Colchester Zoo is a fantastic place to visit with something for all the family.  Wander around and see the array of animals in excellent habitats.  Don't forget to visit the Leopards at Ussuri Falls, this new expansion can be located opposte the White Tiger Valley and the Medellin Momkeys.  Other popular areas of the zoo include Tiger Taiga, Chimp World and Wallaby Walkabout.   Look out for special events throughout the year such as Shriek Week on Halloween.  If you book tickets online you can obtain a discount of 10% and are also fast tracked on entry to the zoo - a great idea in the school holidays.

This attraction is currently under construction but we are looking forward to it opening in early 2011.  The philosophy of the Discovery Centre is 'healthy body, healthy mind, healthy planet and aims to change people's attitudes and actions towards our planet.  Educational as well as fun there are plenty of activities such as outdoor sport pitches, cycle and walking trails and indoor activity rooms.  This is a unique attraction for the whole family.

The National Trust Ickworth House, Park & Gardens is a Beautiful 1800 acre country estate with many attractions including a fantastic adventure playground for the children and a range of nature trails which the whole family will enjoy. The site also has a family friendly cycle route a gift shop and a small café

Adventure Island costs nothing to enter and there is an array of rides and attractions on offer. The Big Adventure rides include the Dragon's Claw, Rage and Vortex.  For younger children there is just as much fun on offer with rides like the Cow Jump, Over the Hill and Dragon. Mini Rides include the Choo Choo Train, Crooked House and Flying Jumbos.  When you have ran out of energy you could have a wander round the gift shop and perhaps buy a souvenir of your day.

This is a museum with a difference and a must see if you are into horse racing.  You can take guided tours around the museum or choose to wander round yourself admiring the exhibits.  New for 2010 is a Junior Fun Tour which is ideal for children.  Simply ask the gallery staff for a Fun Tour pack when you enter the museum and kids can answer questions and spot clues and tips on the way round.  One of the most popular recent exhibitions is the Thoroughbred: State of the Art exhibition in Gallery 5 on until 31st October.  Check out their websites for the latest exhibitions.

This amazing owl sanctuary located in the Stowmarket area of Suffolk should be high on your list of places to visit in the area.  The attraction is also a registered charity and carries out important work in the care & rehabilitation of owls from the region.  The sanctuary also raises awareness of owl conservation throughout the UK.  Between April and the end of September there are two superb flying displays each day so you should try and make your visit coincide with one of these displays if you can.

If you like nature then the RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve makes a great day out.   Situated in Stanstead Abbotts in Essex this place is a haven for wildlife.  If you're a keen walker or bird watcher then this is certainly the place for you.  Kids will also love the activities on offer including the Explorer Backpacks they can borrow full of fun things to do.  Don't forget to bring a picnic!  Look out for special events taking place throughout the year such as Feed the Bird days.

Located in the Waltham Abbey area of Essex this lovely farm will appeal to families especially those with small children.  With animals including Ella and Eve the goats and Tallulah and Barbara the pigs younger children will delight in meeting and learning about the various farm animals.  Other attractions on the farm include the new indoor soft play area where children can moo like a cow while whizzing down the big cow slide or dive into the ball pools.  Look out for a range of activities taking place each weekend and during school holidays such as sheep shearing, bottle feeding the lambs and even pig racing.  When it's time to sit down and recharge your batteries head for the Orchard Cafe or one of the ready made picnic areas.

This award winning wildlife attraction has much to offer both families and couples looking for a fun and educational day out.  You can discover a whole wild world of animals with over 1000 different animals from around the world. You will probably want to try and spend the whole day here so you don's miss out on anything.  Highlights include the amazing animals presentation, the birds of prey display and the feeding talks, all of which take place at set times of the day.  This attraction is fantastic value for money and highly recommended.  Their latest event is the Snow Leopard Club Naming Auction and there has recently been a baby giraffe born at the zoo.