Dream Night

Friday, 5th June 2026

Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Heckfordbridge, Colchester, CO3 0SL View Map

We are delighted to let you know that Colchester Zoo has invited EACH to attend ‘Dream Night - 2026 - Wonderland Theme’ which is to be held at the zoo on Friday 5th June between 6pm and 9.30pm. On this very special night Colchester Zoo is closed to the public but open especially for families from local children’s hospices & charities to allow your children the greatest chance to have a truly special and memorable evening.

‘Dream Night at the Zoo’ is a concept that began in 1996 at the Rotterdam Zoo. Colchester Zoo has made EACH a part of its Dream Night for the last seventeen years and wants to make it possible for you to be a part of it!

On the evening of the 5th, the proposed programme will include; animal feeding, getting up close to a number of different species as well as a range of other entertainment and surprises. The activities will be designed to give the children a unique experience; much more than would be possible in a normal visit. The evening programme will allow families to visit many attractions to make the most of the time available. The zoo is fully equipped with disabled and first aid facilities and a wet weather programme will also be devised, if required.

We have a very limited allocation of tickets each year and ONLY families who have never been to Dream Night before need apply. Tickets will be allocated to lead children & their close family members only.

To register your interest for this event, please sign up via the booking form. Families will be randomly selected, with equal opportunities afforded to each of our 3 hospice sites. 

The deadline for applications is 30th April. You will be notified of the outcome at the beginning of May via email.

Please note this is not a public event, it is only available to families who currently access services at EACH & who have never accessed Dream Night previously.