What's On in Essex

Thunderbirds and Co: The Joy of Puppetry

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Step into a realm of nostalgia with puppets from classic television shows. The exhibition features a diverse collection, from Joy Laurey’s beloved Mr Turnip puppet to your favourite Gerry and Sylvia...

Thunderbirds and Co: The Joy of Puppetry 

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle/

Embark on a nostalgic journey through the enchanting world of puppetry. Running from 29 March to 30 June, this exhibition is a celebration of the art and legacy of early television puppeteers, including...

Woodland Adventure Days

Venue: Audley End Miniature Railway

Website: www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Woodland Adventure Days run throughout the year. They are a relaxed off-peak, great-value day out. A lovely day out for parents and grandparents to take the little ones somewhere for a few hours, while...

Tree Trail

Venue: Markshall Estate

Website: www.markshall.org.uk

Head out into the Arboretum on your fact finding quest. Discover some of the trees which call Markshall home. Keep an eye out for the 14 trees in your booklet, they may be watching you!

Disney100: The Exhibition

Venue: ExCel London

Website: www.disney100exhibit.com/London

Calling all Disney fans! Step into a world of enchantment and create cherished memories with your family at Disney100: The Exhibition. This once-in-a-lifetime event celebrates the iconic characters and...

Rookie Rush Weekend

Venue: Wild Forest Obstacle Activity Centre

Address: Parsonage Farm

Website: www.nuclear-races.co.uk

Nuclear Rookies are fun, pumped-up muddy obstacle courses for 4-14 year old kids of any fitness level. Rookies can test their skills on a specially designed fun 1.5/3km course filled with around 20 kid’s...

Family Wave and Ride and Slide

Venue: Wild Forest Obstacle Activity Centre

Address: Parsonage Farm

Website: www.nuclear-races.co.uk

The Nuclear Races Family Wave is designed to get you all out on course together to enjoy the mud and obstacles as a family. It's a great introduction to Nuclear Races for your Rookies who are nearly ready...

Meet Peppa and George

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchester-zoo.com

Take along your cheeky piglets to this character day where Peppa Pig and George will be greeting visitors at intervals throughout the day. Due to popularity of the event, admission for Colchester Zoo will...

Milkshake! Live

Venue: Towngate Theatre

Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

Join your favourite Milkshake! friends on Holiday with Dora, Pip and Posy, Blue from Blues Clues and You!, Milo, Milkshake! Monkey plus two of your Milkshake! presenters for an all-new adventure! Pack...

Who Framed the Easter Bunny

Venue: The Mill Arts and Events Centre

Website: www.rochforddistrictvenues.co.uk

Joined by the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny sets off on a journey around the kingdom to clear his name. With many hilarious characters to meet there’s plenty of music and laughter to enjoy in the search...

Essex Young Farmers Show

Venue: Boyton Hall

Website: www.essexyoungfarmers.com

The Essex Young Farmers Show is one of the biggest highlights of the year. The show has been running for over 30 years and it keeps getting better and better. It is one of the only show’s in the UK run...

Wifi Wars

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

The live comedy game show where you all play along. Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes.The matinee performance is a family...

Comedy of Errors

Venue: Layer Marney Tower

Website: www.layermarneytower.co.uk

Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally...

Circus Zyair

Venue: Priory Park

Address: Southend on Sea

Website: www.circus-zyair.co.uk

The brand new show for 2024 features over thirty adrenaline fuelled performers from all across the globe. Fearless acrobats and daredevil stuntmen guarantee maximum thrills by risking life and limb daily...

Roartastic May Half Term

Venue: Marsh Farm

Website: www.marshfarm.co.uk

At the heart of the adventure park, children are invited to get their hands dirty with fossil digging, clamber over prehistoric boulders, and come face-to-face with awe-inspiring dinosaurs of all shapes...

Zog and the Flying Doctors

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling sequel, Freckle Productions (Zog, Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales) are back, with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe (Zog), for this truly...

Fairy Tale May Half Term

Venue: Audley End Miniature Railway

Website: www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Families can explore the Fairy and Elf Walk, which winds through the enchanted woods where children can spot tiny fairies living happily and in harmony with nature. These magical creatures also tend to...

