What's On in Essex

Langdon Home Education Group

Venue: Langdon Nature Discovery Park Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Home education sessions will help your child develop a range of practical and social skills, whilst learning about wildlife. In relaxed outdoor settings, children can be themselves and work together to...

Guess How Much I Love You - A Garden Adventure

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

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

The Guess How Much I Love You Garden Adventure is a trail inspired by the book of the same name. The trail contains a series of activities that encourage children to learn through play, using the senses...

Woodland Adventure Days

Venue: Audley End Railway

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

Enjoy off-peak, great-value days, where you can make use of the adventure playground, explore the fairy walk and ride on one of the trains! The perfect day out for parents and grandparents to take the...

Exhilarating family fun

Venue: Essex Outdoors Harlow

Website: www.essexoutdoors.com

Discover family friendly leisure activities and school holiday kids clubs to keep the kids entertained or embark on a memorable adventure to for all the family to enjoy. Harlow is an oasis of urban adventure,...

Great Notley Country Park Junior Parkrun

Venue: Great Notley Country Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Join this free, weekly 2k run aimed specifically at juniors aged 4 to 14 years-old. Parkrun organise free, weekly, 2km timed runs around the world for children. They are open to everyone and take place...

High Ropes Quiet Sessions

Venue: Nuclear High Ropes

Website: www.nuclearhighropes.co.uk

Embark on a uniquely tailored adventure where tranquility meets thrilling heights! The exclusive Quiet Sessions have been thoughtfully designed to cater to individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN),...

Little Monkeys Sessions

Venue: Nuclear High Ropes

Website: www.nuclearhighropes.co.uk

The new High Ropes Little Monkeys Sessions are crafted with your comfort in mind, offering access to the lower high ropes levels where you can build confidence at your own pace. Conquer your fears and...

May half term at Harlow Leisurezone

Venue: Harlow Leisurezone

Website: www.harlowleisurezone.co.uk

Enjoy fun activities such as Lazer Tag Challenge and the Mega Activity Day. Book a session at Kidzz Kingdom soft play, VertiGo Climb Challenge or Urban Limitz Adventure Trampoline Park. There’s also...

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...

SEN Club

Venue: East Hanningfield Village Hall

Address: The Tye, East Hanningfield

Website: www.facebook.com/sen.club.2024

SEN Club is a lively, fun club for children with special needs and their families. There are a variety of activities for children to explore including toys, crafts and biscuit decorating. The children...

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...

Home Education Forest School

Venue: Danbury Country Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Aimed at home educated children, this series of six sessions at Danbury Country Park includes nature activities, forest crafts, imagination, physical play and building things.Children have the opportunity...

Buzz in The City

Venue: Chelmsford

Website: www.buzzinthecity.co.uk

Keep the kids active and discover over 30 artist designed bee sculptures across the city. Download the FREE app and input the codes on the sculptures to access rewards and find out more about the artists....

The Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge

Venue: Nationwide

Website: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Throughout the summer, children joining ‘Story Garden’ can discover new books, participate in free activities at their local library, and explore the link between reading and the great outdoors, where...

All About Swimming

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.allaboutswimming.co.uk

Dive into summer with All About Swimming. Whether you’re a newborn or an adult, they’ve got classes for all ages and abilities at the Shenfield and Brentwood pools.Weekly lessons and crash courses...

Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School

Venue: North London Camden, East, South East London and Loughton

Website: www.afperformingarts.com

Anna Fiorentini Holiday Schools give children the opportunity to explore their creativity while strengthening key life skills. For more information about Saturday and Holiday Schools, as well as courses...

BeWILDerwood

Venue: Cheshire and Norfolk

Website: www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Get outdoors and visit BeWILDerwood for a summer filled with fun, imagination, and muddy knees. Follow the Pongy Potions stink trail, watch their new show Minty and the Big Stink, meet Minty herself and...

Essex Explorers Summer Magic Trail

Venue: Essex Country Parks

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Pick up or download the free trail running across the county at seven Essex Country Parks and Cressing Temple Barns. Pack a picnic, have fun with the selfie board, enjoy the children's play and den making...

Exhilarating family fun

Venue: Essex Outdoors Harlow

Website: www.essexoutdoors.com

Discover family friendly leisure activities and school holiday kids clubs to keep the kids entertained or embark on a memorable adventure to for all the family to enjoy. Harlow is an oasis of urban adventure,...

