If you know of any other great things to do in Castle Hedingham for kids which aren't listed on DAYoutWITHtheKIDS, please get in contact with us, so we can add them to the website and share the fun places to go with other children - thanks a lot
Family Days Out near to Castle Hedingham
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Gosfield Lake Resort (2 miles)
Halstead
Gosfield Lake Resort The activities on site are wide-ranging from the gentle relaxation of Fishing, to the excitement of Water Skiing together with a variety of other leisure activities all catered for at one location. A pleasant safe environment for family fun and relaxation.
Colne Valley Railway (3 miles)
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.
Crazy Kids Adventure Play (6 miles)
Braintree
Crazy Kids Adventure Play An exciting wonderland of fantasy and adventure play awaits! A massive, air conditioned, modern warehouse fitted out for high adventure and excitement in a controlled and monitored environment. This is children's playtime entertainment at it's very best and safest.
Namco Funscape Braintree (6 miles)
Braintree
Namco Funscape Braintree Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
Cineworld Braintree (6 miles)
Braintree
Cineworld Braintree Family friendly cinema chain with all the latest kid's films and more to chill out together on a wet weekend.
Braintree Swimming Centre (7 miles)
Braintree
Braintree Swimming Centre Facility includes a great family fun orientated pool, with slide and interactive equipment. Children must be under 8 years to use this pool and acompanied by a parent or an adult.
East Anglian Railway Museum (7 miles)
Wakes Colne
East Anglian Railway Museum An open air museum where the preserved buildings on site form parts of the museum itself and you stroll between sections. For kids who like trains this will be a proper treat, and they also host regular child oriented fun days with Thomas and more.
Ponyland at The Dutch Nursery (7 miles)
Colchester
Ponyland at The Dutch Nursery This pleasant child friendly enterprise offers pony rides, pony care sessions and pony themed birthday parties. For all things equine, this is your place!
Paycockes (7 miles)
Coggeshall
Paycockes Marvel at the stunning woodcarving and elaborate panelling inside this merchant's house. Outside, there is a beautiful and tranquil cottage garden.
Coggeshall Grange Barn (7 miles)
Coggeshall
Coggeshall Grange Barn 13th-century monastic barn. One of Europe's oldest timber-framed buildings, it has a cathedral-like interior and is linked to a local Cistercian abbey. Inside the barn hosts an exhibition of local woodcarving, tools and a collection of agricultural carts.
Great Notley Discovery Centre and Park (8 miles)
Braintree
Great Notley Discovery Centre and Park A whole day's worth, including a sensory trail, endless play equipment suitable for multiple age groups, cycle hire centre, fishing, visitor centre and bistro, sports and educational facilities, plus an extensive events programme.
Clare Castle Country Park (8 miles)
Sudbury
Clare Castle Country Park Clare Castle Country Park is a beautiful quiet area to relax, play, get close to nature and learn about Clare's fascinating history.
The Giggles Factory (8 miles)
Sudbury
The Giggles Factory Childrens indoor playcentre In Sudbury
Strikes (8 miles)
Sudbury
Strikes Child friendly ten pin bowling with an exciting laserquest facility also on site.
Cheeky Chimps Funhouse (10 miles)
Haverhill
Cheeky Chimps Funhouse Wildlife themed soft adventure play with age appropriate sections including a baby room. Also has private room for nursing mothers.
East Town Park Countryside Centre (10 miles)
Haverhill
East Town Park Countryside Centre The car park and children's play area for two to 12 year-olds are near to the centre and there is an easy access trail that takes you around some of the interesting features on the landscape and introduces you to the wildlife in the park. Regular events held.
Haverhill Snooker and Bowl (10 miles)
Haverhill
Haverhill Snooker and Bowl 8 computerised, fully automated bowling lanes, 18 snooker tables, pool tables and darts facilities. Also features a 10' x 8' giant screen for massive sports action and a video game area.
Kentwell Hall (11 miles)
Sudbury
Kentwell Hall A beautiful moated Tudor Mansion, with extensive moated gardens and rare breeds farm. Famous for award winning Special Events from its Tudor Time Travel experience to its ultra scary Halloween Event, Sacresville - the site for a fright. Also Victorian and 1940s daily life. Its just as good to visit when there's no Special event to explore House, Gardens & Farm.
Kidzone Haverhill (11 miles)
Haverhill
Kidzone Haverhill Multi-level climbing and adventure area with lots of different areas to play in in this great indoor play centre in Suffolk.
Bramston Sports Centre (11 miles)
Witham
Bramston Sports Centre Main and teaching pools, fun and diving pool with flume, and plenty of varied sporting opportunities.
Coco Nuts Play Ltd (12 miles)
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.
Colchester Zoo (12 miles)
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.
Jungle Adventure (12 miles)
Colchester
Jungle Adventure Huge jungle themed indoor adventure play offering terrific features like aerial glides, ball pools it rains in, cannons, trampolines, assault course and more. In the toddler sensory zone everything apparently comes to life, including a talking tree!
Layer Marney Tower (12 miles)
Colchester
Layer Marney Tower A great place to visit whether you are planning to exhaust the children in the play area or enjoy the tranquility of the garden. The view from the roof shows the church, outbuildings, play area, gardens, estate and wildlife walk.
Childsplay Adventureland (13 miles)
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.
High Woods Country Park (13 miles)
Colchester
High Woods Country Park Had three superb adventure play areas and also includes woodland, open spaces (ideal for picnics) a lake and wildflower meadows.
Go Bananas Indoor Soft Play Centre (13 miles)
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.
Tenpin Colchester (13 miles)
Colchester
Tenpin Colchester Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
Colchester Leisure World (13 miles)
Colchester
Colchester Leisure World - has a great leisure pool which boasts 176,000 gallons of water-based fun with 16 features including two 13-metre flumes, river rapids crazy river, waves, geysers, slides and spa pools
Colchester Castle Museum (13 miles)
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.
Natural History Museum Colchester (13 miles)
Colchester
Natural History Museum Colchester A fascinating chance to get closer to nature. Find out about wildlife habitats, biodiversity and climate change in a family friendly environment full of hands on activities.
Castle Park and Gardens (13 miles)
Colchester
Castle Park and Gardens Features include a children's play area, crazy golf & putting green, children's boating lake, cricket ground, traditional cafe, riverside walks, and Hollytrees Museum.
Abbey Fields Play Park (13 miles)
Colchester
Abbey Fields Play Park Grassy slopes for running and rolling, adventure playground and a heated outdoor swimming pool in summer.
Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve (13 miles)
Colchester
Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve Great for rambling, bird watching and nature photography; there's also a visitor centre. In the spring there is the unusual sight of Cormorants nesting in trees, one of the few places in Britain where they do this
Hollytrees Museum (14 miles)
Colchester
Hollytrees Museum Follow the story around this beautiful Georgian building taking in domestic life and childhood in Colchester over the past 300 years. Meet many different characters from the past and experience Colchester's fascinating history.
Bourne Mill (14 miles)
Colchester
Bourne Mill Set in tranquil grounds next to a millpond and a bubbling stream. The mill still has a working waterwheel, which was originally used for milling flour. Please note the limited opening times.
Rollerworld of Colchester (14 miles)
Colchester
Rollerworld of Colchester 25 x 50m roller skating rink - regarded as the finest in Europe allegedly! A great place to go if you're looking for fun family days out in Essex.
Hollow Trees (15 miles)
Ipswich
Hollow Trees A sneaky side trip for grown ups that younger kids will enjoy too - farm with trail and play area, but mainly farm, plant and coffee shops. Best suited for the wee ones that like looking around.
Tumble Downs (16 miles)
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. One of the many fun family places to visit if you're looking for things to do with children in Essex
Brook End Gardens (16 miles)
Chelmsford
Brook End Gardens Children's play area, formal gardens and recreational gardens. Not huge, not fancy, but just the thing for a couple of hours on a sunny afternoon. Take a ball!
Worcester Swimming Pool (17 miles)
Worcester
Worcester Swimming Pool Swimming facilities with diving and fun pools. Diving area has 1 and 3m springboards and a 5m platform.
Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre (17 miles)
Chelmsford
Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre The latest in sound and lighting effects combine with a lively disco atmosphere in Riverside's ice rink to get some great family skating done.
Admirals Park (17 miles)
Chelmsford
Admirals Park A wide range of facilities; football and cricket pitches, pitch and putt golf, bowling green, tennis courts, angling, canoeing and play areas offer recreational opportunities.
