Best Things To Do & Days Out In Essex

Here at Where To Go With Kids we've found 72 fun things to do in Essex for you and the family to discover. Finding the right Essex day out for your family is easy – simply explore the links below or use the filters at the top of the page to plan your next adventure.

Want to know what to do with the nature lovers in your family? Walk on the wild side and visit our Animals listings for zoos, safari parks and wildlife parks. Or are you looking for nearby places to visit in Essex with a culture vulture? We've picked the best children's museums, discovery centres and historic locations in the Sightseeing section.

If you're after a big day out during the school holidays, we can tell you where the nearest theme park, water park or ski slope is. For quieter days near home in term time, we can help you find the best soft play, leisure centre or pottery cafe.

Things to do in Essex

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All Ages Indoor & Outdoor Museum Outdoor Fun

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Historic Dockyard Chatham, Main Gate Rd, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TZ

Things to do at The Historic Dockyard Chatham review Chatham Historic Dockyard is a large maritime museum that sits partly on the former royal naval dockyard in Chatham, Kent. The dockyards once covered 400 acres and were active for several hundred years. Parts of it were sold on after...

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All Ages Outdoor Sports Free Great Outdoors Outdoor Fun

Maldon Promenade Park

Maldon Promenade Park, Park Dr, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Things to do at Maldon Promenade Park review Promenade Park is a large park in Maldon, Essex. It is popular with families especially in the summer with its large splash pad and other fun things to do. The park is over 100 years old and has avenues of mature trees...

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All Ages Indoor & Outdoor Historical

Layer Marney Tower

Layer Marney Tower, East Court, Layer Marney, Essex, CO5 9US

Things to do at Layer Marney Tower review Layer Marney Tower in Essex is a Tudor palace with gardens and parkland dating back to 1520. Located between Colchester and Maldon the building is Grage 1 listed and is a popular place for weddings. It's not just all about weddings...

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All Ages Outdoor Great Outdoors Adventure Outdoor Fun Free

Great Notley Country Park

Great Notley Country Park, Great Notley, Braintree, Essex, CM77 7FS

Things to do at Great Notley Country Park review Great Notley Country park is a large public parkland near Braintree in Essex. With horse riding, cycling paths, walks, sky ropes and a large wooden adventure play area. The park is a great day out for all the family. It...

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All Ages Indoor & Outdoor Great Outdoors Outdoor Fun

Hylands Estate Park

Hylands Estate Park, London Rd, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ

Things to do at Hylands Estate Park review Hylands estate Park is a great place for families to visit. There are large green areas with trees and lakes for scenic walks with older children as well as manicured garden which are great for younger children to explore. There are...

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Primary Toddlers Tweens Indoor & Outdoor Animals Outdoor Fun Indoor Fun

Marsh Farm

Marsh Farm, Marsh Farm Rd, South Woodham, Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5WP

Things to do at Marsh Farm review Marsh Farm is an open farm area in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex. A fantastic place to visit, particularly for those with young families, Marsh Farm offers kids and adults the chance to get up close and personal with a wide range of...

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All Ages Indoor & Outdoor Animals Outdoor Fun

Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo, Maldon Rd, Heckfordbridge, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL

Things to do at Colchester Zoo review There is just so much to do and so many animals to see at Colchester zoo in Essex. Whether you are visiting as a family with young children or simply adults with a love of animals, there really is something for everything....

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All Ages Indoor Seasonal Maize Maze Great Outdoors

Foxes Farm Produce

Foxes Farm Produce, Aldham, Colchester, , CO6 3PR

Pick Your Own PumpkinsMud RunMaize Maze Foxes Farm Produce has two locations in Essex, one in Basildon and the other in Colchester. They have a variety of 'seasonal' offerings such as PYO pumpkins, family mud runs, Christmas trees and a maize maze. Pick Your Own Pumpkins - PYO Pumpkin...

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All Ages Indoor & Outdoor Museum Outdoor Fun

East Anglian Railway Museum

East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Rd, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DS

Things to do at East Anglian Railway Museum review The East Anglian Railway Museum is located near Colchester in Essex at the Chappel and Wakes Colne railway station. At the museum, you can immerse yourselves in a real steam railway museum and get up close to their wide collection...

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Primary Toddlers Tweens Indoor & Outdoor Animals Food & Fun Outdoor Fun

Boydells Dairy Farm

Boydells Dairy Farm, Braintree Rd, Braintree, Essex, CM7 4AQ

Things to do at Boydells Dairy Farm review Boydells Dairy Farm is a small working farm that specialises in milking near Braintree in North Essex. They are open to the public and they offer daily guided tours with hands-on activities including attempts at cow milking. You can help feed their...

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All Ages Indoor Museum

Colchester Castle

Colchester Castle, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

Things to do at Colchester Castle review Colchester Castle is home to a museum that explores different periods of history in Colchester, Essex. With modern, family-friendly displays that help make learning fun. The museum has a unique mix of fascinating displays with the latest technology and hands-on activities. There...

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All Ages Indoor & Outdoor Animals Indoor Fun Outdoor Fun

Barleylands Farm Park

Barleylands Farm Park, Barleylands Farm Office, Barleylands Rd, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD

Things to do at Barleylands Farm Park review Barleylands is a lovely little farm located within Barleylands farm and craft village. With lots to do, even in the rain. Outside there are 2 play areas, a bouncy pillow, zip line, Barleylands speedway, farm football, and a bumpy tractor ride...

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Teens Tweens Primary Indoor Adventure Indoor Fun

TeamSport Go Karting Basildon

TeamSport Go Karting Basildon, Festival Business Park, Unit 3 Festival Way, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3WB

Things to do at TeamSport Go Karting Basildon review Race your family and friends on their multi-level go-kart track in Basildon, Essex. TeamSport has a number of venues across the UK. Located in the Festival Business park next to the popular leisure park. This new £1.2 million facility has a 500-metre...

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All Ages Indoor Indoor Fun

Hollywood Bowl Basildon

Hollywood Bowl Basildon, 19 Festival Leisure Park, Festival Way, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3WB

Things to do at Hollywood Bowl Basildon review With 26 lanes to bowl along, a luxury VIP area, an American themed diner, a buzzing bar and a fun-filled amusements area; what are you waiting for? Head down to Hollywood Bowl's Basildon centre in Essex today! Their bowling lanes all have access...

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Toddlers Primary Tweens Indoor & Outdoor Indoor Play Centres Indoor Fun

360 Play Basildon

360 Play Basildon, Festival Leisure Park, Festival Way, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3WB

Things to do at the 360 Play Basildon review So what is 360 play? Well, it's a children's goldmine of fun! Not only is there a 3 storey soft play for the older ones, there is a separate soft play for under 4s. Then there is an entire role...

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