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!
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.
Cammas Hall Farm is a family-owned and run farm attraction in beautiful countryside on the Hertfordshire/Essex border.
Inspired by ITV's hit TV show - Ninja Warrior UK! Face the obstacles yourself!
Uncover buried loot on the Chelmsford Mystery Treasure Trail!
Race against the whole family at TeamSport Indoor Karting Basildon, to find out who's the true speedster among you!
Introduce your child to gymnastics at Basildon Gymnastics Centre! Enjoy expert-led classes that help improve agility, balance, and confidence.
Putt your way through two 12-hole crazy golf courses, play darts & arcade games, and bowl at Mulligan's Basildon!
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.
Bring your family to TeamSport Indoor Karting Harlow for a fun-filled experience and discover who’s the ultimate speedster!
Open Petting Farm - Until 1st Dec 10am-4pm (Fri-Sun) Limited experiences (No petting farm)- From 1st Dec 10am-1pm Mon-Sun Pre booking only
Solve the puzzles and tackle the maze at Writtle Maize Maze's aMAZEing outdoor adventure!
Test yourself with Essex's biggest trampoline arena at AirHop Chelmsford
Ultimate entertainment: Indoor crazy golf, shooting range & escape rooms. Thrills await, book now
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!
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!
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.
Pumpkin paradise, eerie circus, ghostly fun fair, and bewitching bites await at Land of the Dead!
We offer an action packed soft play experience for little monsters and award winning children parties for the best memories
Explore Hylands House and Park! See the grand house, stunning parklands and grand staircases! Enjoy the playground and cafe too!
Explore Essex Police Museum and its history from 1840 until present day. Learn about crime detection, see a recreation of a police cell & dress up for photos. See the many items on display and take a tour with knowledgeable volunteers and serving policemen!
🏰✨ COMPETITION TIME: Win a magical overnight family stay in Alnwick + tickets to Alnwick Castle! ✨🏰 😍 We’ve teamed up with Alnwick Castle to give one lucky family an overnight stay at the brand-new Bailiffgate Hotel AND a day of adventure at the iconic Alnwick Castle. 📲 Click the form below to…
🦒😲 COMPETITION TIME: WIN a family day out to Chester Zoo PLUS £100 voucher to spend! 😲🦒 😆 We’ve teamed up with Chester Zoo to offer one lucky family the chance to win a family ticket (4 people) PLUS £100 voucher to spend on food, drinks and shopping at the Zoo 📲 Click…
🌳🐒 GIVEAWAY TIME! WIN a family trip to walk with free roaming monkeys!🐒🌳 🐒 We’ve partnered with Trentham Money Forest to give away 5x family passes (4 people per pass) for a fun filled day walking with the monkeys. 📆 The winner will be announced on 26th May 2025 and the winner will…
Discover the best unique afternoon teas for an unforgettable experience! From whimsical themes to creative twists on classic treats!
Step into a prehistoric adventure this summer with The Lost Kingdom Walking Trail – a dino-mite family day filled with roars and discovery!
⛳️🤩 COMPETITION TIME: We’re giving away 5x £50 vouchers to any Mulligans venue! 🤩⛳️ 😍 To celebrate May Half Term, we’ve teamed up with Mulligans to give your family a £50 voucher to spend at your chosen venue 📆 Enter via the form below. The competition closes on 16th June and…
GIVEAWAY TIME: WIN 4x tickets, donkey grooming, £40 to spend and MORE at Cockfields Farm! 🐣🤩 🤩 We’ve teamed up with Cockfields Farm to give 2x FAMILIES the chance to 4x entry tickets to the farm, donkey grooming sessions, bird of prey handling experiences, 4x animal feed and a £40 voucher to spend…
Looking for a cheap family day out with lots of free activities? Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Runway Visitor Park!