What's On in Essex

Langdon Home Education Group

Venue: Langdon Nature Discovery Park Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Home education sessions will help your child develop a range of practical and social skills, whilst learning about wildlife. In relaxed outdoor settings, children can be themselves and work together to...

Guess How Much I Love You - A Garden Adventure

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall

The Guess How Much I Love You Garden Adventure is a trail inspired by the book of the same name. The trail contains a series of activities that encourage children to learn through play, using the senses...

Woodland Adventure Days

Venue: Audley End Railway

Website: www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Enjoy off-peak, great-value days, where you can make use of the adventure playground, explore the fairy walk and ride on one of the trains! The perfect day out for parents and grandparents to take the...

Exhilarating family fun

Venue: Essex Outdoors Harlow

Website: www.essexoutdoors.com

Discover family friendly leisure activities and school holiday kids clubs to keep the kids entertained or embark on a memorable adventure to for all the family to enjoy. Harlow is an oasis of urban adventure,...

Great Notley Country Park Junior Parkrun

Venue: Great Notley Country Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Join this free, weekly 2k run aimed specifically at juniors aged 4 to 14 years-old. Parkrun organise free, weekly, 2km timed runs around the world for children. They are open to everyone and take place...

High Ropes Quiet Sessions

Venue: Nuclear High Ropes

Website: www.nuclearhighropes.co.uk

Embark on a uniquely tailored adventure where tranquility meets thrilling heights! The exclusive Quiet Sessions have been thoughtfully designed to cater to individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN),...

Little Monkeys Sessions

Venue: Nuclear High Ropes

Website: www.nuclearhighropes.co.uk

The new High Ropes Little Monkeys Sessions are crafted with your comfort in mind, offering access to the lower high ropes levels where you can build confidence at your own pace. Conquer your fears and...

May half term at Harlow Leisurezone

Venue: Harlow Leisurezone

Website: www.harlowleisurezone.co.uk

Enjoy fun activities such as Lazer Tag Challenge and the Mega Activity Day. Book a session at Kidzz Kingdom soft play, VertiGo Climb Challenge or Urban Limitz Adventure Trampoline Park. There’s also...

Northlands Junior Parkrun

Venue: Northlands Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/northlands-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9am. Free to join but you must register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun so go along and...

SEN Club

Venue: East Hanningfield Village Hall

Address: The Tye, East Hanningfield

Website: www.facebook.com/sen.club.2024

SEN Club is a lively, fun club for children with special needs and their families. There are a variety of activities for children to explore including toys, crafts and biscuit decorating. The children...

Young Farmers Club

Venue: Lambourne End

Website: www.lambourne-end.org.uk/youngfarmersclub

The young farmers will be in a group of 12 and led by one member of staff along with additional team leader volunteers. The club aims to provide opportunities for young people to develop and participate...

Walk to School Week

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.livingstreets.org.uk

The annual five-day walking challenge and takes place 19-23 May and this year’s challenge will see pupils take on The Great Space Walk, encouraging them to travel actively to school every day of the...

Circus Zyair

Venue: Southend on Sea, Priory Park

Website: www.circus-zyair.co.uk

Fearless acrobats and daredevil stuntmen guarantee maximum thrills by risking life and limb daily for your entertainment! Join Circus Zyair for an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling performances...

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Based on the iconic story, this stage show follows the hit West End and Broadway productions in combining the memorable songs from the original 1970’s motion picture with new numbers from the multi award-winning...

National Numeracy Day

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk

A third of people in the UK give managing money as the reason for wanting to improve their numeracy.National Numeracy Day is on Wednesday 21 May. It will offer FREE helpful and friendly activities for...

Creative Education: Musical Theatre 2025

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Musical Theatre, an exciting way to explore multiple performance strands all at once! The creative education programme aims to ensure that all children have access to high-quality creative experiences,...

Braintree Village Outdoor Cinema

Venue: Chapel Hill

Website: www.visitessex.com/whats-on

The Outdoor Cinema at the Essex shopping outlet will screen 10 movies including family favourites, blockbuster hits and much-loved classics including the newly released Wicked and Moana 2 movies along...

May Half Term Farm Fun

Venue: Stantons Farm

Website: www.stantonsfarm.co.uk

Spend the day meeting, feeding and cuddling the lovely animals, then head to the mini village to meet the newest arrivals! This May they welcome a new breed of cow to the farm – miniature Herefords!...

Bank Holiday Family Festival

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk

This late May bank holiday enjoy non-stop entertainment, activities and magical moments for the whole family including bouncy castles and inflatables, fairground rides, crazy legs family entertainer, hands-on...

Jurassic Half Term

Venue: Clacton Pier

Website: www.clactonpier.co.uk

Roar into excitement this half term at Clacton Pier’s Jurassic Half Term event! Dive into a prehistoric adventure filled with thrilling rides and dinosaur encounters. Unleash your inner explorer and...

