Are you looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and some pub grub while the kids have a blast playing nearby? We've got you covered! Welcome to the Parks of Essex Guide to family friendly pubs in Essex. Parks of Essex has been curated to help you find the BEST parks and playgrounds in Essex. As well as finding playgrounds near you (check out our map!), we also have plenty of family friendly days out in Essex. Parks of Essex has Guides to Character Trails across Essex and also seasonal What's On in Essex Guides, which feature school holiday events. In this guide you will find a great variety of pubs across Essex with beer gardens and play areas. If you are looking for a family friendly place to eat in Essex, why not head to the pub? From pub snacks to Sunday roasts, these pubs serve great pub food in Essex! Make sure you visit the pubs websites for up to date dietary information. Most pubs list their menus so you will be able to find gluten free, vegan and vegetarian places to eat. If you are searching for restaurants with outdoor seating in Essex, many of these pubs have great beer gardens! When it comes to finding the best pubs in Essex with play areas, you'll be spoiled for choice. From traditional countryside pubs to modern pubs, each venue has its unique charm and offerings that cater to families looking to enjoy quality time together. The perfect day out in Essex for the whole family. Pubs with Soft Play This guide also features pubs with indoor play and soft play in Essex. Pubs with soft play will be highlighted SOFT PLAY. If you are after a comprehensive guide to soft plays in Essex, check out our Post: Ultimate Guide 2026: Indoor Play Spaces, Soft Play and Children's Play Cafes in Essex Search by Area Pubs in Essex with play areas: Billericay Rochford Mersea Island Colchester Clacton-on-Sea Braintree Witham Maldon South Ockendon Grays Chelmsford (including Writtle, Danbury, South Woodham Ferrers and more) Brentwood Basildon Benfleet Southend-on-Sea Wickford Bishops Stortford Harlow Loughton Epping Ongar Whether you're an Essex local resident or visiting for the holidays, these kid-friendly establishments are sure to make your day out memorable. Pubs with Play Areas in Billericay The White Horse - Heath Road, Ramsden Heath CM11 1NA The White Horse in Billericay has one of the biggest pub gardens in Essex. There is a brilliant, huge kids playground at The White Horse which was recently updated in May 2024. The highlight of the play area is the large, connected climbing frame with several sides and climbs. This was the Most Recommended Pub with Play Area in Essex by the Parks of Essex readers! Photo Credit: The White Horse Billericay The Olde Dog Inn - Billericay Road, Herongate, Ingrave, Tye, CM13 3SD The Olde Dog Inn Freehouse has a beer garden with children’s play area, an outdoor bar and great food options. You can also catch live music performances! The outdoor bar is open weekends (weather depending) from late May – September. Pubs with Play Areas in Rochford Victory Inn - Rochford, SS4 3EU The play area at the Victory Inn is a decent size! On one side of the pub garden is a large slide and climbing apparatus. The other side has two seesaws, a smaller slide and swings. There is also a large TV in the pub garden, close to the entrance to the pub, showing sport. There is a reasonably priced menu, including a kids menu. Read our Full Review HERE Pubs with Play Areas in Mersea Island Victory at Mersea - 92 Coast Road, Mersea Island, Colchester, CO5 8LS The Victory is a great family friendly hotel and pub located on Mersea Island. The pub serves food and there is a good sized play area in the pub garden. There are also beautiful sea views from the pub garden. Read our Full Review HERE The Victory at Mersea Play Area Pubs with Play Areas in Colchester The Wooden Fender - Colchester Road, Ardleigh, Colchester, CO7 7PA The Wooden Fenderin Ardleigh has a spacious garden for alfresco dining and a play area to keep the children entertained. There is a kids menu with meals from £9.95. The Kings Arms - Main Road, Frating, Colchester CO7 7DJ This Country Pub is situated on the Main Road between Clacton, Colchester, Brightlingsea & Tendring. This cosy pub has a real wood burning fire making the bar snug in the winter. In the summer there is a beer garden with great children’s play area. The Half Butt Inn - Nayland Road, Great Horkesley, CO6 4ET The Half Butt in Great Horkesley has a large fully enclosed beer garden with children's play equipment. There is a kids menu with meals from £6 The Swan Inn - 285 London Rd, Stanway, Copford, Colchester CO3 8LU The Swan Inn is a Hungry Horse Pub with a play area. The Swan Inn has a beer garden, outdoor play area and good value family meals. The Berechurch Arms - 177 Shrub End Rd, Colchester CO3 4RG The Berechruch Arms is a family favourite. There is an outdoor play area, beer garden and the pub regularly has a boucey castle on weekends (weather permitting)! The Dog and Pheasant - 24 Nayland Road, Mile End, Colchester, CO4 5EG The Dog Pheasant is a sports pub in Mile End Colchester. The pub welcomes families and dogs. There is an outdoor play area. The White Hart - Nayland Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3DD The White Hart are a child and dog friendly country pub in West Bergholt. There is a large beautiful garden with a play area. The pub also has a vegan, vegetarian and gluten free menu. Pubs with Play Areas in Clacton-on-Sea The Roaring Donkey - 316 Holland Road, Clacton-On-Sea, CO15 6PD The Roaring Donkey is a family friendly sports pub in Clacton-on-Sea. The Roaring Donkey is a Hungry Horse Pub with a good sized outdoor play area. The Robert Burre - 183 Burrs Rd, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 4LH If you are searching for family friendly pub in Clacton, the Robert Burre comes recommended! There is children’s play area which includes swings, a slide and climbing frame. There is also a footbal goal set up, the Robert Bruce welcomes you to bring a football. Animal loving kids will love the Alpacas, goats, donkey, rabbits, ducks and chickens, which can be seen from the garden. The Aviator - Hartley Brook Road, Clacton-On-Sea, CO15 3TP The Avaitor (previously Smugglers Cove) is a family friendly pub is located in Clacton-on-Sea. The pub serves a daily carvery. There is a beer garden and children's play area. Photo Credit:The Aviator Pubs with Play Areas in Braintree Mulberry Tree - Braintree Bypass, Braintree, CM77 8GG The Mulberry Tree is a Brewers Fayre pub. There is an Indoor Play.kids zone with a softplay. The Indoor Play is open every day between 12pm - 7pm. 90 minute sessions cost £4.50, children under 1 free. SOFT PLAY The Swan Public House & Restaurant - 1 The St, Rayne, Braintree CM77 6RQ The Swan Pub can be found in the lovely village of Rayne, in Braintree District. This country pub is located opposite Rayne Park. The Swan Pub has its own play area, and is located next to Rayne Park The Astronomer - Avenue East, Skyline 120, Great Notley, Braintree, CM77 7AH The Astronomer is a Hungry Horse pub located in Great Notley, Braintree. There is an outdoor play area. This pub is also only a few minutes drive away from Great Notley Country Park, which is home to The Longest Play Trail in Essex - a series of seperate play areas across a 1.2km flat loop. Why not make a day of it! Pubs with Play Areas in Witham Saxon Arms - Gershwin Blvd, Witham CM8 1FQ The Saxon Arms is a great pub with play area in Witham. The Saxon Arms is a Marstons pub and serves pub classics. The beer garden has plenty of space to enjoy snacks, meals, sides and more. Pubs with Play Areas Maldon Black Rabbit - 188 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BX The Black Rabbit in Maldon states it has "the biggest beer garden in Maldon!". There is also a brilliant playroom especially for kids under 4 years old. The play room at Black Rabbit is open until 7pm every day. SOFT PLAY This pub is a short walk from Promenade Park in Maldon Read More about Promenade Park HERE Pubs with Play Areas in South Ockendon Sir Henrys - Romford Road, Aveley, South Ockendon, RM15 4XB There is a large beer garden at Sir Henrys in South Ockendon. There is also a children's play area in the beer garden. There is a kids menu with meals from £5.95. Pubs with Play Areas in Grays The Bull, - 98 Dock Rd, Grays, RM17 6EY The Bull has a large family friendly beer garden . There is a children's play area in the pub garden. There are also booths (including children's booths) available for hire. Photo Credit: The Bull Chafford Hundred - Fleming Road, Unicorn Estate, Chafford Hundred, Grays, RM16 6YJ Chafford Hundred is a Brewers Fayre pub. There is an Indoor Play.kids zone with a softplay. The Indoor Play is open every day between 12pm - 7pm. 90 minute sessions cost £4.50, children under 1 free. SOFT PLAY Pubs with Play Areas in Chelsmford The Black Bull - 244 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2PN The Black Bull is a great family friendly pub in Chelmsford. There is a large beer garden with a large climbing frame and lots of seating. Inside there are pool tables and darts. This a dog friendly pub in Chelmsford, Essex. Rose & Crown Writtle - 57 The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM1 3DT The Rose and Crown in Writtle is a family run pub. Sunday roasts are very popular! There is a large beer a garden and a new wooden climbing frame was installed in Spring 2025! This a great pub with play area in Writtle! The Rose and Crown is less than 5 minutes drive from Paradise Road Play Area in Writtle! Paraside Road Play Area in Writte - a short drive from The Rose & Crown The Great Baddow Barn - Galleywood Road, Chelmsford CM2 8NB The Great Baddow Barn is a Hungry Horse Pub with an outdoor play area. Expect good value family meal! SOFT PLAY The Three Horseshoes - 3 Burnham Road, Althorne, Chelmsfod, CM3 6DP There is a large beer garden at The Three Hoseshoes. There is a children's play area, outside seating and disabled access. Six Bells - Six Bells Public House and Restaurant, Main Road, Boreham, Chelmsford, CM3 3JE The family friendly Six Bells in Boreham has a very big beer garden and play area! Dogs are welcome in the garden area. There is a great menu at the Six Bells including a Childrens Menu, vegan and vegetarian options and also a full range of gluten free dishes. The Duke of Wellington - The Street, Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, CM3 2EA The Duke of Wellington is a country pub located in Hatfield Peverel, roughly a 15-minute drive from central Chelmsford. The Duke of Wellington has a great outdoor area with heated outside seating, partially covered by a pergola. There is also a outdoor play area for children. The Wheatsheaf - Maldon Road, Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, CM3 2JF You can find the Wheafshead in the heart of Hatfield Peverel, Essex, The Wheatsheaf is a family-friendly pub with a children's play area, accessed through the pub car park. Dogs are welcome in the cozy bar area, making it a favorite spot for both pet owners and families alike. The Anchor Danbury - Runsell Green, Danbury, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 4QZ The Anchor in Danbury is a tradition English Country Pub. The large gardenalso has a children's play area. Photo Credit: The Anchor Danbury Galvin Green Man - Main Road, Howe Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 1BG The Galvin Green Man serves an exceptional seasonal menu. There is a beautiful garden with children’s play area as well as bespoke private dining rooms. The utdoor terrace is the perfect spot for al fresco dining during the warmer months. The Railway Pub - 50 Hullbridge Rd, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CM3 5NG The Railway in South Woodham Ferrers also runs regular events including Oktoberfest, bonfire night Fireworks, children’s days, comedy nights & regular live musical acts performing. The Railway serves breakfasts/brunch and also an evening street food menu. The outdoor