Monkey Puzzle at Madison Heights (17 miles)
Maldon
Monkey Puzzle at Madison Heights It’s great place to take the whole family whatever the weather! There is an amazing giant play frame that is over 6 meters high with a series of exciting climbing structures and educational toys and packed with slides, fun areas to explore and loads more!
Madison Lanes (17 miles)
Maldon
Madison Lanes Tenpin bowling in their Air Conditioned environment with 22 fully computerised Tenpin bowling lanes, in two fun areas, to ensure you have the time of your life.
Sk8rs at Madison Heights (17 miles)
Maldon
Sk8rs at Madison Heights Family friendly roller rink and skate hire, an excellent fun and healthy activity for the whole family. Other activities available o site.
Blackwater Leisure Centre (17 miles)
Maldon
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.
Promenade Park (17 miles)
Maldon
Promenade Park Formal gardens, splash park, adventure playground, an ornamental lake, a sandy play area for children, picnic, play and recreation areas for both adults and children, maze, tennis courts, shops and cafés, a large model boating lake, skateboard park and much, much more...
Hatfield Forest (17 miles)
Bishop Stortford
Hatfield Forest Extraordinary woodland involving trees of up to 1200 years old. Great for outdoor play, hiking and picnicking. Please note the adjacent car park has seasonally limited opening.
West Park Pitch Putt and Crazy Golf (17 miles)
Chelmsford
West Park Pitch Putt and Crazy Golf Established 18 hole pitch and putt course, with a 9 hole crazy golf course, cafeteria, equipment for hire and a large car park.
Linton Zoo (17 miles)
Linton
Linton Zoo emphasis is on conservation and education, while providing enjoyable family days out in Cambridgeshire. There is a wealth of rare and exotic creatures to see including Grevy's Zebra, Snow Leopards, Tigers, Lions, Tapirs, Lemurs, Binturongs, Owls, Parrots, Giant Tortoises, Tarantula Spiders and many others.
Woodup Pool (17 miles)
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.
Audley End House and Park (17 miles)
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
Audley End Minature Railway (17 miles)
Saffron Walden
Audley End Minature Railway A delightful 1.5 mile ride on Lord Braybrooke's private 10 and a quarter inch gauge railway through Estate woodland. The children all enjoy looking out for the teddies that live in the woods!
Baddow Hall Park (17 miles)
Chelmsford
Baddow Hall Park Popular with families and dog walkers this area offers plenty of open space for games and a great children's adventure play area.
Flatford Boat Hire (18 miles)
Flatford
Flatford Boat Hire Row a boat along the river in beautiful Constable country
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve (18 miles)
Fingringhoe
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve Set in a spectacular position overlooking the Colne Estuary the visitor centre provides stunning views even on the dullest days It offers the visitor real peace and quiet. Out on the reserve you will find a picnic area, nature trails and bird hides.
The House on the Hill Toy Museum (18 miles)
Stansted Mountfitchet
The House on the Hill Toy Museum This is the largest privately-owned toy museum in Europe with over 80,000 individual items of mixed antiquity on display, based on the collection of one man who started in 1946 by buying a Hornby train set with his pocket money.
Mountfitchet Castle (18 miles)
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.
Tenpin Chelmsford (18 miles)
Chelmsford
Tenpin Chelmsford Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
Gymboree (18 miles)
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.
Cudmore Grove Country Park (18 miles)
East Mersea
Cudmore Grove Country Park Located at the eastern end of Mersea Island, the park includes a sandy beach backed by a large expanse of open grassland, perfect for summer games, picnics and taking in the views.
Ickworth House Park and Gardens (18 miles)
Bury St Edmunds
Ickworth House Park and Gardens A fantastic country estate in Suffolk. 1800 acres of parkland and woodland surrounding the eccentric Italianate mansion. Great family events, an adventure playground and children’s trails and games make this a great day out. Enjoyed by over 155,000 visitors each year; making it Suffolk’s most visited tourist attraction.
Chelmer Park (19 miles)
Chelmsford
Chelmer Park An adventure play area, outdoor gym equipment, football pitches, netball and tennis courts, plus oodles of green open space to play and picnic in so take your frisbees, bats and balls!
Play Space (19 miles)
Bishops Stortford
Play Space The huge range of colourful play equipment in this spacious facility is separated into several sections for age suitability: under 2s, under 4s and over 4s. So there's less fear of anyone getting squashed!
Mistley Place Park (20 miles)
Manningtree
Mistley Place Park Animal sanctuary and tea rooms. An educational day out where you can feed the animals and teach the kids something important.
Birch Farm (20 miles)
Ipswich
Birch Farm Playbarn with baby area, massive age grouped daycare, life-guarded swimming pool with lessons available, craft or cookery themed parties, cafe and ballet lessons!
Wild Raspberry Ceramic Cafe (20 miles)
Chelmondiston
Wild Raspberry Ceramic Cafe Come to Wild Raspberry, to paint your own ceramic and textile pieces, also now introducing enamelling jewellery parties and Decopatch. Enjoy some home made cake with a good coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.
1st Bowl Bishops Stortford (20 miles)
Bishops Stortford
1st Bowl Bishops Stortford Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
Moyse's Hall Museum (20 miles)
Bury St Edmunds
Moyse's Hall Museum For almost a thousand years Moyse's Hall has looked out over the Market Place of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. It has seen many changes since it was built in 1180 and provides an excellent setting in which to trace the unfolding story of West Suffolk, through displays which range from prehistoric times right through to the present.
Brightlingsea Open Air Pool (20 miles)
Colchester
Brightlingsea Open Air Pool Two pools, one a 15m paddling pool, and the second a 50m main pool.
Bury Bowl (20 miles)
Bury St Edmunds
Bury Bowl Popular bowling centre - great activity for kids, especially if it's grotty outside - with fully licensed bar and restaurant as well as satellite television, pool and video games
Kids Play (21 miles)
Bury St Edmunds
Kids Play Smile – it's Kid's Play! Every corner of Kids Play in Bury St Edmunds is bursting with fun! With numerous fun indoor activities, you are sure to find something the whole family will enjoy. Kids can brave the speedy drop slide, shoot the fun ball cannons and scramble through tunnels on the giant playframe… why not bounce on trampolines, dive into the ball pond or spin on the tyre swings?
Creepy Crawlies Play Centre (21 miles)
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 toddlers all on one level. Another softplay section on two levels for toddlers and youngters. Also a baby section with mats, baby gyms and toys.
Scribbles Ceramics (21 miles)
Newmarket
Scribbles Ceramics Pottery painting fun at our studio- an activity in which all ages can have a go. Parties and walk in painting plus we can paint special pottery items for you if you have limited time or want a special present made.
Newmarket Snooker and Bowl (21 miles)
Newmarket
Newmarket Snooker and Bowl 6 lanes of family friendly bowling. They also have 20 Full size Snooker Tables available for hire in addition to 2 American Pool Tables and 2 English Pool Tables.
National Horse Racing Museum (21 miles)
Newmarket
National Horse Racing Museum The story of the people and horses involved in racing from its Royal origins to Lester Piggott, Frankie Dettori and other modern heroes. Explore the galleries with their Junior Fun Tour and enjoy dressing up in the Practical Gallery.
Tropical Wings World of Wildlife (22 miles)
Chelmsford
Tropical Wings World of Wildlife 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 available to interact with.
CurveMotion (22 miles)
Bury St Edmunds
CurveMotion The indoor venue will contain facilities for all age groups including roller disco, interactive play areas, skate ramps, mega slides and party areas
Adventure Island Play Barn (22 miles)
Sawbridgeworth
Adventure Island Play Barn - indoor children's play centre incorporating a toddler area for the under 5's, soft play, slides, an aerial runway and ball ponds plus other exciting children's play modules.
Cheeky Monkeez (22 miles)
South Woodham Ferrers
Cheeky Monkeez Play centre for children aged 0-5 years separate baby area for non- walkers. Strong emphasis on imaginative play. Cafe area for 40.
Cheeky Monkeys Play Barn (22 miles)
Fulbourn
Cheeky Monkeys Play Barn Come and have fun at Cheeky Monkeys Playbarn - where you can whiz down slides, climb across rope bridges, squeeze through the rollers, wriggle through the chimney stack or relax in the ball pit! Outdoors you can drive the play combine and tractors, explore the house or dig in the sandpit, jump on the sputnik or cuddle the pets.
