If you grew up anywhere near Essex, chances are you've been to Colchester Zoo at least once. If you lived in Colchester (like I did), you've probably been dozens of times—whether for school trips, birthday outings, or just because your parents needed to wear you out. It's one of those places that sticks with you, no matter how many years go by.

Even now, as a dad, I've taken my own kids there plenty of times, and honestly, it still holds up as one of the best zoos in the UK. It's a place where childhood memories get made, whether it's laughing at the penguins belly-flopping into the water, getting swarmed by lorikeets in the walkthrough, or watching your kid panic as a cheeky goat tries to eat their coat.

But Colchester Zoo isn't just about nostalgia. Over the years, it's evolved massively—bigger enclosures, more interactive exhibits, and a stronger focus on conservation and education.

If you've never been (or haven't visited in years), this guide will walk you through why Colchester Zoo is still one of the best family days out in the UK, complete with insider tips, must-see exhibits, and a bit of dad-wisdom to help you survive the trip with your wallet (somewhat) intact.

Colchester Zoo is Now The Colchester Zoological Society

As of 1st February 2025, Colchester Zoo officially became a charity, rebranding as The Colchester Zoological Society. This change helps support its vital conservation work, but let's be honest—we're all still going to call it Colchester Zoo.

Why Colchester Zoo is a Must-Visit

Colchester Zoo isn't just your run-of-the-mill animal park. It's massive, beautifully maintained, and packed with everything from classic zoo favourites (lions, tigers, elephants) to some more unusual residents (red pandas, komodo dragons, and giant anteaters).

If you've never been, here's why it's worth the trip:

• It's deceptively huge – You might think you're just going for a leisurely stroll, but by the time you've made it from the entrance to the back, you'll have clocked up about 20,000 steps. Perfect if you've got hyperactive kids to tire out.
• The enclosures are fantastic – No sad little cages here. The habitats are well thought out, spacious, and designed to mimic the animals' natural environments.
• Interactive experiences – You can feed the elephants, hand-feed rainbow lorikeets, and get uncomfortably close to the goats and sheep in the Colenso Village (if you've ever had a goat try to eat your coat, you'll know what I mean).
• Play areas and food stops – If your kids' attention span is as short as mine was at their age, the zoo has multiple playgrounds, a mini train, and plenty of places to grab food or (more importantly) coffee.
• Tesco Clubcard vouchers can be used – If you're looking to save money, Tesco Clubcard vouchers can be redeemed for Colchester Zoo entry (£0.50 = £1), making it a great way to cut costs on a family day out. Full details here. (Last time I went it was still £1.00 = £4.00).

Personal Highlights (aka The Bits I Never Skip)

Having been to Colchester Zoo more than a few times, there are a few absolute must-dos that always make the trip:

• Walking through the tunnel of lorikeets – One of the most enchanting and entertaining experiences. You pay for a little pot of nectar, hold it out, and within seconds, you're covered in brightly coloured birds. It's like a Disney princess moment, but with more frantic flapping and the occasional surprise poop.
• Kingdom of the Wild – This giant African savanna-style enclosure has rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and ostriches all wandering about together.
• The Lost Madagascar Express – A little train ride that takes you into the lemur walkthrough. Lemurs leap about around you, and if you're lucky (or unlucky, depending on your view), one might even jump on your shoulder.
• The underwater viewing tunnel – Seeing sea lions glide through the water above you is always mesmerising. If you're lucky, they'll come right up to the glass and give you a good once-over.
• The cheeky chimps and orangutans – Watching a chimpanzee judge your life choices through reinforced glass is always a humbling experience.
• The penguins – These little guys are always one of my personal highlights, whether they're waddling about on land or zooming through the water in their enclosure. Watching them launch themselves off rocks and belly-flop into the pool never gets old.

A Personal Connection

Before I married my now wife, I took my now two eldest stepchildren for a day out at Colchester Zoo. It's weird looking back as they were about the same age as my youngest two are now (and they're pretty much as tall as I am)!

The memory of wandering through the zoo with them, seeing their excitement (and fear) at the animals, and navigating the inevitable "Can we have an ice cream?" requests is something that still sticks with me.

I'm looking forward to the day when we can haul ourselves back down to Essex and seven of us can go and revisit our memories together.

That said, I'm hesitant about making the drive to Colchester Zoo—I know it's a long one from where we live now. And there's nothing like hearing 'Are we there yet?' every five minutes to really get you in the zoo-going mood.

If you need something to keep them entertained that isn't just handing over a tablet, try out these fun and challenging riddles for kids. You might even stump them for a change!

