Days out before starting school

[skidoer]

I'm looking for recommendations for days out with my daughter before she starts school in September. So far I've got a trip to meet DH at his office and Dopamine land. We are in Essex so anything around that area would be fab. Thanks in advance for any suggestions

Bumping

Southend for the pier?

London zoo

Beach

I was thinking about going to london zoo. We've never been before. I always read mixed reviews but thought we'd try it out

Is there a Sealife Centre near you? (Or other suitable aquarium). Because she likes baby shark my DD really wants to see a real shark - we've not been ourselves yet as its a couple hours drive away but its on the list... Does your DD have anything that she particularly loves/has an interest in that might provide inspiration? An activity farm (to feed ducks & goats etc) if there's one near you or a mini steam train proved popular with my DD (I'm nowhere near Essex so apologies if there's nothing like this near you)

Just wanted to come back and say that we went to Colchester zoo in the end. We got there shortly after it opened and it was lovely and quiet so we got round quite quickly. They have some really good interactive activities for kids such as how long can you hold on to a rope like a monkey for and a machine that times how fast you run so the kids can compare themselves to animals. The best bit was the amazing playgrounds though, my DD absolutely loved them and there was also a soft play but we didn't get time for that so just wanted to come back and recommend 👍🏻

DD2 and I had a brilliant day out at Peppa Pig World the day before she started school (Reception started later so it was basically term time). It was fab and very empty and I still have very fond memories of the day. That's near Southampton though, so probably a bit of a trek from you...

@Bramshott yes we love Peppa Pig world! We have already been this year though but it's a great day out.
I think I might do a london open bus tour as another day out, I would quite enjoy this one myself!