Opening Times

Summer: 9.30am to 5.30pm
Winter: 10am to 4.30pm

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

Tropical Wings at South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, is set in acres of attractive gardens and features one of the largest butterfly houses in the country. There are many different species of birds, insects and mammals, and we pride ourselves on encouraging interaction whenever possible.

Animals include free-flying butterflies, rare and exotic parrots, marmoset monkeys, minibeasts, wallabies, owls, skunks, marbled polecats, reptiles, ring-tailed lemurs, birds of prey, otters, pets’ corner and farmyard area.

We have a large children’s play areas, a hands-on educational activity zone, teaching presentation areas, a jungle themed classroom, undercover* picnic areas and Discovery Kingdom ~ a large indoor arena where learning comes to life! Not to mention the 9-acre outdoor “classroom” just waiting to be explored!

*Undercover picnic areas are not heated. Please be aware of this if planning a visit with younger children during cold weather.

What are the activities?

Together with all that the zoo, it's animals and grounds have to offer, we provide a teaching programme, close animal encounter sessions and keeper experiences for a small additional fee.

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

A teachers pack is available for free from our website.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

To book for the school visit a minimum of 15 children must attend on the day. For every 6 children attending, 1 teacher receives free entry to the zoo.

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

A risk assessment is available and teachers are advised to carry out their own risk assessment on a free familiarisation day.

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

To ensure our visitors obtain the most from their visit, we provide a free visit for two teachers before their visit. The entrance fee is refunded when the school visits the zoo.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

A cafe, snack bar in the summer months, picnic areas both under cover and without cover, benches around the zoo and a gift shop provide for all your refreshment and food needs onsite.

Is specific clothing required?

Sensible footwear and comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather is advised but not essential.

Do you have first aid on site?

First aid points and first aid trained members of staff are available all day within the zoo.