There’s no excuse to be bored over the long school holiday, as we pick out some of the best things to do across the county
Adventure Island
Adrenaline junkies will love the rides at Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea this summer! Brave the flips and spins of the Devil’s Dance, defy gravity on Axis, and experience drops, loops, and twists on the Rage rollercoaster. For smaller riders there’s plenty of other charming attractions including Flying Jumbos, the classic Carousel, and the quirky Crooked House.
adventureisland.co.uk
AirHop
If you’re looking for the perfect activity for the kids to burn off some energy then head to AirHop Trampoline Park, with locations in both Colchester and Chelmsford. Home to a number of fantastic features including the freestyle jumping arena, obstacles such as The Wall, and soft play, AirHop makes for a great day out in Essex – rain or shine!
airhop.co.uk
Audley End Railway Audley End Miniature Railway
Add a little magic to your summer holidays this year. Audley End Miniature Railway is a wonderful day out in Saffron Walden for families. Let off steam on the adventure playground before enjoying a scenic ride into the enchanting woods on the miniature railway train – look out for woodland animals, and even the odd elf or fairy…
audley-end-railway.co.uk
Brightlingsea Harbour
Take your adventure in your own hands this summer and hop on the foot ferry from Brightlingsea Harbour. Just 10 miles from the city of Colchester, Brightlingsea Harbour operates a daily foot ferry service which will take you across the River Colne to Point Clear and the famous Mersea Island with ease. There’s no need to leave your four-legged friends at home as they are welcome on board too.
brightlingseaharbour.org
Chelmsford Museum
Sitting at the heart of Oaklands Park near Chelmsford city centre is Chelmsford Museum, an ideal free family day out! Learn about the history of the city and its people in fun and accessible ways, visit the gift shop and pick up a free trail map from their friendly visitor hosts, and take a break at The Hive café.
hchelmsford.gov.uk/museums
Clacton Air Show, 21 – 22 August
The Clacton Airshow will once again be wowing the crowds this summer with its thrilling aerobatics, historic aircrafts, twilight flights and spectacular displays. Take in the breath-taking airshow display, browse the various stallholders and enjoy food and entertainment along the glorious seafront – this is an Essex event not to be missed. Make a day of it and enjoy all the Sunshine Coast has to offer!
clactonairshow.com
Clacton Pier
A visit to Clacton Pier will cure any boredom this summer. Experience their fantastic rides including the classic Helter Skelter, Twister, Go Karts and Looping Star rollercoaster! For rainy days, play games in the arcade, challenge each other to a game of ten pin bowling, or let the little ones let off some steam on the soft play!
clactonpier.co.uk
Colchester Zoo (Rod Edwards) Colchester Zoo
No summer holiday in Essex is complete without a trip to Colchester Zoo. With a great range of activities to keep kids both big and small entertained, you’ll want to visit more than once! Spot lions, bears, giraffes, elephants and many more of your favourite animals. Don’t forget to check the schedule to catch their Animal Encounters throughout the day!
colchesterzoologicalsociety.com
East Anglian Railway Museum
A firm favourite with families, East Anglian Railway Museum’s Steam Days are a great opportunity to visit the museum, experience their miniature railway and enjoy unlimited rides aboard a heritage train, pulled by one of their restored Steam Engines. Enjoy refreshments from their Platform 2 café or tuck in to a picnic on their 10-acre site.
earm.co.uk
Epping Forest
If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors this summer, head to Epping Forest, where there is an array of amazing walking routes to explore, as well as great spots to settle down for a picnic in the sun. There are often family-friendly events running all year round in the area, so be sure to check out what’s on before you go!
Essex Fire Museum
Travel back in time and explore the Essex Fire Museum in Grays. Collected and curated by a former firefighter, the museum provides an excellent insight into the history of the fire service and visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the stories of the brigade. It really is the most fascinating place, with free entry for visitors.
essex-fire.gov.uk/essex-fire-museum
Essex Police Museum
The Essex Police Museum in Chelmsford tells the history of the police in Essex from the Victorians to modern day. Explore a Victorian cell, learn about past crimes, have your fingerprints taken and solve a mock crime scene! Children’s activities run every day so there’s plenty to keep them entertained whilst you have a look around.
essex.police.uk/museum
Go Ape – Hylands Go Ape
If you’re looking for an adventurous family day out, then Go Ape in Chelmsford will tick your boxes! Located in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, there is something for every age and ability, with three different high ropes courses to try. Will you dare to take on the Treetop Challenge, a self-guided journey through the forest canopy?
goape.co.uk
Hedingham Castle
Built 900 years ago, Hedingham Castle is one of the most iconic buildings in Essex, known as the best preserved Norman keep in England. Nestled among formal gardens, rolling woodlands, and a breathtaking lake, this is a destination made for adventure, picnics, and exploration, whilst immersing yourself in the history that surrounds you.
hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Hylands Estate
Known for the beautiful Hylands House and Grade II* listed parklands, you can explore the whole estate at your leisure during one of their Open Estate Days! Taking place every second Sunday of the month, explore the house and discover more about its history, take part in free family activities, and enjoy the street food market and live music.
hylandsestate.co.uk
London Alpacas
This charming family day out at London Alpacas will have you making cute and furry new friends. Opt for a private visit for a more exclusive experience with the herd, or individual tickets which include taxi transfers from Epping station! Both options will allow you to walk amongst the friendly alpacas, hand feed them, and snap the perfect pictures to remember the day by.
