Animal Mysteries Summer Trail

Explore, count and have fun in the Essex Country Parks with these free, family friendly trails

Posted on 25th May 2023

Calling all mini explorers, it’s time for a thrilling adventure with our Animal Mysteries Summer Trail.

Find the animals hiding in the parks, enjoy the fun activities and explore the wonders of nature. Plus, there is a chance for one lucky explorer to win a Colchester Zoo Experience.

Pick up a FREE trail booklet (while stocks last) print at home or download our new Animal Mysteries Summer Trail. Enjoy our selfie boards and share photos #EssexExplorers @exploressex. See what you can spot, tell us about your finds, and enjoy further activities in the park and at home.

Help your children to add up their answers and email us for the chance to win a Colchester Zoo Animal Experience! Find out how to enter and read our full terms and conditions here.

Participating Essex Country Parks:

Belhus Woods, Cudmore Grove, Danbury, Great Notley, Hadleigh, Thorndon (South CM13 3LW) and Weald.

  • Download the Trail to your phone here
  • Print the Trail at home here
  • Print the Summer Spotters Guide here

Part of the Essex County Council Year of Numbers.

Illustration of butterfly, ladybird and deer.

You might also like our free Read, Count and Explore in the Parks events taking place in association with Essex Libraries and TLC this summer.

Read more here.

Autumn Spotters Guide 2025 1

Events

Autumn Scavenger Hunt

Autumn has arrived and the parks are bursting with colour. See how many of these seasonal sights you can spot on your next trip to an Essex Country Park.

  • Dates: September 10, 2025 - January 31, 2026
  • Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
  • For the whole family
  • Price:
Find out more about Autumn Scavenger Hunt
Autumn Spotters Guide 2025 1

Events

Autumn Scavenger Hunt

Autumn has arrived and the parks are bursting with colour. See how many of these seasonal sights you can spot on your next trip to an Essex Country Park.

  • Dates: September 10, 2025 - January 31, 2026
  • Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
  • For the whole family
  • Price:
Find out more about Autumn Scavenger Hunt
Autumn Spotters Guide 2025 1

Events

Autumn Scavenger Hunt

Autumn has arrived and the parks are bursting with colour. See how many of these seasonal sights you can spot on your next trip to an Essex Country Park.

  • Dates: September 10, 2025 - January 31, 2026
  • Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
  • For the whole family
  • Price:
Find out more about Autumn Scavenger Hunt

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