ARMED with waterproofs, packed lunches and all the other paraphernalia that mums require for a day out at the zoo - we all set off for a great day out.

With two adults and four children the journey was fun, with that famous song on repeat that, let’s admit it, we all sing when we’re going to the zoo, zoo, zoo...

Luckily we arrived in Blackpool early and there was plenty of parking, including over spill for the late arrivals, it’s £2.50 for the full day so there’s no worrying about going back to the meter so you can relax and enjoy your day.

On arrival the gift shops were too tempting for little ones but with a little convincing, they were ready to see the non-stuffed version of animals.

It seems that Blackpool Zoo have reduced their prices since we last visited, making it more valuable and purse-friendly, the entrance has been modernised too.

For a family of five it costs £57, it’s £15,50 for an adult and £11 for a child, but if you book tickets online before you go there’s a 10% discount.

It’s also wise to plan your route around the zoo, to make sure you get to see the shows and feeding times.

If you have a child who loves dinosaurs then they won’t be disappointed.

As you enter there’s the famous dinosaur trail with life-size dinosaurs to get the excitement started.

The zoo’s signature animals include zebra, penguins, elephants, giraffes, big cats, gorillas, orang-utans, sea lions, primates, zebras and kangaroo.

They all have their own shows and are worth watching, but be sure to get a seat early to avoid disappointment, you catch the animals at their best during feeding times.

Lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, we saw the lot. The elephants were amazing and were the runners up for the best animals of our day competition!

But for the children in our group, aged 3, 4, 7 and 8 - without a doubt the clever sea lions stole the show.

Balancing balls, playing dead and clapping their ‘hands’ they certainly had the audience captured from the start.

There’s a huge park and a petting farm away from the main attractions and it was nice to sit and relax and tuck into our picnic.

A perfect way for excited children to run off any excess energy.

Do take a note of the times with the extended talks and feeds, creepy crawly learner sessions and interactive fun on the animal farm.

There is a restaurant, coffee shop that was open throughout the day and perfect for buying cold drinks and ice-creams.

Blackpool Zoo is a great day out for the whole family and you could spend the entire day there.

When the day was coming to an end we finished the journey in the play barn. An admission fee is required, but the children were happy playing while the mums drank a well-earned coffee.