Activities and Play Areas at the Zoo
As you journey around the Zoo, you’ll find there’s lots to explore with our range of activities available! Click on the list below to check out all the things you can do at Colchester Zoo.
Click here for ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
Hand feed our GIRAFFES!
A time slot must be booked to take part in a giraffe feed and a cost applies.
LOCATED OUTSIDE KINGDOM OF THE WILD
Take part in a short private experience whilst also supporting the Zoo’s Operating Fund!
For just a £20.00 donation to the Zoo’s Operating Fund, up to 5 people can participate in this exclusive feeding experience with our giraffes.
N.B The £20.00 donation is per group not per person, up to 5 people may attend as 1 group.
Accessibility:
Please speak to a member of staff at Guest Services before making your booking to discuss any additional needs any member of your party may have.
For just a £20.00 donation to the Zoo’s Operating Fund, up to 5 people can participate in this exclusive feeding experience with our giraffes.
N.B The £20.00 donation is per group not per person, up to 5 people may attend as 1 group.
Accessibility:
Please speak to a member of staff at Guest Services before making your booking to discuss any additional needs any member of your party may have.
Discover prehistoric creatures at DINOSAUR REALM
Open from 9:30am to an hour before Zoo close (except during Easter holidays which will close at zoo close.)
LOCATED OPPOSITE LION ROCK
Included in standard admission, visitors can embark on a journey as they come face to face with a herd of static and animatronic dinosaurs, including a Brachiosaurus that stands just under 5 metres tall. Adults and children will be able to experience the presence of these prehistoric creatures and movement is triggered from state of the art sensory.
Surround by foliage and shrubbery, a large pond fills the middle of the walkway complete with a waterfall which adds to the atmosphere. Smoke and sounds are present along the route with a Palaeontology Hub that includes interactive zones to engage and educate on the creatures that once lived.
Surround by foliage and shrubbery, a large pond fills the middle of the walkway complete with a waterfall which adds to the atmosphere. Smoke and sounds are present along the route with a Palaeontology Hub that includes interactive zones to engage and educate on the creatures that once lived.
Release your wild side at JUNGLE TUMBLE!
Open daily from 10.30am, please check closing times on the day of your visit. You must book a FREE pre-bookable slot for your child to enjoy this play area and have valid admission to Colchester Zoo (zoo pass/paid ticket/complimentary ticket) to access this play area.
LOCATED NEXT TO THE KALAHARI THEATRE
ADVANCE NOTICE:
Please be aware that our indoor soft play, Jungle Tumble, will be closed on the following dates due to annual maintenance and a thorough deep clean.
• Tuesday 7th May to Friday 10th May 2024
• Monday 13th May to Friday 17th May 2024
• Monday 9th to 13th September 2024
• Monday 16th to 20th September 2024
• Monday 13th to 17th January 2025
• Monday 20th to 24th January 2025
Jungle Tumble is our exciting, indoor soft play area.
Find out more about this indoor soft play complex here. Height restrictions apply, please check our rules of play before visiting.
No school or child groups are permitted in the Jungle Tumble soft play area.
Please be aware that our indoor soft play, Jungle Tumble, will be closed on the following dates due to annual maintenance and a thorough deep clean.
• Tuesday 7th May to Friday 10th May 2024
• Monday 13th May to Friday 17th May 2024
• Monday 9th to 13th September 2024
• Monday 16th to 20th September 2024
• Monday 13th to 17th January 2025
• Monday 20th to 24th January 2025
Jungle Tumble is our exciting, indoor soft play area.
Find out more about this indoor soft play complex here. Height restrictions apply, please check our rules of play before visiting.
No school or child groups are permitted in the Jungle Tumble soft play area.
Hand feed the Lorikeets at AUSTRALIAN RAINBOWS!
Open daily from 10.30am, please check closing times on the day of your visit. A small charge applies if you wish to feed the birds.