Family Festival

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk/book-tickets

Spend the bank holiday weekend with Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, as they bring you their Family Festival! With a line-up you won’t want to miss including Inflatables, Soft play bus, BBQ, Saddle Up Bar...

Family Gardening Festival

Venue: RHS Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall

Join the fun this May half term at RHS Garden Hyde Hall with family crafting, garden trails, planting activities and storytelling.Garden admission applies. Free to RHS members and children under 5. Suitable...

Hopefield Family Festival

Venue: Sawyers Hall Farm

Website: www.visitessex.com

Includes a line-up you won't want to miss! Expect inflatables, soft play bus, BBQ, Bar, live performances and, of course, the chance to meet their rescued residents, plus lots more! Children's activities...

National Children's Gardening Week

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk

An annual celebration of the fun that gardens hold for kids, supporting Greenfingers charity which is dedicated to providing magical gardens for children in hospices suffering from life limiting illnesses....

Puppet Trail

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

The Puppets Trail invites young visitors to explore the magical world of puppetry. With a bespoke trail sheet in hand, available for just £5, families can embark on a nostalgic quest to uncover the secrets...

Rollerworld

Venue: Charter Hall

Address: Colchester

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk/whats-on

Relaxed skate session 11am-12pm, all-ages Family Disco session with games and music 12-5pm. Wear your best Disco Gear for this exclusive over-14s Famous Rollerworld 80s v 90s Extravaganza from 7pm-11.30pm,...

Steam Day

Venue: East Anglian Railway Museum

Website: www.earm.co.uk/events/steam-day

Unlimited rides on a train hauled by one of the vintage Steam Locomotives. During the Steam Days, The Museum is open for you to look around the various buildings, trains, displays and exhibits. Their Miniature...

Wild Imaginations: Create Your Own Creature

Venue: Natural History Museum

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Get wild and dream up the most creative animal you can! From vibrant colours to fancy features, the Museum can’t wait to see what your wild imaginations conjure up! The best creatures win a prize. This...

Fun for Kids 'Have a Go' Day

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

Fun Day full of Childrens activities and entertainment including kids crafts, toys, bouncy castles and rides, museum hunts, model exhibits, children’s storytelling, party entertainment and the miniature...

Knights of Royal England Joust

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Get ready for an epic battle of strength and valour as The Knights of Royal England return to Hedingham Castle over the Bank Holiday weekend! Cheer on your favourite knight as they charge down the arena,...

Milkshake Live on Holiday

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

It’s time to go on holiday with your favourite Milkshake! friends. Join two of the Milkshake! presenters as well as some familiar faces including Dora, Pip and Posey and Blue. Pack your bags and jump...

Summer Open Days "Old Roses"

Venue: Daws Hall Nature Reserve

Website: www.dawshallnature.co.uk/events

Over 150 varieties of Roses across the grounds of Daws Hall as well as activities for families including free drop in pond dipping for both kids and adults (weather pending!). Also 2 June.

Transport Extravaganza

Venue: East Anglian Railway Museum

Website: www.earm.co.uk/events/transport-extravaganza

Unlimited rides on a train hauled by one of the vintage Steam Locomotives and FREE bus rides to Bures and back. Expect up to 200 classic cars, buses, commercials, agricultural vehicles and rare modern...

Family Tours: Normans!

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Explore the castle’s rich history, climb the Great Stairs and take in mesmerising city views from the Castle roof. Perfect for all ages, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure, offering a glimpse...

Go and see Bluey

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

Take a ride on the heritage steam train to Ongar where Bluey will be making appearances. Capacity on each train will be limited and advance booking is essential.

Hospital Radio Fun Day

Venue: Castle Park

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk/whats-on

Fun for all the Family! Enjoy arena attractions, children’s rides, charity stalls, food and drink, Colchester Duck Race and lots more.

Puppet Craft

Venue: Hollytrees Museum

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Be inspired by Colchester Castle’s newest exhibition, Thunderbirds & Co: The Joy of Puppetry, as you design and bring your own puppets to life. Use colours, textures and endless possibilities as you...