Jimmys Farm (22 miles)
Wherstead
Jimmys Farm An exciting day out for all the family. We are a working farm and breed rare breed pigs but also have cows, sheep, chickens and more! We have a nature trail, butchery and shop, cafe and playground. We hold farmers markets on 1st Saturday of every month.
Marsh Farm Country Park (22 miles)
Woodham Ferrers
Marsh Farm Country Park - 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.
Imperial War Museum Duxford (23 miles)
Duxford
Imperial War Museum Duxford One of the world's most spectacular aviation heritage complexes with 200 aircraft, the American Air Museum and a fine collection of military vehicles plus special exhibitions including, the Normandy Experience and Monty. The Museum holds four Air Shows, a Military Vehicle Show plus other events throughout the year.
Playworld - Ocean Adventure (23 miles)
Stowmarket
Playworld - Ocean Adventure There are ball ponds, slides, a large inflatable play area (May to September), an aerial glide, slides, a spooky room, scramble nets and a toddlers' area.
Anglia Indoor Kart Racing (23 miles)
Ipswich
Anglia Indoor Kart Racing A variety of age appropriate karts and race formats, as well as parties.
Chantry Park (23 miles)
Ipswich
Chantry Park Recently revamped play areas within a large and well maintained parkland, plenty for a full afternoon especially if you've got picnic weather!
Museum of East Anglian Life (23 miles)
Stowmarket
Museum of East Anglian Life Discover the history and natural world of East Anglia on this beautiful 75 acre site, get steamed up with the powerful engines, meet the friendly animals including Suffolk Punch Horses and rare breads of cattle and sheep, Discover 15 splendidly restored historic buildings and lots more to do.
Wandlebury Country Park (23 miles)
Cambridge
Wandlebury Country Park A natural adventure playground: explore the Iron Age Ring ditch and 100 acres of woodland and meadows. Space to picnic, play games, walk on gentle chalk hills and enjoy the wildlife and our highland cattle. Lots of special events through the year for all the family. One of many fun family places to visit if you're looking for things to do in Cambridge with kids.
Namco Funscape Ipswich (23 miles)
Ipswich
Namco Funscape Ipswich Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
John Daye Paint Your Own Ceramics (23 miles)
Needham Market
John Daye Paint Your Own Ceramics A wide range of ceramics which you can design and paint how ever you like. Then we will glaze and fire your item for collection in about a week
Suffolk Ski Centre (23 miles)
Ipswich
Suffolk Ski Centre Special sessions provided for absolute beginners over 4, general access to slopes is at age 7. Activities include kindergarten ski play, race training, ski toboggan and snowboard parties, and Ringos!
Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm (24 miles)
Ipswich
Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm Working farm breeding endangered farm animals. Cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, alpacas and pigs. Children given free bag of animal food. Main area is wheelchair/pushchair friendly. Walks round paddocks, beside river and lake. Picnic areas. Disabled toilet. Baby changing. Cafe with home-made light lunches, cakes and clotted cream teas.
Wild Tracks (24 miles)
Newmarket
Wild Tracks 10m wide, 700m tarmac karting circuit and high performance karts - (Minimum height of 4' 11" (1.5m) & 8 years old)
Wacky Warehouse Punch and Judy (24 miles)
Ipswich
Wacky Warehouse Punch and Judy The usual good quality Wacky Warehouseplay structure attached to the Punch & Judy pub - ring for details - great for wet days when you copuld do with an hour and the kids need a good runaround.
The Henry Moore Foundation (24 miles)
Much Hadham
The Henry Moore Foundation A great visit for all the family to the beautiful former home of artist Henry Moore. A 70-acre estate including outdoor sculpture gardens, restored house and studios, gallery, refreshments and shop. Please book your visit. DOWTK recommend for a FULL day you undertake this attraction in conjunction with other nearby entertainment.
Wam Bam Boomerang (24 miles)
Burnham On Crouch
Wam Bam Boomerang Indoor play and party centre, offering dedicated toddler area and much excitement and craziness for the bigger ones.
Crown Pools (24 miles)
Ipswich
Crown Pools The leisure pool is the ideal facility for the family and children with a beach area, wave machine and water fountains, which are all set amongst tropical planting. Open for casual use throughout the facilities operational hours you are guaranteed a relaxing fun time.
Christchurch Park (24 miles)
Ipswich
Christchurch Park A pleasant day of free entertainment awaits you here, with plenty of space for play and picnicking, and the good old adventure playground for when imagination fails you.
Holywells Park (24 miles)
Ipswich
Holywells Park A beautiful park with 67 acres of rolling grounds, ponds and woodland. There is a large well maintained play area for juniors and a summer paddling pool.
Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker (25 miles)
Kelvedon Hatch
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!
Essex Outdoor Activities (25 miles)
Chelmsford
Essex Outdoor Activities Crazy outdoor shenanigans for the over sixes, from quad biking and quad trekking, go karting, high ropes and target shooting to the water tag maze. You won't be bored!
Wild n Wacky (25 miles)
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: state of the art three-tier play frame, 160 seater air conditioned cafe, free wifi internet access, leather sofas and free customer parking.
Snakes and Ladders Ipswich (25 miles)
Ipswich
Snakes and Ladders Ipswich Snakes and Ladders is a huge indoor playground filled to the brim with climbing frames, ball ponds, cargo nets and slides. Plus there's our Mini Play Street and toddlers seperate safe play area. Kids can really let off steam while parents relax on comfortable leather sofas in our café.
Cherry Hinton Water Play Area (25 miles)
Cambridge
Cherry Hinton Water Play Area two paddling pool with a connecting bridge with an attached play area max depth 0.4 metres - open may to semptember
Monkey Bizzness (25 miles)
Hockley
Monkey Bizzness Traverse climbing wall, 4 Lane waterfall Astra slide, Canon soft ball shootout guns, 5-a-side football and basketball court, separate under-5's area with mini cars, ball juggler, educational key panels etc
CJs Bowling (25 miles)
Hockley
CJs Bowling 12 tenpin bowling lanes with free entry kiddie soft play area also on site. Cafe plus pro shop.
Tenpin Cambridge (26 miles)
Cambridge
Tenpin Cambridge Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Tenpin Cambridge has 28 lanes!
Rayleigh Mount (26 miles)
Rayleigh
Rayleigh Mount An early medieval motte and bailey castle site, which offers sweeping views across the Crouch Valley. Make the most of your day by visiting the adjacent windmill to explore historical exhibitions.
Frinton on Sea Beach (26 miles)
Tendring
Frinton on Sea Beach Good swimming with some lifeguard cover, nice sand and excellent fossil hunting territory close by. Deliberately traditional, no arcades, etc.
Off Road Action Park (26 miles)
Wickford
Off Road Action Park Affordable high adrenaline outdoor activities for all ages (6+) and abilities, like army assault course, target paintball shooting, quad biking, off road rally buggies or perhaps a bit of Archery. With professionally trained and qualified staff.
Seaquarium at Clacton Pier (26 miles)
Clacton on Sea
Seaquarium at Clacton Pier An informative, educational, fun learning opportunity to appreciate from an up close perspective some of the intriguing creatures surrounding our coastal areas.
Play Rascals (26 miles)
Clacton On Sea
Play Rascals Indoor adventure play with a dedicated section for the under 3's, including ball pool, raised tunnel and slide and an array of toys. For the older children a fascinating labyrinth of nets, climbing walls and slides. Also outdoor play in summer.
Funky Fun House (26 miles)
Cambridge
Funky Fun House - lots of fantastic facilities including big slides, a tubular helter skelter, some air cannons which fire foam balls, and lots of challenging climbing surfaces.
Partyman World Of Play (26 miles)
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.
Cambridge Museum of Technology (26 miles)
Cambridge
Cambridge Museum of Technology The museum showsx the history of power through the ages - check website for details
Parkside Pools (26 miles)
Cambridge
Parkside Pools Swimming Pool - 25m fitness pool and combined teaching and diving pool with moveable floor - plus Leisure Pool - with 2 flumes
Rayleigh Indoor Karting Stadium (26 miles)
Rayleigh
Rayleigh Indoor Karting Stadium Suitable from age 10, the Arrive and Drive sessions provide a great introduction to karting and a chance to compete with the whole family.
Rayleigh Megazone (27 miles)
Rayleigh
Rayleigh Megazone A unique, multi age family laser game, staff controlled and easy to follow.
