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Essex Parks

Things to do in Essex this Summer 2024 (including 50+ FREE Events and Activities)

From thrilling attractions to free family activities, Essex has something for everyone this summer of 2024. Get ready to make the most of the sunny days and warm evenings with our ultimate guide to 50+ things to do in Essex this summer.


whats on in Essex Summer 2024

With so much to see and do, Essex is the perfect destination for a summer to remember. Whether you're a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or family looking for fun-filled activities, Essex has it all.



Make sure you check opening dates and times with the venue before travelling! You may need to book tickets in advance. The Parks of Essex Summer 2024 guides includes days out, events and amazing Essex attractions! There are also tonnes of great free things to do in Essex this Summer.





Free Things to Do in Essex

Who says you need to break the bank to have a good time? Essex offers a plethora of family friendly free event. Whether you're a local looking for a fun day out or a visitor exploring the area, here are some free things to do in Essex.



Visit a Playground

We have lots of great playgrounds listed if you are looking for free days out in Essex. Our Directory has A-Z of over 100 Parks in Essex. We also have a list of Over 50 playgrounds which have FREE PARKING. So gather your friends and family for a picnic at one of Essex's brilliant parks .



Free Events

  • Love Parks at Oaklands Park! As part of the nationwide Love Parks Week, join the Love Parks event in Oaklands Park on 26th July. Events include arts and crafts, wildlife societies, screen print artist, storytelling and Hylands Forest School. No booking required – just turn up!

  • Wild Wednesdays at Danbury Country Park - Free Family Fun including hammocks, tarp building, mud kitchen, sweep nets and more. Free, no booking required.

  • Nature Printing at Chelsmford Museum - printing activities inspired by nature 24th to 26th July and 28th to 30th August. Drop in and poke your nature design onto a piece of polystyrene then cover it with bright paint to create your very own stamp. 

  • A free family festival ! U Fest - a free all-day community festival in Maldon Promenade Park will be held on 16th August. This popular river side park is situated on the river Blackwater. Promenade Park hosts a sandpit, pirate themed playground, petting zoo, adventure golf, skateboard park, BMX track, model boating lake and an amazing seasonal splash park. You can read more about Promenade Park by checking out our post.

  • Clacton Airshow - 22nd and 23rd August - The glorious seafront plays host to dynamic aerial displays, land based entertainment & attractions. 



  • Hadleigh Park Family Events every Tuesday and Wednesday. Events include Kite Making, Bee Crafts and Summer Games.

  • This summer Elmer Square is hosting the annual Big Screen Summer Cinema! Free Outdoor Film Screenings. HERE for full listings.



  • Eco Festival at Culver Sqaure on 27th July - Seed sowing, bug hotel building, gardening trails, a garden library and more exciting activities for all ages.

  • Art Exchange - There are several family friendly free events this summer at Wivenhoe Park through the Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund. Events include Painting in the Park on 27th July, Cyanotype photography 3rd August. Foraging in the Park 10th August, Walking with Wild Writer James Canon 17th August Animal Crackers Sculptures in the Park 24th August and Circus Skills in the Park 31st August. Admission free and there’s no need to book – just turn up at Art Exchange.

  • Westlands Country Park Wildlife Walk - 21st July - James Carter Road entrance, CO3 9XB - Join the ranger to discover what wildlife and wildflowers can be found in the grassland.

  • High Woods Country Park Wildlife Walk - 28th July - Monkwick School Road playing fields - Join the ranger looking at plants, birds, insects and any other wildlife on this pleasant summer’s walk through the High Woods.

  • Lakeside are hosting a summer of sport! Head to the Sports Arena on Level 1, near Pret a Manger and Lakeland. A different sport focus each week including basketball, football, BMXing, table tennis and golf.

  • Countryside Games and Crafts - 30th July, 6th, 13th, 20th August - Monkwick School Road playing fields Drop in and join us for outdoor games and crafts. There will be plenty of free activities to do, including craft using natural materials and woodland inspired games.