Hanningfield Drop-off Day (over 5's)

Venue: Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Make shelters, climb trees and use natural materials for crafts. Their programme will help to build confidence, enhance self-esteem and develop social skills. Each group is led by an experienced Forest...

May Just Get Over It

Venue: Parsonage Farm

Website: www.wild-forest.co.uk/may2024

90 minute obstacle adventure includes new junior slip and slide for under 11's and deathslide for those 11 and over. (Also 30 May).

Ten in the Bed

Venue: The Mill Arts and Events Centre

Website: www.rochforddistrictvenues.co.uk

This humorous and inventive new show celebrates the power of imaginary play and proves there’s always enough room to have fun, even when the world is at its most daunting. The latest production is for...

Claytime

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Go to a place where the earth’s natural material meets with children’s imaginations: a world of fabulous forms, amazing animals and morphing monsters. Each Claytime is totally unique - creating its...

Holiday Children's Activities

Venue: Daws Hall Nature Reserve

Website: www.dawshallnature.co.uk/events

Explore the 25 acre private nature reserve and take part in some minibeast hunting and pond dipping with a picnic and marshmallows by the fire at Lunchtime. Have fun, get out and about and maybe even learn...

Ingrebourne Wildflower Wednesday

Venue: Ingrebourne Nature Discovery Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Explore the meadow and discover which wildflowers and creatures call it their home! Staff will be on hand to guide you and the kids through the wildflower meadow, and help you spot (using ID charts and...

Oliver!

Venue: Towngate Theatre

Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

Young, orphaned Oliver Twist navigates London’s underworld, searching for a home, a family, and – most importantly – love. With spirited, timeless songs like As Long as He Needs Me, Food Glorious...

Design a Chocolate Bar and Wrapper Class

Venue: Sarah's Creative Chocolate Kitchen

Address: Eastwood, Leigh on Sea

Website: www.sarahschocolatekitchen.com

Inside all of us, is a child's imagination just waiting to jump out, and have some fun Willie Wonka style! What better way than to draw your own edible fondant topper, to then be made into a chocolate...

Charlie Cook's Favourite Book

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Go and delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book…Based...

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

The show is family friendly, but without any patronising idiocy. In fact, it's just like a normal comedy club, but it's on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance...

Ingrebourne Family Forest Fun (2-9 years)

Venue: Ingrebourne Nature Discovery Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

A morning full of fun in nature - look for mini-beasts, dig in the mud kitchen, build dens, climb trees, creative crafts, and enjoy a campfire (weather permitting). Suitable for children aged 2-9. Advance...

Colchester Roman and Medieval Festival

Venue: Lower Castle Park

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

£10 per day per adult; £15 adult weekend pass. Children 14 and under free. Dogs with responsible owners welcome. Free parking in Kings Meadow (access via Catchpool Road CO1 1XN).

Reptile Weekend

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchester-zoo.com

Join Colchester Zoo as they share all things smooth and scaly with a range of reptile inspired activities. From the humid habitat of Komodo Dragons to the brightly coloured Emerald Tree Monitor Lizard,...

National Brick Events

Venue: Charter Hall

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/nation-brick-events/

Activities for children include a play area where you can sit and play with hundreds and hundreds of LEGO bricks. Whether you are a collector, AFOL or just looking for a fun day out with the family then...

Spot's Birthday Party

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Based on the beloved Eric Hill classic Happy Birthday Spot, this brand-new adaptation brings your favourite pup and his friends to life in an interactive and accessible show.Every ticket comes with a free...

Castle Park Theatre - Macbeth

Venue: Colchester Castle Park

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

Castle Park Theatre returns with the Bard’s ultimate power couple. A gripping tale of greed, murder and the supernatural, this production features an all-female cast who have performed open-air Shakespeare...

The Big Help Out

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.thebighelpout.org.uk

Early involvement in volunteering and social action increases a child’s likelihood of taking part in the future. Working together, teachers have the power to instil the values of compassion and community...

Summer Open Days -Castle and Gardens

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Take a picnic and spend balmy days relaxing by the water and exploring the grounds and dappled woodlands. The 3ft thick walls keep the Castle wonderfully cool during hot weather! Tickets include entry...