AMF Hollywood Bowl Basildon (27 miles)
Basildon
AMF Hollywood Bowl Basildon Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences (27 miles)
Cambridge
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences Lots of things to do for kids and a lot of it dinosaur related - mega bonus!!
Scudamores Punting Company (27 miles)
Cambridge
Scudamores Punting Company A variety of guided tours, treasure hunts and special events, or just punting about on the river. One of many fun family places to visit if you're looking for things to do in Cambridge with kids.
Shepreth Wildlife Park (27 miles)
Royston
Shepreth Wildlife Park There are many different animals at Shepreth Wildlife Park just waiting to meet you. So come along and enjoy a great day out - and remember, your visit helps us to help the animals.
Whipple Museum of the History of Science (27 miles)
Cambridge
Whipple Museum of the History of Science I have been told has: 12 activity boxes for young children (our 2 and 5 year olds love them) and soon to be reinstated bright shiny new Victoral parlour PLay area
Treasures of South Cambridge Trail (27 miles)
Cambridge
Treasures of South Cambridge Trail An exciting way to explore a new town whilst learning something new and enjoying a fun walk in the fresh air. Follow the trail, solve the clues and see the best sights with Cambridgeshire Treasure Trails. Trails can be downloaded and completed in your own time, anytime.
Tumbletown Children's Indoor Play Centre (27 miles)
Basildon
Tumbletown Children's Indoor Play Centre - is a children's indoor soft play centre for babies to big kids.
Creepy Crawlies Play Centre (27 miles)
Royston
Creepy Crawlies Play Centre Children's Indoor Soft Play Centre based in Royston Leisure Centre
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary (27 miles)
Stowmarket
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary - houses over 70 raptors in spacious aviaries. There are two spectacular flying displays daily and you will also find Red Squirrels, Chipmunks, the Raptor Hospital, the Barclays Sensory Garden, a woodland walk, picnic areas and, for the children, a mini-maze and adventure frame.
Royston Cave (28 miles)
Royston
Royston Cave Royston Cave is unique in Europe. Believed to date from the 13th Century, it is a man-made cavern in the shape of a beehive, with a small aperture at the top for ventilation. Its most remarkable feature is an extensive range of wall carvings - a knights templar cave in the middle of Hertfordshire?
Jumppin Jacks Funhouse (28 miles)
Mildenhall
Jumppin Jacks Funhouse A fantastic three tier purpose built indoor adventure play centre and party venue for children aged 0-10 years of age. Dedicated toddler section.
Royston Museum (28 miles)
Royston
Royston Museum A significant and varied collection of exhibits, especially glass and ceramic work.
Basildon Bowl and Quasar (28 miles)
Basildon
Basildon Bowl and Quasar 20 modern tenpin bowling lanes, fully sanctioned by the BTBA and a Quasar Elite Arena, all with a great family atmosphere.
Manic Ceramics (28 miles)
Abergavenny
Manic Ceramics Create your own pottery masterpieces, with help from friendly, experienced staff.
Jesus Green Pool (28 miles)
Cambridge
Jesus Green Pool Unheated outdoor swim facility with natural windbreak.
Leigh on Sea Beach (28 miles)
Leigh on Sea
Leigh on Sea Beach When the tide comes in it is excellent for swimming, windsurfing and sailing, but has no lifeguard cover at any time. Next to a town so all facilities nearby. Voted in the Top 100 British Beaches - lovely sandy beach which stretches for 7 miles from Leigh to Shoeburyness

Little Monsters (28 miles)
Harwich
Little Monsters Standard soft-play fare, toddler area, ball pit, slides and colourful toys etc.. Cafe on site, parties offered.
Southend Planetarium (28 miles)
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
Old MacDonald's Farm (28 miles)
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
Legacy XS Centre (28 miles)
Benfleet
Legacy XS Centre A 4,500 sq ft indoor skate park and 5,500 sq ft outdoor park containing a 6ft volcano, 90° and 45° hips, 8ft quarter-pipe, vert wall and more!
Brentwood Park Ski and Snowboard Centre (28 miles)
Brentwood
Brentwood Park Ski and Snowboard Centre Overlooking 54 acres of beautiful scenic woodland, the Centre offers an exciting variety of dry skiing and snowboarding to suit all ability levels from age 4. They also incorporate other exciting facilities such as a go-Karting track, golf driving range.
Brentwood Karting (28 miles)
Brentwood
Brentwood Karting This is an outdoor circuit, 825m in length, with plenty of options for the younger karter from Bambino School to Junior Raceway.
RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve (29 miles)
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.
Kids Kingdom Indoor Soft Play Centre (29 miles)
Southend On Sea
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.
Rye House Gatehouse (29 miles)
Hoddesdon
Rye House Gatehouse Explore this once fortified manor house. Built in 1443 by Sir Andrew Ogard and restored by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Rye House Gatehouse is one of the finest medieval moated sites in Hertfordshire and has a vibrant history – including an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate King Charles II.
Rye House Kart Raceway (29 miles)
Hoddesdon
Rye House Kart Raceway One of the only kart circuits in the country to incorporate the under 8s, their Bambino Karts are suitable for ages 5+!
Laser Mayhem (29 miles)
Abridge
Laser Mayhem Laser combat games are great fun and ideal for active kids between the ages of 8 and 12. All the fun of paintball without the mess! Plus they have an indoor arena incase of bad weather.
Kingpin Bowling Centre (29 miles)
Ipswich
Kingpin Bowling Centre Tenpin bowling, the game everyone can enjoy. Even if you are playing for the first time with a bit of beginners luck you might even get a strike or two. There is professional tuition available for improvers. Bumper lanes and ramps for the kids - a fab idea if you are looking for family days out in Suffolk.
Walton Pier Bowl (29 miles)
Walton on the Naze
Walton Pier Bowl Set beside the pier's funfair and amusements, this family friendly bowling centre is a refreshing break out of the sun and a great excuse for a few games!
Walton Pier (29 miles)
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.
Bassingbourn Snowsports Centre (29 miles)
Royston
Bassingbourn Snowsports Centre Runs skiing lessons throughout the year. Junior Club caters for tots up to late teens at all levels of ability, with friendly, experienced instructors.
The Priory Lido (29 miles)
Ware
The Priory Lido Heated outdoor main and teaching pools, with tennis and basketball courts adjacent. Now Open from 4th July to Sunday 5th September.
Scotts Grotto (29 miles)
Ware
Scotts Grotto A labour of love spanning thirty years of labour, some ten thousand pounds and an inestimable weight of shells and coloured glass adorning the walls of this 67ft set of underground tunnels. PLEASE NOTE the limited opening times.
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway (29 miles)
Stowmarket
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway This is the only railway museum in Suffolk, where the former Mid Suffolk Light Railway is recreated. Many original station buildings and steam locomotives on display along with lots of photographs and memorabilia.
The Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey (30 miles)
Waterbeach
The Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey Discover farming through the ages and learn about the rural history of Cambridgeshire with objects displays and interactives for all ages.
Beacon Rally Karts (30 miles)
Woodbridge
Beacon Rally Karts Outdoor off road karting centre for all children aged 5 and over. We have three separate tracks and 4 sets of karts, for complete safety we never mix our karts, Your child will only race children of a similar age. No need for large numbers minimum booking 1 driver.
Bedfords Park Visitor Centre (30 miles)
Havering atte Bower
Bedfords Park Visitor Centre Offers visitors a really warm welcome and the opportunity to find out about the wildlife within the 215 acre park, which includes many valuable species rich habitats - so take your magnifying glass and sketchbook or camera for the kids to identify mini beasts!
Play2Day Indoor Play Centre (30 miles)
Ipswich
Play2Day Indoor Play Centre - is the area's children's indoor play centre with plenty of play for the most energetic children, seating for supervisors plus a well stocked cafe. You can play, party, eat and relax. You can also combine your stay with an exciting game at Lazer2day
Adventure Island (30 miles)
Southend on Sea
Adventure Island Situated on Southend Seafront on both sides of the world famous pier, the park boasts over 40 rides and attractions!
Tenpin Southend (30 miles)
Southend On Sea
Tenpin Southend Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
Sealife Adventure (30 miles)
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. One of the many good places to go if you're looking for things to do with kids in Essex.