beer garden has three sitting areas and a Pubs with Play Areas in Brentwood The Bull - 13 Brook Street, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5LZ The Bull in Brentwood has a great pub garden for al fresco drinks and snacks. There is alaso a great play area at The Bull Brentwood. There are swings, a slide and playhouse. The Bull in Brentwood has a kids menu. 1 course £10, 2 courses £13 and 3 courses £15. The Brave Nelson - 138 Woodman Road, Warley, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AL A friendly, welcoming pub, with great beers with fantastic outside seating and a children’s play area. Dogs are of course welcome too. The Robin - The Robin Pub, Ongar Road, Brentwood, CM15 9EB The Robin is a family friendly, warm and welcoming pub, located close to the centre of Brentwood. The Robin in Brentwood has a kids play area on Astroturf, with a newly refurbished patio area. The beer garden has covered areas for when it’s warm and heaters for the chillier months. The pub is also dog friendly. The Cricketers Mill Green - Mill Green Road, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 ORH If you are looking for a family friendly pub in Ingatestone, the Cricketers is recommended. This Ingatestone pub has a great play area to entertain children. The Bell - The Bell, 55 High Street, Ingatestone CM4 0AT You can find the Bell Pub in picturesque Ingatestone, in the Brentwood district. The Bell is a charming 500 year old pub, with a great enclosed beer garden, with a small children's climbing frame and slide. This pub is only a short walk away from Fairfield Playing fields, where you can find a fantastic playground! Fairfield Playground is a short, 3 minute walk from The Bell Pub in Ingatestone Pubs with Play Areas in Basildon The Noak Bridge - 45 Wash Rd, Laindon, Basildon SS15 4BS The Noak Bridge is a great local pub. This Greene King family friendly pub has an outdoor play area. The Four Seasons - Victoria Road, Laindon, Basildon, SS15 6AW The Four Seasons pub in Laindon, Basildon is a great sports bar. There is a large pub garden with a small play space. This pub is also a short walk away from Victoria Park in Laindon, where there is a great, unique, space themed play area. The Four Seasons Pub has its own play area and is close to this awesome space themed play area! Pubs with Play Areas in Benfleet The Zach Willsher - 170-180 Church Road, Benfleet, SS7 4PL The Zach Willsher in Benefleet is a Grenne King Pub. There is a large beer garden and a small children's play area. Pubs with Play Areas in Southend The Saxon King - 160 Priory Crescent, Southend, Essex, SS2 6QN The Saxon King has an outdoor children’s play area and an indoor play zone. This Marston's Inns pub serves pub classics. The Castle Inn - 181 Little Wakering Road, Little Wakering, Essex, SS3 0JW The Castle Inn is one of the oldest pubs in the area dating back to the 17th century. The Castle Inn is light and spacious inside, with plenty of outdoor space and a small play area. The Old Walnut Tree - Southchurch Boulevard, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4XA The Walnut Tree pub has great options for family. You can enjoy a drink in the beer garden, which also has an outdoor play area to keep little ones entertained. The Rose Inn - Wakering Roadd, Great Wakering, Southend-on-Sea, SS3 0PY The Rose Inn in Great Wakering describes itself as a 'bit of a hidden gem'. This Greene King pub can be found in the picturesque village of Great Wakering. The Rose Inn serves great Sunday roasts and has outdoor play area for the kids. The Old Garrison - The Old Garrison, Campfield Road, Shoeburyness, SS3 9BX The Old Garrison pub can be found East of Southend in Shoeburyness. The pub offers a wide selection of drinks, food and live local music every Saturday night. The Old Garrison serves pub classics and there is also a children's menu. There is a good sized beer garden with a large, wooden children's climbing frame. Pubs with Play Areas in Wickford The Darby Digger - The Darby Digger, Radwinter Avenue, SS12 9PT At the Darby Digger you can find stone baked pizzas, unlimited breakfasts and tasty carvery! At The Darby Digger in Wickford, the outdoor play area is safe and secure. Look out for the kids eat for £1 deals! Pubs with Play Areas in Bishops Stortford/Stansted Three Willows Birchanger - 327 Birchanger Ln, Birchanger, Bishop's Stortford CM23 5QR There is a great beer garden at The Three Willows with a children's play area. This pub is also located close to Stansted Airport. The Rose and Crown - 31 Bentfield Green, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8HX The garden at The Rose and Crown is great! There is plenty of undercover seating, kids play area, as well as heated areas on chilly evenings The Ash - Bury Lodge Lane, Burton End, Stansted, Essex, CM24 8UQ The Ash is a truly beautiful pub with a cosy woodburner. There is a great beer garden with play area. The Harvest Moon - Friedberg Avenue, Bishops Stortford, CM23 4RF The Harvest Moon is nestled within the town of Bishop's Stortford, just outside Essex. The family-friendly pub restaurant is an old farmhouse building that dates back 200 years. There is a spacious beer garden and outdoor play area. Pubs with Play Areas in Harlow Potters Arms - Church Langley Way, Church Langley, Harlowm CM17 9TD The Potters Arms in Harlow has a great outdoor play zone for children up to 12 years old. The Potters Arms serve pub classics and do a great three-course meal deal for kids for £4.99, perfect if you are looking for a family friendly restaurant pub in Harlow! The Potters Arms is next to the Church Langley Playing Field, and only a 10-minute drive away from the Parndon Wood Nature Reserve. Parndon Wood Nature Reserve is a 10 minute drive from the Potters Arms The Moorhen Pub - Burnt Mill Lane, Harlow, CM20 2QS This family friendly pub is located just off the A414 in Harlow. The Greene King Pub has great value food options and an outdoor play area with large climbing frame. The Queens Head - 26 Churchgate Street, Harlow, CM17 0JT The Queen’s Head Pub in Harlow is a family friendly village Pub and also a popular Thai Restaurant. There is also an outdoor children's play area and garden area. Pubs with Play Areas in Loughton/Waltham Abbey The Kings Oak - Paul's Nursery Road, Waltham Abbey, Loughton IG10 4AE The Kings Oak High Beach sits in the southern section of the glorious Epping Forest, close to the city of London and Hertfordshire borders. This Essex pub has a large garden also has a safe and secure play area. Pubs with Play Areas in Epping The Theydon Oak - 9 Coopersale St, Coopersale, Epping CM16 7QJ The Theydon Oak is a great child friendly pub! There is a kids' play area and patio. The Owl - Lippitts Hill, Waltham Abbey, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4AL The Owl is dituated in the heart of Epping Forest and is perfectly positioned for a pit stop whilst you exploring the forest and countryside. The Owl has a large bar and dining area, a private function room and a very large garden with plenty of benches, covered outdoor tables, patio, children’s play area and a huge BBQ for Al fresco dining. The pub is also very dog friendly. Pubs with Play Areas in Ongar The Green Man and Courtyard Toot Hill - School Road, Toot Hill, Essex, CM5 9SD The Green Man is a family friendly pub in Ongar. The pub has a childrens play area, large outside covered courtyard terrace and plenty of car parking. There is a large, varied menu. Dogs are welcome a in the bar and conservatory area. The Stag - Brentwood Road, Chipping Ongar, Essex, CM5 9DH The Stag is a family friendly pub. There is a large garden area with play area, where dogs are also welcome. The play area has a large slide, climbs and swings. There are great food specials, the home made pizzas look amazing. Making the Most of Your Visit When planning a day out at one of Essex's best pubs with play areas, here are a few tips to ensure a memorable experience: Check the Opening Hours: Verify the pub's operating hours and any specific play area guidelines before your visit. Plan Ahead: Consider making a reservation, especially during peak times, to secure a table and ensure a hassle-free dining experience. Pack Essentials: Come prepared with items like sunscreen, hats, and water bottles to keep everyone comfortable during outdoor play. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely Sunday lunch or celebrating a special occasion, these family-friendly establishments provide the perfect setting for a fun-filled day out. So, gather your favorite people, head to one of Essex's kid-friendly pubs, and enjoy summer! Last Updated - May 2025

The Essex Splash Pad Guide 2026 Are you looking for somewhere to COOL DOWN in Essex? As temperatures in Essex start to rise, you may be looking for somewhere to keep cool. Here at Parks of Essex we have a guide to kid friendly splash pads in Essex. Here you will find fantastic splash pads across Essex including in Harlow, Brentwood, Clacton-on-Sea, Grays, Maldon and Southend-on-Sea. This post has been updated for Summer 2025 and has all the latest information as of June 2025. However, many splash pads are weather dependent, so please check directly with the splash pad before visiting. This post features the several splash parks, water parks, lidos, paddling pools and water fountains Essex (click to scroll to the attraction): Free Splash Pads in Essex FREE Jubilee Beach Water Fountains Southend-on-Sea FREE Harlow Splash Parks/Paddling Pools Splash Parks, Water Parks, Outdoor Pool/Lido in Essex King Georges Brentwood Barking Splash Park Promenade Park Splash Park Grays Riverside Beach Splash Park Brightlingsea Lido Clacton Pavillion Water Park Destination @ Lakeside FREE Beachside Fountains - Jubilee Beach OPEN! 📍Jubilee Beach, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2EN There are water fountains at Jubilee Beach in Southend-on-Sea. The Southend Water Fountains are a great FREE way to cool off. The fountains are located at City Beach in central Southend. During the low season the splash fountains operate on weekends between 12pm and 5pm. The fountains are close to lots of family favourite Southend attractions including Adventure Island, the Sealife Centre, Adventure Inside, Southend Pier and the many classic seaside arcades. FREE Water Fountains - Southend Seafront The fountains are a permanent attraction! There is also a small play area on the beach close by, suitable for primary children. Read More about the playground at Jubilee Beach HERE. There are several playgrounds close to the beach in Southend - check out the below post to find everything you need to know about beach side playgrounds in Southend-on-Sea. FREE Harlow Splash Pads OPEN! 📍 Potter Street Splash Park: Southern Way, Harlow CM17 9EJ 📍 Bush Fair Paddling Pool: Tilegate Road, Harlow CM18 6NQ 📍 Staple Tye Splash Park: Great Parndon Community Centre, Abercrombie Way, Harlow CM18 6YJ 📍 Norman Booth Paddling Pool: Norman Booth Recreation Centre, Harlow CM17 0EF 📍 Sumners Paddling Pool: Sumners Leisure Centre, Broadley Road, Harlow CM19 5SJ 📍 Town Park Paddling Pool: Harlow CM20 2FF Town Park is also home to two playgrounds, a cafe and FREE Farm. Town Park in Harlow is home to a Paddling Pool, Two Play areas and a FREE Farm Splash Pad - King Georges Playing Fields OPEN! 📍Hartswood Pavilion, King Georges Playing Fields, Ingrave Road, Brentwood, CM13 5AW The Brentwood Splash Park is is open! You can find water jets, fountains, sidewinders, directional jets and cylinder spray at the Splash Pad at King George's Playing Fields in Brentwood. The Splash Pad at King Georges Playing Fields opens when the weather is over 15 degrees. Sessions run between 10am and 3pm. Sessions must be prebooked. All sessions are 25 minutes long. All children must attend with an adult. Adults without a child cannot enter. Children £4.75 Adults Free. King Georges Splash Park opened for the season in April 2025! Sessions are available on selected weekday and weekends. Book Here King Georges Brentwood Splash Park The Splash Pad is next to the large playground, which was revamped in 2022. The playground has so much equipment suitable for toddlers to teenagers. Read more about King Georges Playing Fields King Georges Playing Field Brentwood Splash Pad - Barking Park OPEN! 