Come and See PAW Patrol

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

Chase and Skye will be visiting on Sunday 9 June so be sure to go and say hello and don’t forget your camera! Take a ride on the heritage steam train to Ongar where the heroic pups will be making appearances...

Essex Faery Fayre

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

There will be themed stalls, crafts and competitions, storytelling, wand making workshops, a mystical labyrinth, hoola hoop sessions and crowning the chosen Prince, Princess, King and Queen. The day finishes...

Jack and the Beans Talk

Venue: The Mill Arts and Events Centre

Website: www.rochforddistrictvenues.co.uk

Jack and the Beans Talk is a cautionary tale about what might happen if you throw things out of the window! Puppet theatre performances at 11.30am and 13:30pm. Free to attend, with places allocated on...

Hamlet - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: www.tlcm.co.uk/booktickets

Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men this summer, in their 20th year, for Hamlet, arguably the greatest play in the English language. They present this great play as he first saw it – in the open air, with...

Outdoor Theatre Evening: The Importance of Being Earnest

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall

Wilde’s comic masterpiece gets The Pantaloons treatment in their anarchic take on the classic comedy of manners. This energetic and musical production infuses Wilde’s witty words with snappy new songs...

60th Anniversary and Father’s Day Weekend

Venue: Audley End Miniature Railway

Website: www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

This summer the railway celebrates 60 years of creating family memories. Over Father’s Day weekend, the railway will welcome visitors to commemorate the occasion with the launch of a brand-new electric...

Basildon 3k

Venue: Gloucester Park

Website: www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

At just over 2 miles, 3k is ideal for families or groups having a go at their first Race for Life. It's a fun, achievable event for everyone – and an unforgettable day out. There's no pressure to finish...

Basildon Pretty Muddy Kids

Venue: Gloucester Park

Website: www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Pretty Muddy® Kids is a fun-packed muddy obstacle course for children aged 6-12 (over 1.2m tall). The young fundraisers climb, crawl and slide their way around the course at their own pace, accompanied...

Fireman Sam Live

Venue: Harlow Playhouse

Website: www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk

Norman wants to go on an adventure to impress his friends, so when two famous animal explorers arrive in Pontypandy, he decides to follow them into the mountains. But when Norman discovers a rare red squirrel,...

Motorfest Father's Day Weekender

Venue: Kings Farm

Website: www.motorshowevents.com

Motorfest offers a day out for the whole family, featuring diverse attractions such as street food, ice cream, a variety of vehicles, funfair rides, stunt shows, monster truck rides, bars, inflatable kids...

Egg and Spoon

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

A perfect, gentle introduction for the very young to the magic of theatre. Egg and Spoon is an interactive romp through the seasons where you come in and out of a magic circle and get to open all the gifts...

Visit the Vulcan on Father's Day

Venue: London Southend Airport

Website: www.avrovulcan.com

Treat Dad to a great time out where he can get a close-up look at Vulcan XL426 in its hangar and for an additional fee can climb inside for a guided tour of the cockpit. Vulcan XL426 will be joined by...

National School Sports Week 2024

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.youthsporttrust.org

This year's theme brings a special one-off Euro 2024 event that emphasises football as a means to engage young people in 60 minutes a day of PE, sport and play. By registering, schools will receive free...

Hanningfield Home Education

Venue: Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

A one off home education session helping your child develop a range of practical and social skills, whilst learning about wildlife. Join this session exploring natural art and create your own artwork to...

The Magic Flute

Venue: Layer Marney Tower

Website: www.layermarneytower.co.uk

Wild Arts is a charity dedicated to making music accessible, fresh, and enjoyable for everyone. They are passionate about innovating and reimagining opera to create vibrant, engaging productions that resonate...

Foodies Festival

Venue: Hylands Park

Website: www.foodiesfestival.com

Sample new wines, champagnes and cocktails in The Drinks Theatre. Eat delicious street food from around the world. Taste new flavours. Meet artisan producers. Have fun all day with chilli eating competitions...

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect...

Island Fest

Venue: Adventure Island

Website: www.adventureisland.co.uk/events/island-fest

The day will include performances and displays from a variety of Bands, Singers, Dancers, Actors, Artists and Comedians celebrating the talent Southend has to offer! All proceeds will be going to Southend...

