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.

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.

Essex Libraries: Summer Reading Challenge
Join the Essex Libraries for this year's Summer Reading Challenge.
- Dates: July 19 - September 6, 2025
- Times: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- 4 to 14
- Price: Free

Bugs and Butterflies Summer Trail at Hadleigh Country Park
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
- Dates: July 19 - August 31, 2025
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Free

Summer Magic Trail at Thorndon Country Park
Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with our Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks...
- Dates: July 19 - August 31, 2025
- Venue: Thorndon Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Free

Bugs and Butterflies Summer Trail at Hadleigh Country Park
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
- Dates: July 19 - August 31, 2025
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Free

Essex Libraries: Summer Reading Challenge
Join the Essex Libraries for this year's Summer Reading Challenge.
- Dates: July 19 - September 6, 2025
- Times: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- 4 to 14
- Price: Free

Bugs and Butterflies Summer Trail at Hadleigh Country Park
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
- Dates: July 19 - August 31, 2025
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Free

Summer Magic Trail at Thorndon Country Park
Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with our Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks...
- Dates: July 19 - August 31, 2025
- Venue: Thorndon Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Free
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