📍Barking Splash Pad, Barking, IG11 8SS Barking Park Splash Pad opened for the season in April 2025! There is a great outdoor Splash Pad in the middle of Barking Park! The splash park has several fountains and a safe soft, flat ground. Barking Splash Pad also run SEN sessions. Sessions are 90 minutes long - Children £8, Under 2s FREE, Adult £5. Sessions can be prebooked (Book Here) and walk ins are also accepted. Other attractions at Barking Park include Bounsea (giant inflatable) and the Magical Unicorn Pedalo Boats. Unicorn Pedalo Boats at Barking Park There is also a great playground at Barking Park! The play area at Barking Park is primarily sand based. The playground has a boat theme. There are several large wooden climbing structures with different climbs - nets, steps etc. There is also a lot of sand play tables with different pulleys. There is a small baby swing and ride of equipment. Read More about Barking Park Playground Barking Park Adventure Playground Splash Pad - Promenade Park OPEN! 📍Promenade Park, Maldon, CM9 5JQ The Maldon Promenade Park Splash Park opened for the season in May 2025. Sessions are available during the school holidays and weekends. Sessions run from 10am to 4pm. Prebook your 25 minute sessions via the Places Leisure Website. Adult & child under 8 £3.70, Adult & 2 children under 8 £6, Adult & 3 children under 8 £8.50, Additional Child over 8 £2.80, Additional adult £1.00. Under 8s must be accompanied at all times. Book Here Maldon Prom Park is a great day out in Essex! Promenade Park has something for everyone. The park hosts several playgrounds including a pirate themed park (The Valley) and inclusive Secret Garden play area. Other attractions at Maldon Promenade Park include a petting zoo, adventure golf, skateboard park, BMX track, model boating lake and plenty of places to eat. - Promenade Park attraction Guide The Valley Play Area - Maldon Promenade Park Secret Garden Play Area - Maldon Promenade Park Splash Pad - Grays Riverside Beach OPEN! 📍Grays Riverside Beach RM17 6JP There is a Splash Pad at Grays Riverside Beach. The Grays Splash Pad opened in May 2025. The Grays Riverside Beach Splash Park is open from 11am until 6.30pm (weather dependent). Wristbands for the Splash Pad can be purchased from Lightship Cafe on the day. The price per person for the Grays Splash Pad is £3.50 for 30mins and £4.99 for 1 hour. Check out the Lightship Cafe Facebook Page for latest opening times and any queries. Splash Pad at Grays Riverside Beach Park There is also a great play area here which is sand based. The highlight is the large pirate ship. Read more about Grays Riverside Beach Playground Grays Riverside Park Beach Playground Brightlingsea Lido OPEN! 📍 Promenade Way, Brightlingsea, Colchester, CO7 0HH Brightlingsea Lido is an open air swimming pool situated on the coast of Brightlinsea. Brightlingsea Lido is run by volunteers. The main pool is 50m long, 25m wide and 1.9m deep. There is also a 12m wide paddling pool.The pool is not heated, but there are hot showers available in the changing rooms. Swimming sessions prices for Brightlingsea Lido 2025 Season Lane Swimming £5.50 for Adults 16+ Lane Swimming £3.50 for Adults 65+ General Public Admission £7.50 for Adults 18+ General Public Admission £5.50 for children 2-18 and Adults 65+ General Public Admission £0 for babies <2 Tickets can be prebooked - Book Here There is also a great playground nearby - Pawsons Playground! This brightly coloured playground can be found beach side at Brightlingsea beach. Brightlingsea Playground, a short walk from Brightlingsea Lido Pawsons Playground Brightingsea This playground has a strong beach/nautical themed. Equipment includes two ship climbing frames, climb-on equipment, baby swings, swings and a nest swing and a zipwire. The playground is suitable for toddlers to teenagers. The Pavilion Water Park OPEN! 📍Pavillion Water Park, Clacton, CO15 1PT The Waterpark at Clacton Pavilion looks brilliant! The Clacton splash park has a pirate theme. You can find climbing frames, slides, water spray and bucketfuls of water fun. The water park is open all week, sessions 10am - 12pm, 12 - 1.30pm, 1.30 - 3pm, 3 - 4.30pm. You can also find adventure golf and lots of seaside attractions at the Pavilion. Sessions are available during the school holidays and weekends.Peak £7.99 per person. Off Peak £4.99 per person. Book Here Destination @ Lakeside OPEN! 📍The Destination at Lakeside, Lakeside Shopping Centre, Grays, Thurrock Destination @ Lakeside has announced the summer opening dates for 2025 (plus a brand new tipping bucket!). The Destination @ Lakeside Beach is open from 12th July to 31st August. The Destination @ Lakeside is open from 12pm-9pm throughout the summer holidays. The Splash Pool closes at 6pm. 20 minute session times apply. Entry to the beach is FREE. Entry to the pool and tipping bucket is through the purchase of tokens. 20 minute sessions costs 4 tokens. Day access costs 6 tokens. There is a queuing system and at busy times persons with day access may be asked to leave the pool and re-enter the queue. 1 token - £1.20 10 tokens - £10 If you are looking for more great days out take a look at our list of popular days out in Essex Check out our DIRECTORY for an A-Z of over 100 Essex Parks!

From thrilling attractions to free family activities, Essex has something for everyone this summer of 2025. Get ready to make the most of the sunny days and warm evenings with our ultimate guide to 70+ things to do with kids in Essex this summer. The Parks of Essex Summer 2026 guides includes days out, events and amazing Essex attractions! There are also tonnes of great free things to do in Essex this Summer. 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. This Summer 2026 Essex Event Guide has family friendly festivals, splash parks, historical attractions, farms, museums, reservoirs and so much more! Make sure you check opening dates and times with the venue before travelling! You may need to book tickets in advance. FREE Things to Do in Essex FREE Events in Essex FREE Character Trails in Essex FREE Farms/Animal Feeding in Essex Visit an Essex Beach Head to the Woods Family Friendly Museums in Essex Reservoirs in Essex Splash Parks in Essex Pubs with Play Areas in Essex Family Friendly Events across Essex this Summer Attractions at Parks in Essex Family Friendly Festivals in Essex Historical Places in Essex 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 events. 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. As well as finding playgrounds near you (check out our map!), ⁣⁣we have guides to parks across Essex including the best playgrounds in popular Essex towns including Chelmsford, Southend-on-Sea and Braintree. We also have a list of Over 50 playgrounds which have FREE PARKING. These parks have designated free car parks, perfect for a totally free day out in Essex. So, gather your friends and family for a picnic at one of Essex's brilliant parks . Free Events in Essex this Summer Free event in Essex Summer 2025 include family festivals, nature trails, outdoor film screens, windmill open days, family forest sessions, pond dipping and an airshow! Bug and Butterfly Trail at Hadleigh Country Park 18th July - 31st August. Help your children find the bugs and butterflies hiding in the park and count up your answers. Hadleigh Park has a great play area, cafe and is great for bike lovers! Summer Magic Trail at Country Parks across Essex including Cressing Temple, Thorndon, Belhus Woods, Great Notley Country Park, Danbury, Weald, and Cudmore Grove 18th July - 31st August. Find fairies, trolls, and maybe even unicorns, who live deep in the hidden corners of the Essex Country Parks. Count up your answers and send them in to enter our prize draw to WIN a goody bag and Explorer Pass (worth £85). Mountnessing Windmill Open Day 16th August. Visit Mountnessing Post Mill as part of Heritage Open Days. The historic mill was built in 1807. Mountnessing Mill is also next to a great village playground. Library on the Beach Holland on Sea 23rd July, 5th and 14th August. Drop by for a Storytime, Children’s Crafts, Baby and Toddler Rhymetime and fun and games. The Beach at Saffron Walden Common 23rd July to 31sr August. The Beach on The Common returns for summer 2025. Free Ice Cream on the grand opening. There is also a great playground at Saffron Walden Common! Family Friendly Events throughout the summer at Hadleigh Park Festival of Archaeology at Cressing Temple Barns 23rd July. A fantastic new and FREE festival for anyone with an interest in archaeology, history and the heritage of Essex – young and old. Enjoy children’s activities and re-enactments, talks and tours. A programme of lectures and activities taking place throughout the day, including workshops with a children’s author. Crown Street Summer Party 26th July. Candyfloss and popcorn, face-painting, kids' craft activities, and party games in the heart of Crown Street, Brentwood! Mini Disco at The Baytree Shopping Centre 29th July. Dance and play games at intervals throughout the day! Pond Dipping and Woodland Crafts at Salary Brook 29th July and 6th, 12th, 19th, 26th August. Join the Education Rangers for this FREE drop-in pond dipping session at Salary Brook and discover what creatures hide under the surface. Then get creative! Use natural materials to make your own spinner, bracelet, woodland pencil... the possibilities are endless! Drop in anytime between 1.30pm and 3pm. Love Parks at Castle Park Bishop Stortford 31st July. Free, family-friendly activities designed to celebrate the importance of parks and green spaces. Story time and rhyme time sessions, free tennis sessions, dog show, a special archaeological sandpit will allow children to uncover hidden treasures. There will also be creative craft activities where children can decorate their own shield and take home their unique creation. Burnham Family Activities Day at Riverside Park 31st July. King Ramps will be delivering a community skatepark activity in the newly constructed skatepark from 12pm to 5pm. Maldon & District CVS will be running a Green Space Games activity from 1pm to 3pm. Dengie Hundred Leisure Centre will have their sports hall open for table tennis and badminton between 12pm and 1:30pm, and 2:30pm to 4pm. Family Fun Day at Riverside Park Burnham-on-Crouch Family Fun Day at Warley Playing Fields 1st August. Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities in Warley. Free entry, wristbands available for rides and some activities (£5). This summer Elmer Square is hosting the annual Big Screen Summer Cinema! Free Outdoor Film Screenings. The outdoor screenings take place on the first four Saturdays in August at 3pm – free, no booking necessary. HERE for full listings. Royal Crafternoon at The Baytree Shopping Centre 4th August. Get creative with crowns, castles and crafts fit for royalty! Wild Wednesdays at Danbury Country Park throughout the summer holidays! 