Great Expectations - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Green Island Gardens

Website: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk/greatexpectations

Join Pip’s journey through adversity to discover the true nature of his ‘Great Expectations’ in this exciting new production of this much-loved family classic, packed full of high drama, mysterious...

Public Service, Commercial & Emergency Vehicle Day

Venue: East Anglian Railway Museum

Website: www.earm.co.uk/events

Get up close and personal to a display of buses, trucks, military vehicles, fire engines, police cars and ambulances. Learn about the history of the fire service thanks to a pop up museum and get your...

Bluey and Bingo

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchester-zoo.com

Say g’day to the dynamic duo, Bluey and Bingo who will be greeting visitors at intervals throughout the day – more details and times coming soon. Due to popularity of the event, admission for Colchester...

Food and Drink Festival

Venue: Lower Castle Park

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

Relax in the wonderful atmosphere of this much-loved festival. You can have a picnic, listen to the music. Stroll around the stalls trying some of the artisan produced local goodies. Dogs with responsible...

WrestleForce

Venue: The Mill Arts and Events Centre

Website: www.rochforddistrictvenues.co.uk

The superstars of WrestleForce return for another 2 hours of incredible professional wrestling action the whole family can enjoy. Witness incredible athletes hitting enthralling manoeuvres in their efforts...

Come and See Hey Duggee

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

Duggee will be making appearances throughout the day on 30 June so fans have the chance to see him. Be sure to go and say hello and don’t forget your camera! A-WOOF! Capacity on each train will be limited...

Hawks and Friends

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

During this fantastic encounter, you will witness these hunting birds demonstrating their natural abilities and have them fly to your gloved fist. The evening will begin with a welcome by the team of expert...

Rhythm of the Dance

Venue: Towngate Theatre

Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

Featuring world class musicians who play live on stage, star vocalists singing live and world champion dancers, the show is a completely captivating two hour experience of pulsating rhythms performed at...

Cirque: The Greatest Show

Venue: Cliffs Pavilion

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend

An all-star cast performing the big, big numbers from your favourite shows are joined by mesmerising circus stars – making for an enchanting production that is charming and astonishing in equal measure....

Fairy Tale Weekend

Venue: Adventure Island

Website: www.adventureisland.co.uk/events/fairytale-weekend

Join this enchanting weekend at Adventure Island and Sealife Adventure. Whether you fancy being a prince, princess, or even a frog, go along for an unforgettable treasure hunt, themed entertainment, and...

The Maldon Doggie Weekend

Venue: Promenade Park

Website: www.maldondoggieweekend.com

Dog agility displays, fun competitions for you and your dog, talks from experts, shopping, food and drink and some attractions to keep the children amused too. Super Early Bird tickets are just £4 for...

Wake Up with Colchester Zoo

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchester-zoo.com

See the zoo in a different light as their doors open early from 7:30am for a rare opportunity to enjoy a number of special morning animal encounters! To enjoy this exciting and rare event, you must hold...

Calm at the Castle

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

These sessions are suitable for visitors with ASD, providing an opportunity for them to explore the museum at a quieter time. The Museum aim to minimise sensory stimulation in the galleries by turning...

St George and the Dragon - A Mummers' Play

Venue: Paycocke's House and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Gather around, get comfy and enjoy the magic of a medieval mummers' play in the company of the Mayflower Morris Men, with a cast of twelve actors and musicians.These performances are free of charge, and...

The Importance of Being Earnest

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.thepantaloons.co.uk/ernest

Wilde’s comic masterpiece gets The Pantaloons treatment in their anarchic take on the classic comedy of manners. This energetic and musical production infuses Wilde’s witty words with snappy new songs...

Adventure Magic in Wyvernwood

Venue: Wyvernwood

Website: www.wyvernwood.co.uk

Step through a magic portal to enter the Kingdom of Wyvernwood to experience an enchanting story about fierce dragons, fabulous fairies, a warrior princess, spell-blinding wizards, menacing goblins, magical...

