essex is a great place to have a day out with the kids. Below we've tried to list as many attractions as we can to make it easy for you to find fun places to visit - we hope you find our website useful - and easy to use. Do you know of any other great
places to go that we may have missed? If so, it would be really nice if you could you get in touch, so that other kids can enjoy the day out as well - thanks a lot - have fun!
Family Days Out in essex
Adventure Island
Southend on Sea
Adventure Island Adventure Island is the UK's No.1 Free Admission Fun Park! Situated on Southend Seafront on both sides of the world famous pier, the park boasts over 50 rides and attractions!
Walton Pier
Walton on the Naze
Walton Pier Walton Pier - There's a whole host of rides for children and Pirate Petes Adventureland - an indoor play centre.
Colchester Zoo
Colchester
Colchester Zoo - one of the finest zoos in Europe with over 250 species of animals set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes. A great place to go if you are looking for family days out in Essex.
Sealife Adventure
Southend-on-Sea
Sealife Adventure There is no greater adventure than the one that takes place beneath our planets ocean waves. From sharks to tropical fish - all under one roof at sealife.
Barleylands
Billericay
Barleylands Children of all ages can meet and feed our friendly farm animals, ride the mini tractors around the farm and let off steam in the adventure play area. Come along and visit sam the ferret, cuddle a rabbit in the bunny barn and see if the ducks and geese are visiting our pond.
Tropical Wings World of Wildlife
South Woodham Ferrers
Tropical Wings World of Wildlife Tropical Wings World of Wildlife is set in acres of attractive gardens and features one of the largest butterfly houses in the country. There are many different species of birds, insects and animals, and we pride ourselves on encouraging interaction whenever possible.
Old MacDonald's Farm
Brentwood
Old MacDonald's Farm This year there are 5 new permanent attractions for the kids to play around on.ou upto date with exciting new features
Lee Valley Park Farms
Waltham Abbey
Lee Valley Park Farms If you want to get the kids out of the house and are looking for something that's fun, interesting and educational, Lee Valley Park Farms in Waltham Abbey has all of this and more! With lots of different farm animals to meet.
RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve
Stanstead Abbotts
RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve A fantastic day out for all the family! Come and explore this lovely nature reserve, just 8 miles north of the M25/J25. Get close to fantastic wildlife, borrow children's explorer backpacks or bird bingo sheets, or come to one of our fabulous family events.
Marsh Farm Country Park
Woodham Ferrers
Marsh Farm Country Park Marsh Farm is a working farm where children can get close to farm animals and play safely in our adventure play areas. There is also a Country Park, which boasts excellent coastal walks and superb views of the River Crouch.
Colchester Castle Museum
Colchester
Colchester Castle Museum Lots of hands-on exhibits of appeal to children and adults alike. Displays on castle prisons, medieval and norman colchester - lots going on.
Belhus Park Leisure Centre
South Ockendon
Belhus Park Leisure Centre There is a 25m swimming pool with water slide, as well as a teaching pool to cater for the extensive Aquatics swimming lesson programme. Also a sports hall, aerobics, mini gymnastics, sunbed, childminding facility and 11 bay floodlit golf driving range.
Bramston Sports Centre
Witham
Bramston Sports Centre Main and teaching pools, fun and diving pool with flume, and plenty of varied sporting opportunities.
Blackwater Leisure Centre
Maldon
Blackwater Leisure Centre Blackwater Leisure Centre boasts a superb leisure pool, incorporating the challenging Jungle River ride, a fun flume ride, lazy river ride, a safe swimming area for children and novelty bubble pool. We also have a separate Baby Pool for our youngest visitors, plus a 4 lane, 25 meter pool for all fitness and fun swimming.
Woodup Pool
Maldon
Woodup Pool A very basic salt water bathing pool with an area of sand at one end. Open May to September. It should be noted they do not have lifeguards. Currently undergoing changes, call before going.
Hornchurch Sports Centre
Hornchurch
Hornchurch Sports Centre 1, 3 and 5 metre diving boards. The site also offers fun swims, swimming lessons, diving and other exciting activities in its two pools, as well as other sporting opportunities.
Fulwell Cross Swimming Pool
Ilford
Fulwell Cross Swimming Pool 1m and 3m springboards and 5m platform (limited public access, see Opening Times). Swimming pool and other facilities. Handily near a library for some quiet time afterwards.
Warrior Swim Centre
Southend On Sea
Warrior Swim Centre Standard swimming facilities and diving pool equipped with 1m and 3m springboards and a 5m platform.
Brightlingsea Open Air Pool
Colchester
Brightlingsea Open Air Pool Two pools, one a 15m paddling pool, and the second a 50m main pool.
Childsplay Adventureland
Colchester
Childsplay Adventureland For the older children there are three ball ponds with slides, a large spooky area fitted with special effects, aerial glide, spiders webs, giant rapids and a cascading ball foundation for them to explore.