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th August 2025. Free Family Fun including hammocks, tarp building, mud kitchen, sweep nets and more. Free, no booking required. FREE Wild Wednesday Forest Sessions at Danbury Country Park Family Fun Day in Brentwood 6th August. Enjoy a variety of free, fun family activities in and around High Street, Brentwood Mythical Craft Workshops at The Liberty Romford in August 8th Fire Breathing Dragon Recycled Rolls, 9th Unicorn Masks, 10th Recycled Roll Fairy Homes, 11th Fairy Doors, 12th Garden Rock Gnomes, 17th Dragon Eggs, 17th Twig Wands, 18th Character in a Castle Craft, 22nd Forest Fairies from Pine Cones, 23rd Cork Rainbow and Chocolate Coins, 24th Mythological Monsters Finger Puppets, 25th Paper Plate Sea Merpeople (Mermaids & Mermen). All materials are provided, just come along and let your creativity shine! Registration required. Screen Printing at Chelsmford Museum - 8th August. Suitable for chiildren over 7. Booking is essential. The activity itself is free, but all adults, including those accompanying participating children, will need to pay the museum £4 entry fee. Entry to Chelmsford museum is free for children under 18. Chelmsford Museum is in the grounds on Oaklands Park - where there are two great play areas! Superhero Studio at The Baytree Shopping Centre 14th August. Design your own cape, mask up and strike a pose! A free family festival ! U Fest - a free all-day community festival in Maldon Promenade Park will be held on 15th 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. Family Fun Day in Shenfield 20th August. Enjoy a variety of free, fun family activities in Hutton Road, Shenfield Clacton Airshow - 21st and 22nd August - The glorious seafront plays host to dynamic aerial displays, land based entertainment & attractions. Face Painting at The Baytree Shopping Centre 26th August. Transform into your favourite character! We're Going on a Bug Hunt at Culver Sqaure in Colchester on 12th July to 25th August -Step into the shoes of a bug explorer and enjoy a fun, educational adventure around the square. Harlow Community Fete is back at the Walled Gardens on 16th 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. Family Fun Day at Hutton Recreation Ground 29th August. Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities in Warley. Free entry, wristbands available for rides and some activities (£5). 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 - 8th August Oaklands Park - 8th August Great Leighs Village Green - 25th July, 1st, 12th, 18th August Beaulieu Community Garden - 19th August Great Baddow Rec -31st July, 21st August Chelmer Park - 29th July Central Park - 22nd August Great Baddow Recreation Ground - 14th August Dawson Memorial Field - 4th, 18th August Saltcoats Park - 23rd July Runwell Park - 5th August Andrew's Park - 24th July, 15th August John Galley Memorial Ground - 5th August Little Waltham - 4th August Paradise Road - 25th July Nursery Playing Field - 12th August Great Waltham Rec - 13th August Saltcoats Park- 20th August Melbourne Park - 11th August East Hanningfield Village Hall and Green - 28th July, 22nd August Springfield Parish Centre - 13th, 19th August Free Character Trails in Essex Waddle on Sea Southend until 3rd September. Created by Havens Hospices and Wild in Art, the huddle have waddled into town and are nestled amongst the iconic landmarks of Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea.There are 31 penguins and 72 baby sculptures to discover around Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea. Can you find them all before 3rd September? Waddle-on-Sea Trail Buzz in the City Chelmsford until 9th September. Brought to you by Farleigh Hospice in partnership with Chelmsford For You and supported by Chelmsford City Council, this vibrant trail celebrates creativity, community, and care. 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. 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. Abberton Reservoir is home to the Bramly Hedge woodland character trail. 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! FREE Farms and Animal Feeding in Essex 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. Visit the Museum of Chelmsford for just £4 per adult. Children, young people and carers come in for free. Children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. 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 in Essex Cool off on a hot summer day at a water park! Essex is home to several great splash parks, water fountains and paddling pools across Essex from Brentwood, to Grays to Southend-on-Sea. There are also some great FREE spots to cool down in Essex in Southend, Lakeside and Harlow. King Georges Splash Pad in Brentwood Jubilee Beach Water Fountains The Beach - Destination @ Lakeside Pavillion Water Park Barking Splash Pad Promenade Park Splash Park Grays Riverside Park Splash Pad Harlow Splash Pads and Paddling Pools For links to book and for further information check out our Essex Splash Park & Fountains Guide. 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 50 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. Our most popular post EVER and for good reason! Summer Holiday Events in Essex - Summer 2025 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 summer include Nature Journalling for Children, Nature Tots, Butterfly Seekers, Pond Dipping, Wilder Holiday Club, Colours of the Wind and Poo and Other Clues! Audley End Enjoy a day out exploring the spacious grounds and estate of one of England’s grandest mansions, English Heritage Audley End. Summer Holiday Events include Music at Audley End House and Gardens and Come Play featuring Taskmaster! 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, Family Forest Fun, Stone Age Survival and Summer Survival for Families! Chelmsford Museum History Heroes. Hands-on sessions exploring everything from ancient Rome to codebreaking and local geology. Handle real artefacts, enjoy themed crafts and activities, and take home your own creations. Each week focuses on a different theme, £5 per child for members. Chelmsford Museum is in the grounds on Oaklands Park - where there are two great play areas! Colchester Museum Mission Mythical: Kids Club. Through themed games, storytelling, and hands-on crafts, young adventurers will dive into the world of legends and imagination. Each session includes a craft to take home and may also feature a short guided tour or object-handling experience, £6.50 per child. Daws Hall Nature Reserve Daws Hall is a 25 acre private nature reserve on the Essex/Sussex Border. Holiday Activities - Minibeast hunting, pond dipping and craft. 30th July and 13th August. £8 per child Fingringhoe Wick 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 Campfire Creations and Adventures, Bow and Arrows, Wilder Holiday Club, Back to the Stone Age, Woodland Fairies and Elves and Code Breakers. Hanningfield Reservoir 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 Geocaching and Orienteering, Wilder Holiday Club, Wild Teens. Family Forest Fun, Nature Tots, Pond Dipping, Hanningfield Safari, Brilliant Bugs and Pond Beasts, Campfire Creations and Adventures, Family Bat Evening, Hanningfield Dengineers. Langdon Langdon Nature Reserve is maintained by the Essex Wildlife Trust. Summer Events include Family Forest Fun,Nature Tots, Butterfly Seekers, Wilder Holiday Club, Lake Explorers, Bat Talk and Walk, Foraging in Summer Walk, Garden Creation Station, and Outdoor Theatre: The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck. Langdon is the home of the Peter Rabbit wooden sculpture trail. The Naze 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 including the Kite Festival, Family Fossil Discovery, Seashore Science Lab, Seashore Discovery, Nature Tots, Beach Clean, Creativity by the Sea, Geographic Naze Adventure, Beach Clean, Summer Trails and Crafts, Birds of Prey Evening and Reptile Encounter. Thurrock Thameside 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 Family Forest Fun, Pond Dipping, Open Air Theatre Robin Hood, Marine Week Wild Art, Nature Tots, Reptile Safari, Wildlife Safari and Wild Night Out. Tours of The Tiptree Farm run every Friday from 25th July to 29th August at 12pm and 1pm. 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 2nd and 3rd August. Discover the secrets of Southend's Saxon past. Attractions at Parks in Essex Take a trip on a UNICORN PEDALO at this Park - The Magical Unicorn Lake. Head to the lake at Barking Park, where there is also a great sandpit playground. The Burnham Ferry: Wallasea Island to Burnham-on-Crouch - The Burnham Ferry is a passenger ferry that runs between Wallasea Island and Burnham-on-Crouch. Family Friendly Festivals in Essex for Summer 2025 Lazydays Festival - Priory Park 25th - 27th July. This family festival promises "Huge lineup, great independent drinks, good vibes". Kids under 11 go free! Smoke and Fire Festival - This foodie festival returns to Promenade Park on 16th and 17th August 2025. This huge BBQ festival promises live music, food eating competitions, amazing food vendors and family entertainment. Colchester Pride - Colchester Pride 2024 returns on 16th August 2025 at arts venue Firstsite. There will be indoor and outdoor activities. Tribute Festival Nearly Festival returns to Promenade Park over the 19th and 20th August 2025. Children Under 5 go free! Festival of Archaeology at Cressing Temple Barns 24th July. A fantastic new and FREE festival for anyone with an interest in archaeology, history and the heritage of Essex – young and old. Enjoy children’s activities and re-enactments, talks and tours. A programme of lectures and activities taking place throughout the day, including workshops with a children’s author, are now live to book! Visit the food stalls or bring your own picnic. 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!

Chelmsford is a great City to visit! Chelmsford has lots of great family friendly things to do, including fantastic play areas! Central Park can be found in the heart of Chelmsford City Centre. There is always lots going on at this park and there is something for everyone! The large play park is suitable for children of all ages and is one of the Best Playgrounds in Chelmsford, Essex. Where is Central Park Chelmsford? 📍Central Park 24-26 Viaduct Road Chelmsford CM2 0FQ Maps Link 🅿️ Parking - Where to park for Central Park Chelmsford Central park is few minutes walk from the centre of town. There are a variety of car parking options across the city. You can visit the Chelmsford Council car park website to check out the car parks that surround the Central Park. Waterhouse Lane Car Park - CM1 2RL Payment via card/contactless only MiPermit Location Code 744011 Monday to Friday (from 8am to 6pm:£7 Saturday and Sunday Free Parking from 6pm on Fridays to 8am on Mondays High Chelmer Mutli-storey Car Park - CM1 1LE Payment via card/contactless only Monday to Saturday Up to 1 hour: £2.50 Up to 2 hours: £3.90 Up to 3 hours: £5.20 Up to 4 hours: £6.80 Up to 5 hours: £8.80 Up to 6 hours: £11 Up to 7 hours: £13.20 Up to 8 hours: £17.60 Sunday Up to 1 hour: £2.50 Up to 2 hours: £3.90 Up to 3 hours: £5.20 Central Park Playground Equipment at Central Park Playground includes a variety of climbing frames, including a large climbing frame with challenging climbs for juniors and teenagers. There is also ride on equipment, balancing equipment, in floor trampoline, roundabout, zipwire and a large climbing pyramid. Swings include baby swings, a tandem swing and nest swing Toddlers will love the sit in train. The flooring at central park has lots of brightly coloured and interesting play prompts. The playground is enclosed. Central Park Skate Park The Central Park Chelmsford skate park is can be found next to the playground. The skate park also is popular with young scooter rids. Central Park Lake There is a large lake at Central Park with plenty of ducks to feed. You can buy duck food from Central Park Cafe. Where to eat and drink at Central Park - Central Park Cafe The Central Park Cafe is located close to Central Park Playground. The Central Park Cafe is open every day from 7.30am. There is a varied hot drink menu, serving freshly ground coffee, matcha and chai lattes. Alternative milks are available - oat, soya and coconut milk. Gluten free cakes and gluten free bread is also available. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. From May to September the cafe hosts Pizza and Prosecco evenings. We love a play park with a good cafe or coffee shop. If you prefer your park visits cafeinated, check out our guide to Parks and Playgrounds with Cafes in Essex. Toilets at Central Park Chelmsford There are public toilets behind the cafe. Central Park Park Run Park Run at Central Park Chelmsford runs every Saturday at 9am. For more information head to the Central Park Park Run Route Page.

