Start Date20th Jul 2024 End Date1st Sep 2024
20th July – 1st September 2024
Colchester Zoo Summer Celebrations are set to be sizzling!
Keep the kids entertained for less this Summer by visiting throughout the school holidays.
Enjoy more for your money on 10th and 24th August with a later closing time of 9:00pm featuring LIVE performances from 4:30pm to 9:00pm – all included in standard entry or with a valid Zoo Pass. Why not make the most of the later opening by adding an exclusive evening Animal Experience to your wild adventure from only £70!*
See our activity timetable below:
Zoolympics Challenge Trail
Test your skills at different locations around the zoo and see how you measure up to the amazing athletes found in the animal kingdom!
Wild Vibe Club Tropicana
| Wild Vibe Parade | 11:00am – 11:15am | Starts at Main Stage |
| Club Tropicana Party | 12 noon – 1:00pm | Main Stage |
| Wild Vibe Parade | 2:30pm – 2:45pm | Starts at Main Stage |
| Club Tropicana Party | 3:30pm – 4:00pm | Main Stage |
| Wild Vibe Parade | 4:45pm – 5:00pm | Starts at Main Stage |
Meet our Zoo Crew
| 9:30am – 10:00am | Zoo Entrance |
| 10:30am – 11:00am | Main Stage next to Penguini’s Restaurant |
| 11:30am – 12 noon | Zoo Entrance |
| 3:00pm – 3:30pm | Next to Dinosaur Realm |
| 4:00pm – 4:30pm | Lake Area near Wrap and Roll |
Animal Encounters
Various times
Check out our daily animal encounters at various times throughout the day and learn more about your favourite species.
Face Painting
11:00am to 1hr before zoo closing
Face Painting Station
Transform into your favourite animal including special animal characters!*
The Exploratorium
11:00am to 1hr before zoo closing
Kingdom of the Wild
Our ever-popular Exploratorium returns with new boxes this summer.
Sensation Station
Various times
Familiar Friends
Enjoy close encounters with some familiar friends at various times throughout the day!
Discovery Den
10:30am to 1hr before zoo closing
Inside Elephant Kingdom
Learn about habitats with our interactive sand table and Draw Alive wall.
Guinea Pig Pet Care
11:30am OR 3:00pm (please check on the day)
Opposite Sensation Station
Find out more about caring for guinea pigs from our Animal Care Team
Passholders: This event is FREE for Zoo Passholders. Simply turn up on the day and bring with you your valid zoo pass to gain entry into the zoo.
Paying Visitors: Paying visitors are no longer required to pre-book tickets, however, we recommend all non-passholders to book their tickets online in advance to receive the best price on admission.