Our spooky return to one of the West Midlands' best-loved attractions

We recently took Alice, Ada and Tommy to West Midlands Safari Park for their Halloween event, Spooky Spectacular, and it was lovely to visit again after a few years away.

There have been a few changes since our last visit, and with so much to see and do, it’s definitely a day out that needs a bit of planning.

We started with the four-mile safari drive-through, which is always a highlight. Tommy absolutely loved seeing the hippos, while the lions were particularly lively as we drove through, which was brilliant to see.

The giraffes, on the other hand, seemed to have decided that sheltering from the rain was the best option. One thing worth knowing if you haven’t visited for a while is that you can no longer feed the animals during the safari drive-through, so things have changed a little since our last trip, but it didn’t stop the fun.

After the safari, it was time to make the most of the rides, and Alice, who is eight, was in her element.

Book tickets here.

She mastered all the rides and loved the challenge! Monkey Mayhem, the spinning Wild Mouse coaster with its fast turns and swinging action, was a hit, along with the African Big Apple Coaster. For the thrill-seekers, there’s also Venom, the high-intensity drop tower, which certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted.

The Halloween event, Spooky Spectacular, runs from October 10 to November 1 and adds plenty of extra fun to the usual attractions.

There’s Patch’s Pumpkin Party live show, where families can enjoy dancing and spooky entertainment, as well as Frankie and Mitzy’s Spooky Walkabouts, with the mischievous monsters appearing along the Discovery Trail for photos and a bit of Halloween mischief.

The Movie Monsters Trail is another lovely addition for children, encouraging them to explore the Discovery Trail, solve clues and hunt for hidden monsters, with a sweet treat waiting at the end.

For those looking for something a little more adventurous, the Dino Experiment torchlight tours offer the chance to explore the Land of the Living Dinosaurs after dark. It sounds like a brilliant experience for anyone who enjoys a little spooky excitement.

We stopped at Dino Diner for pizza and pasta, which went down well with the kids, although it wasn’t the cheapest option, so it’s worth factoring food into your budget when planning your day.

One thing we did notice is just how much there is to fit in now. Between the safari, rides and seasonal activities, it’s difficult to experience absolutely everything in a single day, especially if you want to take your time and enjoy it all without rushing around.

We were lucky enough to have no queues when we visited, which made a real difference, but even then, there was plenty to keep us busy.

My advice would be to consider an overnight stay if your budget allows, as it gives you more time to enjoy the park without feeling like you have to squeeze everything into one visit.

Alternatively, it’s worth checking out the free return ticket offer, which could be a great way to spread the experience over two days without paying for another full visit.

Overall, we had a lovely family day out at West Midlands Safari Park. It was great to return after a few years and see how much there is to enjoy, from the animals on the safari to the rides and Halloween entertainment. Spooky Spectacular adds a fun seasonal twist, with plenty to keep children entertained and make the visit feel extra special.

With Halloween nearly over, the next big event on the calendar is Santa Safari, and I can imagine that will be just as magical for families looking to get into the Christmas spirit. If you’re thinking of visiting over the coming weeks, whether for the last of the Halloween fun or to see Santa, I’d definitely recommend planning ahead so you can make the most of everything the park has to offer.

Book tickets here.

Planning a visit? Here’s a quick guide to admission and ride costs for 2026.

• Admission + rides: From £29.90 per person, including the safari, safari walk and access to the adventure theme park rides.

Money-saving tip: Book online in advance for the best available prices and check eligibility for the free return ticket offer, which allows a second admission-only visit within six months. Restrictions apply.

Check the official tickets and passes page before booking.