Lee Valley Boat Centre (31 miles)
Broxbourne
Lee Valley Boat Centre Situated in the picturesque River Lee Country Park, Lee Valley Boat Centre is a stones throw from Broxbourne train station. In a week you can cruise into London on a narrow boats, or in just an hour you can navigate the river by electric pleasure craft, pedalos or rowing boats.
Small Monsters (31 miles)
Stanford-le-Hope
Small Monsters is an indoor adventure play area for the under five's and their parents.
Wimpole Home Farm (31 miles)
Royston
Wimpole Home Farm Hidden amongst the trees, the Adventure Playground is a popular spot with those who love to climb, slide, scramble and swing, while tiny tots enjoy their own play area and mini pedal tractors. Rare breeds animals - seasonal events - check website for details.
Lee Valley Regional Park (31 miles)
Lee Valley
Lee Valley Regional Park The 10,000 acre Park has hundreds of great days out for all the family. Whether it's a day out at the farms, athletics, golf, horse riding, ice skating, fishing, cycling, bird watching, camping or simply exploring the countryside, Lee Valley Regional Park has so much to explore.
Manning’s Amusement Park (31 miles)
Felixstowe
Manning’s Amusement Park A well established family entertainment park, situated on the Felixstowe seafront. With something for all the family, including an amusement arcade, Crazy Charlie’s Junior Theme Park, Golf FX indoor crazy golf, a Sunday market, Q Club pool and snooker, 10-pin Bowling, Licensed bars and a range of eating options.
Lee Valley Park Farms (31 miles)
Waltham Abbey
Lee Valley Park Farms If you want to get the kids out of the house and are looking for something that¯Â¿Â½s 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.
National Dragonfly Project (31 miles)
Wicken
National Dragonfly Project A place where people can come to find out more about dragonflies and damselflies, and eventually get involved in research projects. Please note the limited opening dates.
Deben Swimming Pool (31 miles)
Woodbridge
Deben Swimming Pool Deben Pool offers a 25 metre swimming pool with various sessions, including a Family Fun Session every Saturday 11am -12 noon, with a large inflatable and rafts in the water, which is Fun for all the Family! We also offer fresh fruit to promote a healthy lifestyle!!!
Funtasia (31 miles)
Felixstowe
Funtasia kids indoor play centre housed with felixstowe leisure centre - ring for more information
Hartham Pool and Gym (31 miles)
Hertford
Hartham Pool and Gym Offers a large range of activities, including: Learner pool; children's fun sessions; Aqua Aerobics; range of swimming lessons for children and adults; over 50's swim; special needs sessions; pre/post natal exercise classes; and school holiday activities.
Hertford Museum (31 miles)
Hertford
Hertford Museum Come and explore Hertford Museum! Discover our play shop, handle fossils and see moving old toys! We also have gallery trails and discovery bags comprising of objects and activities available to use free of charge and to accompany your visit.
Knettishall Heath Country Park (32 miles)
Thetford
Knettishall Heath Country Park Lovely for nature hikes and picnics, with plenty of local flora and fauna to spot, from lizards to fallow deer.
Rollerbowl (32 miles)
Romford
Rollerbowl With 34 lanes they are one of the biggest centres in the country; add that to large Arcade area with the newest games, fruit machines and 9 brand new pool tables.
Waltham Abbey Gardens (32 miles)
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.
Junglee Fun Hornchurch (32 miles)
Hornchurch
Junglee Fun Hornchurch Designed for the under 7s and run by a former Ofsted inspector, this colourful fully equipped purpose built soft play area is a great place for children to interact and burn off their excess energy.
Romford Ice Arena (32 miles)
Romford
Romford Ice Arena Modern ice rink with many different sessions, classes clubs and party options. Cafe also on site. One of the many good places to go if you're looking for things to do with kids in Essex.
Kidspace Romford (32 miles)
Romford
Kidspace Romford Kidspace is a magical, award-winning indoor adventure park. There's something for everyone, including adults! 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.
Namco Funscape Romford (32 miles)
Romford
Namco Funscape Romford Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
Paradise Wildlife Park (32 miles)
Broxbourne
Paradise Wildlife Park This friendly family wildlife park with monkeys Tigers Lions and many other exotic animals offers other attractions including Adventure Golf, Gold Panning, Woodland Railway etc. Great fun for all the family.
SpyMasters (32 miles)
Cambridge
SpyMasters Si5 Spymissions Bar Hill is the exciting spy activity centre near Cambridge suitable for anyone aged 8 and above. After zipwiring down to the roof, you must make your way through the high security systems to reach your mission objective. The mission ends with an adrenalin pumping escape - you and your friends will feel like real spies!
Whale of a Time (32 miles)
Cambridge
Whale of a Time Cambridge's newest childrens indoor softplay centre with two separate state of the art challenging and stimulating playframes, along with two dedicated party areas decorated with all the kids favourite cbeebies characters. All supported by an upmarket cafe serving high quality hot and cold food and drinks.
Waterworld & Breckland Leisure Centre (32 miles)
Thetford
Waterworld & Breckland Leisure Centre A fun leisure pool with waves - Rapids - A water cannon - A flume - A spa pool - Main swimming pool
Celtic Harmony Camp (32 miles)
Brickendon
Celtic Harmony Camp Enjoy a great day out for all the family, with our Archers, Farmers, Warriors, Storytellers and Woodsmen. There's plenty of exciting hands-on activities to keep everyone busy and good food in a real Iron Age village, set in beautiful woodland. Please note limited, summer only opening.
Sutton Hoo (32 miles)
Woodbridge
Sutton Hoo Home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Walk around the ancient burial mounds and discover the incredible story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions.
Stubbers Adventure Centre (33 miles)
Upminster
Stubbers Adventure Centre Family adventure starts here, from individual activities to whole days and courses, with a fantastic range including motor sports, jet ski, laser tag and bushcraft.
Hornchurch Sports Centre (33 miles)
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.
Lee Valley White Water Centre (33 miles)
Waltham Cross
Lee Valley White Water Centre Experience the freaky thrills of white water rafting, canoeing and paddling! Over 14s for the rafting; the paddling activities have no lower age but kids must be experienced already.
Go Ape! Thetford (33 miles)
Brandon
Go Ape! Thetford Go Ape is the UK's No.1 Forest Adventure. Take to the trees and speed down zip slides. They’re part of an exciting course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings; all set high above the forest floor.
Fun 2 Play (33 miles)
Thetford
Fun 2 Play Large 3 level play structure with 4 lane astra slide, spiral slide, tube slide, ball pool, spook room plus many more fun features suitable for older children.
Strikes (33 miles)
Ely
Strikes Kiddie friendly ten pin bowling with adventure soft play also on site.
Planet Zoom (33 miles)
Ely
Planet Zoom Planet Zoom play centre offers the youngsters the chance to run amok in complete safety and security.
Cheeky Monkeys Jungle Adventure (33 miles)
Cheshunt
Cheeky Monkeys Jungle Adventure Indoor soft play area offering a warm welcome, delicious refreshments and a great place for kids to have fun. We also have a wonderful outdoor garden area with bouncy castle and slide. So come and join the adventure!
Ely Cathedral (34 miles)
Ely
Ely Cathedral Very impressive Cathedral built in 1082 and steeped in history, guided tours available
Ely Walking Spy Themed Trail (34 miles)
Ely
Ely Walking Spy Themed Trail With so much to see and to do, Ely makes a great tourist destination. Looking for a perfect family day out? Then look no further than treasure trails! These fun activities will teach you fascinating facts about the area and show you some beautiful scenery. Enjoy a fun family walk in the fresh air and solve an intriguing mystery at the same time.
Mr Gs Bowling Centre (34 miles)
Brandon
Mr Gs Bowling Centre 8 lane family friendly cosmic bowling, with ramps and lightweight balls for children. Animated bowling graphics and full lane service.
Fairlands Valley Park (34 miles)
Stevenage
Fairlands Valley Park Activities include sailing, bell boats and dragon boats, costello cafe, paddling pools and children's play area. New to the park is a state of the art climbing wall. They also offer water sport themed children's parties.
Fulwell Cross Swimming Pool (34 miles)
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.
Dagenham Swimming Pool (34 miles)
Dagenham
Dagenham Swimming Pool Swimming facility with 1m springboard.
Easton Farm Park (34 miles)
Woodbridge
Easton Farm Park There is always lots to do on the Farm. There are daily pony rides, hug-a-bunny, meeting Star, one of the big Suffolk Punch cart horses, barrel train rides, pony and cart rides, meet the animals and 2 heated indoor playbarns. A great idea for family days out in Suffolk.
