Using our Colchester Zoo passes we have been to visit Colchester Zoo Shriek Week once before. Little E was still a toddler then and on our more recent October Half Terms, we have been too busy to fit a trip in. As we were staying local to home again this October we made sure we made the time to visit. We wanted Little E to experience the Halloween fun at Colchester Zoo.
Visiting Colchester Zoo During Shriek Week
It was a beautiful sunny day when we visited Colchester Zoo which meant that it was a very busy day to visit. The number of people didn’t cause Ethan too many problems but it did mean we were selective of what we could do. Our first stop of the day was to the soft play Jumble Tumble. You have to book tickets for the soft play now which means reduced numbers. Just the way Ethan likes it.
When it was time to leave Jumble Tumble it was also time to think about lunch. Everyone else had the same plan and the queues for the food places were very long. We ended up walking around the whole zoo before ending back at the original restaurant we wanted to eat in. This did cause Ethan some distress but we stopped and looked at his favourite animals on the way. It would be easier to take a packed lunch but Ethan only really eats hot food. I should have packed a few snacks though but I wasn’t that prepared.
The Halloween Fun at Colchester Zoo
With our tummies full everyone was happier. We were able to take a look at some of the Halloween fun at Colchester Zoo. Our first stop was the Day of the Dead Fiesta Footpath.
The Day of the Dead Fiesta Footpath
The Fiesta Footpath is a revamp of The Enchanted Woodland that you can discover during Colchester Zoo’s Christmas events. This was confusing for Ethan as he wanted to know where the fairies were. We loved it though and it was nice to see the area transformed into something new for the Halloween season.
There were painted posts with Halloween characters.
Decorated Day of the Dead skulls.
Even a decorated grave and a Day of the Dead altar.
Visiting The Witches Craft Coven
This year there was a Witches Craft Coven where you could create your own wands or potions. Little E was desperate to make a wand and we paid £3 without really knowing what to expect. I thought there would be an arts and craft table set up where the children would be let loose. It was actually more of a wand making experience.
There was a wizard who was there to help Little E create her wand. He would ask her to choose the different elements and add the sparkles.
At the end of the wand making experience, there was even a spell to read out and cast. I think I was turned into ice cream at the end of it.
The decorations in the Witches Craft Coven were perfect for Halloween. There was even a pirate ship and a giant spider in the empty animal enclosures.
For £3 I thought this was a really lovely idea. There was a bit of a queue though so Darren took Ethan to wait outside whilst Little E created her wand.
Face Cutout Halloween Boards
This year there was also panted Halloween boards dotted around the zoo. Each had a cutout for your face in them. Little E enjoyed having her photos taken with these but Ethan wasn’t interested.
Not Forgetting The Animals
As always we followed Ethan’s directions around the zoo. Visiting the sea lions is always a must for him.
He also likes visiting the Edge of Africa. We said hello to the giraffes and the baby rhino was also out and about.
We didn’t feed any of the animals today as it was so busy. However, we left promising a future visit for Little E so she can feed the goats and the lorikeets.
