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Discovering The Zoofamily
At PlayFaire, we’re all about sparking curiosity, encouraging creativity, and helping little ones see the world through their own unique lens, sometimes quite literally! That’s why we’re so excited to share one of our favourite finds: The Zoo Family
Known for their colourful, durable, and delightfully child-friendly tech, The Zoo Family make cameras and binoculars designed just for kids. Whether your little one is a buddling photographer or you’re desperate to reclaim some space on your own camera roll, or just tired of it being crammed with half-captured dandelions, off-centre selfies, and 47 close-ups of your child’s left nostril, The Zoo Family’s products turn every moment into an adventure worth capturing, on their very own camera!
The Zoo Family Story
The Zoo Family began with a simple idea: give kids the tools to explore their world . The founders saw how much children love copying adults — snapping photos on phones, peering through binoculars, or making videos — but realised most “kid” versions were cheaply made or overly complicated.
So, they created a range that balanced fun, quality, and ease of use . Today, The Zoo Family is loved worldwide, with products that help children build skills, boost creativity, and see the magic in everyday life.
Why PlayFaire Loves The Zoo Family
From the moment we discovered The Zoo Family, we knew we’d found something special.
- They believe childhood is about exploration, creativity, and wonder and so do we.
- Their products are designed to empower children, not just entertain them, encouraging hands-on discovery without overcomplicating the experience.
- We also love their focus on quality and sustainability . These aren’t flimsy, throwaway toys, they’re built to last, with designs that can withstand enthusiastic little hands. Each item is thoughtfully created with simple, child-friendly controls, bright colours, and playful details that make photography or nature spotting irresistible.
Meet Playfaire's TheZooFamily Range
Ready to meet the stars of the range? Here’s what’s making waves at PlayFaire right now:
Zoo Eyes – Nature Spotting just got cuter!
are The Zoo Family’s kid-friendly binoculars — the perfect companion for outdoor explorers. They’re lightweight, tough, and sized just right for little hands and eyes, helping kids get a closer look at birds, squirrels, or even the family cat in the garden. Whether you’re off to the park or on a seaside adventure, Zoo Friends add an extra layer of excitement to exploring.
Zoo Video – Lights, Camera, Action!
If your child’s dreams are more about making movies than taking still shots, Zoo Video is the answer. Designed for mini directors and vloggers in training, this clever camera captures both video and sound in an easy-to-use, kid-proof package. It’s perfect for school projects, holiday memories, or making their own mini movies at home.
Zoo Print – Instant Magic in Your Hands
For kids who can’t wait to see their photos, Zoo Print is a game-changer. It’s an instant print camera that lets them snap, print, and share their creations within seconds — perfect for birthday parties, scrapbooking, or sending home a little “I miss you” picture to grandparents. Best of all, the prints are on eco-friendly, thermal paper, so there’s no ink, no mess, and no stress.
Zoo Friends – The Kids’ Digital Camera That Starts It All
Perfect for budding photographers, Zoo Eyes is a simple, fun digital camera made for kids as young as three. Its chunky design is easy to hold, with big buttons, bright colours, and everything your little one needs to start capturing their world. Whether it’s their pet hamster, the view from the car window, or their own wobbly selfies, Zoo Eyes makes every picture feel like a masterpiece.
Urban Zoo – Big Kids, Big Adventures
For older children ready for something a little more grown-up, Urban Zoo offers a stylish upgrade. It’s still fun, durable, and child-friendly, but with a sleeker design that appeals to tweens and teens. Perfect for those who want a more “real” camera feel without the complexity of adult models.
STEAM Learning Through Photography
The Zoo Family’s digital cameras aren’t just fun gadgets — they’re a fantastic gateway into STEM and STEAM learning. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics , and it’s all about helping children explore these subjects through hands-on, creative experiences.
When kids snap their own photos, they’re diving into technology in an age-friendly way while naturally touching on elements of science (light, nature, weather), art (composition, colour, storytelling), and even maths (patterns, symmetry, scale). They practise problem-solving as they figure out how to capture the image they want, and reviewing or editing their shots introduces basic digital literacy . Add in playful photography challenges — like “find five textures” or “photograph three different shapes” — and you’ve got a recipe for learning that feels like pure fun.
💡 Parent Tip: Fun STEAM Photography Challenges
Turn photo time into an exciting learning opportunity with these simple, kid-friendly prompts:
Shape Hunt – Ask your child to photograph a circle, a square, and a triangle they find around the house or garden.
Texture Detective – Capture close-up shots of three different textures (like wood grain, fluffy fabric, or smooth stone).
Colour Quest – Pick a colour of the day and challenge your child to find and photograph five objects that match it.
Mini Time-Lapse – Take a series of photos showing how something changes over time, like ice melting in the sun or a flower opening.
Story in Three Shots – Encourage your child to tell a simple story using just three photos in sequence.
Not only do these activities keep kids entertained, but they also gently weave in observation skills, creative thinking, and an understanding of how the world works — all while making memories through their own lens.
PlayFaire’s Pick for Your Little Adventurer
Whether your child is a mini wildlife photographer, an aspiring YouTuber, or just curious about the world, The Zoo Family has something to match their imagination. These aren’t just toys — they’re tools for storytelling, memory-making, and hours of creative fun.
At PlayFaire, we’re proud to stock the full range, so your child’s next big adventure is only a click away.
Shop The Zoo Family at PlayFaire and let your little one start capturing their world, one snap (or binocular peek) at a time.
Q: Are Zoo Family cameras easy enough for younger children to use?
A: Absolutely! They’re designed with little hands in mind — the buttons are chunky, the interface is simple, and the camera body is lightweight. Most children aged 3+ can start snapping photos with minimal guidance.
Q: Do I need to buy batteries or is it rechargeable?
A: No battery runs to the shops here! The Zoo Family cameras are rechargeable via USB, so you just plug them in, top up the power, and they’re ready for the next photo adventure.
Q: Are the cameras durable enough for everyday play?
A: Yes — they’re built with a sturdy, kid-friendly design. While they’re not indestructible (we still recommend avoiding puddle dives!), they can handle everyday bumps, drops, and enthusiastic exploring.
Q: How can I encourage my child to use the camera for learning?
A: Try setting simple challenges, like photographing three different shades of green in the garden or capturing the tallest and smallest objects in the room. This turns play into a gentle, curiosity-led learning activity.
Q: Is this a “real” camera or just a toy?
A: It’s definitely real! Zoo Family cameras take actual photos and videos. The image quality is tailored for kids — so while it won’t replace your DSLR, it’s perfect for letting children explore photography in a way that’s safe and age-appropriate.