Crazy Kids Adventure Play
Braintree
Crazy Kids Adventure Play An exciting wonderland of fantasy and adventure play awaits.
Go Bananas Indoor Soft Play Centre
Colchester
Go Bananas Indoor Soft Play Centre This is the ultimate in climbing frames with over 5000 sq ft on three levels. Children will be entertained for hours as they bounce on the Aztec Ruins; scream in the spook rooms with strobes, smoke machines and skeleton squeeze rollers.
Kids Kingdom Indoor Soft Play Centre
Southend-OnSea
Kids Kingdom Indoor Soft Play Centre Kids Kingdom has approximately 8,000 square feet of play including a 14 foot vertical drop slide and our own 14 foot JELLY MOUNTAIN as well as obstacle course climbs and run.
Gymboree
Colchester
Gymboree Gymboree Play & Music offers interactive classes for babies and children from newborn to under 5. Our classes feature sensory stimulation, exploration and learning through play, music and movement.
Wacky Warehouse - White Hart
Chelmsford
Wacky Warehouse - White Hart The Wacky Warehouse indoor playcentre structure guarantees plenty of fun for hours for the kids and a welcome break for the parents!
Play Rascals
Clacton On Sea
Play Rascals Play Rascals - an indoor soft play centre with a dedicated section for the under 3's, including ball pool, raised tunnel and slide and an array of other toys. For the older children a fascinating labyrinth of nets, climbing area and slides.
Kidspace Romford
Romford
Kidspace Romford Kidspace is different. And proud of it. We have taken the very best elements of activities from the top leisure park operators in Europe and developed a new breed of centre that will change how parents and kids are entertained indoors in the UK.
Creepy Crawlies Play Centre
Chelmsford
Creepy Crawlies Play Centre We are a fun and exciting place for children to come and use up all their energy. We have a suitable softplay area for babies and toddlers, all on one level. Another softplay section on two levels for toddlers and youngters.
Mamabelli's Indoor Playcentre
Harlow
Mamabelli's Indoor Playcentre Children's indoor play and party centre in the centre of Harlow. The centre has an Italian theme and offers great Italian style food. A place for the children to play and the family to eat. Mamabellis is also the place for children to celebrate their birthday. Mamabellis also offers a drop and shop facility for parents wishing to leave their children for a short while.
Tumbletown Children's Indoor Play Centre
Basildon
Tumbletown Children's Indoor Play Centre is a children's indoor soft play centre for babies to big kids.
Small Monsters
Stanford-le-Hope
Small Monsters is an indoor adventure play area for the under five's and their parents.
Hannah Banana
Grays
Hannah Banana MAY HAVE CLOSED DOWN: Hannah Banana is the first indoor play centre in the UK to combine not only a soft play area for toddlers as well as 50 popular games and rides, but also freshly prepared food and drink. Hannah Banana also has a unique musical animatronics show that the kids absolutely love.
Monkey Puzzle Indoor Play
Maldon
Monkey Puzzle Indoor Play Great kids activity centre set over two floors
Partyman World Of Play
Basildon
Partyman World Of Play Basildon's BIGGEST indoor play centre! With the UK's ONLY indoor climb-able volcano! With a fully licensed bar and restaurant, two huge themed play structures, soft play, go karts, a football pitch, toddlers area, sensory zone, free internet access and comfy seating.
Partyman World of Play
Grays
Partyman World of Play Join in the fun with a fantastic three level soft play structure, a majestic sports arena, super swirling slides, shooting ball cannons, drop slides and stupendous stage shows.
Wild n Wacky
Harlow
Wild n Wacky A state of the art, jungle-themed indoor play & party centre for 0 to 12 year olds offering play, parties, private hire and freshly prepared food and beverages. Facilities include: three-tier play frame, 170 seater air conditioned café and free customer parking.
Coco Nuts Play Ltd
Dunmow
Coco Nuts Play Ltd Multi tiered frame indoor play facility with dedicated toddler areas and varying bonus features! Outside play area with bouncy castle open May to September. Parties hosted in animal themed rooms.
Tumble Downs
Saffron Walden
Tumble Downs Children and adults will love this new centre there is lots to keep the children amused whilst the parents relax in the Tumble Downs cafe area with comfortable sofas.
Audley End House and Park
Saffron Walden
Audley End House and Park Audley End is a Jacobean house set in a serpentine park. The park was designed by Lancelot Brown in 1763 It contains a circular temple and a bridge over the River Cam - loads of events go on through the summer - check website for details
Mountfitchet Castle
Stansted Mountfitchet
Mountfitchet Castle Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village of 1066 is the only motte & bailey castle in the world that has been faithfully reconstructed on its original site.
A unique time capsule that is steeped in history, enabling the visitor to travel back to Norman England and experience life as it was in 1066.