Diddy Dragon Days

Venue: Wyvernwood

Website: www.wyvernwood.co.uk/diddy-dragon-days/

Thursdays and Fridays are Diddy Dragon Days between 10am and 2pm, and there’s a different theme each week. Experience toddler friendly activities including meet and greets with the characters, storytelling...

Essex Police Museum Kids Club

Venue: Essex Police Museum

Website: www.essex.police.uk/police-forces/essex-police/areas/essex-police/au/about-us/essex-police-museum/museum/events/

The Essex Police Museum has lots of activities and events throughout the year for all ages and runs childrens' crafts, trails and quizzes. To join just collect a Kids Club loyalty card at the till and...

Exhilarating Family Fun

Venue: Essex Outdoors

Website: www.essexoutdoors.com

Discover family friendly activities to keep the kids entertained or embark on a memorable adventure to for all the family to enjoy. Activities are ideal for groups and individuals aged 8 – 80, and are...

Explorer Zone

Venue: Chelmsford Museum

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk

Pick up resources to help your children explore the museum and park. The resources are free to borrow and return at the end of your visit. There are explorer bags, including a sensory trail to support...

Fairy and Elf Walk

Venue: Audley End Miniature Railway

Website: www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Wander through the enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk to find the winged friends in their charming hand made homes. Create your very own magical wand to enhance your spotting abilities and use it to tick off...

Hanningfield Pond Dipping

Venue: Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Pick your time slot, arrive for the start time and follow the signs up towards Mr Toad and his pond. Spend time discovering the weird and wonderful creatures that can be found in your own back garden pond!...

Harlow High Adventure

Venue: Essex Outdoors

Website: www.essexoutdoors.com/school-holiday-activities

Discover two exciting, pay and play, outdoor climbing activities at Harlow High Adventure. Providing fun for all the family or just the kids in a safe environment with a coffee shop onsite. High Ropes...

Jigsaw Weekend Performing Arts School

Venue: Moulson High School

Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk/performing-arts-school/chelmsford/

Every student can benefit, in some way, from the performing arts maybe to unlock their hidden talents, overcome their shyness or increase their confidence and social skills. However, what all students...

Laser Tag Parties

Venue: Laser Mayhem

Website: www.laser-mayhem.co.uk

Renowned for cutting-edge technology and amazing playing areas packed with features to deliver the very best kid's parties. All the equipment and camouflage overalls are provided for all players. For...

Northlands Junior Parkrun

Venue: Northlands Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/northlands-juniors/

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9am. Free to join but you must register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun so go along and...

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.perform.org.uk/try

Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. To book a...

Stagecoach Performing Arts

Venue: Various locations in Essex

Website: www.stagecoach.co.uk

Children and teens flourish while improving their singing, dancing and drama skills during weekly main stages performing arts classes. These fun and friendly performing arts classes operate during term...

The Beach

Venue: Baytree Shopping Centre

Website: www.baytreeshoppingcentre.com

The Baytree is kicking off the summer with the return of its free and popular beach for families to enjoy! Enjoy the sunshine by playing in the fantastic outdoor sand pit, open daily from 10am-4pm. Visitors...

The Landrover Safari

Venue: Chelmsford Equestrian Centre

Website: www.offroadkids.co.uk/adventures/

An approximately 25+ minute guided drive around the equestrian centre fields. Great fun for groups and families. Kids will love it. If you are lucky, you will see hares and foxes. This is a guided tour...

Thriftwood

Venue: Thriftwood Scout Camp Site

Website: www.thriftwood.org.uk

Set in a beautiful woodland environment, Thriftwood is the ideal venue for an adventurous activity party or to meet friends at the Chillout Holiday Club. Suitable for children aged 8-16, parties are tailor...

Trains at Audley End

Venue: Audley End Miniature Railway

Website: www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Take one of the Steam or Diesel Engines through the beautiful Audley End Estate Woodland. During your journey you can use your I Spy Sheet to look out for the many characters, animals and even teddy bears...

Young Farmers Club

Venue: Lambourne End

Website: www.lambourne-end.org.uk/youngfarmersclub

The young farmers will be in a group of 12 and led by one member of staff along with additional team leader volunteers. The club aims to provide opportunities for young people to develop and participate...