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.

Med res ECP Danbury Sept22 0683

Events

Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park

Don’t let the children have all the fun, connecting with nature is beneficial for everyone. Come and join us at our Family Forest School sessions.

  • Dates:
    • March 7, 2026
    • April 11, 2026
    • May 2, 2026
    • June 6, 2026
  • Venue: Danbury Country Park
  • Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
  • For the whole family
  • Price: £10 for the first child. £6 for siblings. Accompanying adults Free. Under 18 months free.
Buy tickets for Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park Find out more about Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park
Med res ECP Danbury Sept22 0683

Events

Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park

Don’t let the children have all the fun, connecting with nature is beneficial for everyone. Come and join us at our Family Forest School sessions.

  • Dates:
    • March 7, 2026
    • April 11, 2026
    • May 2, 2026
    • June 6, 2026
  • Venue: Danbury Country Park
  • Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
  • For the whole family
  • Price: £10 for the first child. £6 for siblings. Accompanying adults Free. Under 18 months free.
Buy tickets for Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park Find out more about Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park
Med res ECP Danbury Sept22 0683

Events

Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park

Don’t let the children have all the fun, connecting with nature is beneficial for everyone. Come and join us at our Family Forest School sessions.

  • Dates:
    • March 7, 2026
    • April 11, 2026
    • May 2, 2026
    • June 6, 2026
  • Venue: Danbury Country Park
  • Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
  • For the whole family
  • Price: £10 for the first child. £6 for siblings. Accompanying adults Free. Under 18 months free.
Buy tickets for Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park Find out more about Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park

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