Great Notley Country Park Junior Parkrun

Venue: Great Notley Country Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Join this free, weekly 2k run aimed specifically at juniors aged 4 to 14 years-old. Parkrun organise free, weekly, 2km timed runs around the world for children. They are open to everyone and take place...

Kids for a Quid

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

Keep the kids entertained on a day out with a steam and hauled heritage train service when Child tickets are just £1! Tickets offer unlimited travel on heritage steam and diesel trains and vintage London...

Leisure World’s Holiday Camp

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/kids-activities/holiday-camp

Get ready for unforgettable camps at Ofsted-rated Holiday Camps for children aged 5–12. From team games and sports to splash time in the pool or cycling adventures on the pump track. Whether your child...

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...

Outdoor Laser Tag Fortnite Themed Events

Venue: Laser Mayhem

Website: www.laser-mayhem.co.uk

Battle your way round Tanks, Helicopters and Planes trying to hunt down and destroy the enemy. 2 hours of action-packed Battle Royale Fortnite Scenarios perfect for ages 7+ recreating your favourite Video...

Saffron Walden Museum’s Summer Exhibitions

Venue: Saffron Walden Museum

Website: www.saffronwaldenmuseum.org

Spark your child’s creativity with a fantastic line-up of craft workshops inspired by the Saffron Walden Museum’s exciting exhibitions. From making miniature Wonderkammer museums to painting 3D paper...

SEN Club

Venue: East Hanningfield Village Hall

Address: The Tye, East Hanningfield

Website: www.facebook.com/sen.club.2024

SEN Club is a lively, fun club for children with special needs and their families. There are a variety of activities for children to explore including toys, crafts and biscuit decorating. The children...

Summer Adventures at Markshall

Venue: Markshall Estate

Website: www.markshall.org.uk

Throughout July, young explorers can enjoy a bug trail through the Arboretum, hunting for hand-painted creatures hidden amongst ancient trees. Trail maps from the Visitor Centre include a shorter route...

Summer Fun at Harlow Leisurezone

Venue: Harlow Leisurezone

Website: www.harlowleisurezone.co.uk

Enjoy fun activities such as Lazer Tag Challenge and the Mega Activity Day! Book a session at Kidzz Kingdom soft play, VertiGo Climb Challenge or Urban Limitz Adventure Trampoline Park! There’s also...

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...

Summer Fest

Venue: Harrow Lodge Park

Website: www.haveringmind.org.uk

On Sunday there will be a range of tribute acts on the main stage such as Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, with festival production that kids will love - confetti, bubbles and more! Think live shows, including...

Kids Mega Fun Weekend

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk

All of the following activities are included with your ticket: Foam Pit, Last Man Standing Arena, Soft Play Bus, GIANT Pirate Ship Inflatable, Bungee Trampolines, Bumper Carz, Elephant and Kopter Ride,...

Rhythm of the Dance

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Featuring live musicians, vocalists  and world champion dancers, this mesmerising show promises a completely captivating experience of pulsating rhythms with slick choreography performed at lightning...

Wind in the Willows - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Hatfield Forest

Address: Bishops Stortford

Website: www.illyria.co.uk/shows

Mole yearns to explore the wide world. Badger enjoys peace and quiet. Rat likes just messing about in boats. Their idyllic lives on the Riverbank are turned upside down when Toad reveals his latest obsession:...

Chelmsford Pretty Muddy Kids

Venue: Hylands Park

Website: https://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...

Family Nature Day

Venue: Stow Maries

Website: www.stowmaries.org.uk

For the first time ever, Stow is offering visitors a day dedicated to exploring the natural wonders of their site together with the Wildlife Guide team. They will have guided walks, hide sessions for kids...

Hylands Open Estate Day

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: www.hylandsestate.co.uk/explore/openestate

Join Hylands Estate for their Open Estate Days every second Sunday of the month 10am-3pm. Discover more about the history of Hylands House and take part in family activities. Enjoy a delicious street food...

Railway 200

Venue: East Anglian Railway Museum

Website: www.earm.co.uk/events/railway-200

A special day of celebration for the 200th anniversary of the the modern railway network. Along with the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, Greater Anglia, local community, the school...