May Half Term

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

This May half term, enjoy a week filled with daytime activities suitable for children of all ages. Plus learn just what it takes to care for endangered species with the return of the Keeper on the Couch!...

May Half Term - The Great Garden Game-a-Thon

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall

Get ready for a week of fun, laughter, and friendly competition and celebrate the joys of spring. Gather your family and friends for an unforgettable day of exhilarating games and activities in the great...

May Half Term Fun and Games

Venue: Audley End House and Gardens

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk

Visit Audley End House and Gardens for hands-on activities this May half term. Enjoy family fun and games in the fresh air! Book early and save 15%.

Meet Family Favourite: The Gruffalo!

Venue: Audley End Railway

Website: www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Families will have the chance to meet a very special visitor making a magical appearance this May Half Term… The Gruffalo will make special appearances at intervals throughout the day across the weekends,...

Wifi Wars

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

It’s the live comedy game show where you all play along: log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes! Hosted by comedian Steve...

Wild May Half Term Fun with Essex Wildlife Trust

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk/events?tags=510

Looking for an outdoor adventure this May half term? Enjoy family-friendly events, full of outdoor discovery from bug hunts and pond dipping to creative nature crafts and play, there’s something for...

Free Fireworks – Spring Bank Holiday

Venue: Clacton Pier

Website: www.clactonpier.co.uk

Completely free – Enjoy a magical night without spending a penny on tickets. Perfect for families, with special low-noise fireworks for younger guests and those sensitive to loud sounds. Prime viewing...

Knights of Royal England Joust

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Get ready for an epic battle of strength and valour as The Knights of Royal England return to Hedingham Castle over the Bank Holiday weekend! Explore the ancient Castle and stunning gardens, as well as...

Transport Extravaganza

Venue: East Anglian Railway Museum

Website: www.earm.co.uk/events/transport-extravaganza

Unlimited rides on a train hauled by one of the vintage Steam Locomotives and FREE bus rides to Bures and back available between 11am-4pm. The miniature railway will be open with unlimited rides and Braintree...

BeWILDerwood Norfolk

Venue: Horning Rd, Hoveton

Address: Norwich

Website: www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Enjoy Meet and Greets with the famous BeWILDerwood characters and watch enchanting shows at the Storytelling Stage. You can also get crafty in the Big Hat and take part in the Puzzling Park Trail during...

Grange Farm Family Forest Fun

Venue: Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve

Address: Grange Farm Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Fun in the forest for all the family to enjoy. Hang out in hammocks, design a den, get messy in the mud kitchen and so much more!Advance booking is essential and children must be accompanied by an adult....

Kids Club and Holiday Events at Laser Mayhem

Venue: Laser Mayhem

Website: www.lasermayhem.co.uk

School holidays activities include fortnite laser tag (Wednesday 2-4pm) for ages 7+, Thursday low impact paintball from ages 11+ and Friday Fortnite themed airsoft game for ages 11+. Sessions start at...

All About Swimming Crash Course

Venue: St Peter’s CofE Primary School

Website: www.allaboutswimming.co.uk

Running 9am-12 noon with a half price offer, £30 for 4 x 30 minute lessons. They will be continuing to run their crash courses during the summer holidays – a great way to keep your children on their...

History Heroes: Saxons Week

Venue: Museum of Chelmsford

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums

Learn about Saxon runes and riddles, learn to weave and how Saxon's dyed wool, create your own Saxon brooch to wear, handle real and replica objects and dress up like a Saxon! Activities are suitable for...

In The Night Garden Live

Venue: Cliffs Pavilion

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend

You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed...

Musical Theatre: Oliver

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Using songs from the show Oliver! this promises to be a lively workshop, full of energy. You will learn a fun routine with singing and dancing. This workshop will take place in the Theatre Studio, so...

Half Term Havoc - Space Fun

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

Space themed crafts and activities included in Museum admission. 9.30am-3.30pm.

Musical Theatre: The Greatest Showman

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Following a warmup and some energising games, the performers will throw themselves into two full routines, layering in fun choreography with their top notch singing. There will also be the opportunities...

Summer of Wonder

Venue: Saffron Walden Museum

Website: www.saffronwaldenmuseum.org

Drop in on 28 May to create leaf-embossed pinch pots, or make your own Green Man pin badge on 30 May. Tickets for these events are £2.40 per child (normal admission fees apply for adults). With a packed...

LDN Wrestling - May Half Term Special

Venue: Princes Theatre

Website: www.princestheatre.co.uk

The superstars of LDN Wrestling are back for a rip roaring half term wrestling spectacular! You've seen it on TV, now experience the magic and atmosphere of wrestling live in person. Family friendly ticket...