LOCATED NEXT TO LION ROCK
Enjoy a tropical journey through the exotic aviary at Australian Rainbows, with the chance to get up close with these colourful birds whilst feeding them a pot of nectar*.
*A small charge applies if you wish to feed the birds.
Feeding times may vary as the lorikeets are given a quota of nectar each day therefore we cannot guarantee times of when they will be feeding.
The birds in this enclosure are FREE-FLYING – Please be vigilant when visiting with young children as these birds can scratch or peck.
_________________
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Do
– Take pictures
– Put your arm out and let the birds rest on you
– Recycle your nectar pot in the bins supplied
Don’t
– Consume the nectar – this contains the allergen MILK
– Take food or drink into the exhibit
– Take pushchairs into the exhibit
– Touch or grab the birds.
*A small charge applies if you wish to feed the birds.
Feeding times may vary as the lorikeets are given a quota of nectar each day therefore we cannot guarantee times of when they will be feeding.
The birds in this enclosure are FREE-FLYING – Please be vigilant when visiting with young children as these birds can scratch or peck.
_________________
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Do
– Take pictures
– Put your arm out and let the birds rest on you
– Recycle your nectar pot in the bins supplied
Don’t
– Consume the nectar – this contains the allergen MILK
– Take food or drink into the exhibit
– Take pushchairs into the exhibit
– Touch or grab the birds.
Make sand filled bottles and pendants at CRAZY SAND!
Open weekends and school holidays ONLY from 11am and closes 1 hour prior to the zoo closing time – opening times are weather dependent. *A small charge applies per item. Whilst Stocks last.
LOCATED NEXT TO MEERKAT HANGOUT
Create your own colourful sand bottles and pendants at Crazy Sand which is located next to Meerkat Hangout.
All items are available whilst stocks last.
This area may not be open on quieter days or in poorer weather so please check opening times on the day of your visit.
All items are available whilst stocks last.
This area may not be open on quieter days or in poorer weather so please check opening times on the day of your visit.
Get hands on at the DISCOVERY DEN!
OPENING TIMES:
Weekends and School Holidays: 10:30am to an hour before zoo closes.
Term time: 12:00 Midday to 3:00pm
LOCATED INSIDE ELEPHANT KINGDOM
Get hands on at our interactive sand table and watch your creations come to life on the live wall. PLUS get up close and hold a creepy crawly, all at the DISCOVERY DEN!
All activities are subject to change at any time and animal availability on the day.
Please check opening times on the day of your visit.
All activities are subject to change at any time and animal availability on the day.
Please check opening times on the day of your visit.
Play and explore at our many OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS!
Open daily during zoo opening times, please check closing times on the day of your visit. Some areas may be closed for safety in poor weather. SEE LOCATIONS BELOW
As you walk around the zoo you will come across plenty of different outdoor adventure play areas perfect for the kids to let off some steam, with benches, toilet facilities and snack shops also close by each area.
– Kids’ Safari main play area (Located near the entrance and exit of the zoo)
– Remi Brown Accessible play area (Located near Edge of Africa)
– The Waterhole play area (Located next to Kingdom of the Wild)
– Meerkat Hangout play area (Located next to Lion Rock)
Groups of children aged 5 – 10 yrs are ONLY allowed to play on this play area between 12am – 2pm.
Groups of children aged 11 yrs and over are NOT permitted to use this play area at any time.
Teachers / Guardians / Group Leaders must follow the rules of play. Please refer to the Play Area Rules board located at each play area.
ACCESSIBILITY
Remi Brown Accessible play area (Located near Edge of Africa) is great for any child with reduced mobility and is accessible by wheelchair.
Please check our terms and conditions for using the play areas before visiting Colchester Zoo.
– Kids’ Safari main play area (Located near the entrance and exit of the zoo)
– Remi Brown Accessible play area (Located near Edge of Africa)
– The Waterhole play area (Located next to Kingdom of the Wild)
– Meerkat Hangout play area (Located next to Lion Rock)
Groups of children aged 5 – 10 yrs are ONLY allowed to play on this play area between 12am – 2pm.