Summer Family Festival

Venue: Harrow Lodge Park

Website: www.haveringmind.org.uk

Party to Taylor Swift and Harry Styles tributes, with festival-style production featuring confetti, bubbles, and more. Enjoy live shows like DINOMANIA, Disney singalongs, kids’ entertainers, superhero...

KS1 Science Home Education Session (5 - 7 years)

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

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

Take your home-educated children to RHS Garden Hyde Hall for a morning of discovery and garden exploration led by our Education Officers. Our educational workshops are curriculum-adjacent and designed...

Step into Summer at Stantons Farm

Venue: Stantons Farm

Website: www.stantonsfarm.co.uk

Visit every Friday over summer for ‘Friday Fundays’ which include bouncy castles, face painters and a sweet stall. The Snack Shack is open for hot and cold food and drinks, plus their two separate...

A Brand New Summer Festival

Venue: Audley End Miniature Railway

Website: www.audley-end-railway.co.uk/seasonal-events

Climb aboard this enchanting miniature train and set off on a journey through the magical woods, where you’ll spot teddy bears enjoying festival activities. Includes Face Painting at the Craft Lodge,...

Giants Weekend

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

Enjoy a zooper weekend and discover facts about the Zoo’s magnificent giants from the friendly giraffes to African elephants. Take part in a range of different activities from 10am – 4pm located between...

Living History Weekend

Venue: Stow Maries

Website: www.stowmaries.org.uk

Visit Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome to step back in time. Over a thousand years of history brought to life! At the Living History events, expert historians explain and explore life in the past, showing...

Old Macdonald's Summer Circus

Venue: Old Macdonald's Farm

Website: www.omdfarm.co.uk

Open daily from 10am–5pm, it's a family fun experience featuring circus performers from all over the world who will delight all ages.The farm is packed with family rides and fun attractions which, along...

Summer of Fun and Games

Venue: Audley End House and Gardens

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk

It’s all fun and games at Audley End House and Gardens this summer, with loads of activities for the whole family to get stuck into. From soft play and mini golf to archery and den building, there’s...

The Monster Obstacle Course

Venue: Braintree Village

Website: www.braintree-village.com

Braintree Village is set for an action-packed summer as the world’s largest inflatable assault course, The Monster, arrives. Packed with more than 40 obstacles including the 18-metre Mega Slide, the...

Woodland adventurer challenge and Tremendous trees trail

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/summer-holidays

Will you be a Forest Fledgling, Tree Trainee or a Woodland Wizard? Explore the world of mighty trees and discover facts about them. Which tree lives the longest, which grows the tallest, or has the most...

Langford and Ulting Country Fayre and Classic Car Show

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

Going back to the good old days of country fayres, with exhibits of agriculture and horticulture, arts and crafts by local crafters and artists, classic cars, entertainment and activities.There will also...

The Princess Proms

Venue: Charter Hall

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

An enchanting concert singing the magical themes from your favourite Princess movies inc. Frozen, Cinderella, Little Mermaid plus many more.

Mini Museum Explorers

Venue: Hollytrees Museum

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Designed for children along with their parents, grandparents, or carers, these monthly sessions offer an immersive journey of exploration and discovery. July’s session will be mythical creature themed....

Strange Twig Theatre Company: Under The Leaves

Venue: Colchester Arts Centre

Website: www.colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com

Filled with music, sound and packed with bright and colourful characters this highly energetic show is a perfect fusion of storytelling, circus arts and bombastic personalities that will have families...

Summer Holidays: Romans in Chelmsford

Venue: Wells Suite, Museum of Chelmsford

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/whats-on

Discover the Romans of Chelmsford with History Hero Maximus. Create your own Roman mosaic and Roman coins, learn your numerals with Roman numeral bingo and handle some genuine Roman artifacts from the...

Kids Holiday Camps and Courses

Venue: Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centres

Website: www.Chelmsford.gov.uk/Getin

Ready for a summer of fun? Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centres awesome Mini Camps, City camps, and Kids Courses are back! Fun, creative and active whole and half day camps for kids aged...

Nicky Trix: Magic and Mayhem

Venue: Queen's Theatre Hornchurch

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Join Nicky and his cheeky sidekick, Nambu the elephant, as they bring you laughter, ventriloquism and moments of pure magic. This action-packed show also features exciting games and competitions where...