Kartsport (34 miles)
Cambourne
Kartsport Recently relocated from Essex and now able to offer a UK first: indoor and outdoor karting at the same site! With electric karts and an inflatable circuit for 4yrs and up, all the way up to the proper roary scary versions we all know and love. And whatever the weather!
Potstop (35 miles)
Knebworth
Potstop Our paint-your-own pottery studio is suitable for all ages: come and get creative! Choose from our range of pottery blanks – from mugs, jugs and flowerpots to animal collectibles and moneyboxes – there’s something for everyone! We’ve lots of ideas to get you started and refreshments to keep you going!
North Herts Leisure Centre (35 miles)
Letchworth
North Herts Leisure Centre has a Tropical Wave Pool perfectly designed to relax and unwind in. Slide on down our wacky Water Flume or enter the super Tropical Pool, which boasts a fun Wave Machine. There is also a children's Swan Slide and 'Froggy Fountain' Water Squirter.
Grays Beach Riverside Park (35 miles)
Grays
Grays Beach Riverside Park Great play equipment like their giant sand pit, adventure trail, aerial slide and the famous Grays Beach play galleon are open all year round and during the summer months there's a whole treasure trove of activities, competitions and special events.
Saxtead Green Post Mill (35 miles)
Saxstead Green
Saxtead Green Post Mill Makes an interesting addition to your day out in Suffolk and is easily combined with a visit to Framlingham Castle.
Zorbit (35 miles)
Waltham Cross
Zorbit Recommended 8yrs plus, Zorbiting is a safe exciting high and a really unique experience.
Bressingham Steam Experience (35 miles)
Bressingham
Bressingham Steam Experience Whether you choose to explore one of Europe's leading steam collections, take a ride on Bressingham's famous Victorian 'Gallopers', journey over five miles of narrow-gauge steam railway, wander through beautiful gardens, or visit the only official "Dad's Army" exhibition in existence, you'll find something for everyone when you arrive at Bressingham!
Sobell Leisure Centre (35 miles)
Highbury and Islington
Sobell Leisure Centre A soft indoor adventure playground for toddlers up to 1.45m tall (4foot 7inches) - three floors and thousands of square feet of excitement - Dedicated under 1m area - available to hire for childrens parties
Lakeside Karting (35 miles)
West Thurrock
Lakeside Karting Passengers can be taken as young as two, and kids can drive from as young as eight. Karting is a thrilling activity for kids, especially here where you can take tiny passengers.
AMF Hollywood Bowl Stevenage (35 miles)
Stevenage
AMF Hollywood Bowl Stevenage Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
Teamworks Karting Letchworth (35 miles)
Letchworth Garden City
Teamworks Karting Letchworth For 8+. fleet of karts are specially designed to allow youngsters to race at their own pace. They can limit the power for younger drivers as they learn how to drive, and teach all the skills needed to win on the track. They also do parties!
Belhus Park Leisure Centre (36 miles)
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.
Partyman World of Play (36 miles)
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.
Valentines Mansion and Gardens (36 miles)
Ilford
Valentines Mansion and Gardens Country house and gardens with recreated period rooms including Victorian kitchen and a dedicated Family Room. Enjoy the house and gardens through special trails and borrow a free backpack to explore the mansion and outdoors. Special events run throughout the year with a FREE family Sunday once a month.
Letchworth Outdoor Pool (36 miles)
Letchworth
Letchworth Outdoor Pool Open May to September, this is a pleasant outdoor heated swim facility with toddler splash pool and fun floats.
Lee Valley Athletics Centre (36 miles)
Picketts Lock
Lee Valley Athletics Centre Athletics is fun, everyone can do it and it’s a great way to keep fit! Take part in after school classes and school holiday programmes and be trained by experienced coaches.
Knebworth House Gardens and Park (36 miles)
Knebworth
Knebworth House Gardens and Park Spend the day exploring extensive Gardens, Maze, Dinosaur Trail, a House full of treasures, Adventure Playground, (includes thrill slides, bouncy castle, Tarzan trails and more) Miniature Railway, Gift shop. Bring a picnic or visit our tea room. Special events throughout the year. All set in a 250 acre country park.
Havergate Island (36 miles)
Aldeburgh
Havergate Island A haven for large numbers of ducks and wading birds, also a great place to see brown hares at close range. Access is by boat only and pre-booking is essential.
Namco Funscape Dagenham (36 miles)
Dagenham
Namco Funscape Dagenham Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
Monsters Ltd Indoor Play Centre (36 miles)
Diss
Monsters Ltd Indoor Play Centre A secure environment where your "little monsters and angels" can play in safety. Cram packed with adventure and suprises, food and drink for all.
Framlingham Castle (36 miles)
Framlingham
Framlingham Castle 12th century fortress with exciting audio tour, interactive exhibits, themed trails, castle wall walk, and spectacular views.
Grimes Graves (36 miles)
Thetford
Grimes Graves Today visitors can descend 9 metres (30 ft) by ladder into one excavated shaft, an unforgettable experience - the only Neolithic flint mine open to visitors in Britain. A grassy lunar landscape of over 400 shafts, pits, quarries and spoil dumps
Sheerness Swimming Pool (37 miles)
Sheerness
Sheerness Swimming Pool Kids' inflatable fun session at the Sheerness swimming pool every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm till 3pm. Great fun for the whole family.
Rollercity (37 miles)
Welwyn Garden City
Rollercity - the only purpose-built skating rink in Hertfordshire, perfect for all the family. The venue is available for lessons, public skating and private parties - one of the many fun family places to visit if you're looking for things to do with kids in Hertfordshire
Team Sport North London (37 miles)
Edmonton
Team Sport North London From ages 8 upwards kids sessions and parties are a great way to have fun and let tomorrow's budding stars shine. Kids are fully briefed and taught how to handle their specially adapted kart before they even touch the circuit.
Waltham Forest Pool and Track (37 miles)
Walthamstow
Waltham Forest Pool and Track Main pool, teaching pool, and diving pool with 1m and 3m springboards and 5m platform. Learning creche and indoor play area also on site.
Tumble In The Jungle (37 miles)
Walthamstow
Tumble In The Jungle A Jungle adventure for children big and small, allow them to let off steam, make new friends and explore our exiting Jungle themed soft play area.
Gosling Sports, Ski and Board Park (37 miles)
Welwyn Garden City
Gosling Sports, Ski and Board Park Dry ski and nursery slopes with beginner sessions available and many courses to improve. Adventure soft play inside the sports centre, and many sporting opportunities.
Jungle Mania Play Centre (37 miles)
Welwyn Garden City
Jungle Mania Play Centre A fab indoor play structure with three feature-packed levels and a separate toddlers area, containing a whole host of enjoyable and educational activities. Jungle Mania has over 65 play features
Space 2 Play (37 miles)
Hitchin
Space 2 Play Large indoor soft play centre in huge 10,000 sq feet building. Secure gated entry, CCTV, separate toddler and baby areas with go Karts and one of the first indoor zip wires in the country. Food freshly prepared on the premises and they even do Sunday roasts!
AMF Gravesend (37 miles)
Gravesend
AMF Gravesend Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
Cafe Kidz (37 miles)
Biggleswade
Cafe Kidz We are a children's indoor soft play area, catering for 0 – 7 year olds. We offer an hour's play while mums, dads, grandparents, or childminders can watch their little ones in the comfort of our coffee shop and enjoy a freshly ground coffee and a luxury cake or muffin!
Little Rascals Indoor Play Party Centre (38 miles)
Hitchin
Little Rascals Indoor Play Party Centre Indoor Soft Play Centre with Multi-Zone Play Frame, Baby and Toddler area. Ball Pools, Wendy House, Slide and Lots of Toys. Term Time Activities, Birthday Parties, Disco's and of course Coffee, Lunch, Snacks and Dinners too! Perfect for Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Childminders and Groups.
Crystal Lakes Play Barn (38 miles)
Fenstanton
Crystal Lakes Play Barn Has it all for kids from 11 months to 10 years. Non-stop fun in the spectacular Farm themed inside and the action packed Outback themed ouside.
Hatfield House and Park (38 miles)
Hatfield
Hatfield House and Park You can enjoy the manicured garden, extensive park, 7 (soon to be 9) unique shops, a busy restaurant, a children's play area and a shortly to be opened children’s adventure playground featuring a model of Hatfield House as a centerpiece and a renowned sculpture exhibition.