The Cressing Temple Barns
Braintree
The Cressing Temple Barns This year we have a calendar packed with great events to suit everyone. We have jousting knights, history brought alive with re-enactors from down the ages. Smell the cordite with Sharpe's Rifles and clash swords with the Vikings. Be transported to Tudor times with sound and taste or be enthralled by the Master of the Hospitallers.
Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker
Kelvedon Hatch
Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker - Come and witness the three lives of the bunker starting with its role as an RAF ROTOR Station, then a brief period as a civil defence centre through to its most recent life as a Regional Government HQ. Designed for up to 600 military and civilian personnel, possibly even the Prime Minister
Layer Marney Tower
Colchester
Layer Marney Tower The view from the roof shows the church, outbuildings, play area, gardens, estate and wildlife walk. Layer Marney Tower is a great place to visit whether you are planning to exhaust the children in the play area or enjoy the tranquility of the garden.
Southend Planetarium
Southend
Southend Planetarium - presents a range of talks about astronomy and the night sky. All our presentations are given live, giving plenty of opportunity for any questions you may wish to ask, and are generally suitable for ages 7 to adult
Rollerworld
Colchester
Rollerworld 25 x 50m roller skating rink - regarded as the finest in europe alledgedly?!! A great idea for family days out in Essex.
Number Ten Braintree
Braintree
Number Ten Braintree A great time for kids of all ages with Ten Pin bowling, children's games and much more.
Colchester Leisure World
Colchester
Colchester Leisure World Colchester Leisure World - lots of activities for kids including Whiz Kids which is an after school activity session offering fun activities for children with disabilities aged 5+. Activities include Trampolining, Basketball, Bouncy Castle, Football and much more.
Brentwood Park Ski & Snowboard Centre
Brentwood
Brentwood Park Ski & Snowboard Centre Brentwood Park Ski & Snowboard Centre now offers more than ever an exciting variety of dry skiing and snowboarding to suit all levels of ability - from complete novice to some of the best racers in the country. Special classes for kids.
Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre
Chelmsford
Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre The latest in sound and lighting effects combine with a lively disco atmosphere in Riverside's ice rink.
Flatford Boat Hire
Flatford
Flatford Boat Hire Row a boat along the river in beautiful Constable country
Braxted Park Segway
Witham
Braxted Park Segway Experience Segway (futuristic two-wheeled machine) at the beautiful 500 acre estate at Braxted Park, the perfect location for your day.
Romford Ice Arena
Romford
Romford Ice Arena Modern ice rink with many different sessions, classes clubs and party options. Cafe also on site.
Colne Valley Railway
Castle Hedingham
Colne Valley Railway Sample the atmosphere and take a ride on an award winning period country railway. A pretty line, relocated station buildings, signal boxes and bridges all lovingly restored and rebuilt. A large and varied collection of operational vintage steam and diesel engines, carriages and wagons that represent much of our Railway Heritage is available to explore around.
Audley End Minature Railway
Saffron Walden
Audley End Minature Railway The Audley End Miniature Railway is a delightful 1.5 mile ride on Lord Braybrooke's private 10 ¼" gauge railway through Estate woodland - this is a great place to go if you are looking for family days out in essex as you can take a bear along which is then put in the trees in the woodland walk - great fun!!
Waltham Abbey Gardens
Waltham Abbey
Waltham Abbey Gardens Discover this truly magical heritage site. Wander around the remains of what was once one of the largest Augustinian Abbeys in the country, founded by King Henry II in 1177 and reputed to be the site of King Harold's grave after the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Castle Park and Gardens
Colchester
Castle Park and Gardens A town centre oasis of horticultural spendour including a modern children's play area, crazy golf & putting green, children's boating lake, cricket ground, traditional cafe, riverside walks, Hollytrees Museum and the cafe itself.
The Original Great Maze
Braintree
The Original Great Maze Experience the latest challenging Original Great Maze as it returns for 2008, but this year its even bigger, better & harder.
Sown from over half a million maize seeds, the challenge is on.
Huntfun Colchester Treasure Hunt
Colchester
Huntfun Colchester Treasure Hunt A great fun way to explore in your own town or when visiting somewhere new. Fun for all the family and something a bit different getting everyone out and about in the fresh air for a few hours.
Thanks for all the great places to go when visiting essex you keep sending in.
Now the summer holidays are upon us, we're trying to find as many things to do with kids as possible, especially cheap and free family friendly places to visit this year - theme parks, waterparks and swimming pools, museums, indoor soft playcentres, petting farms, wildlife parks and zoos, castles, railways, pottery making and ceramic cafes, roller and ice skating rinks, dry and indoor ski slopes, climbing walls, ten pin bowling alleys, steam railways and other tourist attractions.
Also teachers may find the site useful for ideas for the best places to take their classes on school journeys.
So, if you've been for great days out with the kids, or a school trip, which isn't listed above, just send in an email and we'll add it on so people on holidays and all the other children in essex can enjoy the great day out as well.
If you're looking for fun places for kids when visiting america on vacation, go to our new site familydaysoutusa.com
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