Play in the Park

Venue: Various parks and parish venues in Chelmsford including SWF

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/play

A series of free two hour play sessions in parks and parish venues around Chelmsford and SWF. Activities include sports, games, crafts, and free play. Most sessions have additional 'Extras' including inflatables,...

Puss in Boots

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Based on the original version by Charles Perrault, the Let’s All Dance Ballet Company brings a new version of Puss in Boots about a friendship between a magical cat and a young man with a talent for...

Summer Activity Sheet

Venue: Hollytrees Museum

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

A free summer activity sheet to help younger visitors learn more about the collections and history inside Hollytrees Museum. Included in Hollytrees Admission.

Summer Holiday at Colchester Zoo

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

Party with the Wild Vibe Crew, discover more at The Exploratorium and transform into your favourite species at the Face Painting Station! Take a trip on the Lost Madagascar Express Road Train and find...

The Big Den Build

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/summer-holidays

Join Woodland Tribe, the UK experts in constructive play, and together with your fellow adventurers build a giant woodland adventure castle. Suitable for ages 4+ (must be accompanied by an adult). £10...

Milkshake Live On Holiday

Venue: Queen's Theatre Hornchurch

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

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

Science Museum Live

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Experience the brand-new stage show from Mark Thompson Productions which will ignite your curiosity, fuel your imagination and inspire you in new and exciting ways.This family production is sure to capture...

Balloons and Tunes

Venue: Basildon Sporting Village

Website: www.balloonsandtunesuk.com/events/essex

Get ready for an unforgettable day of family fun and excitement! The event features a fantastic lineup of activities and entertainment, including tribute acts performing all your favourite hits, the dazzling,...

Flowers and Friendship Bracelets

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Shake it Off, sing along to Flowers, dust off your dance moves to Vampire and Espresso as the performers recreate the live experience of artists like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo and...

Fun Kids Science Weekly - Live!

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend

Fun Kids radio presenter Dan Simpson brings the weirdest and coolest stuff in science to the stage, making it more fun than it's ever been in any classroom! With hilarious experiments, exciting guests...

Airsoft Events

Venue: Mayhem Paintball, Airsoft and Outdoor Laser tag

Website: www.mayhempaintball.co.uk

Real-life tactical gameplay in the fresh air. All-inclusive packages mean no extra costs for ammo.

Free Fireworks!

Venue: Clacton Pier

Website: www.clactonpier.co.uk

Clacton Pier is set to light up the skies with eleven free fireworks displays throughout 2025! Whether you’re a local resident or visiting for the first time, these dazzling shows offer an unmissable...

Mythical Creatures

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/exhibitions/mythical-creatures

Embark on a magical story quest through folklore and legend, and meet a Dragon, Unicorn, Griffin, and Mermaid brought to life through curious, enchanted objects. Inspired by medieval tales, this exhibition...

Sense and Sensibility

Venue: Ingatestone Hall

Website: www.thepantaloons.co.uk

Elinor Dashwood has a lot of good Sense. Her sister Marianne Dashwood has an excess of Sensibility. Together they make a snappy title for Jane Austen's classic novel of scandals, scoundrels and severely...

The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

The Three Inch Fools present a largely historical, always hysterical, brand new Tudor comedie.Elizabethan theatre is flourishing. But will a brand-new Tudor musical romp, in which Good Queen Bess takes...

Costumed Characters

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Step into a world of legends with mythical creature-themed gallery sessions. Meet costumed characters, enjoy fun games, and collect a special sticker. Perfect for curious kids and families exploring the...

Family Tours: Dragon and Unicorn Quest!

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Experience Colchester Castle like never before on this family-friendly tour that brings folklore and mythical creatures to life. Join us as we embark on a quest to discover dragons and unicorns. £3.75...

Jigsaw Chelmsford Summer Camp

Venue: Brian Close

Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Learn, rehearse and perform a show in a week to family and friends on a professional stage! With sibling discounts available too it's the perfect place to keep your budding performers entertained this...

Jigsaw's Summer Performing Arts Camp

Venue: Moulsham High School

Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk/franchise/chelmsford

In just one action-packed week, students will work together to create, rehearse, and perform a one-of-a-kind show, staged live for family and friends. Contact Jigsaw via WhatsApp on 01245 768154 or email...