Leyton Leisure Lagoon (38 miles)
East London
Leyton Leisure Lagoon Teaching and standard pools, as well as a big fun flume. Also houses a creche.
Hatfield Kids Funzone (38 miles)
Hatfield
Hatfield Kids Funzone Hatfield Kids Funzone, is a large indoor muti-level soft play centre
Birchwood Indoor Play Area (38 miles)
Hatfield
Birchwood Indoor Play Area A Softplay Centre on three levels for Toddlers and Children to enjoy. A variety of slides, tunnels and ladders to keep them entertained for hours.
Pots of Art Ceramics Studio - Hitchin (38 miles)
Hitchin
Pots of Art Ceramics Studio - Hitchin Paint your own pottery studio, build a bear parties and decopatch. There is so much to do at Pots of Art - one of the many fun family places to go if you're looking for things to do with kids in Hertfordshire
British Schools Museum (38 miles)
Hitchin
British Schools Museum Interactive museum depicting schooling throughout the ages, complete with tour, games, and plenty of archaic studying equipment. Worth a trip for the look on their face when you tell them you're taking them to a school on their day out!
High Sports Eastham (38 miles)
Eastham
High Sports Eastham Indoor Climbing Centre with opportunities for the smaller climber - ring for more details. One of the many fun family places to go if you're looking for things to do with children
Brooks Farm (38 miles)
Waltham Forest
Brooks Farm Brooks Farm is a wonderful visitor's attraction based inside Skeltons Lane Park.
Artfulpots Paint Your Own Pottery (38 miles)
Banham
Artfulpots Paint Your Own Pottery Bring your tots to Artfulpots and paint a pottery masterpiece! Choose from mugs, plates, piggy banks and animals. Paint and leave it with us to glaze and fire in our kiln ready to collect later in the week.
Banham Zoo (38 miles)
Banham
Banham Zoo - enjoy the ultimate fun filled day out at one of the most exciting wildlife attractions in the country. Banham Zoo rated amongst UK's top three Zoos by WHICH? A must go to place if you are looking for family days out in Norfolk.
Hitchin Swimming Centre (38 miles)
Hitchin
Hitchin Swimming Centre Heated indoor and outdoor pools, with both types of toddler pool too and Poolside Baby Seats! (Open between 29th May - 12th September) - one of the many fun family places to visit if you're looking for things to do with children in Hertfordshire
Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure (38 miles)
Enfield
Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure Go Ape! The UK’s No.1 Tree Top Adventure! Take to the trees and speed down zip slides. They’re part of an exciting course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings; all set up high above the forest floor.
Northaw Great Wood (38 miles)
Cuffley
Northaw Great Wood This large nature reserve is an extremely important Hertfordshire woodland comprising areas of oak, hornbeam, ash, sweet chestnut, elm and beech. It supports a wide ecosystem of natural wildlife.
The Gravesend Civil Defence Bunker (38 miles)
Gravesend
The Gravesend Civil Defence Bunker Has been authentically restored and is the only example of a CD bunker still preserved in the UK today. It is well worth a visit and brings a reminder of this great organisation, disbanded in the 1960s.
Shaws Corner (38 miles)
Welwyn
Shaws Corner Charming, National Trust maintained home of the famous author, now also hosting family days, craft days and more. By no means a full day, but a delightful and instructive stop off between thrills.
Hatfield Swim Centre (38 miles)
Hatfield
Hatfield Swim Centre The uniquely designed 33m pool allows a full length to to be swum in either shallow or deep water. The separate Learner Pool and D Pool offer the opportunity to build water confidence in younger children or individuals with their parents in a safe and fun environment.
Belvedere Splash Park (39 miles)
Belvedere
Belvedere Splash Park Belvedere Splash Park is the largest free access public wet play park in the United Kingdom. Children can paddle in a lagoon surrounding a desert island and play on a huge safety surfaced "beach" equipped with water sprinklers, showers, bubble jets and sprays.
Mepal Outdoor Centre (39 miles)
Ely
Mepal Outdoor Centre A unique Activity Centre set on the shores of a 20 acre lake in the Cambridgeshire Fens, offering a wide range of affordable water and land based activities for families.
Basildon Park (39 miles)
Reading
Basildon Park This impressive Georgian mansion, surrounded by glorious parkland, was lovingly rescued from ruin by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the mid 1950s. There are waymarked trails through the historic parkland and gravel paths around the gardens.
The Lodge (39 miles)
Sandy
The Lodge An RSPB reserve with minor exhibitions and seasonal, child oriented events in The Lodge itself, as well as outdoor trails and bird or wildlife spotting.
RSPB Nature Reserve (39 miles)
Sandy
RSPB Nature Reserve This is the headquarters for the RSPB. The Lodge reserve has two nature trails (the heath trail and the quarry trail), which are 3.5 km long in total. Lots of events throughout the year - check the weblink for details.
Dickens World (39 miles)
Chatham Maritime
Dickens World - is an exciting indoor attraction where you can learn all about the life, books and times of the famous author Charles Dickens. It will take you on a fun journey through Dickens lifetime as you step back into the streets, sounds and smells of the 19th century.
Kidzbiz Indoor Playcentre (39 miles)
Palmers Green
Kidzbiz Indoor Playcentre 3 level multi activity frame with slides, aerial runways, rope climbs, ball pond- for toddlers: bouncy castle, ball pond, climbing areas and toy cars.
Lee Valley Ice Rink (39 miles)
Leyton
Lee Valley Ice Rink If you have been ice skating before - you'll know its one of the coolest ways to enjoy yourself. If you haven't - what are you waiting for? Fab family day out in London.
Discover Childrens Story Centre (39 miles)
Stratford
Discover Childrens Story Centre - has an incredible indoor play space which is open all year round where you can dress up, explore a secret cave, create spoon puppets, find the giants legs, dance over multi coloured spots that make sounds and most importantly make up stories.
Monkey Bizz (39 miles)
Rochester
Monkey Bizz Lose yourself in the jungle of rope swings, slides and mazes. Hide in the spooky caves, 'swim' through the jungle 'lake' and escape over the rope bridge. Good idea if you're after fun family days out in kent with kids.
Strand Leisure Pool (39 miles)
Gillingham
Strand Leisure Pool Open late May to early September, this nice outdoor pool boasts England's largest lazy river, as well as having crazy golf and a miniature railway! One of the many fun family places to go if you're looking for things to do with kids in Kent
The Raptor Foundation (39 miles)
Woodhurst
The Raptor Foundation The Raptor Foundation is a bird of prey sanctuary and hospital. It is a unique and exciting place for children and adults alike to meet and learn about owls, falcons, hawks and buzzards in a 30 acre site. There are over 300 raptors and more than 25 species, many of which are threatened or endangered.
Playzone at the Furzefield Centre (39 miles)
Potters Bar
Playzone at the Furzefield Centre Monster themed play area with many great and classic features for the under eights, attached to a leisure centre and visible from the pool. Has separate toddler section, suitably equipped.
Hertfordshire Sports Village (39 miles)
Hatfield
Hertfordshire Sports Village Hertfordshire Sports Village - tons of sports including swimming programs - check weblink for more details
Newham Leisure Centre (39 miles)
Plaistow
Newham Leisure Centre Swimming pools with waterfalls, large water slide, water jets and cave area
Historic Dockyard (39 miles)
Chatham
Historic Dockyard The Historic Dockyard's stunning 80 acre site provides a great day out for all the family. Children just love visiting our three Historic Warships with the opportunity to look through the periscope of our submarine Ocelot, imagine that they're at sea under sail on the sloop Gannet, and clamber over the Second World War destroyer HMS Cavalier.
Medway Park (40 miles)
Gillingham
Medway Park 25-metre six-lane swimming pool - a segregated shallow section - a warm water teaching pool - a diving pool plus multi-use sports hall
Fairfield Pool and Leisure Complex (40 miles)
Dartford
Fairfield Pool and Leisure Complex Swimming pool with diving pit (1m and 3m springboards), teaching pool, creche and indoor play area.
Fort Amherst (40 miles)
Chatham
Fort Amherst Accompanied by your guide, with a lantern, you will hear tales of the mysterious and sinister happenings at the Fort during its 250 year history.
