Experience a relaxing and cost-effective day out with our list of fun things to do in Chelmsford for all the family.
Go on a journey through the town's history at the Chelmsford Museum, which is situated in a park with an adventure play area. Children will love the fossils, British Wildlife galleries and the living beehive! There are also different archaeological monuments that take you from the Ice Age to the present day.
If your child dreams of being a police officer then they’ll love the Essex Police Museum. They can take their own fingerprints, become a detective solving a crime and listen to an actual police call. Small, but perfectly formed the museum is a family favourite and completely free of charge. Making memories on your Chelmsford family day out needn’t cost a penny!
It’s always a good idea to make the most of open spaces when you’ve got energetic kids in tow. Baddow Hall Park is a great spot for games and picnics and has an adventure play area, there’s also Chelmer Park for the sports enthusiasts with its basketball, football and netball courts and outdoor gym and Hylands House and Park, which has acres of space, 574 to be exact, and a huge outdoor playground that’s disabled-friendly.
Get out on the canal with Chelmer Cruises and hire a rowboat or canoe to go at your own steam, or join one of the cruises and let someone else do all the hard work for you!
If you’re unexpectedly rained off you can’t go wrong with a decent soft play Wacky Warehouse Queen B!

Inspired by ITV's hit TV show - Ninja Warrior UK! Face the obstacles yourself!

Indoor crazy golf, airsoft range, and escape rooms—fun, safe, and unforgettable family adventures all under one Chelmsford roof!

Challenge yourself, reach new heights and try amazing outdoor activities for all ages!

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is a peaceful, family-friendly refuge for rescued animals, promoting compassion, education, and ethical animal care.

Race against the whole family at TeamSport Indoor Karting Basildon, to find out who's the true speedster among you!

Ultimate bouncing fun for the whole family at Essex's top adventure park! Trampolines, climbing, AirSlides, and much more!

Putt your way through two 12-hole crazy golf courses, play darts & arcade games, and bowl at Mulligan's Basildon!

Petting Farm is open Friday-Sunday 10am-4pm during term time and daily in school holidays, with animal experiences running every day!

Bring your family to TeamSport Indoor Karting Harlow for a fun-filled experience and discover who’s the ultimate speedster!

Monday to Saturday Gymnastics, tumbling, DMT (double mini trampoline) Age: 2-15 Adult sessions 16+

Explore the Chelmer & Blackwater waterways on a scenic 2-hour cruise on the Victoria, a much beloved passenger barge! Enjoy views of local landmarks with options for custom trips & catering on board.

Solve the puzzles and tackle the maze at Writtle Maize Maze's aMAZEing outdoor adventure!

Cammas Hall Farm is a family-owned and run farm attraction in beautiful countryside on the Hertfordshire/Essex border.

Glide, spin and make memories at Riverside Leisure Centre's ice rink! Public sessions, age-restricted and fun disco sessions for all ages. Ice hockey and ice shows too!

We offer an action packed soft play experience for little monsters and award winning children parties for the best memories

Test your skills at West Park Pitch Putt & Crazy Golf! Challenge yourself with a 9 or 18 hole course, Footgolf and more. Enjoy special events, Kids' Club and birthday parties.
Experience the UK's top attractions for less with our VIP Pass - the nation’s favourite day out discount membership! Enjoy kids go free, 2 for 1 and more on unforgettable days out.

Uncover buried loot on the Chelmsford Mystery Treasure Trail!

Explore Hylands House and Park! See the grand house, stunning parklands and grand staircases! Enjoy the playground and cafe too!

Take the family to Ceramics on the Hop! Choose from a huge range of ceramics and get creative with clay hand-building, painting or handprints. Make something special to keep forever!

Pumpkin paradise, eerie circus, ghostly fun fair, and bewitching bites await at Land of the Dead!

If you’re on the hunt for a brilliant family day out in the north of England, Calypso Cove Waterpark in Barnsley, South Yorkshire is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets. Nestled inside the Metrodome Leisure Complex, this tropical indoor waterpark packs a serious amount of fun into every visit – and with sessions starting from just 90…

If you thought dinner out meant a table, a menu, and maybe a candle if you’re lucky – think again. Feast in a Spin in Marlow is the immersive dining experience that starts before you even sit down, because first, you have to crawl through a washing machine. Yes, really. And it is every bit as brilliant…

Sephora’s iconic global beauty festival is landing in the UK for the very first time – and it’s bigger than anything the country has seen before. SEPHORiA Beauty Metropolis is coming to London on 16 and 17 October 2026, and if you’ve ever wanted to step inside a living, breathing beauty world packed with brands, masterclasses,…

WOW this week has been a SCORCHER to say the least, and we’re sure that cooling down has been all that’s on your mind! As those scorching summer afternoons arrive, there is no better way to stay chilled and have a total blast than by heading straight for the water. Whether you are looking to…

If your kids are obsessed with Buster Moon and his singing crew – or they can’t get enough of Max, Duke, and Snowball – we’ve got some brilliant news. Illumination has officially confirmed that both Sing 3 and The Secret Life of Pets 3 are in active development, and the studio sounds genuinely excited about both.…

Plan your visit to Slimeville Warrington, from the Slime Station to tickets, SEND sessions and accessibility, all in one family-friendly guide.

Meet Stanley, Longleat’s new Nubian giraffe, and plan your visit. See why his arrival matters, where to spot him, and book tickets now.

Plan your visit to the Harry Potter drone show at Haydock Park in August 2026, with dates, tickets, timings, travel tips and family info.