Mythical Mission: Kids Club

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Through themed games, storytelling, and hands-on crafts, young adventurers will dive into the world of legends and imagination. Each session includes a craft to take home and may also feature a short guided...

Mythical Storytelling

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

The friendly storyteller will share thrilling tales full of myths, legends, and fiery surprises. This fun-filled, interactive session is perfect for little ones aged 4+ and guaranteed to spark imaginations...

Picnic in the Park

Venue: Melbourne Park, Chelmsford

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/picnicinthepark

Free themed activity days at Melbourne Park. Activities similar to Play in the Park but include a free lunch for anyone accessing benefit-based free school meals. Suitable for 3-11 yrs. Open to all.

The Koala Who Could

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Based on a bestselling picture book about taking a chance, an empowering laugh out loud story about embracing change, whether we like it or not. Join Kevin, King of the staying still kings, and his friends...

Wild Summer with Essex Wildlife Trust

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk/events?tags=510

Join Essex Wildlife Trust for a season packed with family-friendly events, full of discovery and hands-on fun in nature! Try your hand at bushcraft, pond dipping, fossil hunting, and creative nature crafts....

Fortnite-Themed Outdoor Laser Tag

Venue: Mayhem Paintball, Airsoft and Outdoor Laser tag

Website: www.mayhempaintball.co.uk

2 hours of outdoor laser tag with Fortnite-style missions. Kids will play around tanks, planes, and helicopters—perfect for young adventurers! Suitable for 7-year-olds.

Pirate and Princess Workshop with Party and Sparkle

Venue: Cammas Hall Farm

Website: www.cammashall.co.uk

Fun packed workshop for your little ones to design and create their own Pirate hats / Princess tiaras.Using a variety of different materials, your Pirate or Princess will have the opportunity to use their...

Relaxed Openings

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Special sessions designed for visitors with autism or other sensory sensitivities so they can enjoy the museum in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Also 6, 13, 20 and 27 August, 9.30-10.30am.

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck

Venue: Thames Chase Forest Centre

Website: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk/jemimapuddleduck

Michael Whitmore's delightful new adaptation is packed full of songs, action and drama, with a score by Gideon Escott, and is guaranteed to to delight and enthrall all ages.

Farmer John's Maize Maze

Venue: Boydland Farm, Old London Road

Website: www.farmerjohnspumpkinpatchandmaizemaze.co.uk/maize-maze

Get ready for an a-maze-ing day of fun for all the family. Try the new mini and mega mazes to challenge all ages, there’s an adventure at every turn! Plus kids will love climbing the giant straw tower,...

Airsoft Events

Venue: Mayhem Paintball, Airsoft and Outdoor Laser tag

Website: www.mayhempaintball.co.uk

Real-life tactical gameplay in the fresh air. All-inclusive packages mean no extra costs for ammo.

Exotic Animal Weekends

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk/exotic-animal-weekends-2025

Hopefield can only have these animals on public display six days a year, so don’t miss out! Make a day of it with your family, with additional activities including a BBQ, Saddle Up Bar, Soft Play Bus...

Bikemeet

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

A day filled with motorbikes of all ages, sizes and models. Includes around 200 motorbikes on the events field including Classic Vintage, Touring Displays, Trial Demo’s, Club Stands, crafts and trade...

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. They aim to minimise sensory stimulation on the galleries by turning off audio...

Milkshake Live On Holiday

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Join your favourite Milkshake! friends on Holiday with Smurfette, Dora, Pip and Posy, Blue from Blues Clues and You!, Milo, Milkshake! Monkey plus a Milkshake! presenter for an all-new adventure.It’s...

Summer School – Play in a Week 2025

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Looking for something to keep you busy during the summer holidays? Join this fun week of drama, games and acting where you will create your own ‘Play in a Week’ to perform to family and friends. Sessions...

Storytelling walks

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/summer-holidays

Join captivating storyteller Mike Dodsworth for a lively walk around the garden full of tales, characters and woodland fun. 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, meet at the Welcome Building. Also...

Summer Holidays: Chelmsford Code Crackers

Venue: Wells Suite, Museum of Chelmsford

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/whats-on

From the Romans to World War Two, humans have used cyphers and codes to conceal secrets and create puzzles. Join the Museum to decipher morse code, the Caesar Cipher and other puzzles before making your...