  • Wild Woodland Fun – 31st July, 14th August - Salary Brook - Enjoy den building and woodland games amongst the trees, and make the most of the great outdoors.

  • Head to Clacton Shopping Village for Olympic Themed Fun at the Olympic Heroes Through Time FREE event. Donations support East Anglia's Children's Hospices.

  • Pond dipping – 7th, 21st August - Salary Brook, Greenstead - discover what creatures hide under the surface. 

  • Nature Reserve Flora Survey - 18th August - Lexden Springs Nature Reserve - We will be in the meadows looking at the Spring plants and wildflowers

  • Join the fun at Maldon Carnival on 3rd August - expectr an explosion of colour with dazzling floats, enchanting Carnival princesses, lively street walkers, and much more.

  • Harlow Community Fete is back at the Walled Gardens on 17th August - discover the range of community groups Harlow has to offer, along with live music and refreshments.

  • Music in the Park returns to Priory Park -  The bandstand will come alive with top local bands and musicians! This free event runs every weekend until the end of September. Don't forget to check out the playground and Prittlewell Priory. All the info HERE.

  • Join Southend Libraries as they celebrate the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge, with a fun Summer Fayre on 20th July. There will be a wide range of vendors selling craft and artisan gifts, beauty products, sweets and baked goods, jewellery, pottery, games and a tombola too! Don't forget to check out the NEWST PLAYGROUND in Southend whilst you are there!


Play in the Park - parks across Chelmsford

FREE 2 hour sessions of play, games, sports, arts and crafts throughout the Summer holidays in Essex. Some sessions have additional activities including bouncy castles, face painting and parkour. Tickets are free, but should booked in advance

Chelmer Village Green - 24th 25th 26th July

Great Leighs - 24th July, 5th 7th 14th 21st 23rd August

Beaulieu Community Garden - 25th July

Great Baddow Rec - 29th July, 8th 15th 22nd August

Chelmer Park - 30th July

Jubilee Park - 31st July

Central Park - 1st August

Dawson Memorial Field - 2nd 12th 22nd August

Saltcoats Park - 5th 7th 21st August

Runwell Park - 6th August

Andrew's Park - 6th 23rd August

John Galley Memorial Ground - 8th 20th August

Little Waltham - 9th August

Paradise Road - 12th August

Nursery Playing Field - 13th August

Great Waltham Rec - 14th August

Compass Gardens - 15th August

Melbourne  16th August

East Hanningfield Village Hall and Green - 19th August

Springfield - 20th August





Free Character Trails

  • Did you know Essex has a NEW Gruffalo Trail? You can find the Gruffalo Party Trail at Thames Chase. The trail consists of several games and activities to teach you about the forest. Search for party favourites to celebrate the Gruffalo's birthday!

  • The original Gruffalo Trail is at Thorndon Country Park. We have a post comparing the two Essex Gruffalo Trails if you are deciding whcih one to visit.

  • Stick Man Trail - The Stick Man Trail is at Weald Country Park. There are a series of wooden, sculptures located close to the car park and around the lake.


  • Peter Rabbit Trail -  There are a series of wooden characters along the trail at Langdon including all the Peter Rabbit favourites such as Jemima Puddleduck and Benjamin Rabbit.

  • Wind in the WIllows Trail - you can find the Wind in the Willows Trail at the beautiful Hanningfield Reservoir. There are a series of wooden sculptures and brass rubbings along the woodland trail.

  • Abberton Reservoir is home to the Bralmey Hedge aoodland

  • Eastbrookend Country Park is home to Artys Sculpture Trail. The trail starts and ends at the Discovery Centre. The trail starts with Robin Rue’s sculpture next to the Discovery Centre.

  • The longest play trail in Essex can be found at Great Notley Country Park. The Great Notley Play Trail is a 1.2km loop with various pieces of play equipment and playgrounds along the route


Visit some animals!

  • Did you know it is FREE to enter Pets' Corner at Harlow Town Park! There is also 2 hours free parking, making this a great free day out in Essex. Don't forget to visit the brilliant accessible Pet's Corner playground whilst you are there!

