Greenacres Animal Park – Tickets, Opening Times & Visitor Guide

Greenacres Animal Park in Mancot, Flintshire, is a family-run zoo and animal attraction near the North Wales–Cheshire border. The park is home to more than 50 species of exotic and farm animals, alongside indoor soft play, outdoor play areas, seasonal activities and animal experiences.

Visitors can see animals, join selected meet-and-greet or feeding sessions and, on some dates, add activities such as tractor rides. Opening days and activities vary considerably through the year, so check the current timetable and ticket options before travelling.

Greenacres Animal Park at a Glance

• Best for: Families, younger children and animal lovers
• Highlights: More than 50 species, farm and exotic animals, animal meet-and-greets, indoor soft play, outdoor play and seasonal activities
• Tickets: Different ticket packages operate according to season and available activities
• Opening times: Opening days vary through the year, with more limited term-time opening outside school holidays
• Booking: Tickets can be bought online or on arrival, while animal experiences should be booked in advance
• Visit length: Allow several hours, especially if including play areas, activities and animal sessions
• Parking: Use the main visitor car park on Colliery Lane, postcode CH5 2TZ
• Location: Cottage Lane, Mancot, Deeside, Flintshire, CH5 2AZ
• Indoor option: Indoor soft play is included with admission, making the attraction more useful in mixed weather
• Food and drink: An on-site café serves hot and cold food

Opening times: Greenacres Animal Park does not operate the same opening pattern throughout the year. It opens more frequently during school holidays, while term-time and off-peak opening can be limited to selected weekdays and weekends. Check the current booking calendar before travelling, particularly outside school holidays.

Tickets and prices: Greenacres uses different seasonal ticket packages. Standard admission covers the animal park and play areas, while additional activities such as tractor rides or animal experiences may depend on the ticket type, season or day of visit. Check the current ticket options before booking so you know what is included.

Indoor soft play: Admission includes access to the indoor soft-play area, giving families an indoor option alongside the animal park. This makes Greenacres more flexible in changeable weather, although much of the attraction itself remains outdoors.

Weather: Much of Greenacres is outdoors, and the park may occasionally close in severe weather. If conditions are poor, check current opening information before setting out.

What is Greenacres Animal Park?

It is a family-run zoo and wildlife park set within 80 acres of the North Wales countryside. Originally a dairy farm, it has evolved into a diverse attraction that blends traditional farmyard life with zoological exhibits.

Where is it located?

The park is situated on Cottage Lane in Deeside, Flintshire (CH5 2AZ). It is highly accessible, located just off the A494, approximately 5 miles from Chester and 15 miles from Liverpool.

What can you do, see, and experience?

Visitors can encounter over 50 species of animals ranging from domestic farm favourites to exotic wildlife.

• Animal Interactions: There is a supervised pets’ corner for meeting rabbits, guinea pigs, and ducklings. You can also buy bags of feed for the goats and ducks.
• Exotic Species: The park houses reptiles, exotic birds, lemurs, and even hybrid wolves.
• Activities: Seasonal highlights include tractor rides through the fields to see llamas and alpacas, pony rides, and a Victorian fairground featuring a mini Ferris wheel.
• Play Areas: There is both an outdoor playground and a two-level indoor soft play barn for children to burn off energy.
• Special Encounters: For an extra fee, you can book structured experiences like wolf encounters or “keeper for a day” sessions.

How long do people typically spend there?

On average, visitors spend 3 to 5 hours exploring the grounds. Families with younger children often find enough activities to make it a full-day outing, especially when including time for the soft play and fairground rides.

Who will enjoy it most?

• Families with young children: The park is perfectly tailored for toddlers and primary-school-aged children who enjoy hands-on contact with animals and varied play areas.
• Wildlife Enthusiasts: Those interested in specific species, such as the hybrid wolves or birds of prey, will find the educational keeper talks particularly rewarding.
• Hobbyists: Photography enthusiasts and those who enjoy a slower-paced, “homely” atmosphere compared to larger, more commercial zoos will appreciate the setting.

Suitability and Potential Limitations

• Perfect Suitability: It is ideal for those seeking a manageable, interactive day out where children can get very close to the animals.
• Limited Experience: Because much of the park is outdoors and situated on a former farm, poor weather can limit the experience. Some of the animal enclosures and paths may not be fully accessible to wheelchair users, particularly for the specific “animal encounter” sessions which often involve steps or tight spaces.

Best Time to Visit

• Quieter Times: Visiting on weekdays during term time (when open) or arriving exactly at 10:30 am on weekends usually ensures a more peaceful experience.
• For More Fun: The summer holidays are best for the full range of activities, as tractor rides and certain “GOLD” ticket activities only run during peak periods.
• Weather: A dry, sunny day is recommended to fully enjoy the 80-acre outdoor walk and the tractor tours.

What makes it unique?

While there are other farm parks nearby, Greenacres is the only zoo in Flintshire. Its unique selling point is the blend of a traditional Victorian fairground with exotic animal exhibits like wolves and lemurs, all within a family-run environment that feels less “industrial” than major zoological gardens.

Budget and Membership Offers

• Discounted Tickets: The park offers “BRONZE” tickets during the winter months (February and March), which are cheaper but exclude some seasonal activities like tractor rides.
• Group Benefits: There are specific price packages for schools, nurseries, and large groups.
• Annual Membership: Frequent visitors can benefit from season passes, which provide general admission throughout the main season. This is highly cost-effective for local families planning to visit more than three or four times a year.

Visitor Advice

• Clothing: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes or wellies. As a working farm environment, it can get muddy or dusty depending on the season.
• Food: While there is an on-site café (Hungry Horse/Kookaburra Café) serving hot food, visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated outdoor areas to save money.
• Parking: There is free on-site parking available for all guests.
• Feeding Tip: If you buy animal feed, it often comes in a paper bag; bringing a small plastic bag to keep it in can prevent the paper from tearing.