Tropical World

Is it right for my child?

• Ages: Tropical World calls itself an adventure for visitors of all ages, and under 3s go free.
• What children love: meerkats in the Desert House, small monkeys and sulcata tortoises in the Rainforest Canopy, and piranhas in the Aquarium. Butterflies and birds fly free in the Butterfly House, and birds in the Waterfall House.
• Behind the waterfall: the visual story says you can stand behind the large waterfall in the Waterfall House.
• Heat: the FAQ warns that it is hot inside, and the visual story calls it very warm and humid. Dress children in layers.
• Dark corners: Creature Cavern is dark, with venomous, clawed and prickly animals behind glass. The way into the Butterfly House is a short dark corridor.
• Sounds and smells: expect creaky floorboards, noisy fans, running water and calling birds.
• Honest note: animal welfare comes first, so not every animal will always be visible. Some areas may be closed for maintenance.

Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist

• Arrive by 3.30pm, as last entry is 30 minutes before the 4pm close.
• Book online or buy on arrival at the gift shop. On 12 November 2026, the ticket shop said pre-booked visitors still join the queue on arrival.
• Bring your LeedsCard, Max Card or carer ID. On 12 November 2026, the ticket shop said anyone without the card for a discounted ticket pays the difference.
• Visit the toilets first. There are no toilets inside the zoo part.
• Bring layers you can carry. The group visits FAQ says there is no bag and coat storage unless a group books an education room.
• The visual story says no food is allowed past the admissions desk, so you might bring or buy a bottle of water.

Prices and tickets

• Adults: £9.50.
• Children aged 3 to 15: £5.50.
• Under 3s: free.
• LeedsCard: £7.60. LeedsCard Extra: £5.70.
• Max Card: one carer goes free with a full paying child.
• Carers: one carer goes free with relevant ID. A second carer pays the standard price.

On 12 November 2026, the online ticket shop showed the same prices for 21 November and 19 December. The gift shop takes cash and card. Your ticket is valid all day, and you join the queue again to re-enter.

Gift ideas: adopting a meerkat or sulcata tortoise costs £30 for 12 months, including a cuddly toy and one admission ticket. Ask staff on your visit. The keeper-led tortoise experience costs £70 for two people, including entry, at 10.30am from Wednesday to Sunday. The minimum age is 8, with one child per adult, and closed cap footwear must be worn.

Pushchairs, babies and toilets

• Pushchairs: the FAQ says there is level access around the building, with paths wide enough for prams and wheelchairs. Ramps and automatic doors serve the entrance and exit.
• Underfoot: the visual story mentions a signed one-way route, slight inclines and a Waterfall House path that is sometimes wet.
• Toilets: at the entrance, to the left of the admissions area, and in the café. There is an accessible toilet.
• Baby changing: the official pages do not mention baby changing, so bring a changing mat.

Food and drink

Tropical World Café opens 10am to 3.30pm in winter, with hot food until 3pm. Breakfast sandwiches are served until midday. Through the day it offers soup, jacket potatoes, toasties, sandwiches and cakes. There are children’s breakfasts, hot lunches and lunch boxes, and all children’s lunches come with a drink. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available.

Only food and drink bought at Tropical World can be eaten in the café. The Tropical Lookout sells pizza and ice cream, and opens subject to the weather. The café page gives no separate Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve hours. Phone 0113 529 0882 to check.

Getting there and parking

• Address: Princes Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2ER. Phone 0113 535 2132.
• By bus: numbers 2 and 12 stop right outside the door.
• Parking: Tropical World says free parking is available close by, a short walk away, and paid parking is also available.
• Council car parks: Roundhay Park’s car parks charge 8am to 8pm every day. Up to 2 hours costs £1.20, up to 4 hours £2.70 and up to 12 hours £4.50. Pay by contactless card or PayByPhone.
• Blue Badge: disabled parking is on Princes Avenue, just outside the entrance. The council says this bay takes 5 cars.
• On foot: go through a stone archway from the main street and along the edge of the gardens. Then use the ramp or steps.

When to visit

• Open every day, 10am to 4pm. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
• Christmas and New Year: closed on 25 December, 26 December and 1 January. It closes at 2pm on 24 and 31 December.
• Booking calendar: on 12 November 2026, it offered 13 November to 23 December and 27 to 31 December, but not 24 to 26 December.
• Winter tip: on 12 November 2026, the ticket shop said butterflies fly less in low light. Look for them resting on plants and feeding stations.
• Busy times: the visual story says it can get busy and noisy, especially with large groups.
• Make a day of it: the FAQ says Roundhay Park’s largest playground is next to the Tram car park, about 5 minutes’ walk away.

Additional needs and disability support

Tropical World lists this support.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Tropical World cost for children?

Children aged 3 to 15 pay £5.50 and adults pay £9.50. Under 3s go free.

Is Tropical World good on a rainy day?

Yes. The animal houses are indoors, and it is warm inside. The Tropical Lookout, which sells pizza, opens subject to the weather.

How long do you need at Tropical World?

There is no time limit. The FAQ says a typical visit takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, and tickets are valid all day.

Can you take a pushchair round Tropical World?

Yes. The FAQ says there is level access, wide paths for prams and ramps at the entrance and exit. Expect some slight inclines.

Is Tropical World open at Christmas?

It is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. It closes at 2pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Is Tropical World good for autistic children?

It offers a visual story, and one carer goes free with ID. It is hot, humid and can be noisy, and some areas are dark.

Checked on 12 November 2026 against the official Tropical World home, plan your visit, FAQ, visual story, animals, café, adoptions and experiences and ticket shop pages, and Leeds City Council’s Roundhay Park and parking prices pages. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.