Family days out in Essex

Colchester

Colchester Zoo

★ 4.7 (21,449)

Get close to amazing wildlife and enjoy interactive experiences including feeding giraffes, elephants and colourful lorikeets. This accessible, family-friendly zoo welcomes pushchairs throughout.

Southend-on-Sea

Adventure Island Southend-on-Sea

★ 4.4 (18,194)

Experience exhilarating rides including dramatic roller coasters at this seafront amusement park on Western Esplanade, perfect for families seeking excitement with dining options and picnic-friendly facilities.

Clacton-on-Sea

Clacton Pier

★ 4.3 (14,304)

Experience classic seaside entertainment at this lively Victorian pier featuring thrilling fairground attractions, ten-pin bowling and dining options whatever the weather brings to the Essex coast.

Southend-on-Sea

Southend Pier and Train

★ 4.5 (8,348)

Take a ride along the world's longest pleasure pier on a heritage railway, then try your hand at fishing or explore maritime exhibits at this iconic seaside landmark on Marine Parade.

Saffron Walden

Audley End House and Gardens

★ 4.6 (6,631)

Step back in time at this magnificent Jacobean mansion near Saffron Walden, where fascinating servant quarters and organic kitchen gardens reveal the fascinating realities of grand country house living.

Brentwood

Old MacDonalds Farm & Fun Park

★ 4.5 (7,502)

Step into the beloved nursery rhyme at this award-winning attraction where little ones can meet farm animals, enjoy play areas, and explore the countryside with full facilities for families.

Chelmsford

Hylands House and Park

★ 4.6 (4,419)

This magnificent estate welcomes families to discover vast grounds featuring historic woodlands, scenic lakes and adventure playgrounds, plus an elegant Georgian mansion with onsite dining facilities.

Chelmsford

RHS Hyde Hall

★ 4.6 (3,609)

Explore this charming Essex garden where families can discover adventure trails and climbing fun amid stunning landscapes, with full accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs throughout the grounds.

Harlow

Harlow Town Park

★ 4.6 (3,415)

This spacious green retreat on Mandela Avenue combines waterside strolls with a splash pool and animal encounters, plus wheelchair access and onsite parking for stress-free family visits.

Colchester

Colchester Castle Museum

★ 4.5 (3,518)

Journey through two millennia of history at this impressive Norman keep in Castle Park, where interactive galleries bring ancient Colchester's dramatic story to life for all ages.

Brentwood

Weald Country Park

★ 4.7 (2,317)

This expansive South Weald parkland welcomes families with excellent facilities including accessible paths, picnic areas, a restaurant, and full amenities for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Basildon

Cineworld Basildon

★ 4.3 (4,661)

Catch the latest blockbusters and children's films at this modern multiplex cinema within Festival Leisure Park, offering wheelchair access, baby facilities and pushchair-friendly viewing areas.

Saffron Walden

Audley End Enchanted Railway

★ 4.7 (2,261)

Board a miniature steam train for a magical 1.5-mile adventure through the Enchanted Woods, where children can spot fairies and teddy bears along the scenic route. Fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs with baby facilities available.

Sheerness

Sealife Adventure

★ 4.3 (4,614)

Explore marine wonders at this seafront aquarium showcasing 40+ exhibits, from stingrays and turtles to crocodiles. Fully accessible with onsite dining, parking and family facilities.

Colchester

High Woods Country Park

★ 4.7 (1,792)

This accessible country park welcomes families with picnic areas, walking trails and an onsite restaurant, plus full facilities including baby changing and parking for a perfect day outdoors.

Purfleet

Rainham Marshes

★ 4.6 (2,058)

This wheelchair-accessible marshland reserve offers families excellent birdwatching opportunities along the Thames, with an onsite restaurant, full facilities including baby changing, and convenient parking available.

Colchester

Mercury Theatre

★ 4.7 (1,731)

Colchester's welcoming theatre venue stages family-friendly performances and workshops, complete with an onsite restaurant, full accessibility features and convenient nearby parking at Balkerne Gate.

Walton on the Naze

Walton On The Naze Beach

★ 4.5 (2,360)

This Essex seaside destination offers traditional beach fun for families with onsite parking, toilets and refreshments available alongside space for picnics on the sand.

Walton on the Naze

Naze Tower

★ 4.6 (1,830)

Standing proudly on the Essex coast, this historic tower offers stunning sea views and houses an onsite restaurant, with wheelchair access and nearby parking making it easy to visit for the day.

Stansted

Mountfitchet Castle

★ 4.6 (1,789)

Step back in time at this reconstructed Norman fortress and village in Stansted, where families can discover medieval daily life and explore an impressive toy collection.

