A Parents Guide to Essex: Fun Activities for the Whole Family

By Mel Cindil - 24 January 2023

Here are the top ten family days out in Essex that are sure to provide hours of entertainment and learning opportunities for all ages.

These ten family days out in Essex offer a wide range of activities and learning opportunities for children of all ages. Whether you're looking for thrills and excitement or history and culture, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So pack a picnic, grab your thermal socks, and get ready for a day of fun and adventure with your family in the winter Essex sunshine!

With over 260 species of animals, Colchester Zoo is a great place to spend the day. Not only will your children have the opportunity to see exotic animals from all over the world, but they will also learn about conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species. Soft play is included in the price too!

This theme park in Southend-on-Sea offers a wide variety of rides, attractions, and shows for all ages. Not only will your children have a blast on the roller coasters and other rides, but they will also learn about teamwork and perseverance as they conquer their fears.

This aquarium in Southend-on-Sea features a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. This is a great opportunity for children to learn about the animals that live in our oceans and the importance of preserving these habitats.

This historic house and gardens in Saffron Walden offers a glimpse into life in the past. Not only will your children enjoy exploring the beautiful gardens and playgrounds, but they will also learn about the history of the area and the people who lived there.

This backstage experience in Thurrock features a wide variety of insights into performances, including ballet, opera, and theatre. Not only will your children be entertained, but they will also learn about different forms of art and the hard work that goes into putting on a show.

This theatre in Southend-on-Sea features a wide variety of shows and performances, including music, comedy, and theatre. This is a great opportunity for children to experience live performances and learn about different types of entertainment.

This historic house and park in Chelmsford features beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and a lake for children to explore. Not only will your children have a great time, but they will also learn about the history of the area and the importance of preserving natural habitats.

This historic site in Witham features a working medieval barn, a play area, and a petting zoo for children. Not only will your children have a great time, but they will also learn about the history of agriculture and the importance of preserving our heritage.

This farm in South Woodham Ferrers features a wide variety of animals, including cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens, as well as a playground and a petting zoo for children. This is a great opportunity for children to learn about farm animals and where our food comes from. 

This historic site in Colchester features beautiful gardens and a playground for children, as well as a tower to explore. Not only will your children have a great time, but they will also learn about the history of the area and the importance of preserving our heritage.

Hockley Woods is the largest remaining area of ancient woodland in Essex, located near the town of Hockley in the Rochford District. Covering approximately 130 hectares (around 321 acres). It's one of Essex’s most beautiful and tranquil natural escapes, offering a peaceful retreat into ancient woodland that’s rich in wildlife, history, and outdoor opportunity. Whether you're looking for a relaxing walk under a canopy of trees, a place to reconnect with nature, or a fun family day out, the woods cater to a wide range of interests.

Located in Langford near Maldon, the museum is housed in a former Edwardian water pumping station. It showcases the industrial and technological innovations that powered the region and the nation for over a century.

The star attraction is the beautifully restored Lilleshall triple expansion steam engine, known as "Marshall," which visitors can see in action on special steam days. The museum also features a wide variety of working engines, vintage machinery, tools, and even a miniature railway ride around the grounds.

Based in Colchester, these beautiful gardens offer a great day out. Spanning over 2,000 acres near Coggeshall, this historic estate includes a world-class arboretum, miles of scenic trails, and diverse habitats that change beautifully with the seasons. Markshall is also great for families with natural play areas, a dedicated Wild Wood play space, seasonal trails for children, and open spaces perfect for picnicking or exploring. There’s also a lovely Café at the Visitor Centre, serving local, seasonal food with views over the gardens.

This is one of the best-preserved and most historically significant forts in England, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s military past, with dramatic architecture, sweeping riverside views, and powerful stories that span centuries.

Originally built by Henry VIII and later redesigned in the 17th century, Tilbury Fort played a vital role in defending London from seaborne invasion. It’s famously associated with Queen Elizabeth I, who rallied her troops there in 1588 as the Spanish Armada loomed. Walking its massive star-shaped bastions, gun lines, and moats, you can almost hear the echoes of cannon fire and marching soldiers.

If you're looking for a magical, story-driven adventure that's perfect for families with young children, Wyvernwood is the place to be. Located near Colchester, Wyvernwood is not just a theme park or play area. It's an immersive fantasy world where children (and adults) can step into a land of dragons, wizards, princesses, and mythical creatures.

What sets Wyvernwood apart is its interactive storytelling. Visitors become part of a live-action tale filled with quests, characters, and surprises. Children can meet the Wizard, Princess Arabella, Captain Crispin, and Zeta the Dragon, helping them solve challenges and bring the story to life. It’s a refreshing alternative to traditional parks, encouraging creativity, imagination, and adventure.

Located in Brentwood, this non-profit sanctuary is home to over 600 rescue animals, including horses, pigs, goats, alpacas, donkeys, birds, reptiles, and even exotic animals—each with their own rescue story.

What makes Hopefield special is its dedication to giving abused, abandoned, or neglected animals a second chance at life. Visitors get to meet these animals up close, learn their stories, and understand the importance of animal welfare in a hands-on, educational way. It's not a commercial zoo, it’s a place rooted in care, recovery, and ethical treatment.

Lee Valley Regional Park offers an incredible variety of landscapes, activities, and attractions spread across 26 miles of beautiful green space, stretching from Hertfordshire through Essex to the Thames in East London. Whether you're into nature, sports, family outings, or peaceful walks, this unique regional park has something for everyone.

For nature lovers, the park is a haven of wetlands, woodlands, meadows, and lakes, home to hundreds of wildlife species. It's ideal for birdwatching, photography, or simply reconnecting with the outdoors. There are countless walking and cycling trails, including riverside paths along the River Lee.