  • Feed the Deer at Weald Country Park - You can find an enclosed deer park, close to the car park and visitor centre at Weald country Park. The friendly herd can be fed via feeding funnels or by holding fruit and vegetables through the fence.

  • You can also Feed the Deer at Bedfords Park - The friendly deers are a real highlight of the park. The deers are fenced off but come right up to the fencing.

  • Foxburrows Farm can be found at Hainault Country Park - Foxburrows Farm is open 7 days a week. You can find ponies, alpacas, sheep, duck, chicken, peacock and goats. Admission to the farm is free, donations very welcome.



Visit the Beach!

Who doesn't love a visit to the British seaside? Enjoy a peaceful walk along the stunning beaches of Essex or visit a buzzlng seaside town!

  • Visit Mersea Island - Escape to the tranquil Mersea Island, known for its beaches and fresh seafood. The beautiful sandy beach at Mersea Island is lined with traditional beach huts. The perfect place to enjoying incredible sea views and stunning Mersea Island sunsets. We have a guide to the best child friendly places on Mersea Island, check out this post.



  • Visit Southend-on-Sea - The 7 miles of Southend-on-Sea sea front stretches from Leigh-on-Sea to Shoebury. Whether you are looking for a quiet stretch of beach on the Southend seafront, or are visiting to experience the hustle and bustle city beach, there is a beach to suit all. We also have a guide to seaside playgrounds in Southend-on-Sea, discover the 7 beach side playareas in Southend in this post.



Head to the Woods

  • Epping Forest - Lose yourself in the natural beauty of Epping Forest, perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying a leisurely day in nature. Did you know you can hire bikes at Epping Forest?

  • Belfairs Woods - There are plenty of amazing ancient woodland to explore at Belfairs Woods in Leigh-on-Sea! Children will love den building, splashing in the streams and the adventure playground.



  • High Woods Country Park - High Woods Country Park is perfect for walking due to the wonderful meadows, lakes and woodlands. Highwoods Country Park also has nature inspired children's play areas.





Visit a Museum

  • Chelsmford Museum - Chelmsford Museum is a super child friendly museum located in Oaklands Park. There are also two playgrounds within the beautiful park grounds.

Visit a Reservoir

  • Essex Wildlife Trust Abberton Reservoir is a great Nature Discovery Park. As well as the great wildlife spotting, kids will also love the Bramley Hedge woodland character trail

  • Hanningfield Reservoir is home to the Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Discovery Centre. The Wind in the WIllows Trail starts at the Centre. There is also a great play area at Hanningfield Waterside Park which can be reached a short walk away through the woodland.



Splash Parks

Cool off on a hot summer day at a water park! Essex is home to several great Splash Parks from Brentwood, to Grays to Southend-on-Sea. For links to book and for further information check out our Essex Splash Park & Fountains Guide.



  • King Georges Splash Pad in Brentwood

  • Jubilee Beach Water Fountains

  • Pavillion Water Park

  • Barking Splash Pad

  • Promenade Park Splash Park

  • Grays Riverside Park Splash Pad





Pubs with Play Areas in Essex

We know the perfect family friendly pub garden to enjoy a drink, while the kids have a blast playing nearby! In fact we have over 30 pubs with play areas listed in our Family Friend Pubs with Play Areas Guide. Our top recommendation is The White Horse in Billericay. The play area at The White Horse was refurbished this summer! We also recommend The Victory at Mersea where there is a good sized play area in the pub garden and beautiful sea views from the pub garden.


Attractions at Parks in Essex



Festivals

  • Smoke and Fire Festival - This foodie festival returns to Promenade Park on 16th and 18th August. This huge BBQ festival promises live music, food eating competitions, amazing food vendors and family entertainment.

  • Colchester Pride - Colchester Pride 2024 returns on 17th August 2024 at arts venue Firstsite. There will be indoor and outdoor activities.

  • Tribute Festival Nearly Festival returns to Promenade Park. Children Under 5 go free!