Woodland crafts

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/summer-holidays

Get creative with hands-on forest-themed crafts. Enjoy two fun craft activities that celebrate the wild woodland and spark your imagination. Suitable for all ages (must be accompanied by an adult). £2.50...

Airsoft Events

Venue: Mayhem Paintball, Airsoft and Outdoor Laser tag

Website: www.mayhempaintball.co.uk

Real-life tactical gameplay in the fresh air. All-inclusive packages mean no extra costs for ammo.

Screen Printing Activity

Venue: Wells Suite, Museum of Chelmsford

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/whats-on

To celebrate the launch of a new outdoor photographic gallery in Oaklands Park, come and create your own screen-printing artwork at the Museum of Chelmsford.There will be a choice of designs for participants...

Summer at Meadows Shopping Centre

Venue: Meadows Shopping Centre

Website: www.themeadows.co.uk

With a range of awesome activities on offer to suit all ages this August, The Meadows is the weekend place to be! Saturdays will see great games for all the family, whilst Sundays are dedicated to face...

Summer Lates

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

On selected Saturdays throughout the summer holidays, enjoy more value for your money as Colchester Zoo remains open until 8pm! Dance through the evening with live musical performances from the Wild Vibe...

Classic and Vintage Car Show

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Featuring a huge range of vintage, pre 1940s classic, classic and modern classic vehicles, this show is a must for all car lovers! There will be food trucks, live music and local stallholders. Picnics...

Small Trains Day

Venue: East Anglian Railway Museum

Website: www.earm.co.uk

The Miniature Railway will be in operation giving rides, and along with the Braintree and Halstead Model Railway Club there will be a Model Railway exhibition featuring a number of visiting layouts in...

Small Trains Day

Venue: East Anglian Railway Museum

Website: www.earm.co.uk/events/small-trains-day

Unlimited rides on a train hauled by a vintage Steam Locomotive at this Miniature Railway and Model Railway Show. Plus a full sized steam locomotives and a Diesel locomotive will also be in action with...

Splat!

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Splat! is a family-friendly physical and sensory comedy about art and creativity for ages 3-7. Set in an artists studio the show follows two aspiring artists one dedicated and serious the other erratic...

Dinosaur Adventure Live: The Big Jurassic Storm

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

The adventure of a lifetime awaits… take the family on a T-Rex-iffc journey with brand new dinosaurs, meet their roar-some babies and help the rangers save the Island. Are you brave enough to face the...

Fortnite-Themed Outdoor Laser Tag

Venue: Mayhem Paintball, Airsoft and Outdoor Laser tag

Website: www.mayhempaintball.co.uk

2 hours of outdoor laser tag with Fortnite-style missions. Kids will play around tanks, planes, and helicopters—perfect for young adventurers! Suitable for 7-year-olds.

Robin Hood Performance by DOT Productions

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.dot-productions.co.uk/ticket-booking-robin-hood

Meet Robin and his Gang as they battle against the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and steal from the rich to give to the poor. Full of memorable characters, silliness, songs and charm this production is an...

Sense and Sensibility

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.dot-productions.co.uk/ticket-booking-sense-sensibility

2025 marks the 250th anniversary year of Jane Austen, and what better way to celebrate her life than to delve into the world of one of her finest novels. A cast of five actors and DOTS ‘renowned comedic...

Alice Through the Looking Glass

Venue: Green Island Gardens

Website: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk

Quantum Theatre presents a brand new adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic, with live music and the full array of Carroll’s fantastical characters, this lively new version follows Alice’s adventures...

Fun for Little Ones: A Tribute to Ms Rachel

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

With over 5 Billion Views and over 8 million subscribers on YouTube, Ms Rachel is the biggest viral sensation to hit our children’s screens since Baby Shark!This UK Premier tribute is the only one of...

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck

Venue: Langdon Nature Discovery Park

Website: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk

Michael Whitmore's delightful new adaptation is packed full of songs, action and drama, with a score by Gideon Escott, and is guaranteed to to delight and enthrall all ages.

Vintage Transport and Traction Engine Weekend

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

Join Epping Ongar Railway for a weekend of vintage transport and traction engines. Includes a wonderful collection of steam traction engines big and small on display and moving around North Weald station...

