If you’re looking for fun and affordable things to do with the kids this May half-term in Essex, you’re in exactly the right place. We’ve pulled together a brilliant mix of family-friendly events happening across the county — from completely free days out to great-value activities under £10. Think hands-on museum adventures, outdoor wildlife sessions, creative workshops, festivals, and even live shows to keep little ones entertained all week long. Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly day out or a full half-term itinerary, there’s something here for every family.
1. Coggeshall Art Group Exhibition
Venue: Coggeshall Art Group
Town: Coggeshall
Date: 23rd May – 25th May 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Price: FREE
Description: If you enjoy art, don’t miss this exhibition in the heart of picturesque Coggeshall, showcasing work by local artists in a wide variety of styles and media, all available to buy or simply enjoy.
Website: Coggeshall Art Group Exhibition
2. Future Power Half Term Fun
Venue: Museum of Power
Town: Maldon
Date: 28th May 2026
Time: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Price: From £1
Description: Discover how future power could impact everyday life through interactive exhibits, themed activities, crafts, workshops and environmental trails — a brilliant hands-on day out for curious minds.
Website: Future Power Half Term Fun
3. Kids Craft Club
Venue: Hanningfield Waterside Park
Town: Chelmsford
Date: 26th May 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Price: From £2.50
Description: Let creativity run wild with a fun-filled craft session followed by time in the adventure playground or a peaceful walk in the nature reserve.
Website: Kids Craft Club
4. Discover: Museum Wonders
Venue: Hollytrees Museum
Town: Colchester
Date: 23rd May – 31st May 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Price: From £3.50
Description: Step into a world of discovery featuring a never-before-seen dinosaur skeleton alongside fascinating exhibits for all ages.
Website: Discover: Museum Wonders
5. Naze Seashore Discovery
Venue: The Naze Nature Discovery Centre
Town: Walton-on-the-Naze
Date: 25th May 2026
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Price: From £4.57
Description: Explore the coastline, hunt for fossils, and discover sea creatures in this hands-on wildlife adventure led by expert guides.
Website: Naze Seashore Discovery
6. Colchester Living History Festival
Venue: Alresford Hall
Town: Colchester
Date: 24th May – 25th May 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Price: From £5
Description: Step into the English Civil War with live re-enactments, roaring cannons and cavalry displays in this immersive historical experience.
Website: Colchester Living History Festival
7. Table Tennis & Table Football Free Play
Venue: Beaulieu Community Centre
Town: Chelmsford
Date: 29th May 2026
Time: 10:30 am
Price: From £5
Description: A relaxed, unstructured play session where kids can stay active and have fun during the school holidays.
Website: Table Tennis & Table Football
8. The Great Garden Game-a-Thon
Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Town: Chelmsford
Date: 23rd May – 31st May 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Price: From £5
Description: Take on giant garden games, explore the grass labyrinth and join in fun outdoor challenges for the whole family.
Website: The Great Garden Game-a-Thon
9. Belfairs Woodland Bug Hunt
Venue: Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre
Town: Leigh-on-Sea
Date: 27th May 2026
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Price: From £5.64
Description: Hunt for minibeasts in the woodland, using bug pots and hands-on exploration to get up close with nature.
Website: Belfairs Woodland Bug Hunt
10. Doggy Fun Day
Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
Town: Brentwood
Date: 25th May 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Price: From £7
Description: A fun-filled day for dog lovers with activities, entertainment and plenty of furry friends.
Website: Doggy Fun Day
11. Bank Holiday Bonanza
Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
Town: Brentwood
Date: 23rd May – 24th May 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Price: From £8
Description: A full day of family entertainment including inflatables, animal talks, live entertainment and more.
Website: Bank Holiday Bonanza
12. Belfairs Family Forest Fun Easter Special
Venue: Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre
Town: Leigh-on-Sea
Date: 2nd April 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Price: From £8.80
Description: Explore the woodland with crafts, bug hunts, den building and outdoor play in a nature-filled session for families.
Website: Belfairs Family Forest Fun Easter Special
13. Thameside Egg-cellent Easter
Venue: Thameside Nature Discovery Park
Town: Stanford-le-Hope
Date: 3rd April 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Price: From £8.80
Description: Follow an Easter trail, try pond dipping and enjoy a nature-based day out packed with seasonal fun.
Website: Thameside Egg-cellent Easter
14. Diesel Day
Venue: East Anglian Railway Museum
Town: Colchester
Date: 24th May 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Price: From £8.50
Description: Enjoy unlimited rides on heritage diesel trains alongside access to museum exhibits and displays.
Website: Diesel Day
15. Family Nature Day
Venue: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Town: Maldon
Date: 29th May 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Price: From £9
Description: Explore wildlife and nature through guided sessions focusing on birds, bugs and mammals in a unique historic setting.
Website: Family Nature Day
16. Castle Point Food & Drink Festival
Venue: Waterside Farm Leisure Centre
Town: Canvey Island
Date: 23rd May – 24th May 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Price: From £10
Description: A lively festival packed with street food, live music, artisan stalls and family-friendly entertainment.
Website: Castle Point Food & Drink Festival
17. Festival in the Gardens
Venue: Festoon Events Ltd
Town: Braintree
Date: 23rd May – 24th May 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Price: From £13
Description: Enjoy live music, food stalls, crafts and activities in this vibrant outdoor festival for all ages.
Website: Festival in the Gardens
18. Knights of Royal England Joust
Venue: Hedingham Castle
Town: Halstead
Date: 24th May – 25th May 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Price: From £17.50
Description: Watch knights clash in an epic jousting spectacle filled with action, history and family entertainment.
Website: Knights of Royal England Joust
With so many family-friendly events happening across Essex this May half-term, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained — from outdoor adventures and hands-on activities to creative workshops and live shows. Start planning your May half-term adventures in Essex, and don’t forget to check event websites before you go for the latest timings and details. If you head out to any of these, we’d love to hear what you think — share your favourites with us on Instagram or Facebook (links at the bottom of the page).
