A NEW accessible play area for young children will be arriving at Marwell Zoo for the summer holidays.

Toddlers will be able to climb, slide and balance while honing their problem-solving skills and experiencing different textures.

The structure, mainly made from recycled materials, is fitted with wheelchair access ramps in addition to sensory play features designed for children aged two or more.

The new apparatus will replace the equipment previously located in the sand pit outside Bushtucker Bites in the Fur, Feather and Scales area of the zoo.

Sand will be swapped for rubber mulch and safety pads and there is coffee, snacks and seating nearby for the adults.

READ MORE: Marwell Zoo to reduce prices of student and senior tickets

The neighbouring older children’s play area will remain and is set to reopen when works on the new equipment are completed around the end of July.

Marwell has multiple adventure play areas dotted around the park to enable children to let off steam in between exploring the 140-acre zoo.

Under threes get free entry to the zoo and student and senior prices have just been reduced to £15. The free Marwell Zoo app is available to download for feed times. Cafes are open on-site but outdoor spaces and indoor picnic huts are also available for picnicking.

For more information and tickets go to marwell.org.uk.