There are some truly picturesque pockets of Essex, filled with stunning landscapes and tranquil woodlands. We have a great FREE day out in Essex to share! Have you been deer feeding in Essex? Deer feeding is popular with children and adults alike. Feeding deer can be a memorable way to engage with nature, providing unforgettable experiences for animal loving children. Keep reading to discover where to feed deer in Essex. Deer Feeding Etiquette Before exploring the best locations, let's look at the rules of deer feeding. It is important to know where to find deer and how to feed them responsibly. Feeding deer can interfere with their natural hunting for food and create a reliance on what humans provide. Always choose deer-friendly options like apples, carrots, or specially formulated deer feed (often available to buy from visitor centres), and steer clear of processed human foods. Both of these Essex locations to feed deer are country parks which are dog friendly. However, please keep dogs under control when near to the deer. Remember to only feed deer in designated areas. Following local wildlife regulations is vital for both the safety of the deer and the preservation of their natural habitat. Free Family Friendly Things to do at Christmas in Essex - Deer Feeding Deer feeding is a special experience year round, but is especially popular at Christmas. Both the locations mentioned in this guide are free to enter, making this a FREE family friendly day out in Essex. However, please be mindful that that deer feeding is an extremely popular family activity at Christmas time. Expect busy car parks through the month of December. Where to Feed Deer in Essex If you are wondering where to feed deer in Essex - Bedfords Park and Weald Country Park are the Parks of Essex Top Spots for Deer Feeding in Essex. This guide has everything you need to know about deer feeding at Weald Country Park and deer feeding at Bedfords Park. Discover some of the history behind deer at these country parks, where to find the deer, where to park, facilities at the country parks and the play areas to explore! Deer at Weald Country Park Visit the Deer at Weald Country Park! Weald Country Park originated as a medieval deer park during the 12th century. Today you can observe and feed the fallow deer herd, which are in an enclosed deer park. It is free to enter Weald Country Park, parking charges apply. If you were wondering where to find the deer at Weald Country Park, the deer park is located at the bottom of the play area, which is close to the car park. You can buy deer food from the cafe for £1 to feed the deer through the chutes provided. As well as deer feeding, there are plenty of things to do at Weald Country Park. Weald Country Park is home to the Stick Man Trail, which is one of the most popular character trails in Essex. The Stick Man sculpture trail contains several carved Stick Man characters along the trail. For more information about the Stick Man Trail, check out our comprehensive guide - Everything You Need to Know about the Essex Stick Man Trail. There are also two play areas at Weald Country Park. The first play area is next to the car park. There are baby swings, a nest swing, a sand area and a stoney area with lots of balancing equipment. Is best for children up to 10 years old. There is a further play area on the opposite side of the lake. It is best suited for children 4 years old and older due to the height of the equipment. There is balancing equipment and a challenging climbing frame with a large slide. There are good facilities at Weald Country Park including toilets and a cafe, which serves drinks and snacks. We thoroughly recommend the hot chocolate! If you prefer your park visits caffeinated them check out our guide - Parks with Coffee Shops and Cafes. Deer at Bedfords Park There are also great deer feeding opportunities at Bedfords Park in Romford. Bedfords Park is large, Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve consisting of over 200 acres of parkland. There are lots of things to do at Bedfords Park, Romford including country walks, exploring the play area, visiting the Walled Garden and feeding the red deer! It is free to enter Bedfords Park and car parking is also free, making this a great family friendly free day out in Essex. The friendly deer at Bedfords Park are a real highlight of the park. The Red Deer are fenced off but come right up to the fencing. The deers can be fed through the fences - bring your own carrots or you can buy deer food from the visitor centre for £2. The playground at this park is great, particularly for kids who love climbing. There are plenty of things to climb on and jump off. There is balancing equipment and a large wooden climbing frame. There isn't much for toddlers and preschoolers but there is a small maze, baby swings and a nest swing. The playground is not enclosed. There is an Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Discovery Visitor Centre at Bedfords Park with good facilities including toilets, a cafe serving hot and cold food and shop with brilliant gifts. The local artwork on display throughout the centre is very impressive. There are also views across Essex and London from outside the visitor centre. Always follow local guidelines and respect the deer’s habitat to ensure a positive experience for you and these magnificent creatures. Happy deer feeding!

NOW CLOSED Essex has a brand new Stick Man Trail and its Christmas themed! It is the perfect way to get in the festive spirit. The NEW Stick Man Christmas Trail is based on the Julia Donaldson classic tale. Can you help Santa deliver the final present? You can find the Stick Man Christmas Trail at Thames Chase Forest Centre, Upminster. Thames Chase is a Forestry England Site. The Forestry England Stick Man Trail opened in November 2025. You can find Stick Man trails at Forestry England sites all over the UK, including High Lodge Thetford Forest, Jeskyns Community Woodland in Kent and Delamere Forest. Click Here to find your nearest Forestry England Stick Man Trail. As with all Forestry England Trails, this trail provides lots of information about trees and wildlife, as well as being fun for children. Essex has more than one Stick Man trail! There is also a Stick Man sculpture character trail at Weald Country Park. There are several wooden characters to be found along the Weald Stick Man Trail and there is also a Stick themed play area. We love visiting the Stick Man Trail at Weald Country Park but are very excited by the newest Stick Man offering! The Thames Chase Stick Man Christmas Trail consists of several interactive boards with tasks to complete. This is not a sculpture trail. Unlike the previous Zog Trail, there is no associated App. Here everything you need to know about the Stick Man Forest Adventure Trail... Where is the Stick Man Christmas Trail? You can find the Stick Man Trail at Thames Chase Forest Centre, Pike Lane, Upminster, RM14 3NS. Google Maps link The visitor centre is open from 10am-5pm weekdays and weekends and 10am-4pm in the winter. The trail starts at the overflow car park. How much is Parking at the Stick Man Trail? Parking costs £2 all day. Payment machine takes cash, or you can pay on card at the visitor centre. How much does the Stick Man Trail cost? You do not have to pay to complete the Trail. However Stick Man Activity packs are available, which increases the experience. Activity packs cost £4 from the Forest Centre. The packs contain a Christmas envelope to colour in, Christmas trail leaflet to complete and pencil, festive stickers for your leaflet and home, a ‘magic’ reveal lens to uncover hidden letters, a wooden Stick Man keyring – the perfect keepsake to treasure the adventure. How long is the Stick Man Trail? The Thames Chase Stick Man Trail is half a mile long. Is the Stick Man Trail accessible and is the Stick Man Trail buggy friendly? The trail is well sign posted and the trail grounding is a mix of predominantly gravel pathways but may be muddy in paces. The trail is mainly flat and therefore passable for wheelchair users or with a sturdy buggy. What age is it the Stick Man Trail suitable for? Stick Man lovers of all ages but the Forestry England state the trail is aimed at children aged 3 - 9 years old. What facilities are at the Stick Man Trail? The Forest Centre has a staffed visitor centre, toilets (including accessible and baby change facilities), a small shop and inside seating area. There is also a tearoom at the Thames Chase Forest Centre. The cafe is open fro 10am to 4pm (3pm in the winter season). Is there a playground at the Stick Man Trail? There is a playground located close the Forest Centre. The NEW inclusive play areas opened on 16th February 2025! If you are looking for an inclusive playground check out our guide: The Best Inclusive and Accessible Playgrounds in Essex More Trails If your child is a Stick Man super fan, we also recommend the Stick Man Trail at Weald Country Park. There is also several play areas and friendly deer to feed at Weald Country Park. If you love a character trail, you can check out the Essex Peter Rabbit Trail and a Wind in the Willows Trail, both at Essex Wildlife Trust sites.

Are you looking for a fun-filled day out in Essex that the whole family can enjoy? Well, look no further than Hainault Country Park! This park offers a plethora of activities guaranteed to make your day memorable. There are so many family-friendly attractions, and Hainault Country Park. One of the highlights of this park is the delightful Thomas the Tank Engine Train ride (also known as the Hainault Express), a perfect adventure for little ones and grown-ups alike. Where is the Hainault Forest Express? 📍Hainault Forest Country Park Romford Road Chigwell IG7 4QN Google maps link The train runs from opposite the playground area. 🅿️ Parking - Where to park for the Hainault Forest Express There is a car park close to the playground Up to 1 hour: £1.80 Up to 2 hours: £3.10 All day: £6.40 Cashless parking - RingGo When is the Thomas Hainault Forest Express open? The Hainault Forest Express runs every weekend and weekdays during the school holidays (weather dependent). The Thomas train runs between 10.30am and 6pm. How much does the Thomas Hainault Forest Express cost? The Hainault Forest Express costs £3.50 person. The train journey takes approximately 20 minutes Thomas Hainault Forest Express tickets No prebooking. Tickets available from opposite the playground area. Queue length and time vary, can be long during peak periods. Thomas Hainault Forest Express Route The train ride travels through woodlands and around the lake. Playground at Hainault Country Park The playground at Hainault Country Park was refurbished in July 2023. The playground is suitable for children of all ages. The playground is wooden and has climbing frames with a tube slide. There is plenty of climbing and balancing equipment. Read More about the playground HERE. What else is there to do at Hainault Country Park? Aside from the enchanting train ride, Hainault Country Park boasts various amenities that cater to families. Did you know there is farm at Hainault Forest Country Park? You can visit Foxburrows Farm for FREE, donations are very welcome to support upkeep. Kids will love the playground at Hainault Forest Country Park, picnic areas and there is no shortage of spaces for your children to run, play, and explore. There is also a boating lake where you can hire rowing boats! BONUS! If you visit the Hainault Express you can a discount for boat hire! For those in search of family-friendly days out in Essex, Hainault Country Park should be at the top of your list. Whether you're looking to enjoy a laid-back picnic, explore the park's playground, or embark on a magical train journey, this park offers something for everyone. Other playgrounds close to Hainault Park Pelican Playground, Chigwell Roding Valley Nature Reserve Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by! Did you know there is also a children's train ride at Fairlop Waters? Post last updated August 2026

Are you looking for things to do in Essex this summer holiday? From thrilling attractions to free family activities, Essex has something for everyone this summer of 2026. If you are looking for somewhere to cool down this summer, a splash pad is a great choice! Head over to Lakeside shopping centre to check out one of the newest splash pads in Essex. Destination @ Lakeside has announced the summer opening dates for 2026. Read on for all the details. The Destination @ Lakeside at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex offers year round family activities and attractions at The Quay Lakeside. Head to Lakeside for fairground rides, food and a FREE beach. Entry to the paddling pool and tipping bucket is paid. How much does the Lakeside Paddling Pool Cost? Entry to the pool and tipping bucket is through the purchase of tokens. 20 minute sessions costs 4 tokens. Day access costs 6 tokens. There is a queuing system and at busy times persons with day access may be asked to leave the pool and re-enter the queue. 1 token - £1.20 10 tokens - £10 Tokens do not have an expiry date, unused tokens can be used at a later date. Where is the paddling pool at Destination @ Lakeside? Head to the Quay! 📍The Destination at Lakeside Lakeside Shopping Centre Grays Thurrock RM20 2AD Maps Link When is Destination @ Lakeside Beach open? The Destination @ Lakeside Beach is open from 17th July to 1st September. The Destination @ Lakeside is open from 12pm to late throughout the summer holidays. The Splash Pool closes at 6pm. 20 minute session times apply. If you are looking for more splash parks in Essex check out our guide! The Essex Splash Park guide also features splash pads, water fountains, a water park and lido!

