Colchester Zoo is an enormous zoo, 60 acres, with enough to keep your kids busy for a whole day, and you still won’t see everything (get a season ticket!). Make sure you grab a timetable on the way in, and plan your day – that way you can make sure you get plenty of time sitting watching the special events during the day, to rest your feet. Essex Days Out tip : don’t go on the hottest days of the year, the animals will be feeling the heat and your kids certainly will be after half an hour!
Old MacDonald’s Farm is in the south of Essex, and is very popular destination. We’ll probably wait to have grandchildren supplied before heading there! Peppa Pig is a regular visitor, and they have lots of special events)
Barleylands Farm Park and Craft Village has lots of activities for the younger children during the summer.
Marsh Farm is in new hands and going from strength to strength. There are still animals to see but they also do lots of events including their Kid’s Fest.
There are more suggestions on our Zoos and Petting Farms listing.
seaside and coast | steam trains | castles | country parks | country houses | museums and libraries | wildlife | OK technically not in Essex