Dad Tips for Surviving Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is amazing, but tackling it with kids is an endurance test. Between the hills, the gift shop ambush, and the inevitable snack-related meltdowns, it helps to go in with a game plan. Here are some dad blog-approved survival tips to make your visit easier:

1. Wear Comfy Shoes (Or Prepare for Leg Day)

Colchester Zoo is built on hills. Lots of them. If you're pushing a pram, may the odds be ever in your favour. If your kids love to be carried, bring the carrier, because the uphill walks will break you. Comfy trainers are a must, and if you're prone to back pain (welcome to your 30s+), don't forget some painkillers just in case.

And if you (or your kids) struggle with certain gait issues, be prepared—this place is basically a walking endurance test. Speaking of which, I wrote about why neurodivergent kids walk funny and why places like this can be a bit of a challenge.

2. Use Tesco Clubcard Vouchers to Save Money

A full day out with kids can be pricey, but you can slash the cost of entry using Tesco Clubcard vouchers. Every £0.50 in Clubcard points gets you £1 towards your tickets. More details here.

If you're trying to teach your kids about money and budgeting, this is a great chance to get them involved—let them 'work out' how much you're saving! (Or, at the very least, distract them for a bit). For more ideas on sneaky ways to teach financial literacy, check out my post on fun ways to teach kids about money."

3. Pack Snacks & Drinks Like You're Prepping for a Siege

Zoo food isn't bad, but if you've got hungry gremlins who demand food every 20 minutes, it gets expensive fast. Bringing your own snacks & drinks will save you a fortune and help dodge hangry / thirsty tantrums.

There are plenty of picnic areas dotted around, including one right by the meerkats, where you can enjoy your food while simultaneously being judged by tiny furry creatures (relatable).

Speaking of snack nostalgia, I still remember sitting by the meerkats with my Callipo Shots (Discontinued in 2020… how am I THIS OLD!?!!), while the rest of the family tucked into their ice creams. We were instantly swarmed by flies and wasps. Good times...

Of course, the meerkats themselves couldn't care less. They were too busy running around, standing guard, and—let's be honest—pooing in full view of everyone. Nothing like a live demonstration of the food cycle while you're trying to enjoy your ice cream. If your kids find that sort of thing hilarious (and let's face it, they do), they'll love these poop jokes for kids.

4. Hit Jungle Tumble If Your ADHD Kids Never Stop Moving

If your kids have endless energy (hello, ADHD parenting), the Jungle Tumble soft play area is a LIFE-SAVER. It's indoors, air-conditioned, and the perfect place to let them burn off steam while you sit down for a minute. If you need a moment to breathe (or just enjoy your coffee in peace), this is the spot.

5. Let the Kids Loose on the Outdoor Play Areas

If the weather's nice, Colchester Zoo has FOUR outdoor play areas where kids can run wild:

• Kids' Safari Play Area – Near the zoo entrance & exit, so great for a final energy burn before heading home.
• Waterhole Play Area – Located next to Kingdom of the Wild, perfect if your little explorers need a break.
• Meerkat Hangout Play Area – Right next to Lion Rock, great for keeping kids entertained while you admire the big cats.
• Remi Brown Accessible Play Area – Near Edge of Africa, this inclusive play area is designed for children of all abilities.

These are perfect when your little ones need a break from looking at animals and just want to pretend they ARE the animals instead.

6. Buy Tickets Online to Skip the Queue

Pre-booking online saves money and means you skip the entry queue. If you're visiting in the school holidays, this can save a lot of time. If you go twice or more a year, consider getting an annual pass, which pays for itself pretty quickly.

7. Arrive Early for Feeding Times & Interactive Experiences

If your kids want to feed the elephants or see the sea lions in action, arrive early and check the daily schedule. The lorikeet feeding sessions are first come, first served, so get there before the pots of nectar run out!

8. Prepare for the Gift Shop Battle

You cannot exit Colchester Zoo without walking through the gift shop gauntlet. This is strategic design at its finest (or most evil, depending on your wallet).

If you're not planning on leaving with a stuffed meerkat, animal-themed water bottle, and a £6 bag of Haribo, have your distraction techniques ready.

(Yes I was a softy and ended up spending another £50+ upon leaving.. and the funny thing is my wife still kept hold of a pencil from our trip. We "recently" used it for our 11+ studies).

9. Accept That You Will Leave Exhausted (But Happy)

Colchester Zoo is a full-day event, and by the time you leave, your legs will ache, your kids will be overtired, and your camera roll will be full of blurry animal photos. But somehow, you'll still be planning your next visit.

Dad Out

Colchester Zoo is hands down one of the best family days out in the UK. Whether you're a local or making a day trip of it, there's plenty to see, do, and (if you're me) get nostalgic about.

It's changed a lot over the years, but it's still got that same magic it had when I went the first time. Just be prepared to leave with sore feet, an empty wallet, and a camera roll full of slightly blurry animal photos.

Have you been to Colchester Zoo? Got any funny or memorable moments? Drop them in the comments—I'd love to hear them!

FAQs About Colchester Zoo