londonalpacas.co.uk
Mountfitchet castle Mountfitchet Castle
This award-winning medieval castle and Norman village will transport you back in time to 1066. Perfect for lovers of history, both young and old. The House on the Hill Museum is home to outstanding exhibitions including World War 1 and 2 memorabilia and over 70,000 toys from the 19th century into the 1980s. If you’re brave enough, enter The Haunted Manor located inside the museum…
mountfitchetcastle.com
National History Museum
Did you know that there was an earthquake in Colchester in 1884? Or that mammoths and hippos used to roam this area? Find out more at the free to visit, Natural History Museum in Colchester. Housed in the former All Saints Church, there’s plenty to explore in this much-loved family-friendly museum. Feel the surface of a shell, peek into a badgers’ sett and hear the roar of a mammoth!
colchester.cimuseums.org.uk
Pets’ Corner, Harlow
Calling all animal lovers! Pets’ Corner, located in Harlow Town Park, is a little gem for those with young children. This small, friendly farm is home to a large selection of traditional farm animals such as chickens, goats, and cows. Nearby, the pretty Water Garden is a lovely spot to tuck into your packed lunch and kids will love the adventure playground with a zip line and giant climbing net.
harlow.gov.uk/parks-and-culture/pets-corner
Plants Galore
Plants Galore in Harlow is not your average garden centre! Their Lee Valley Maze is an exciting attraction suitable for all ages. For those who love to get their heart rate up, experience their Monkey Swing Express – a 450ft zip wire that will have you gliding through the air! Be sure to stop for a bite to eat at the delightful Gardener’s Retreat Café.
plantsgaloreonline.co.uk
Promenade Park
Found in the coastal town of Maldon, this 100-year-old park is a favourite amongst locals and visitors. The park hosts numerous events throughout the year and provides gorgeous views of the River Blackwater, making a perfect picnic spot! Other features include a Splash Park, beach huts, a galleon play ship, and even an aerial zip-wire. History enthusiast will delight in The Museum in the Park.
Redwings Ada Cole Visitor Centre
This one is for you animal lovers. Head to Redwings Ada Cole and get up close and cuddle with almost 70 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules – and, best of all, it’s completely FREE! With dogs on leads also welcome, this is the perfect place to spend a family day out. Before heading home peruse a wide range of souvenirs in the on-site gift shop, with all proceeds supporting the hundreds of animals in Redwings’ care.
redwings.org.uk/visit/ada-cole
Sealife Adventure
Discover over 40 species of animals, from those who inhabit the deep ocean to deserts and jungles, at Sealife Adventure in Southend-on-Sea! Have you ever been up close to a shark before? You’ll find them swimming right above your head in their Ocean Tunnel! As well as aquatic creatures, this premier Zooquarium is home to land animals such as meerkats and monkeys.
sealifeadventure.co.uk
Orange, red, brown and grey seals basking in the mudflats at Hamford Water Nature Reserve in Essex Seal Watching Harwich
Did you know, just 30 minutes from Colchester you can see seals in their natural habitat? Why not book a Seal Watching Trip from historic Harwich and depart on an adventure to the Walton backwaters. Today, there are around 250 seals basking and lolloping on the banks of the Hamford Water Reserve, so you’re guaranteed a sighting!
sealwatching.co.uk
Southend Central Museum and Planetarium
If history and astrology are two things that pique your interest, then you’ll love the Southend Central Museum & Planetarium. This museum houses an outstanding collection of archaeology from across the globe, with intriguing exhibitions to discover. The Planetarium regularly hosts a range of fascinating talks exploring the night sky – these shows are very popular, so we recommend booking in advance.
southendmuseums.co.uk
Southend Pier & Railway
Make sure you pencil in a day to visit what was voted the Top Icon of Essex by the public in 2025… Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world, stretching for 1.33 miles! On a clear sunny day, nothing beats walking the entire length, taking in the wonderful coastal views around you. Once you’ve reached the end, grab a bite to eat at one of the vendors before catching a ride back on the narrow-gauge railway.
southendpier.co.uk
Thorndon Country Park and Weald Country Park
Walk within the beautiful woodlands of Thorndon Country Park and discover the hand-crafted carvings of the Gruffalo characters, based on the popular children’s book. Alternatively explore Weald Country Park, the home to the Stick Man play trail, bringing to life the popular book by Julia Donaldson.
Upside Down House
See things on the flipside! Visit the Upside Down House in Lakeside and walk on the ceiling, reach for the floor and immerse yourself in a photo experience that defies gravity. After all, it’s fun to be a bit different.
Walton-on-the-Naze
Looking for a free day out? Walton-on-the-Naze is the perfect spot for fossil hunting due to its clay and geographical formation, especially after a high tide. Explore the ancient cliffs and scour the beach for fossilised sharks’ teeth and shells – do be mindful of the tides on this stretch of beach though. You’ll be amazed at what you can find.
Writtle Sunflowers Writtle Sunflowers
Writtle Sunflowers is a Pick Your Own flower field that makes for a beautiful summer day out in Essex. Bring the whole family along, including the dog, to pick your own sunflowers and wildflowers – make a day of it and enjoy the maze and sunflower walk before sitting down to enjoy lunch in their picnic area.
writtlesunflowers.co.uk
Wyvernwood
Step through the Magical Portal and into the enchanting kingdom that awaits at Wyvernwood in Alresford, Colchester. Find yourself in the midst of an immersive story with fairies, wizards, goblins and other mystical beings. Kids will love their exciting play structures and be enthralled by the adventure trail with many puzzles and riddles to solve.
wyvernwood.co.uk/
Plan your next family day out at www.visitessex.com