Parks of Essex Guide to the Best Playgrounds in Chelmsford Essex We love a day out in Chelmsford! There are so many child friendly things to do in Chelmsford. Famiy friendly attractions in Chelmsford include Chelmsford Museum, Chelmsford Theatre, Hylands Estate and RHS Hyde Hall. If you are looking for free things to do in Chelmsford, there are tonnes of great play areas! Here we have chose our favourite free play parks in Chelmsford. Here is yorur next FREE day out in Chelmsford, Essex! This Chelmsford Playground Guide features playgrounds in Chelmsford and the surrounding areas - you will find the best playgrounds in Writtle, Galleywood, South Woodham Ferrers and Broomfield! Each park has a designated blog post with full reviews, parking details, toilets, photos and more information! Just 'Read More' about the park that interests you. This Chelmsford Playground Guide features the following playgrounds (click to scroll to the playground): Oaklands Park Hylands Park Broomfield Village Hall Admirals Park Compass Gardens Central Park Great Baddow Chelmer Park Paradise Road Playground Oaklands Park 📍Oaklands Park Moulsham Street Chelmsford CM2 0JJ Oaklands Park is great for a family day out! Oaklands Park is home to the very child friendly Chelmsford Museum. The gardens here are beautiful and there is lots of space to explore! There are also two brilliant playgrounds within the park grounds. Oaklands Park Playground In the larger playground there are climbing frames, a slide, tyre swings and a nest swing. There is also a large fallen tree trunk which is great for climbing. The playground is spacious and it is enclosed. The smaller playground has a castle/knights theme. It is enclosed. The playground is a decent size. The highlight is the large mound which can be climbed up or through the tunnel. There are slides with climbing frames, swings, a zipwire, climbing equipment, ride on equipment and a dungeon! Read More... Hylands Park 📍Hylands Park Chelmsford CM2 8FS The Hylands Estate is home to Hylands House and Hylands Park, where there is a large, castle themed play area. Hylands Park Playground WIthin the playground there are three separate play areas, each with play equipment for a different age range. The play areas are close together, so this is a good playground if you have children of different ages/abilities. Our favourite equipment is the large wooden, ramped, fort with various ramps and ropes to climb. There are also slides of various sizes. The playground at Hylands Park has some accessible play equipment including sensory and sound equipment. Read More... Broomfield Village Hall Playground 📍Broomfield Village Hall Broomfield Chelmsford CM1 7AH Broomfield is home to a fun pirate ship themed play area, overlooked by a great cafe! Broomfield Village Hall Playground A star of this playground is the large, pirate ship climbing frame. The climbing frame has many different climbs, a slide and lots of interesting puzzles/movable equipment such as maps, an anchor and treasure on the bottom level. Other equipment includes a variety of swings, a long swing, a large climb on truck, roundabout, climbing frame, rope bridge and spinning equipment. Cheerful Chai cafe overlooks the play area. This is a great family friendly cafe with a good children's menu and books and toys to entertain little ones. Read More... Admirals Park 📍Admirals Park and Tower Gardens Rainsford Road Chelmsford CM1 2PN Admirals Park and Tower Gardens is a large park full of great facilities including football and cricket pitches, tennis courts, and a bowling green. There are walking and cycling routes around the gardens, riverside and through woodlands. NEW Cycle Track! The Admirals Park and Tower Gardens cycle track is now open. It is free to use and no booking is required check out our full guide for all the details - NEW Cycle Track with Road Markings! Visit the Chelmsford Bike Track. There is also a playground with various climbing frames, swings and ride on equipment. The play area is enclosed and surrounded by playing fields with lots of space for games and picnics. Read More... Compass Gardens 📍Compass Gardens South Woodham Ferrers Chelmsford CM3 5GU There is a playground at Compass Gardens! The playground brightly coloured play area is in great condition. The playground especially good for toddlers, but also suitable for children until junior age. The playground has a nautical theme. There is a large pirate ship with different climbs and slides. There are steps up to the tunnel slide. There are swings, a seesaw, zipwire and spinning equipment. There is a climbing frame for smaller children and also ride on equipment. There is lots of brightly coloured animals and objects in the flooring. The flooring is also super springy and feels very safe for kids that always take a tumble. Read More... Central Park 📍 Central Park Chelmsford CM2 0RW Central Park, as the name suggests, is in the centre of the city of Chelmsford. Central Park is home to a skate park, courts, memorial gardens and is located on the riverside. There is a great playground with climbing frames with slides for older and younger children, a zipwire, trampoline, roundabout and swings. Central park is also home to a great park cafe! Great Baddow Recreation Ground 📍 Great Baddow Recreation Ground Chelmsford CM2 9RL Great Baddow Recreation Ground contains football, basketball, netball, table tennis and tennis facilities.The Rec also contains two seperate playgrounds, making it suitable for toddlers as well as older children. The toddler play area is enclosed. The playground is bright and there are lots of interesting prompts on the floor. There is a climbing frame with slide, ride on equipment, seesaw, slide, pirate ship and swings including a sweet bear swing! There is plenty for older children too at the bigger playground. There are also lovely playing fields. Read More... Chelmer Park 📍 Chelmer Park Chelmsford CM2 8RL Chelmer Park is a large park in Essex. There is a big car park with free parking and playing fields with football and hockey pitches. Chelmer Park is home to the twistiest slides in Essex - beware! There are two playgrounds at Chelmer Park. One is a very small, enclosed playground with two individual baby swings and a climbing frame suitable for children up to two. The larger playground has lots of climbing equipment. It is enclosed and suitable for children up to 8 years old. The playground has interesting climbing frames with monkey bars, interactive play equipment and a slide. There is round swinging equipment. Read More... Paradise Road 📍 Paradise Road Writtle Chelmsford CM1 3HP The Paradise Road play area has a playground, playing fields and skate ramp. The play area at Paradise Road Playground is enclosed. The playground is suitable for toddlers and children until junior age. There are several climbing frames (including toddler friendly) with slides and different climbs including climbing walls and ladders. There is also a zipwire and several swings. There is also a small climb on train and lots of sensory boards. Read More... NEW TRAIL Guess How Much I Love You Trail at RHS Hyde Hall The Guess How Much I Love You Trail is a NEW Essex character trail. The Guess How Much I Love You trail has arrived at RHS Hyde Hall, in Rettendon, Chelmsford. This charming trail invites families into the world of Little Nutbrown Hare and his friends amid beautifully landscaped gardens. There are lots of lovely photo opportunities too. Read More about the Guess How Much I Love You Trail! Don't forget to check the Park Directory for more park inspiration - A-Z of over 100 Parks in Essex. Over 100 parks and playgrounds are listed

NEW for Summer 2025! At Parks of Essex we love a family friendly cycle and scooter spot. In fact we have pulled together our favourite cycle and skate parks in Essex in a full guide! However, there is a new cycle park in Essex, and it's awrsome. A brand NEW cycle skills track has opened in Tower Gardens, Admirals Park in Chelmsford. Parks of Essex have checked out the Chelsmford cycle track and have all the details. The new cycle skills area is the perfect spot for children learning how to ride bikes and scooters. As well as being great for beginners, the Chelmsford cycle track is also fantastic for those wanting to perfect cycle skills. The cycle track has road markings so it is also great for teaching safe cycling and build cycle confidence. Official Opening Event! The cycle circuit is OPEN NOW! However, there is an official opening on 14th August 2025. The Chelmsford Community Sport and Wellbeing Smoothie Bike will make an appearance. Bikeability Instructors will be running free sessions including how to ride balance bikes, learn to ride and bikability. Sessions are limited and should be prebooked. You can find all the details for the open on the Chelmsford Council website. Where is the Chelsmford Cycle Track? The new cycle track can be found at Tower Gardens, Admirals Park in Chelmsford. Admirals Park has been awarded a Green Flag Award. The cycle track is close to the bowling green and next to the Tower in Tower Gardens. How much does it cost to use the Chelmsford Cycle Track? The Chelmsford cycle track is completely free to use. Just turn up and play! Parking is also free, making this a great free day out in Essex. If you are after more free days out in Essex check out our guide to 50+ Parks and Playgrounds with Free Parking. Can you book the Chelmsford Cycle Track? The cycle skills track at Tower Gardens, Admiral Gardens is open to all the public. No booking is required. Drop in and play! Is the Chelmsford Cycle Track Accessible? The cycle track is located close to the Tower Gardens car park, which has accessible parking spaces. There is level access to the cycle circuit. There is in an accessible toilet nearby (not changing places) which is open during daylight hours. Are dogs allowed at the Chelmsford Cycle Track The cycle track is enclosed and no dogs are permitted inside the track. Tower Gardens and Admirals Park are dog friendly parks (other than inside the play areas). Are there toilets at Admirals Park and Tower Gardens There are public toilets at Tower Gardens, they are located near the footbridge from Admirals Park to West Park. What else is there to do at Admirals Park and Tower Gardens? There is an enclosed playground within Admirals Park, which has equipment for toddlers and junior ages children. You can find out more about the play area at Admirals Park in our park guide. Play Area at Admirals Park Chelmsford Other playgrounds close to Admiral Park and Tower Gardens? Check out the Parks of Essex MAP to find more playgrounds close by! Angel Pavilion, Broomfield Chelmsford Baddow Hall Park, Chelmsford If you are looking for free things to do in Chelmsford, there are tonnes of great play areas! Here we have chose our favourite free play parks in the City of Chelmsford. Here is your next FREE day out in Chelmsford, Essex!

