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Regional Family Meetups – Animal Adventures

Dravet Syndrome UK goes on an animal adventure in 2026 - join with other families at our FREE regional meetups, for fun, connection and a zoo-tastic day out!

This year, we’re welcoming families living with Dravet Syndrome to join us for an animal adventure at one of our FREE regional meetups.

Whether you’re looking for a fun day out as a family, to forge new friendships and reduce the sense of isolation associated with this complex condition, or catch up with other families you already know who live local to you, we’d love for you to join us. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with others who truly understand the unique journey of life with Dravet Syndrome.

Members of our Family Support team will be onsite and we’re really looking forward to seeing you!

A couple of points to note:

  • As these meetups are regional day trips, there will be no ambulance provided by Dravet Syndrome UK, but we will ensure staff across the venue are made aware of our visit should medical assistance be required.
  • Entry to the Zoo / Wildlife Park for family members registered with Dravet Syndrome UK plus one other carer/family member on request if needed to support, will be provided free of charge.
  • Please bring a packed lunch.

We’d like to thank The National Lottery and Jeans for Genes for funding our regional meetups in 2026.

You can view our calendar of meetups below. Please book early and by latest, end of April, to avoid disappointment, as we expect these to be very popular events.

Our 2026 Schedule

We’ve planned locations across the UK to reach as many families as possible. Please take a look at the dates below and book your place by clicking here. To ensure fairness for all, please only book onto one event.

Entry times and further information will be confirmed nearer the time in an email to all those who have registered to attend.

Location Date
Marwell Zoo, Southampton Wednesday 27th May
Colchester Zoo, Essex Friday 29th May
The Meadows Wildlife Park, Caerphilly, S. Wales Thursday 30th July
Longleat, Bath Friday 31st July
London Zoo, London Tuesday 11th August
Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh, Scotland Thursday 13th August
West Midlands Safari Park, Kidderminster, Midlands Thursday 20th August
Knowsley Safari Park, Liverpool Wednesday 26th August
Howletts Zoo, Canterbury Friday 28th August
Banham Zoo, Norwich Wednesday 2nd September
Belfast Zoo, Belfast, N. Ireland Saturday 12th September

If you don’t see a family day near you or within reasonable travel distance, please don’t worry! We will be going to other locations over time, so watch this space for announcements.

Register to attend

We're looking forward to meeting new faces and catching up with friends at locations across the UK this year. You must be registered with Dravet Syndrome UK to attend.

Register here