Description
Finding the best things to do with kids in Colchester brings families straight to Colchester Zoo, a massive 60-acre award-winning zoological garden home to hundreds of amazing animal species. This world-renowned conservation attraction provides an engaging environment for young children to discover exotic wildlife, rare species, and beautiful parkland grounds. Visitors can spend hours wandering through immersive habitats, watching daily animal feeds, and exploring expansive outdoor play areas in a stunning setting.
Standard online admission prices start from approximately £18.06 for children and £24.44 for adults excluding voluntary donations, with online booking saving up to 15% compared to gate prices. Under-twos and registered carers enter completely free of charge.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines wildlife education with outdoor adventure, this premier Essex zoo offers exceptional value. Its accessible pathways, family-friendly catering spots, and diverse animal zones make it a top choice for an unforgettable weekend family trip.
Beyond the Main Attraction:
- Colchester Castle Museum: A historic Norman castle featuring interactive museum galleries located a short drive away in the town centre.
- Castle Park: Sprawling formal gardens and large children's playground situated around the historic fortress.
- Mersea Island: A scenic coastal island destination offering unique beach walks and local seafood spots nearby.
What Visitors Love:
- Parents frequently praise the incredible variety of animals and the clean, spacious environments that make the zoo feel immersive and natural.
- Children love getting up close to large mammals like giraffes and elephants through cleverly designed viewing platforms and glass panels.
- The abundance of outdoor play areas and open picnic spots helps break up long walking days for toddlers.
- Visitors feel great knowing ticket sales directly contribute to global animal conservation projects.
What Visitors Don't Like:
- Some reviewers note that weekend crowds can lead to busy queues at popular food outlets and cafes during peak summer lunch hours.
- A few visitors point out that walking across the 60-acre site can heavily tire out younger toddlers without a pushchair.
- Parking areas can experience heavy traffic congestion during school holidays and special seasonal event weekends.
- Certain indoor walkthrough exhibits have capacity limits during peak afternoon periods, resulting in brief wait times.
Zoo Attractions and Habitats:
- Kingdom of the Wild: Multi-acre African savanna housing rhinos, giraffes, and zebras.
- Elephant Kingdom: Dedicated outdoor paddock and pool for the Asian elephant herd.
- Edge of Africa: Specialized coastal and wetland zone featuring African penguins and meerkats.
- Worlds Apart Walkthrough: Immersive tropical dome with free-roaming exotic species.
- Plains Vistas: Open viewing platforms overlooking grazing herds.
- Rajang's Forest: Dedicated indoor and outdoor primate facility named after the zoo's famous orangutan.
- Australian Rainbows: Walkthrough aviary where visitors can feed lorikeets with nectar pots.
- Orangutan Forest: High-rope climbing habitat designed for critically endangered apes.
- Jungle Tumble: Indoor soft play area for younger children needing a break from walking.
- Discovery Centre: Educational hub featuring hands-on displays and invertebrate exhibits.
New for 2026:
- Enhanced Digital Conservation Trails: Newly updated interactive app features guiding families through modern wildlife protection projects.
- Upgraded Pushchair-Friendly Boardwalks: Refurbished timber walkways ensuring smooth navigation across wetland and tropical zones.
- Expanded Sustainable Picnic Lawns: Newly landscaped outdoor seating areas equipped with family-friendly wooden dining benches.
41.91 miles
