UK and around the globe. A key focus for ZSH is the conservation, in their natural habitat, of many of the threatened and endangered species you will see at Paradise Wildlife Park.
For more about Paradise Wildlife Park and the Zoological Society of Hertfordshire, and to book tickets, visit pwpark.com.