Trial a Bite Rock and Fossil Tours (40 miles)
Bexleyheath
Trial a Bite Rock and Fossil Tours Guided rock and fossil hunting trips at venues Kent and Sussex. Like exploring the outdoors? Want to try something different at the seaside? Fascinated by dinosaurs and ancient life? Always wanted to have a go at fossil hunting? Then let us help you to discover the 144 million years of natural history, hidden in the rocks of southeast Britain.
Wet n Wild at Waterfront Leisure Centre (40 miles)
Woolwich
Wet n Wild at Waterfront Leisure Centre Looks like a great place for family days out in london with a 65m snake slide, wave machine, waterfall, volcano, water jets and five lane waterslide.
1st Bowl Chatham (40 miles)
Chatham
1st Bowl Chatham Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
2012 Olympic Park Tour (40 miles)
Bromley-by-Bow
2012 Olympic Park Tour Daily walking tours of the Olympic Site take place every day at 11.00 from Bromley-by-Bow Underground station. Pre-booking is required online
Tenpin Bexleyheath (40 miles)
Bexleyheath
Tenpin Bexleyheath Kids love bowling, and if they are under 6 they can use a ramp and gutter guards. Great family fun!
Houghton Mill (40 miles)
Huntingdon
Houghton Mill Follow the family Cat and Rat trail around the mill, enjoy the hands on activities, and explore the five storey historic building. Please note the limited opening times.
Thames Barrier Info and Learning Centre (40 miles)
Woolwich
Thames Barrier Info and Learning Centre All kinds of environmental events, ranging from river walks and pond dipping, to role-play games such as ‘River of Life’.
Orford Castle (40 miles)
Woodbridge
Orford Castle The castle is remarkably intact allowing visitors to explore from the basement, through the lower and upper halls to the roof where there are magnificent views seaward to Orford Ness. Around the rooms is a maze of passages leading to the chapel, kitchen and other chambers in the turrets.
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink (41 miles)
Wood Green
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink The Alexandra Palace Ice Rink offers a wide range of activities suitable for all ages and covering every aspect of ice sports, Ballet Classes and Dance Clubs.
Little Dinosaurs (41 miles)
Alexandra Park
Little Dinosaurs Indoor and outdoor play areas for year round gentle family fun in a friendly and nurturing atmosphere.
Zebra Ceramics (41 miles)
Muswell Hill
Zebra Ceramics Stylish and contemporary Ceramic Studio with high quality cafe and indoor and outdoor play area. Visit us for a ceramic painting session or try our specialist hand and foot print service using ceramics & clay as well as silver fingerprint jewellery, capturing those precious little prints, creating unique mementos and keepsakes.
The Castle Climbing Centre (41 miles)
Stoke Newington
The Castle Climbing Centre Highly esteemed climbing centre set in a Victorian building. Over 14s may climb alone, under 14s permitted if accompanied by an experienced climber throughout.
Lakeside Lodge Golf and Bowling (41 miles)
Huntingdon
Lakeside Lodge Golf and Bowling Family friendly tenpin bowling alley with four full size lanes and animated graphics. Booking advised. Kids love bowling!
Clissold Park (41 miles)
Hackney
Clissold Park Extensive facilities including children's play area, basketball and tennis courts, conservation and woodland areas including a deer enclosure, organic nature garden and butterfly tunnel. They also have a paddling pool.
Finsbury Park (41 miles)
Haringey
Finsbury Park New facilities in the recent revamp of this iconic park include an enclosed, dog-free play area with an exciting water feature -designed by children, for children, and a skate park.
London Fields Lido (41 miles)
Hackney
London Fields Lido This fantastic outdoor heated lido was re-opened in October 2006
Birds of Prey and Conservation Centre (41 miles)
Biggleswade
Birds of Prey and Conservation Centre One of the UK's Largest Bird of Prey Centres - with over 300 birds and displays throughout the day - ring for details or check their website (it isn't actually working at the moment though)
Clown Town Indoor Playcentre (41 miles)
Finchley
Clown Town Indoor Playcentre 3 level multi activity frame with slides, aerial runways, rope climbs, ball pond- for toddlers: bouncy castle, ball pond, climbing areas and toy cars.
Playaway Indoor Soft Play Centre (41 miles)
Crouch End
Playaway Indoor Soft Play Centre Playaway has apparently closed down - let me know if you know differently
Soccer Skills School (41 miles)
Greenwich
Soccer Skills School A football coaching academy for 3-10 year olds, based at the amazing London Soccer Dome in Greenwich (former venue for the David Beckham Academy) hosting 2x indoor 3G Astroturf pitches with top training facilities and fully qualified coaches in a safe and secure soccer school environment for boys and girls.
Park Road Leisure Centre (41 miles)
Hornsey
Park Road Leisure Centre Main pool, small pool and outdoor lido - apparently has giant glide, waves and water features.
British Music Experience (41 miles)
Greenwich
British Music Experience The UKs only interactive museum of popular music. Combining cutting edge audio-visual technology with some of the most coveted music memorabilia of all time and the only exhibition where you can select your favourite content and media recordings to keep.
Splashes Leisure Centre (41 miles)
Gillingham
Splashes Leisure Centre Splashes Leisure Pool offers an indoor pool with wave machine, a flume and toddlers' pool. One of the many fun family places to go if you're looking for things to do with kids in Kent
Rowans Tenpin Bowl (41 miles)
Finsbury Park
Rowans Tenpin Bowl There's nothing quite like Rowans for 10-pin bowling and great fun family days out with the kids. Two floors of entertainment featuring 24 fully air conditioned bowling lanes plus 19 pool tables, amusement arcades and giant overhead sports screens.
Revolution Karting (41 miles)
Tower Hamlets
Revolution Karting Their Cadet Club runs on a minimum height requirement which is 1.5m or 5ft. This runs every Sunday over lunchtime and allows progression.
Silver Blades Ice Rink (41 miles)
Gillingham
Silver Blades Ice Rink This family friendly frost fest boasts a full size ice pad with seating for over 1,000 people within the arena, in bright modern surroundings. They offer penguin skate aid hire for little ones.
Docklands Light Railway (41 miles)
East London
Docklands Light Railway A day out on the excitingly sophisticated DLR is far from all about trains: hop on and off with a day ticket and visit bundles of great stuff as you travel round and you've got happy kids from start to stop!
Arsenal Emirates Stadium Tour (41 miles)
Highbury and Islington
Arsenal Emirates Stadium Tour - has become one of London's most exciting tourist attractions and is a must for every football fan! Take a look behind the scenes at one of the world's most spectacular football stadiums and get a sense of what the Arsenal stars feel like on a matchday.
Museum of Childhood (41 miles)
Bethnal Green
Museum of Childhood Houses the national childhood collection which includes: dolls' houses, dolls, puppets, toys and games, children's clothes and furniture. The galleries are designed to be accessible to both adults and children of all ages. A great london family day out.
Johnsons Old Hurst (41 miles)
Huntingdon
Johnsons Old Hurst By no means a full day but a fun stopover if you're after a family lunch or, er, sausages! Farm shop and tea rooms with play area and fort, and visual access to farm animals including crocodiles!
Hackney City Farm (41 miles)
Bethnal Green
Hackney City Farm Hackney City Farm boasts a wide variety of animals on the farm - they keep as full a range as possible of traditional farm livestock and you can usually expect to see pigs, cattle, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals.

Thanks for all the great things to do in Castle Hedingham with kids you keep sending in.
Now the school half term is upon us are with winter and the christmas holidays fast approaching, we're trying to find as many fun 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 playcentres and softplay for toddlers, petting farms, wildlife parks and zoos, aquariums, castles, steam railways, pottery making and ceramic cafes, roller and ice skating rinks, karting tracks, snowdomes, dry and indoor ski slopes, climbing walls, activity centres, ten pin bowling alleys and all the other best family tourist attractions, that you can visit at the weekend.

Also teachers may find the site useful for ideas for the best places to take their classes on school journeys with many historical and educational atractions listed

So, if you've been for great days out with the kids, or a school trip, which isn't shown above, just send in an email and we'll add it on so people visiting on holidays and all the other children in Essex can enjoy the great day out as well.



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Swimming in Castle Hedingham | Play centres in Castle Hedingham | Zoos in Castle Hedingham
Ice skating near Castle Hedingham | Tenpin bowling near Castle Hedingham | Dry ski slopes near Castle Hedingham
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