Beauval Zoo: Family Activities & Animal Wonders – Feb 7 – Mar 9, 2026

ZooParc de Beauval, consistently ranked among the world’s finest zoos, is bolstering its appeal with a series of new family-focused activities and the upcoming launch of two major new zones in 2026. The park, located in Saint-Aignan, France, is preparing for a busy season, with initiatives designed to enhance both the educational and entertainment value for visitors.

Beginning Saturday, February 7th, the “Maison Beauval Nature” will host a new program of activities centered around the theme “Bêtes inconnues : drôles de capacités” (“Unknown Beasts: Funny Abilities”). These daily events, running through March 9th, 2026, aim to highlight the surprising capabilities of animals. Activities will be held daily from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm.

The program includes a hands-on craft activity where visitors can design and create their own monster masks, inspired by the park’s “MonstroZoo” exhibit. Kits are available for purchase for €5, with all proceeds benefiting the Beauval Nature association. A free game, “À chacun sa langue” (“Everyone Has Their Tongue”), challenges participants to identify the tongue of various animals – including a giant anteater, giraffe, lion, and arapaima – and collect “termites” to feed the anteater.

Further free games are designed to test visitors’ animal knowledge. “Qui se ressemble, s’assemble” (“Like Attracts Like”) requires participants to match animal photos with their species names and identify males from females, with park naturalists on hand to provide assistance and additional facts. “Tous aux abris” (“Everyone Take Cover”) focuses on the defense mechanisms of the giant armadillo.

For those seeking a more extended challenge, a scavenger hunt, “À la découverte de l’Océanie” (“Discovering Oceania”), will guide visitors through the park to learn about the often-overlooked species of Oceania. A workbook, available at the Maison Beauval Nature, will be used to track progress, with corrections and a reward available upon completion. This activity also carries a €5 participation fee, with proceeds going to the Beauval Nature association.

ZooParc de Beauval is also preparing for the 2026 season with the opening of two significant new zones: “Les Terres Rouges” (The Red Lands), a large Australian area, and “Bucolia,” a giant educational farm. “Les Terres Rouges” will be particularly notable as it will feature hairy-nosed wombats, seen for the first time in France, and Tasmanian devils. “Bucolia” will include a 1500 m² aquatic play area called “Les Roches Vives,” alongside opportunities to interact with farm animals.

The park, which celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2025, currently houses over 35,000 animals representing 800 different species across 22 territories. It’s consistently recognized as one of the most beautiful zoos globally, and is ranked as the 4th most beautiful zoo in the world. The addition of these new zones is intended to transform the park into a more comprehensive destination, combining adventure, education, and relaxation for families.

Currently, access to the ZooParc is limited to the north entrance, near the Equatorial Dome, due to the closure of the south entrance until February 6th, 2026. Visitors staying at the Beauval Hotels are strongly encouraged to travel by car. Ticket options include one-day passes, two-day passes, and annual ZooPasses for unlimited access. Keeper-for-a-Day programs are also available for both adults and children aged 6-15, offering behind-the-scenes experiences with the animals.

Opening hours vary throughout the year. In February, the zoo is open from 9am to 6:30pm. Hours are extended to 7pm in March and October, 7:30pm in April, May, June, and September, and 8:30pm in July and August. These hours are subject to change based on visitor numbers and weather conditions.