Looking for the best family days out in Essex this summer? Whether you’re searching for free family events in Essex, budget-friendly school holiday activities or unforgettable summer adventures, there’s plenty happening across the county for all ages. From free outdoor trails and park activities to heritage railways, castles, animal encounters and magical family experiences, there’s something to suit every family and every budget. We’ve rounded up 14 of the best summer events and attractions in Essex for 2026, helping you discover fun, affordable days out and exciting places to explore throughout the school holidays.
1. Play in the Park
Venue: Various Parks
Town: Chelmsford
Date: 22nd July – 21st August 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Price: FREE
Description: Play in the Park returns to parks across Chelmsford with free sports, games, crafts and creative activities for children aged 3 to 11. Some sessions also include exciting extras such as inflatables and parkour, making it a fantastic free day out during the summer holidays.
Website: Play in the Park
2. Summer Magic Trail at Thorndon Country Park
Venue: Thorndon Country Park
Town: Brentwood
Date: 18th July – 31st August 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Price: FREE
Description: Follow the free Summer Magic Trail through Thorndon Country Park and see if you can spot fairies, trolls, unicorns and other magical creatures hidden throughout the woodland. Complete the trail for the chance to win a prize in the summer competition.
Website: Summer Magic Trail at Thorndon Country Park
3. Brightlingsea Regatta Duck Race
Venue: Brightlingsea Harbour
Town: Brightlingsea
Date: 18th July 2026
Time: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Price: From £2
Description: Take part in Brightlingsea’s annual charity Duck Race as part of the much-loved Town Regatta. Alongside the race, families can enjoy sailing displays, live entertainment, food stalls and plenty of activities throughout the day.
Website: Brightlingsea Regatta Duck Race
4. Summer Kids Craft Club
Venue: Hanningfield Waterside Park
Town: Chelmsford
Date: 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th August 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Price: From £2.50
Description: Let little imaginations run wild with a fun-filled craft session at Hanningfield Waterside Park. After getting creative, families can enjoy the adventure playground, nature reserve and café overlooking the reservoir.
Website: Summer Kids Craft Club
5. Football Train
Venue: Witham Railway Station
Town: Witham
Date: 28th July 2026
Time: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Price: From £3
Description: Climb aboard this special family train service celebrating Braintree Museum’s football exhibition. Children receive goody bags during the journey and your train ticket also unlocks discounted entry to the museum.
Website: Football Train
6. Garg’s Animal Encounters
Venue: Cammas Hall Farm
Town: Hatfield Broad Oak
Date: 7th August 2026
Time: 10:30 am & 11:45 am
Price: From £3.50
Description: Meet fascinating animals up close during this hands-on wildlife experience at Cammas Hall Farm. Perfect for children aged 4+, the sessions combine fun animal encounters with plenty of interesting facts and learning along the way.
Website: Garg’s Animal Encounters
7. Summer Holiday Hoard Heroes: Treasure
Venue: Museum of Chelmsford
Town: Chelmsford
Date: 21st July – 30th July 2026
Time: 10:30 am & 1:30 pm
Price: From £5
Description: Discover the fascinating Great Baddow Hoard through interactive workshops exploring Iron Age treasures, Celtic life and museum collections. Children can enjoy themed crafts and hands-on activities while learning about one of Essex’s most remarkable archaeological finds.
Website: Summer Holiday Hoard Heroes: Treasure
8. Family Nature Day
Venue: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Town: Maldon
Date: 26th July 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Price: From £9
Description: Spend the day exploring nature with guided wildlife activities focusing on birds, butterflies, insects and mammals around the historic aerodrome. Admission also includes access to the museum and its fascinating aviation exhibits.
Website: Family Nature Day
9. Visit the Vulcan Classic Jets Day
Venue: Vulcan Restoration Trust
Town: Southend-on-Sea
Date: 16th August 2026
Time: From 10:00 am
Price: From £10
Description: Aviation enthusiasts can get up close to the legendary Avro Vulcan XL426 and learn about its remarkable RAF history. Families can explore the aircraft, view military displays and even book an optional cockpit tour.
Website: Visit the Vulcan Classic Jets Day
10. Steam Day
Venue: East Anglian Railway Museum
Town: Wakes Colne
Date: 2nd August 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Price: From £11.50
Description: Enjoy unlimited rides behind a heritage steam locomotive while exploring the museum’s collection of historic trains, exhibits and railway buildings. A brilliant family day out for train lovers of all ages.
Website: Steam Day
11. End of Summer Carnival
Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
Town: Brentwood
Date: 29th – 31st August 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Price: From £13
Description: Celebrate the end of the school holidays with a fun-filled carnival featuring fairground rides, inflatable attractions, children’s entertainment and animal encounters. Admission includes unlimited access to many of the day’s activities while helping support the sanctuary’s rescued animals.
Website: End of Summer Carnival
12. William The Constructor: Giant Brick Building Event
Venue: Mountfitchet Castle
Town: Stansted Mountfitchet
Date: 1st – 16th August 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Price: From £14
Description: Budding builders can help create a giant brick castle inside the grounds of the real Mountfitchet Castle. Admission also includes exploring the Norman castle, museum and resident animals, making it a fantastic full day out.
Website: William The Constructor: Giant Brick Building Event
13. Brick Explorers
Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Town: Chelmsford
Date: 18th July – 31st August 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Price: From £18.40
Description: Discover incredible brick-built wildlife sculptures on a family trail around RHS Garden Hyde Hall. Along the way, children can complete fun nature challenges while learning about the amazing plants and animals that call our gardens home.
Website: Brick Explorers
14. Magic Weekend at Kentwell Hall
Venue: Kentwell Hall
Town: Long Melford
Date: 25th – 26th July 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Price: From £22.65
Description: Step into a magical world filled with wizards, fairies, mermaids, princesses and mythical creatures at Kentwell Hall’s enchanting family weekend. Explore the house and gardens while enjoying interactive characters, magical encounters and plenty of spellbinding surprises around every corner.
Website: Magic Weekend at Kentwell Hall
Looking for even more ways to keep the kids entertained this summer? Browse our other guides to family days out, summer holiday events and holiday camps on our What’s On page HERE. Before you travel, remember to check each event’s website for the latest dates, times and ticket prices. If you visit any of these events, we’d love to hear about it. Share your favourites with us on Facebook or Instagram using the social links at the bottom of the page.