Events

  • Abberton Reservoir You can find an Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Discovery Centre at Abberton Reservoir. The Wilder Learning Team run brilliant events during the school holidays. Events this May Half Term at Abberton Reservour include Pond Dipping, Nature Tots, Poo and other Clues, Make Your Own Nature Journal, Bushcraft and Wild Art and Teddies Bear Picnic.

  • Audley End Enjoy a day out exploring the spacious grounds and estate of one of England’s grandest mansions, English Heritage Audley End. The 'All the Kings Horses' event runs August Bank Holiday.

  • Bedfords Park, RM4 1QH  There are plenty of events at the Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre. This summer there are events for children of all ages, including a special Nature Tots session, Fairies and Elves and Dino Discovery.

  • Colourscape at Colchester Castle Park - Eye Music Trust presents Colourscape with Music and dance in Castle Park, Colchester.

  • Ground & Grow Little Artist Classes in Harlow. These classes promote creativity, problem solving and growing confidence. It’s a fun space to play and make at the child’s pace.

  • Daws Hall Nature Reserve, CO8 5EX Daws Hall is a 25 acre private nature reserve on the Essex/Sussex Border. Holiday Activities - Minibeast hunting, pond dipping with a picnic and marshmallows by the fire at Lunchtime. £8 per child

  • Fingringhoe Wick, CO5 7DN  There are amazing birdwatching opportunites at this Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Discovery Centre. Explore bird hides with estuary views. There are regular family friendly events hosted by EWT including Science Explorer and Stick Weaving.

  • Hanningfield Reservoir, CM11 1WT  Hanningfield Nature Reserve has fantastic woodland walks around the reservoir. There is a Wind in the Willows themed nature sculpture trail which children will love. Summer Holiday Events include Minibeast Safari and Bushcraft.

  • Langdon, SS16 6EJ  Langdon Nature Reserve is maintained by the Essex Wildlife Trust. Summer Events include Family Forest Fun and Nature Tots. Langdon is the home of the Peter Rabbit wooden sculpture trail.

  • The Naze, CO14 8LE  The Naze nature reserve has beautiful, coastal walking trails. It is the home of the iconic Naze Tower. Kids will love fossil hunting on the coastline. There are also great events held by Essex Wildlife Trust. Head to The Naze for fossil hunting and the marine week coastal trail.

  • Thurrock Thameside Nature Park, SS17 0RN   Essex Wildlife Trust's Thameside Nature Park is amazing for families, walkers and little explorers. The reserve has nature hides to sit and observe birds and nature from, walking trails and a visitor centre with a viewing deck. Small children will love the boat themed playground and there is also a wooden assault course for bigger kids. Summer Events include Mud Pie Monday and Dino Discovery.

  • Tours of The Tiptree Farm run every Friday from July 26th to August 30th at 1pm. - Experience the journey of fresh fruit to jar. The Wilkin family have been farming on this site since 1757 and making jam here since 1885.

  • Head to Priory Park for the Anglo Saxon Weekend over 3rd 4th August. Discover the secrets of Southend's Saxon past.

  • Stanway Lakelands Centre has great family friendly events this summer. The Indoor Inflatable Day also includes a SEN hour!


Visit somewhere Historic!

  • Chappel Viaduct is an impressive structure. The Viaduct was built in 1849 and is a Grade II listed building. It is a great spot for a day out, interesting photos and the Chappel Viaduct playground is a huge bonus.

  • Colchester Castle Park is home to Colchester Castle. Entry to the park and play area is free. Colchester Castle Park Play Area is being refurbished! Read More about the plans HERE. Catch Gaia at Colchester Castle this summer betweem 19th July and 15th September!



  • You can find the historic Prittlewell Priory at Priory Park in Southend-on-Sea. There are regular events held at Prittlewell Priory throughout the year and especially throughout the school holidays. The Anglo Saxon Weekend is on 3rd and 4th August.

  • Hedingham Castle : Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Hedingham Castle, a medieval masterpiece set in the Essex countryside. Tehre are also great events at Hedingham Castle - this summer you can expect outdoor theatre productions, outdoor cinema, classic and vintage car show and a teddy bear's picnic!

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