Basildon

Wat Tyler Country Park

★ 4.5 (2,053)

Explore 125 acres of diverse wildlife habitats and woodland trails perfect for family picnics, with wheelchair access, onsite dining, and plenty of parking at this Basildon nature haven.

Brentwood

King Georges Playing Fields

★ 4.5 (1,874)

This accessible Brentwood recreation area features mini golf, play equipment and tactile gardens designed for visitors of all abilities, with onsite parking and light refreshments available.

Basildon

TeamSport Indoor Karting Basildon

★ 4.5 (1,686)

Speed around the multi-level indoor circuit at this thrilling karting venue where drivers aged 8+ can experience high-octane racing action on a challenging track suitable for families and groups.

Grays

Flip Out Lakeside

★ 4.4 (1,958)

Jump into action at this exciting indoor trampoline park inside Intu Lakeside, featuring multiple bounce zones and activities for all ages, plus wheelchair access and onsite dining.

Chelmsford

AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park Chelmsford

★ 4.4 (1,894)

Bounce into action at this exciting trampoline park offering high-energy fun for all ages, with baby changing facilities and pushchair-friendly access throughout the venue.

Colchester

Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve

★ 4.6 (1,275)

Explore wildlife around this vast reservoir with accessible visitor facilities, snacks available and well-equipped amenities including baby changing areas. Perfect for families seeking nature walks in Essex countryside.

Tilbury

Coalhouse Fort

★ 4.5 (1,482)

Step back in time at this fascinating Victorian fortress set within peaceful parkland, perfect for families to explore together. The fort welcomes wheelchairs and well-behaved dogs, with baby facilities available.

Southend-on-Sea

Escape Live Southend

★ 4.9 (780)

Challenge your family to beat the clock in thrilling puzzle rooms at this High Street venue, perfect for children aged 10 and up working together to solve mysteries and escape before time runs out.

Halstead

Hedingham Castle

★ 4.6 (1,171)

Step back in time at this historic fortress where thrilling tournaments and theatrical performances bring medieval tales to life for all the family throughout the year.

Harlow

TeamSport Indoor Karting Harlow

★ 4.5 (1,361)

Rev your engines for thrilling family competition on Harlow's multi-level indoor circuit, where children aged 8 and over can battle it out to discover who's really the fastest behind the wheel.

Grays

Grays Beach Riverside Park

★ 4.3 (1,882)

This Thames-side adventure playground features a popular pirate ship, aerial slide and sandy areas, plus a restaurant and picnic spots for families to enjoy a full day out.

Ongar

Epping Ongar Railway

★ 4.6 (1,125)

Step aboard vintage carriages for a scenic steam railway journey through rural Essex, conveniently located near London with family-friendly facilities including refreshments and accessible areas.

Colchester

Wyvernwood

★ 4.6 (1,106)

Enter a magical fantasy world where children can encounter mystical creatures from fairies to goblins while exploring enchanted realms. Pushchair-friendly throughout with baby facilities available.

Walton on the Naze

Walton Pier

★ 3.9 (3,852)

Strike a bowling ball, explore the seaside fairground rides and try your luck at arcade machines during a lively day out at this traditional Essex pier offering entertainment for all ages.

Brentwood

Thorndon Country Park

★ 4.5 (1,264)

Enjoy woodland walks and open meadows at this sprawling country park where families can picnic, grab a bite at the restaurant, and explore nature trails with convenient facilities including parking and baby changing.

Grays

Chafford Gorges Nature Park

★ 4.4 (1,446)

Wander through 200 acres of diverse woodland teeming with wildlife and seasonal blooms at this scenic nature reserve. Family-friendly facilities include parking, restaurant, accessible toilets and picnic areas.

Colchester

East Anglian Railway Museum

★ 4.5 (1,229)

Step aboard for a nostalgic journey through railway history at this vintage station, home to lovingly restored locomotives, rolling stock and interactive exhibits that bring the golden age of steam to life.

Southend-on-Sea

ODEON Southend

★ 4.1 (2,133)

Catch the newest blockbusters with your family at this eight-screen cinema on London Road, complete with snacks, baby facilities and full wheelchair access throughout.

Stanford-le-Hope

Thurrock Thameside Nature Park

★ 4.6 (922)

Discover wildlife and waterside walks along the Thames Estuary at this accessible nature reserve, complete with children's playground, picnic spots and an onsite restaurant.

Southend-on-Sea

Caddies

★ 4.5 (1,047)

This Essex mini golf venue delivers wheelchair-accessible fun for all ages, with pushchair-friendly courses and baby changing facilities ensuring everyone can enjoy a memorable day out.