Guide: The Best Indoor Playgrounds, Soft Plays and Kid's Cafes In Essex Playgrounds are great for letting children burn some energy and sometimes you just need an indoor playground. Indoor play areas are great if you are looking for things to do on a rainy or cold day in Essex. These venues not only provide a safe and enjoyable environment for kids but also allow parents to relax and recharge. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best indoor playgrounds in Essex. We have featured some beautiful aesthetic play cafes, huge interactive soft play centres, trampoline parks and pubs with indoor play. If you are facing awful weather or just feeling low on energy, check out one of the great family friendly indoor play areas in Essex. If you are looking for a great outdoor play areas, we have also listed some great adventure playgrounds to visit on a rainy day. These play areas have indoor attractions, as well as outdoor play. Our list also includes woodland play areas, which have some woodland coverage from the elements. Soft Play in this Essex Seafront Fish and Chip Shop Children's Play Cafes in Essex Children's play cafes offer a smaller setting for younger children to explore and play safely. These play cafes are generally suited for children aged 0-6 years old. These play cafes offer different play options including role play towns (think role play shops, cafes and more), smaller soft play equipment and Montessori style toys. Play cafes are a quieter and more relaxed play environment (for children and adults). Many Essex play cafes are extremely aesthetic too! There are several kids play cafes that have opened in Essex the past few years. this guide organises play areas by location within Essex. Click the play cafe listed below to be taken to the relevant section in this post. Little Play Village in Hadleigh Kiddos Play Cafe in Brentwood Oja Play Cafe in Hornchurch Dreamy Play Days in Southminster Bambino City in Dagenham Toddle Town in Braintree Mini and Me Play Cafe, Leigh-on-Sea The Snug Play Cafe, Harwich The Little Play Hut, Billericay The Best Soft Plays for Babies and Toddlers in Essex We asked the Parks of Essex community over on Instagram for their recommended soft plays for preschoolers and toddlers. Here we have the Top 10 Baby and Toddler Soft Plays as recommended by the Parks of Essex community. These soft plays are also great if you need to balance more than one small child! Click the soft play listed below to be taken to the relevant section in this post. Mayce Place in Chelmsford (City Centre) Monkey Puzzle in Maldon Monkey Bizness in Rochford Lets Go Bonkers in Burnham-on-Crouch (this soft play is highly recommended for its cleanliness!) MegaCentre in Rayleigh Pickles Play House in Witham Castle Cover at Waterside in Canvey Island Stay and Play in Laindon Craft Nurseries Play Barn in Lawford The Rocky Centre in Brentwood Search by Area Please check current opening times and dates with each business before travelling. Many also require prebooked tickets. Southend-on-Sea/Rochford/Hockley Brentwood Hornchurch Colchester Dagenham Rayleigh Southminster Basildon Braintree Uttlesford Chelmsford Witham Canvey Laindon Lakeside Thurrock Burnham-on-Sea Maldon Manningtree Harlow Pubs (and a chippy) with Indoor Soft Play Indoor Play Areas in Southend-on-Sea, Rochford and Hockley Mini and Me Play Cafe - 105 Broadway West, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 2BU Play Cafe Mini and Me promises a play area thoughtfully designed around Montessori principles, encouraging curiosity, independence and imagination. Each 60-minute session is £4 per child. Plus, each child ticket includes one free accompanying adult. Little Play Village - 327-331 London Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet, SS7 2BT Play Cafe Little Play Village is a Montessori and role-play play space based in Hadleigh, just outside Southend, The play cafe opened in November 2024. Little Play Village is open Monday to Friday and offers 90 minute play sessions for children aged 0-6 years old. Adventure Inside at Adventure Island - Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1EE Soft Play Adventure Inside is a large soft play, located in Adventure Island theme park in Southend-on-Sea. There are six floors of soft play run. The soft play is suitable for children up to 10 years old and has a designated 'play pod' for children up to the age of 4. Daily passes can be purchased as well as annual passes. Kids Kingdom - Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4FA Soft Play Kids Kingdom is a large soft play centre in Garons Park Southend. This soft play is great for older children (who will love 'jelly mountain' and the large slides). There is plenty for smaller children too and a seperate baby area. Kids Kingdom also offer SEN sessions and private hire for VIP events. IndiRock - The Victoria Centre, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 5SR Soft Play + Climbing Centre IndiRock is a bouldering and climbing centre based in Southend City Highstreet. IndiRock offers Soft Play sessions on a Tuesday and Friday morning. Children can explore the traverse climbing wall and also a few small pieces of climbing equipment including a pickler triangle. There is also a ball pit. The soft play sessions are suitable for children aged between 1 and 4. Single hour slots cost from £6, second hour half price. There is also a very child friendly cafe at IndiRock. The cafe has a play kitchen, books and other toys. Monkey Bizness Rochford - 6 Purdeys Way, Rochford, SS4 1ND Soft Play Monkey Bizness is home to huge play frames, games, machines, slides and a special toddler area. Monkey Bizness also hosts family events. Monkey Bizzness Hockley - 14 Eldon Way, Hockley, SS5 4AD Soft Play Hockley Monkey Bizzness boasts more than 7,500 square feet of play space. This includes two play structures, role play zone, mini football pitch, an under 4s area and an under 2s area. Indoor Play Areas in Brentwood Kiddos Play Cafe - 2 Weald Road, Brentwood, UK CM14 4SX Play Cafe Based in Brentwood, Kiddos Play cafe is a children’s indoor play area with a great cafe. The main frame area is suitable for children aged 2 to 9. There is also a play area for babies under 2 years old. You can also find an activitiy room, messy play, sensory play and arts and crafts at Kiddos. Kiddos play cafe is also available hire for birthdays and special occasions! King Georges Playing Fields - 1-3 Hartswood Pavilion, King George’s Playing Fields, Ingrave Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 5AE Soft Play There is a large, two-storey soft play area that’s suitable for children of all ages at Hartswood Pavillion in King Georges Park Brentwood. It features large, separate areas for both toddlers and older children. King Georges Park also has a great outdoor adventure playground which is suitable for all ages and accessible. There is also a seasonal splash pad at King Georges Brentwood, which features in our Guide: Splash Parks, Fountains and Free Splash Pads in Essex. The Rocky Centre - 20 Hatch Road, Brentwood, CM15 9PU Soft Play The Rocky Centre offers up to 3 "drop in and play" sessions per day Monday - Friday. The soft play is suitable for babies and children up to age 5. Sessions cost £7.50. This is a small soft play in Brentwood, suitable for preschoolers. Indoor Play Areas in Hornchurch Ojas Play Cafe - 2 Weald Road, Brentwood, UK CM14 4SX Play Cafe Hornchurch’s only soft play café, bringing a magical and unique adventure space to the heart of Havering! You can find play zones for children aged 0-5, a cozy book nook and ride on fun. Sessions last 90 minutes and cost from £8. First seen on Kira from London Kids on the Go - Check out Kira's Reel HERE Indoor Play Areas in Colchester Jungle Adventure - Peartree Retail Park, Moss Road, Stanway, Colchester, CO3 0LE Soft Play Jungle Adventure has been based in Stanway, Colchester for over 15 years. The Colchester soft play centre also hosts various baby and toddler classes. Go Bananas - 9 & 10 Mason Road, Cowdray Centre, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1BX Soft Play Go Bananas Childrens Centre in Colchester has climbing frames, slides and sensory areas. There are also great soft play zones including an Under 4s Tiny Town. Indoor Play Areas in Dagenham Bambino City - Unit 4, Bygraves House, Merrielands Crescent, Dagenham, RM9 6FJ Play Cafe Bambino City is great for children aged 0-5. There is a babies soft play area perfect for babies up to 2 years old, with a safe and stimulating environment that includes soft toys, crawling mats, and age-appropriate activities. There is also play area for children aged 2-5. Sessions are booked online and cost from £7. Indoor Play Areas in Rayleigh Oxygen - A127 at 26a Brook Road, SS6 7XL Trampoline Park Oxygen indoor activity centre is a Trampoline Park with interconnected Trampolines, Dodgeball, Toddler Sensory Play, Soft Play, Climbing walls and Giant Airbags. Open play sessions last either 60 or 90 minutes and start from £15.50. Toddler sessions start from £14. Rayleigh Mega Centre - 7 Brook Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7UT Soft Play The MegaCentre Rayleigh has a great soft play. This soft play in Rayleigh has been recently revamped. There is a section for smaller children which also has lots of space. The soft play is well laid out and enclosed. This is a great soft play if you have toddlers that need more supervision. Soft play sessions are 2 hours long on weekdays and 90 minutes on Saturdays. Indoor Play Areas in Southminster Dreamy Play Days - 9A High Street, Southminster CM0 7AA Play Cafe Dreamy Play Days is an Essex play cafe with sessions are suitable for children 0-5 years. There are 4 role play areas set up for children to explore while visiting. Sessions are limited to just 13 children per session. The session also includes free self service hot drinks and water/juice/biscuits available throughout. There is a 15/20 min relaxed music/sensory time towards the second half of the session. Indoor Play Areas in Basildon 360 Play - Festival Leisure Park, Festival Way, Basildon, SS14 3WB Soft Play 360 Play is a large soft play centre with lots of differnet play areas. You can find a main play frame, toddler play frame, baby sensory, outdoor play area including sandpit, musical carousel, sensory play, messy play and 360 Street (a role-play zone). Indoor Play Areas in Braintree Toddle Town - 7 Market Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3YA Play Cafe Toddle Town is a Montessori style Play cafe. There is also a role-play village , children's classes, children’s clothes shop and several events held here. This is one of the best value children's play cafes in Essex. It costs just £2 per child (adult included) per 90 minute session. The food menu has lots of options including fun kids options such as bear toast and ice cream shaped waffles. Partyman World Braintree - Century Drive, Off Charter Way, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8YL Soft Play There is a large soft play space at Partyman World. Memberships are also available. Indoor Play Areas in Uttlesford Little Monsters House of Fun - Ford Farm Industrial Complex, Braintree Road, Dunmow CM6 1HU Soft Play Little Monsters House of Fun is suitable for children of all ages. There are slides, ball pools, crawl tubes, rope nets and bridges. For babies and toddlers there is a small, designated soft play area. There is also a garden space and outdoor play area for the Summer months. Sessions are two hours long. Indoor Play Areas in Chelmsford Riverside Lesiure Centre - Chelmsford City Sports, Civic Centre, Duke, Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JE Soft Play The soft play at Chelmsfod leisure centre has a multi-level main frame with obstacles, netting to climb and a soft play area. The soft play is open from 9am to 6pm, every day. This is a reasonably priced soft play. Sessions are 1 hour long.. Bookings must be made on an ourChelmsford account, although you do not need to be a local resident to attend. AirHop - 12 Richmond Road, Dukes Park Estate, Chelmsford, CM2 6UA Trampoline Park Trampoline sessions from £14.50 and Toddler sessions. Those over 4 years old can also try out the clip'n Climb at Airhop. Prices from £16 Mace Playce - Unit 3, Cuton Hall Lane, Chelmsford, CM2 6PB + Unit 1 Burgundy Court, Springfield Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6JY Soft Play Mace Playce is a family run soft play centre for children ages 0 - 12 years. There are two soft play branches in Chelmsford. There are two separate areas for under and over 5's, a baby area, a games area, party facilities, a snack bar and surprise character appearances. Indoor Play Areas in Witham Pickles Playhouse - Unit 12, 27 Crittall Road CM8 3DR Soft Play Pickles Playhouse is a soft play centre for children 7 years and under. 