Groups of children aged 11 yrs and over are NOT permitted to use this play area at any time.
Teachers / Guardians / Group Leaders must follow the rules of play. Please refer to the Play Area Rules board located at each play area.
ACCESSIBILITY
Remi Brown Accessible play area (Located near Edge of Africa) is great for any child with reduced mobility and is accessible by wheelchair.
Please check our terms and conditions for using the play areas before visiting Colchester Zoo.
Take a ride on the LOST MADAGASCAR ROAD TRAIN!
Open from 10:30am and closes an 1 hour before the zoo closing time. Please check the board outside the station or ask at Guest Services on the day of your visit.
LOCATED NEXT TO TIGER TAIGA
The Lost Madagascar Express will take visitors across countries and continents to spot many exciting species along the way, before disembarking at the Lost Madagascar Lemur Walkthrough, where the adventure will really begin…
Check the Lost Madagascar Express Train Station (near tigers) for today’s train times or ask at Guest Services at the main entrance as you enter the zoo!
ACCESSIBILITY
Please speak to the train driver as you arrive at the station for help with accessibility.
PLEASE NOTE:
During some periods, the train may not stop at the lemur walkthrough.
The Lost Madagascar Lemur Walkthrough houses free-moving primates who are naturally inquisitive and may land on visitors.
We strongly advise all visitors riding the Lost Madagascar Train and entering the Lemur Walkthrough to wear a face mask for the safety of the animals and visitors.
School groups riding the train must be supervised by an adult leader at all times.
Check the Lost Madagascar Express Train Station (near tigers) for today’s train times or ask at Guest Services at the main entrance as you enter the zoo!
ACCESSIBILITY
Please speak to the train driver as you arrive at the station for help with accessibility.
PLEASE NOTE:
During some periods, the train may not stop at the lemur walkthrough.
The Lost Madagascar Lemur Walkthrough houses free-moving primates who are naturally inquisitive and may land on visitors.
We strongly advise all visitors riding the Lost Madagascar Train and entering the Lemur Walkthrough to wear a face mask for the safety of the animals and visitors.
School groups riding the train must be supervised by an adult leader at all times.
Have your face painted at our FACE PAINTING STATION!
Open 11am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Closes 1 hour before the zoo closing time at weekends. A small cost applies per face painting.
LOCATED NEAR PENGUINI’S RESTAURANT
Have your face painted as a growling leopard or maybe a cheeky chimpanzee at our purpose-built face painting station!
A small cost applies per face painting.
Options may varying depending on season and availability.
Please check the opening times on the day of your visit.
A small cost applies per face painting.
Options may varying depending on season and availability.
Please check the opening times on the day of your visit.
Hand feed the goats and sheep at COLENSO VILLAGE!
Open daily during zoo opening times, please check closing times on the day of your visit. A small charge applies if you wish to feed the animals.
LOCATED NEXT IN THE FAMILIAR FRIENDS FARM AREA
Visit our African village of Colenso and have the chance to feed the friendly sheep and goats a treat!*
*A small charge applies if you wish to feed the animals. If you would like to pay by card, please visit AUSTRALIAN RAINBOWS to make your payment and present your receipt to a member of staff at the goat and sheep village to collect your food.
Please be aware all animals can bite – take care to feed the animals with a flat hand and be respectful of their personal space.
The animals this enclosure are FREE-ROAMING – Please be vigilant when visiting with young children as the animals can push and nudge you.
*A small charge applies if you wish to feed the animals. If you would like to pay by card, please visit AUSTRALIAN RAINBOWS to make your payment and present your receipt to a member of staff at the goat and sheep village to collect your food.
Please be aware all animals can bite – take care to feed the animals with a flat hand and be respectful of their personal space.
The animals this enclosure are FREE-ROAMING – Please be vigilant when visiting with young children as the animals can push and nudge you.