Colchester

ODEON Colchester

★ 4.0 (2,377)

Catch the latest blockbusters on one of eight big screens at this family-friendly multiplex cinema, complete with snacks, accessible facilities and pushchair-friendly access throughout.

Dunmow

Little Monsters House of Fun

★ 4.6 (812)

This wheelchair-accessible soft play venue welcomes families with babies and toddlers, offering dedicated changing and breastfeeding facilities in a fun indoor environment.

Colchester

AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park Colchester

★ 4.4 (1,045)

Bounce into action at this expansive trampoline park featuring 90+ interconnected trampolines, dodgeball courts and basketball zones—perfect for energetic family fun with pushchair access and baby facilities.

Harlow

Cineworld Harlow - Harvey Centre

★ 4.4 (1,017)

Catch the latest blockbusters and immersive 3D films at this Harvey Centre cinema, featuring special junior and parent-friendly baby screenings. Wheelchair accessible with onsite parking and snacks available.

Brentwood

Brentwood Karting

★ 4.6 (717)

Experience high-speed thrills at this outdoor karting venue in Warley Gap, complete with onsite parking, restaurant facilities and picnic-friendly grounds for a full family day out.

Chelmsford

Admirals Park

★ 4.5 (773)

A convenient family park on Rainsford Road featuring play areas, onsite dining and parking facilities. Note that the venue has limited accessibility and doesn't permit outside food.

Billericay

Downham Hall

★ 4.7 (543)

This wheelchair-accessible park offers onsite dining and facilities for families, with parking and toilets provided, though visitors should note picnics aren't permitted and baby changing isn't available.

Braintree

Get to know animals CIC

★ 4.6 (580)

This fully accessible wildlife experience welcomes families with pushchairs and wheelchairs throughout, offering hands-on animal encounters with baby-changing facilities and special assistance available.

Clacton-on-Sea

Martello Bay Beach

★ 3.7 (2,635)

A delightful seaside spot on The Promenade where families can build sandcastles, splash in the waves and enjoy picnics by the shore, with parking, toilets and snacks available to make your beach day easy.

Clacton-on-Sea

St Osyth Beach

★ 3.7 (2,635)

This peaceful pebble beach near Clacton offers natural coastal charm with convenient facilities including parking, toilets, a restaurant and wheelchair access—perfect for family picnics by the sea.

Westcliff-on-Sea

Chalkwell Beach

★ 4.5 (642)

Pack your seaside essentials for a sun-soaked family day at this accessible Thames Estuary beach, complete with parking, dining options and space to enjoy your own picnic.

Chelmsford

Chelmer Park

★ 4.4 (739)

Wheelchair-accessible park where families can enjoy outdoor fun with picnic spots or grab food from the onsite restaurant, though facilities like toilets and baby changing aren't available.

Grays

Nickelodeon Land - PAW Patrol Adventure Bay

★ 3.9 (1,704)

Join your favourite rescue pups at this exciting themed play zone in West Thurrock, where little ones can explore Adventure Bay and meet beloved characters. Fully accessible with pushchair access and baby facilities.

Chelmsford

ODEON Chelmsford

★ 3.9 (1,562)

This eight-screen cinema in central Chelmsford offers blockbusters and family favourites with wheelchair access, on-site snacks and nearby parking for a comfortable movie experience.

Basildon

Mulligans Basildon

★ 4.4 (661)

Experience two brilliant mini-golf courses themed around funfairs and arcades at this family-friendly venue complete with restaurant, full facilities and wheelchair access at Festival Park.

Harlow

Cineworld Harlow - Queensgate

★ 4.0 (1,243)

Catch the latest blockbusters and family films at this modern multiplex cinema on Edinburgh Way, featuring wheelchair access, onsite parking and a snack bar for treats during the show.

Colchester

Urban Xtreme

★ 5.0 (295)

This fully accessible activity centre welcomes families with pushchairs and wheelchairs throughout, offering special assistance to ensure everyone can enjoy the action-packed facilities.

Southend-on-Sea

Garon Castle Adventures

★ 4.6 (461)

Family-friendly crazy golf course with wheelchair and pushchair access throughout, plus baby changing facilities. Visitors can bring their own refreshments to enjoy, though pets aren't permitted.

Harwich

Dovercourt Bay Beach

★ 3.9 (1,270)

This accessible seaside spot near Harwich offers sandy shores perfect for paddling and picnics, with onsite parking, loos, and refreshments to keep the whole family happy.

Harlow

Parndon Wood Nature Reserve

★ 4.6 (390)

Explore woodland trails and wildlife at this nature reserve featuring an onsite restaurant and family facilities including baby changing rooms, though the terrain isn't suitable for wheelchairs.