1 hour and 2 hours sessions can be booked every weekday between 9.30am – 5.30pm. Saturday Early Morning Play session runs from 8.45am – 10.30, later play sessions may be available close to the day. Sunday’s there are 1 hour & 2 hour sessions between 9.30am – 3.30pm. This is a great soft play for preschoolers as it is small and enclosed. The food is also great here! Indoor Play Areas in Canvey Castle Cove Soft Play at Waterside Farm Leisure Centre - Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, Somnes Avenue, Canvey Island, SS8 9RA Soft Play There is a great small soft play in Canvey - Castle Cove soft play. The pirate and under water themed soft play has two easy see areas. The Baby area consists of an agility climb and slide, sandcastle puzzle blocks, tactile play panel. The junior section has play tunnels, dizzy disc, wall maze panels, rollers, bridges and a twin lane wavy slide. They also offer a soft play membership package. Indoor Play Areas in Laindon Stay and Play - Durham Road, Laindon, Essex, SS15 6PH Soft Play Stay and Play soft play in Laindon is great for small children as you can easily see your children from the seating area. There is also a sensory room at Stay and Play in Laindon. Another great bonus for twin parents is that if you have twins you only pay for one child. Indoor Play Areas in Lakeside Thurrock Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside - The Quay, Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, Grays, Essex, RM20 2AD Character Zones Venture into cartoon zones! You can find your Nickelodeon favourites including Spongebob Bikini Bottom, Paw Patrol Adventure Bay, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Nickle Central and Rugrats. Rock Up Lakeside - Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex, RM20 2ZP Soft Play + Climbing Centre At Rock Up Climbing wall and soft play in Lakeside there is soft play for children under 5, over 26 climbing walls, a towering Vertical Drop Slide, Traverse Wall and a treadmill Rotating Climbing Wall. Tickets can be purchased seperately for soft play sessions and climbing sessions. This soft play centre in Lakeside opens from 9.30am. Partyman World Lakeside - Unit 9 The Boardwalk, West Thurrock Grays, Essex, RM20 2ZP Soft Play There is a large soft play space at Partyman World. Memberships are also available. Indoor Play Areas in Burnham-on-Crouch Lets Go Bonkers - Station Industrial Estate, Units 7&8, Foundry Lane, Burnham-on-Crouch CM0 8RW Soft Play The Lets Go Bonkers soft play in Burnham has a bigger bonkers section for children aged 4 to 12 and a baby bonkers section for children up to 3 years old. There is also seasonal events including Easter bonnet competitions and meet santa at Christmas time. This soft play is highly recommended for its cleanliness! Indoor Play Areas in Maldon Monkey Puzzle - Station Industrial Estate, Units 7&8, Foundry Lane, Burnham-on-Crouch CM0 8RW Soft Play There is a large soft play in Maldon - Monkey Puzzle! The soft play centre has 4 levels and there is an amazing giant play frame that is over 8.5 meters high! There is also a gated under 5s area. Puzzle Monkey offers monthly SEN Sessions during term times. These take place on every 3rd Thursday of the month and Monkey Puzzle will be closed to the public, ensuring Sen guests can play with with their siblings in a calm environment where no music will be played. Indoor Play Areas in Manningtree Play Barn Craft Nurseries - 34 Harwich Rd, Ardleigh, Manningtree CO11 2LS Soft Play The Play Barn soft play in Ardleigh is based at Craft Nurseries. There is a small soft play, which is brightly coloured and has air conditioning. Tickets for the indoor soft play also includes access to the outdoor area with bouncy cushion, pygmy goats, rabbit, witches wood and mud kitchen! Indoor Play Areas in Harlow Kidzz Kingdom - Harlow Leisure Zone, Second Avenue, Harlow, CM20 3DT Soft Play This soft play in Harlow is space themed. At Kidzz Kingdom there are three levels of activities within the exciting space themed areas. There is a separate ground floor toddler section. There are two toddler slides into a ball pond, a ball shower, magical floating ball, interactive light up game and a bouldering wall. The high levels has battle zones, space ship tube and two zip wires. Indoor Play Areas in Saffron Walden Just Play - Westbrook House, Shire Hill, Saffron Walden, CB11 3AQ Soft Play Just play is a great soft play in Saffron Walden with a space theme. The play centre also offers princess meet and greets and other great events. Essex Pubs (and a chippy) with Indoor Soft Play Check out the Parks of Essex Guide to family friendly pubs with beer gardens play areas! You can read the Full Guide: 30+ Pubs with Play Areas in Essex. Ye Olde Chippy - Marine Parade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2EN Soft Play Chippy + Restaurant Ye Olde Chippy can be found at Southend Sea Front. The restaurant is located close to all the main Southend attractions including Adventure Island and the Southend Water Fountains. This is a great family friendly restaurant - there is a children's menu and also a small soft play area at the back of the restaurant. Mulberry Tree - Braintree Bypass, Braintree, CM77 8GG Soft Play Pub The Mulberry Tree is a Brewers Fayre pub. There is an Indoor Play.kids zone with a softplay. The Indoor Play is open every day between 12pm - 7pm. 90 minute sessions cost £4.50, children under 1 free. Black Rabbit - 188 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BX Soft Play Pub The Black Rabbit in Maldon states it has "the biggest beer garden in Maldon!". There is also a brilliant playroom especially for kids under 4 years old. The play room at Black Rabbit is open until 7pm every day. Chafford Hundred - Fleming Road, Unicorn Estate, Chafford Hundred, Grays, RM16 6YJ Soft Play Pub Chafford Hundred is a Brewers Fayre pub. There is an Indoor Play.kids zone with a softplay. The Indoor Play is open every day between 12pm - 7pm. 90 minute sessions cost £4.50, children under 1 free. The Great Baddow Barn - Galleywood Road, Chelmsford CM2 8NB Soft Play Pub The Great Baddow Barn is a Hungry Horse Pub with an indoor and outdoor play area. Expect good value family meal! The DIck Turpin - Arterial Road, Wickford, Essex, SS12 9HZ Soft Play Pub That pub on the side of the A127! The Dick Turpin has lots of parking, a large beer garden and a Wacky Warehouse indoor play area for the little ones. Adventure Playgrounds to visit on a rainy day If you are also looking for a playground in Essex to visit on a rainy day, there are a few that combine great outdoor adventure playgrounds with indoor attractions nearby. Oaklands Park in Chelmsford is home to two great play areas and set in beautiful grounds. It is also home to a great cafe and the very child friendly Chelmsford Museum. There are lots of great exhibitions, dressing up and a live beehive . This is a great spot for a family friendly day out as you can combine a trip to the park and hop into the museum if the weather turns bad. We love visiting Woodland Playgrounds on rainy days. Our Guide: The Best Woodland Playgrounds in Essex features 9 playgrounds in the woods. Its great to use the trees for some shelter if it starts to rain. Don't forget to check the Park Directory for more park inspiration - A-Z of over 100 Parks in Essex Last Updated January 2025

Guide to Visiting Walton-on-the-Naze with Children Walton-on-the-Naze is a great family friendly place to visit in Essex. Walton-on-the-Naze is great for a day trip or an Essex summer staycation. There are plenty of things to do in Walton-on-the-Naze including seaside traditions such as building sandcastles on the sandy beaches, hiring a beach hut and eating fish and chips. Our favourite things to do in Walton-on-the-Naze with children is checking out the great play areas and also fossil hunting! We have your perfect itinerary for visiting Walton-on-the-Naze. The Beach at Walton-on-the-Naze The beach at Walton-on-the-Naze is sandy and looks out across the North Sea. The beach is lined with colourful beach huts, many of which are also available to hire. Even at high tide there is plenty of beach to explore. The busiest section of the beach, is there area closed to The Naze Pier. 0 Naze Cliffs At the far end of Walton-on-the-Naze you can find the Naze cliffs. This area is stony, great for coastal walks and the best place for fossil hunting. Is the beach Dog Friendly? If you were wondering if the beach at Walton-on-the-Naze is dog friendly, some parts of the beach do allow dogs all year round. However, from the Pier to the end of the Parade opposite Suffolk Street and from Percival Road to Naze Park Road, dogs are not allowed on the beach from 1st May to 30th September. Things to do in Walton-on-the-Naze with Children Bath House Meadow Playground Naze Park Walton-on-the-Naze Pier Naze Marine Holiday Park Fossil Hunting at the Naze Bath House Meadow Playground 📍 The Bath House Meadow Playground⁣ Walton on the Naze⁣ CO14 8PZ⁣ The Bath House Meadow play park is the best playground in Walton-on-the-Naze. The Bath House Playground is located perfectly, close to by the beach and a short walk from Naze Marine Holding Park. The Bath House Meadow Play Park Sand Pit Play Area at Bath House Meadow Playground The play area at Bath House Meadow has so much to offer; slides at different levels, swings, long swings, a trampoline, sand pit and sand digger and even a surf board! There is also winding musical equipment, mirrors and a musical ship wheel. For full facililites and parking information check out our guide - Bath House Meadow Playground Guide. This unique, beach/pirate themed playground is also accessible!⁣ There is ramped accessed to the large boat structure. There is also a floor level trampoline and lots of sensory equipment. For more inclusive and accessible play areas across the whole of Essex check out our Guide: Inclusive and Accessible Playgrounds in Essex for SEN Children. Naze Park 📍The Naze Park Walton on the Naze⁣ CO14 8HY There is also a smaller playground close to Walton-on-the-Naze beach - The Naze Playground! This playground is close to Jubilee Beach in Walton-on-the-Naze and is worth stopping by if you are visiting that end of the beach! The play area at the Naze Park is small, but there is some good, interesting equipment. There is a small climbing frame with slide, baby swings, nest swing, a sit on roundabout and a climbing structure. Read More about Naze Park Walton Pier 📍Walton Pier Walton-on-the-Naze CO14 8ES You can find the historic Walton Pier at Walton-on-the-Naze. The Walton-on-the-Naze Pier is home to an amusement park. You can find traditional arcades, tenpin bowling, funfair rides including waltzers, tea cups and dodgems and VR experiences. There is also a licenced bar and cafe which serves fish and chips and seaside treats such as donuts and ice cream. You can also find a softplay and climbing walls, making this a great spot to visit, even on a rainy day at the British seaside. If you are looking for more indoor play ideas across Essex, check out our guide: Ultimate Guide to Soft Plays and Play Cafes in Essex. Naze Marine Caravan Park 📍 Naze Marine Holiday Park Near Walton-on-the-Naze Essex, CO14 8HL If you are looking for a family friendly place to stay in Walton-on-the-Naze, Parks of Essex can recommend Naze Marine Holiday Park. Naze Marina Holiday Park is a Parkdean Holiday Park, located a few minutes walk from beautiful sandy beaches. The caravan park has lots of family favourite attractions including crazy golf, laser quest, archery. There is also an indoor pool and an outdoor adventure playground perfect for burning off energy. Naze Marine Holiday Park Playground The playground at Naze Marine Holiday Park is situated next to the Boatyard Bar and Restaurant, so you can have something to eat or drink whilst the children play. There is also an ice cream shop 'Scoops' next to the playground. You do not have to be staying at the holiday park to visit the bar/restaurant. If you are after a pub with a play area, we have over 40 listed in our Guide to Pubs with Play Areas. The Naze 📍The Naze Nature Discovery Centre Old Hall Lane Walton-on-the-Naze CO14 8LE The Naze nature reserve has beautiful, coastal walking trails and is the home of the iconic Naze Tower. The Naze Tower had a viewing platform, which can be accessed for a small fee during open season (28th March - 3rd November). The Naze Tower also hosts a tearoom and art gallery. ⁣You can find out more about visiting the Naze Tower on the website. There is also an Essex Wildlife Trust visitor centre at the top of the cliffs. The Naze Nature Discovery Centre is open from 9.30am to 4pm in the winter and 4.30pm in the summer season (15th February to 3rd November). As well as lots of local history and information, The Naze visitor centre also has a cafe, gift shop and toilets. There are accessible toilets and baby change facilities. If you were wondering where to find fossils in Essex, head to Walton-on-the-Naze! Children and adults alike will also love fossil hunting on around the cliff edge at the Naze! Read our top tips for fossil hunting at the Naze. Fossilised Shark Teeth at the Naze Don't forget to check the Park Directory for more park inspiration - A-Z of over 100 Parks in Essex More Guides...