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.

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 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.

Wildwood Trust is well worth a visit if you are staying in the local area.  You can experience close encounters with native wildlife - all in a beautiful forest setting.  You will find this attraction between the coastal town of Herne Bay and the ancient city of Canterbury.  There is a wide variety of animals to see including badgers, foxes and otters. Kids will also love the animal encounters sessions, playground and games and quizzes.  Check out their website for the latest admission prices which are excellent value for a family day out in Kent.

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.

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.

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

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.

The Hop Farm offers fun for children of all ages and the fun starts as soon as you enter with Giant Jumping Pillows and huge Outdoor Play Area and Frame with Slides, Bridges, Towers and much more. There are also a number of rides including the gentle Victorian Carousel. A ride on a Shire Horse is a great way to explore the park and as you wander around you will find the fantastic Lost World Maze, the Magic Factory and the crazy 3D Great Goblin Hunt.

Great Kent attraction and actually the biggest play centre in Kent.  From babies right through to toddlers and juniors there is something to suit all ages.  For roddlers the under 5s play frame has a host of activities including a tube slide, ball pool and funny mirrors. Juniors will be attractoed to the Imagine Village where they can drive little cars on the specially designed roadway. If you live locally this is also a great place to meet people and make new friends.