Visiting the ARK Wildlife and Dinosaur Park in Lincolnshire promises a day filled with memorable animal encounters, dinosaur thrills, and family-friendly fun. While I haven’t experienced it firsthand, I’ve gathered plenty of insights to help you decide if this unique sanctuary is worth your time and money.
What catches our eye? First, the park’s rescue sanctuary ethos, which means you’re supporting a good cause while enjoying the animals. Second, the combo of indoor and outdoor attractions ensures rain or shine, and third, the Jurassic Ark promises a walk among dinosaurs, an instant hit with kids and adults alike.
One thing to keep in mind is that the park is closed in January, so planning around that is essential. This experience is best suited for families, animal lovers, or anyone eager for a quirky, educational day out with plenty of playful activities.
Good To Know
- Rescue Sanctuary Focus: The park operates as a rescue for exotic animals, adding an ethical dimension to your visit.
- Diverse Animal Collection: From exotic mammals to reptiles, there’s a wide array of animals to see and learn about.
- Indoor & Outdoor Attractions: Tropical House, soft play, Dino land, and more keep the fun going rain or shine.
- Dinosaurs for All Ages: Lincolnshire’s largest dinosaur attraction, Jurassic Ark, offers a prehistoric adventure.
- Family-Friendly Facilities: Outdoor play parks, soft play areas, and cafes make it ideal for young children.
- Seasonal Variations & Accessibility: Closed in January but accessible and wheelchair-friendly at other times.
What is the ARK Wildlife and Dinosaur Park?
The ARK Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is a unique blend of a rescue sanctuary and a family-friendly zoo, located in Lincolnshire. Unlike traditional zoos, it specializes in caring for exotic animals that need a second chance, which makes your visit feel a bit more meaningful.
The park is designed to be both educational and entertaining, giving visitors a chance to learn about rescue efforts while getting close to a variety of fascinating animals — from exotic mammals to stunning reptiles. It’s a place that balances conservation with fun, making it perfect for those who want to support a good cause while enjoying a day out.
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What You Can Expect During Your Visit
Once inside, you’ll notice the diverse range of animals. The park’s focus on rescue means some animals, like the ring-tailed lemurs living at Lemur Lake, have been saved from poor conditions. The Macaque Manor houses Rhesus and Barbary Macaques, giving you a chance to observe primates up close.
The indoor attractions are a highlight, especially on unpredictable weather days. The Tropical House offers a lush environment filled with tropical plants and animals, providing a nice break from outdoor exploring. The Familiar Friends Barn is great for kids to see farmyard animals, making it a well-rounded experience for families.
The all-weather play area and Dino Racers (battery-powered quads for children) are perfect for burning off some energy after walking around. For those interested in a brain teaser, the Escape Room (which requires booking in advance) adds a fun, interactive element to your day.
Jurassic Ark: Lincolnshire’s Largest Dinosaur Attraction
No visit is complete without checking out Jurassic Ark, a sprawling dinosaur land that’s the biggest of its kind in Lincolnshire. Here, you’ll come face-to-face with lifelike dinosaur sculptures, some of which move and roar, making it an immersive experience.
Children especially love walking through the Dino Bites Pizza outlet, which offers delicious, freshly cooked, stone-baked pizza — perfect for refueling after exploring the prehistoric world. The Dino Racers also add a playful element, letting kids zoom around in miniature battery-powered quads, often for a small extra charge.
The park’s dinosaur exhibits are designed not just for fun but also to spark curiosity about prehistoric life, making it both entertaining and educational.
Animal Encounters and Unique Experiences
While the park emphasizes rescue and conservation, it also offers opportunities for closer animal encounters, which you might find require prior booking and payment. Visitors have reported seeing some of Lincolnshire’s most diverse wildcats, including seldom-seen species, which makes the park stand out compared to traditional zoos.
The Nocturnal House — Kinkajou Cavern — is another highlight, allowing you to peek into the twilight world of this playful, nocturnal creature. Walking around Macaque Manor and Lemur Lake** also offers quiet moments to observe these intelligent animals in naturalistic habitats.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyFood, Facilities, and Accessibility
The Kalahari Cafe provides a cozy spot to relax with a selection of locally made cakes, savories, and refreshments. For a quick, satisfying meal, the Dino Bites pizza outlet is available, particularly during busy times.
The park is wheelchair accessible and offers a family-friendly environment, with plenty of activities suitable for children of all ages. The outdoor play parks are sizable, with safe equipment and plenty of space for kids to explore.
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Practical Details and Tips
The ticket price of $18.18 per person offers good value considering the variety of attractions and the fact that part of your ticket supports animal rescue efforts. The tickets are valid for 150 days, giving you flexibility to plan your visit, but check the park’s seasonal opening times since it is closed in January.
To make the most of your visit, arrive early to beat crowds and allow ample time to explore both indoor and outdoor areas. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially if you want to try the Escape Room or various animal encounters.
The park operates on a flexible schedule, but availability varies depending on the season, so always double-check the opening times on their website before planning your trip.
The Sum Up
The ARK Wildlife and Dinosaur Park in Lincolnshire offers a well-rounded day out combining animal rescue, interactive wildlife, and dinosaur adventures. With engaging attractions for kids and adults alike, it’s ideal for families looking for educational fun or animal lovers wanting to support a rescue sanctuary.
The park’s focus on conservation alongside entertainment makes it stand out from more traditional zoos. The blend of indoor and outdoor attractions ensures a comfortable experience in any weather, while the dinosaur land adds a dash of prehistoric excitement.
Overall, at just over $18, this ticket grants access to a variety of memorable experiences that combine value, fun, and purpose. It’s a place that doesn’t just entertain but also educates visitors about the importance of animal rescue and conservation.
If you’re seeking a family-friendly day with a good cause at its heart, this spot in Lincolnshire is definitely worth considering.
FAQs
Is the park open year-round?
No, the park is closed in January. Check seasonal opening times on the website before planning your visit.
How long can I stay at the park?
Your ticket is valid for 150 days, so you can visit at your convenience within that period, but typical visits last around 3-4 hours.
Are there indoor activities?
Yes, attractions like the Tropical House, soft play, and the all-weather play area keep visitors entertained indoors, regardless of the weather.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Food and drinks are available for purchase at the Kalahari Cafe and Dino Bites. Bringing your own is not specified, so check policy if you prefer to picnic.
Are animal encounters available?
Yes, but booking and payment are required in advance for most encounters, including some of the more exclusive animals.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the park is wheelchair friendly, making it accessible for all visitors.
What extra costs should I be aware of?
Extras include the Escape Room, Dino Racers, and animal encounter bookings. These are paid separately and in advance.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
It’s recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to secure your preferred date and avoid disappointment, especially during peak times.
In all, the ARK Wildlife and Dinosaur Park offers an engaging, meaningful, and fun-filled day out perfect for families and animal enthusiasts. The combination of rescue efforts, interactive exhibits, and dinosaur adventures creates a memorable experience that’s well worth the modest entrance fee.
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