Bubble Rush

Venue: Carver Barracks

Website: www.ehaat.org/support-us-get-involved/events/bubble-rush

Bubble Rush is a foamy adventure where you’ll be surrounded by vibrant clouds of frothy fun at every turn! The course begins with a bubble blast at the start line, followed by four epic Bubble Stations...

Wonderland Puppet Show

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

A brand new magical show from Theatrix Arts. Join the Hatter as he brings Alice's adventure to life with charming puppets, vibrant painted scenery, lively music, and, of course, hats! Plus optional crafty...

Outdoor Theatre: The Wind in the Willows

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Multi-award nominated Immersion Theatre proudly bring their trademark style and energy to the riverbank with heaps of interaction, stunning costumes, toe-tapping music, and larger-than-life characters....

Outdoor Theatre: The Wind in the Willows

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: www.hylandsestate.co.uk

Pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous...

Summer Holidays: Let's Rock! (And fossil)

Venue: Wells Suite, Museum of Chelmsford

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/whats-on

Explore what rocks and fossils you can find in Essex and where it may have come from. Take along a rock or fossil you've found, enjoy getting sandy with digging trays, take part in some fun crafts and...

Flowers and Friendship Bracelets

Venue: Princes Theatre

Website: www.princestheatre.co.uk

Get ready for a dazzling explosion of Music, Dance, and Excitement as Flowers and Friendship Bracelets takes to the stage! Join them for the ultimate pop concert and celebrate the biggest hits from the...

The Stow Maries Air Show

Venue: Stow Maries

Website: www.stowmaries.org.uk

As part of the event, weather permitting, Stow Maries own and guest aircraft will entertain and amaze in the skies above us, just like they did in 1918. On the ground there will be plenty to see and do,...

Horrible Histories: Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare for Horrible Histories live on stage with the acclaimed production of Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians....

Knights of Albion Joust

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Prepare for an unforgettable clash of courage and might as The Knights of Albion make their triumphant return to Hedingham Castle this August Bank Holiday weekend for their final joust of the season. An...

The Amazing Bubble Man

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend

Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. The Amazing Bubble Man...

Annie

Venue: Princes Theatre

Website: www.princestheatre.co.uk

Set in 1930’s New York City during the Great Depression, Annie is the heartwarming story of a brave young orphan who dreams of finding her parents.With her unbreakable spirit and infectious optimism,...

Fairytale Fest Suffolk

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

A magical day filled with characters, live performances, unicorn rides, a petting farm, disco, soft play, crafts, storytime and more! There will be 15 characters all in one place mingling, meeting and...

Robin Hood

Venue: Headgate Theatre

Website: www.headgatetheatre.co.uk

Meet Robin and his Gang as they battle against the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and steal from the rich to give to the poor.Full of memorable characters, silliness, songs and charm this production is an...

Flowers And Friendship Bracelets - The Ultimate Pop Concert

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend

Get ready for a dazzling explosion of Music, Dance, and Excitement as Flowers and Friendship Bracelets takes to the stage! Join them for the ultimate pop concert and celebrate the biggest hits from the...

Sweet and Sour

Venue: Charter Hall

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/sweet-sour

From captivating vocals to striking visuals, Sweet and Sour delivers the ultimate showdown that’ll make you sing, dance, and relive every bittersweet moment. Whether you’re Team Rodrigo, Team Carpenter,...

Walkern Hall County Fair and Dog Show

Venue: Walkern Hall, Walkern, Stevenage

Website: www.ehaat.org

A fun day out for all the family in aid of EHAAT. Displays and attractions include The Royal Engineers assault course, Working Police Dogs, archery, vintage tractors, working gun dogs, and dog shows.

Haven House Mud Run

Venue: Nuclear Races, Brentwood

Website: www.havenhouse.org.uk/Event/mudrun25

Whether you're a group of friends, a family unit, an office crew, or an individual, the Mud Family race is all about teamwork and having a blast together. You can run, jog or walk the distance making this...

Glow for Havens

Venue: Little Havens Hospice, Daws Heath Road

Website: www.havenshospices.org.uk

Light up the night and support Havens Hospices! Put on your brightest outfits, load up on glow sticks, and sparkle your way around the exciting 5k or 10k route in the Little Havens woodlands and Hadleigh...