If you’re anything like me, you know the joy, excitement and stress of planning family events, especially during the Easter holidays. I’ve done a bit of scouting around and found some fantastic Easter events happening right here in Essex, engaging activities that are fun for the whole family. From egg hunts to bunny sightings, and even a fun-filled day of arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone. You won’t have to worry about planning – I’ve got you covered. Here’s a handy list of some of the best family-friendly Easter events in our lovely county. Happy Easter!
1. Good Friday- Family Fun Day
Venue: Chelmsford City Racecourse, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 1QP
Organiser: Chelmsford City Racecourse
Time: 11:00AM-6:30PM
Price: General Admission- £20, General Admission with Grand Access Tickets- £30, Fairwood Brasserie- £105, Club Restaurant & Lounge- £115
Description: Experience the charm and excitement of a traditional Easter horse race meeting this Good Friday at Chelmsford City Racecourse
Website: Good Friday- Family Fun Day
2. Abberton Eggcellent Easter
Venue: Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park, Colchester, Essex
Organiser: Essex Wildlife Trust
Time: 10:30AM-3:30PM
Price: Child- £7
Description: Join us this Easter Weekend for an Eggcellent adventure. Become an eggsplorer as you complete the trail round the nature reserve. When you have finished return to the centre and collect your chocolate prize!
Website: Abberton Eggcellent Easter
3. Easter-Springtime Surprise 2024
Venue: Audley End Miniature Railway, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JB
Organiser: Audley End
Time: March 29-April 1, 2024
Price: Adult-£20, Child over 92cm – £20, Child under 92cm – £10, Child under 1 year- Free, Carer of disabled- Free
Description: Families are offered a front-row seat to spot little bunnies, an array of colourful eggs, blooming flowers and the lush greenery of Spring. The train will stop for our live show, where you will find the Easter Bunny and friends on the farm.
Website: Easter-Springtime Surprise 2024
4. Easter Express 2024
Venue: Barnards Farm, Brentwood Road, West Horndon, Essex CM13 3FY
Organiser: Barnards Farm
Time: 11:00AM-4:00PM
Price: Adult & Children- £15 plus booking fee of £1.04
Description: Easter egg hunt that you do whilst riding on a miniature railway.
Website: Easter Express 2024
5. Easter Egg-Stravaganza
Venue: 15 Shenfield Road Brentwood, Essex, CM15 8AG
Organiser: Brentwood Theatre
Time: 11:00AM-12:30PM
Price: Adult & Children- £12-£14
Description: Hop on down to Nicky Trix’ Easter Egg-stravaganza for an egg-citing celebration like no other! Get ready for a magical and egg-straordinary show, packed with brand new material that will leave you hopping with joy
Website: Easter Egg-Stravaganza
6. St-EGG-osaurus Easter
Venue: Colchester Zoo, Maldon Rd, Stanway,, Heckfordbridge, Colchester Co3 0SL
Organiser: Colchester Zoo
Time: 11:00AM-5:00PM
Price: Adult(16-69years old) – Standard Gate Prices- £22.50, E-ticket Prices – discount & available online – Children under 3 & carer – Free
Description: This Easter, journey around our BRAND-NEW Dinosaur Realm and discover these reptiles from the past. PLUS, throughout the holidays, we will be celebrating all things Easter with a range of EGG-cellent activities suitable for the whole family.
Website: St-EGG-osaurus Easter
7. Hylands Open Estate Day
Venue: Hylands Estate, London Rd, Writtle, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ
Organiser: Hylands Estate
Time: 10:00AM-3:00PM
Price: FREE
Description: Hylands House opens its doors to reveal the secrets behind its history with an exhibition displayed in the library – this month’s exhibition is ‘The Gooch Family at Hylands’.
Website: Hylands Open Estate Day
8. Peter Rabbit’s Easter Adventure
Venue: Little Easton Manor, Park Rd, Dunmow CM6 2JN
Organiser: Little Easton Manor
Time: 11:00AM-5:00PM
Price: £2 (age 2+)
Description: Fun for all the family with egg hunt, entertainers, live music and food
Website: Peter Rabbit’s Easter Adventure
9. Thameside Easter Egg Decoration Drop-in
Venue: Thameside Nature Discovery Park, Mucking Warf Rd, Mucking, Stanford-Le-Hope, SS17 0RN
Organiser: Essex Wildlife Trust
Time: From 11:00AM
Price: £2 per child
Description: Bring your family and friends for a joyful session of crafting, where you’ll personalize wooden egg slices using pens, markers, and an array of colorful decorations.
Website: Thameside Easter Egg Decoration Drop-in
10. Hanningfield Nature Tots Easter Special
Venue: Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre, Hawkwood Rd, Downham, Bellericay, CM11 1WT
Organiser: Essex Wildlife Trust
Time: 10:00AM-12:00PM
Price: £7 per child
Description: Nature Tots is a parent and toddler group where young children can explore, play and learn through nature.
Website: Hanningfield Nature Tots Easter Special
11. Grange Farm Pond Dipping & Easter Trail
Venue: Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve, Grange Farm Centre, Grange Farm Lane, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 6DP
Organiser: Essex Wildlife Trust
Time: 10:00AM-12:30PM
Price: £7 per child
Description: Explore the meadow in search of nature’s mini wonders in our wildlife Easter trail, and even claim a prize!
Website: Grange Farm Pond Dipping & Easter Trail
12. Easter Obstacle Fun
Venue: Parsonage Farm, Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex CM15 0LA
Organiser: Wild Forest
Time: 10:30AM onwards
Price: £24 + Booking Fee
Description: Hop along for some cracking Easter fun for all the family. Take on the 2K woodland obstacle run, it’s a relaxed, fun vibe.
Website: Easter Obstacle Fun
13. Easter Spa Session + Frozen Meet & Greet
Venue: Unit 5, the kings head centre, 38 high street , Maldon, CM9 5PN
Organiser: Pamper Me Pretty
Time: 09:00AM onwards / Session 1hr 30mins
Price: £45 per child
Description:
We will be offering the ultimate Pamper Spa Session 
but not just any pamper session we will be having Elsa & Anna here for a Meet & Greet 
sing along, dancing & entertainment 
What’s included: face glitter & hair glitter / foot-spa / nails & toenails / welcome candy floss drinks / meet & greet with Elsa & Anna / sing along / dancing / entertainment. We do have very limited tickets & this is on a first come first serve basis
Website: Pamper Me Pretty Facebook
So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to some of the best family-friendly Easter events in Essex. Whether you’re in the mood for an Easter egg hunt or a day of arts and crafts, this list has something for everyone. I hope it helps you make the most of the Easter holidays, creating memorable experiences with your loved ones. Remember, planning ahead and booking in advance is key to securing your spots at these popular events. Enjoy, have fun, and Happy Easter!
