Things to Do in Southend On Sea
21 attractions and days out
Theme Parks and Funfairs
Adventure Island Southend-on-Sea
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.
Crazy Golf
Arnold Palmer Crazy Golf
Navigate 18 challenging holes of miniature golf filled with entertaining obstacles at this Eastern Esplanade course, where an onsite restaurant keeps players refreshed throughout their game.
Arcades and Gaming Cafes
Boom Battle Bar Southend
Experience competitive socialising at its finest with crazy golf, axe throwing, augmented reality darts and more gaming fun, all under one roof at Victoria Shopping Centre.
Crazy Golf
Caddies
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.
Museums and Art Galleries
Central Museum & Planetarium
Explore cosmic wonders and fascinating exhibits at this engaging Southend venue where families can journey through space and discover captivating collections under one roof.
Beaches
Chalkwell Beach
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.
Pottery Centres and Ceramic Cafes
Create98Two
Unleash your family's creativity at this welcoming ceramic café where everyone can paint pottery in a fully accessible space with facilities for babies and young children.
Tourist Attractions
Escape Live Southend
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.
Activity Centres
Focal Point Gallery
This accessible contemporary art gallery in Southend-on-Sea welcomes families with full wheelchair access and baby-changing rooms, though visitors should plan to eat elsewhere as outside food isn't permitted.
Crazy Golf
Garon Castle Adventures
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.
Indoor and Soft Play Areas
Kids Kingdom
This sprawling 8,000 sq ft indoor play zone at Garon Park features thrilling attractions like a 14ft vertical drop slide and towering Jelly Mountain, plus an onsite restaurant for refuelling hungry adventurers.
Petting Zoos
Kittea Cakes cat cafe
Enjoy delicious treats at this charming Westcliff café while friendly resident cats roam freely around you. Fully accessible with onsite dining, baby facilities and nearby parking available.
Cinemas and Theatres
ODEON Southend
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.
Tourist Attractions
Room Escape Southend
Test your puzzle-solving skills at this engaging escape room venue featuring themed challenges with lifelike settings and various ways to succeed. Wheelchair accessible with onsite parking and refreshments available.
Aquariums
Sealife Adventure
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.
Railway and Transport Attractions
Southend Cliff Lift
This historic funicular railway whisks passengers between Southend's seafront and clifftop, offering a convenient wheelchair-accessible route with splendid views across the Thames Estuary.
Tourist Attractions
Southend on Sea Treasure Hunt Trail
Explore the seaside town on this engaging self-guided adventure starting from the central station, perfect for families seeking an accessible outdoor activity that combines sightseeing with puzzle-solving fun.
Landmarks
Southend Pier and Train
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.
Museums and Art Galleries
Southend Pier Museum
Discover the fascinating heritage of the world's longest pleasure pier through captivating exhibits and displays at this compact museum on Southend's iconic waterfront.
Beaches
Thorpe Bay Beach
Perfect for active families seeking seaside thrills, this Southend beach offers excellent watersports alongside essential facilities including parking, toilets and snack options for a full day out.
Beaches
Three Shells Beach
Pack your buckets and spades for a classic seaside day out on Western Esplanade, where sandy shores await castle-builders and paddlers, complete with parking, toilets and an onsite restaurant.
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