Disclaimer: This was a PR invite – yes, I’ve officially crossed over into that world. 

You know the one: where you say, “Oh, just a casual weekend outing,” but really it’s because an email with the magic words “complimentary tickets” landed in my inbox. 

Suddenly, I’m that parent with weekend plans sorted without the usual “what are we doing?” family debate that ends with someone sulking.

Honestly, if more weekend plans fell into my inbox, life would be easier. 

When I first told the bambinos, their little faces lit up like Christmas morning (minus the wrapping paper carnage).

Another zoo? Who do I blame for this one.. Google, peer pressure, or my inner David Attenborough trying to escape?

Either way, we packed the bambinos, snacks, and optimism into the car and headed off for another adventure. 

What is West Midlands Safari Park? 

West Midlands Safari Park is basically two parks in one: 

A Safari Drive-through where you’re nose-to-nose with wildlife. 

An Adventure Theme Park where the bambinos can scream on rides instead of at each other. 

Honestly, it’s a clever formula: “Sit in the car for nearly two hours, kids, then you can go wild.”

And it works. 

Safari Drive: Our David Attenborough Moment 

First impressions?

I half-expected a T-Rex to chase our car. 

Welcome to Jurassic Park vibes, minus Jeff Goldblum’s leather jacket.

From the start, we spotted these gorgeous lodges in the distance with giraffes casually strolling outside.

Meanwhile, my brain went: “How do I sign up to wake up and make coffee while a giraffe judges my pyjamas?” 

Pro Tip: Do not rush this. Take your time, stop often, and channel your inner content creator while the bambinos shout “LOOK! LOOK! LOOK!” every five seconds. Unless you’re off on an actual African safari, this is as close as it gets. 

Zebras were darting between cars like they’d escaped Madagascar (cue my bambinos yelling, “It’s Marty!”).

The ostriches popped up to say hi.. or to peck your car door if you dared roll down the window.

And then came the curveball: barasingha and black bucks.

Did I know these existed before? Absolutely not.

But now they live in my camera roll forever. 

Then rhinos.

Just roaming around, like it’s no big deal.

At this point, I was quietly manifesting Mufasa. 

And then… the gates.

The actual “Jurassic Park-style” gates.

Suspense dialled up. 

Once through, bam: Pride Rock.

Lions lounging like royalty. Bambinos screeching “MUFAAAASAAA!” from the backseat like they’d been rehearsing. Honestly, it delivered.

Part of me was waiting for “Circle of Life” to blast out of hidden speakers, but Mufasa was just chilling, looking regal.

My bambinos made up for it by roaring so loudly the car next to us gave us the look. 

PS: At the lion sanctuary, you can go off-road or stick to the main path. We tried off-road. Verdict? Meh. But then again… lions. So, forgiven. 

Giraffes, Elephants & Surreal Moments 

Further along, giraffes were grazing right outside the safari lodges. It was one of those “is this real life?” moments where you vow to one day blow the holiday budget on staying there.

Meanwhile, the bambinos pressed their noses to the glass like they were about to join the herd. 

We did see elephants, but honestly, after the lions and giraffes stole the show, they were the supporting cast.

Sorry, elephants.. still love you. 

Pro Tip: Get there early. We cruised through in about 1 hour 45 minutes.. no long queues, less chaos, and plenty of time to stop without being honked at. 

Pro Tip 2: Pack snacks. After about an hour, the bambinos staged a backseat mutiny. Apparently, no animal sighting can compete with “Muuuum, I’m starving!” 

Safari verdict? 10/10. You’ll be in awe, the bambinos will be starstruck, and your inner Attenborough will make an appearance (accent optional). 

Adventure Theme Park: Bribery, but Make it Fun 

Once the safari is done, the bambinos know what’s coming. The Adventure Theme Park = their reward for sitting quietly-ish in the car. 

Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance to avoid standing in line explaining to small children why queuing exists. 

It kicks off with penguins and a red panda (already worth it), then a safari walk past reptiles, meerkats, and fancy lodges where you can spy on the “other half” who wake up next to giraffes instead of cereal bowls.

The walk ends at a viewpoint overlooking zebras, elephants, and – if you’re lucky – giraffes.

We also passed Tiger Tropics and the hippo area, though sadly no hippos showed up.

At this point, my bambinos had spotted the rides, so it was less “nature appreciation” and more “Usain Bolt sprint.” 

The Rides: Bambino Heaven (and Parent Panic) 

The rides are honestly great.. bright, fun, and loud enough to cover your child’s squeals of excitement.

Due to height restrictions, our choices were limited, but the bambinos loved Dino Dashers, Monkey Mayhem, and Catacombs.

Honestly? Money well spent. 

Pro Tip: Check height restrictions before you go to avoid that standstill-in-the-middle-of-the-queue meltdown. You know the one: red face, screaming, and a public audience. 

And because the park leans into the Jurassic theme.. of course there’s a dinosaur walk-through. My bambinos were in heaven. Every five seconds: “RAWR!” Me, pretending to be scared. Them, genuinely believing they could take on a Velociraptor. Classic. 

Honourable Mentions 

Play park area: Perfect for burning off energy while parents inhale coffee like survival fuel. 

Face paint station: Because nothing says “family day out” like your child morphing into a tiger and refusing to wash it off for two days. 

Food & coffee: Dino Dine and Burger Co offer family-friendly menus at prices that won’t make you faint. Plus, snack stations dotted around.. lifesavers for avoiding another round of “Muuuuum, I’m huuuungry.” 

Final Thoughts 

Honestly? This day was a win.

I wasn’t sure what to expect.. another zoo, another long walk? But the safari blew us away, and the theme park was the perfect “reward” for the bambinos. 

Solid 9/10 family day out.

Next time, I’m booking one of those giraffe lodges because if I’m going to be woken up at 6am by small creatures, they might as well be giraffes instead of my bambinos. 

Big shout-out and thank you to the staff at West Midlands Safari Park! Friendly, patient, and somehow smiling even when faced with a million questions from sugar-fuelled bambinos. You lot deserve medals, or at the very least an unlimited coffee supply.  

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