HORRIBLE SCIENCE® brings gruesome experiments and time-travelling scientists to London Zoo this summer
A species-saving, science-gone-bonkers adventure for families
18 July – 2 September 2026 | Included with Zoo entry
Celebrating 200 Years of ZSL
This summer, families are invited to step into a world of gruesome experiments, time-travelling scientists and species-saving silliness as Horrible Science takes over London Zoo for the school holidays.
Running from Saturday 18 July to Wednesday 2 September and included with Zoo entry, Horrible Science at London Zoo will bring two centuries of scientific discovery to life through an immersive trail, live sketch shows and hands-on science experiences inspired by some of the extraordinary characters who helped shape ZSL’s 200year history and based on the books of Horrible Science author, Nick Arnold and illustrator, Tony De Saulles, published by Scholastic.
At the heart of the event is Back from the Brink, a fast-paced comedy sketch show, where science goes spectacularly wrong and legendary ZSL scientists burst through a time vortex with one mission: to save a species from extinction. Along the way, families will meet pioneering figures from ZSL’s past, take part in live experiments and discover why protecting wildlife today is more important than ever.
Across the Zoo, young explorers can embark on a Horrible Science Trail, travelling through centuries of zoological discovery as they search for six famous ZSL scientists. Armed with their own Horrible Science Fact File, children will solve puzzles, crack clues and uncover missing words hidden throughout the Zoo, learning about remarkable figures including Charles Darwin, Joan Procter, Christine Hawkey and Evelyn Cheesman along the way.
From searching for hidden clues through vats of blood and spider webs and investigating the science behind vampire bat saliva, each trail stop combines fascinating science with hands-on family fun. Those who complete their Fact File can collect their very own Horrible Scientist button badge.
Families can also get stuck into a series of pop-up science experiments inspired by the groundbreaking conservation work being carried out by ZSL today. Through engaging activities and demonstrations, visitors will discover what ZSL conservationists do to protect wildlife around the world – cue the poo and slime!
Alongside the Horrible Science activities, visitors can enjoy a full day out exploring London Zoo’s 8,500 animals, from majestic big cats and playful penguins to tiny insects and endangered species from across the globe. Guests can also mark special occasions with a host of upgraded animal experiences, such as Meet the Capybara and Meet the Meerkats, or even wake up to the sound of lions roaring with an overnight stay at London Zoo Lodges.
The event forms part of ZSL’s 200th anniversary yearcelebrations and will run alongside ZSL’s vibrant new Heritage Exhibition and Zoo Plaques trail, and a limited-edition immersive exhibition from Disney’s award-winning musical THE LION KING, who are partnering with London Zoo again for a summer-long exhibition (included in ticket entry). On select dates in August, there will be pop up workshops with the team behindThe Lion King, including puppet workshops and dance workshops.
Running throughout the summer holidays from Saturday 18 July to Wednesday 2 September, Horrible Science at London Zoo is included with Zoo entry. London Zoo’s accessibility programme, Zoo For All, will run on select weekends and every Wednesday for visitors with additional needs.
For summer 2026 guests can save up to £39 on aFamily Ticket to London Zoo, for groups of either three or four, and the ticket also includes a FREE RETURNover the summer. FREE entry for kids under 3.
Find out more and book tickets at www.londonzoo.org.