RARE Productions present Addams Family Jnr

Venue: Harlow Playhouse

Website: www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk

In the kooky, upside-down world of the Addams Family, to be sad is to be happy, to feel pain is to feel joy, and death and suffering are the stuff of their dreams. Nonetheless, this quirky family still...

Splat!

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Visit Chelmsford Theatre for a family friendly adventure all about art, perfect ages 3-6. Set in an artist's studio, the show follows the story of two aspiring artists, one neat and dedicated, the other...

Thameside Wild Evening Out

Venue: Thameside Nature Discovery Park

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Discover the wildlife of Thameside as the sun sets, with bug hunting, pond dipping, forest fun, and a campfire. Suitable for ages 5+ and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear suitable outdoor...

Wicked Sing-Along

Venue: Princes Theatre

Website: www.princestheatre.co.uk

Gather your friends and join the enchanting world of ‘Wicked’ at this unforgettable screening event. Equipped with your exclusive Sing-Along gift bag, you’ll be singing along with the film in a packed-out...

Meet Family Favourite: Paddington™

Venue: Audley End Railway

Website: www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

Families will have the chance to meet a very special visitor making a magical appearances this May Half Term! Paddington™, will be arriving at the railway on Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June –...

Nicky Trix Live! Magic and Mayhem

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Step into a world of magic and mayhem with family entertainer, Nicky Trix. Promising quick wit and infectious energy, Nicky will give your funny bone a tickle with comedy routines and outrageous antics....

Calm at The Castle

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

These sessions are suitable for visitors with ASD, providing an opportunity for them to explore the museum at a quieter time. They aim to minimise sensory stimulation on the galleries by turning off audio...

Dinosaur Adventure Live

Venue: West Cliff Clacton

Website: www.westcliffclacton.co.uk

The adventure of a lifetime awaits… bring the family on a T-REX-IFFIC journey with brand new dinosaurs, meet their ROAR-SOME babies and help the rangers save the Island. Are you brave enough to face...

Family Fun Day

Venue: Chelmsford City Racecourse

Website: www.chelmsfordcityracecourse.com

The second family event of the year promises fun for all the family and all ages! With something for everyone including inflatables, children's games, street villages and more. ITV Racing will be broadcasting...

Fun 4 Kids In Space

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

A day where everything is for kids, offering activities, workshops and games for all children up to the age of 15. Kids entry is free.To add to the excitement, the theme for the day is ‘Kids In Space’,...

The Wizard of Oz

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Starring their very own, the fabulous Fanny Galore as Glinda Galore, alongside a professional cast of West End performers, this spectacular, panto-like, colourful story is packed with hilarious jokes,...

Home Education Forest School

Venue: Danbury Country Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Aimed at home educated children, this series of six sessions at Danbury Country Park includes nature activities, forest crafts, imagination, physical play and building things.Children have the opportunity...

Family Forest School

Venue: Danbury Country Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Family Forest School sessions offer you and your family the opportunity to reconnect with nature and each other. Create lasting memories around the campfire, explore the native flora and fauna, swing in...

Roman and Medieval Festival 2025

Venue: Castle Park

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

A huge fun packed and educational event in Colchester’s Castle Park. Re-enactors from the Viking, Roman and Medieval periods showing fighting skills, cookery and living history camps. Story tellers,...

Bluey and Bingo

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

Say g’day to the dynamic duo! Bluey and Bingo will be greeting visitors at intervals throughout the day on Sunday 8th June. Visit the website for more details and times coming soon....

Heli Hounds

Venue: Earls Colne Business Park

Website: www.ehaat.org/support-us-get-involved/events/heli-hounds

The walk will start from the Fundraising Office and follow a 5km walk around the perimeter of the Marks Hall Estate in a circular route. All dogs pre-registering to take part receive a registration information...

Twelfth Night

Venue: Castle Park

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

Shakespeare in the Park returns to Castle Park Theatre in the Lower Bowls Green with the annual celebration of the great outdoors, great food and drink, and of course great theatre.

Twelfth Night - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: www.ticketsource.co.uk/tlcm/twelfth-night

Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men for Shakespeare’s greatest romantic comedy, Twelfth Night. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare’s original company, they present this joyous play...

Brake's Kids Walk

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.brake.org.uk

Take part in Brake’s Kids Walk to learn important road safety messages and shout out for children to have the right to make safe and healthy journeys. Sign up to take part in 2025 and receive your FREE...

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Cressing Temple Barns

Address: Braintree

Website: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk

Quantum Theatre's ever-popular production of Shakespeare’s most enduringly popular play of love and intrigue, magic and celebration set on that most dangerous of nights when fairies are abroad and nothing...

Basildon Pretty Muddy Kids

Venue: Gloucester Park

Website: https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Pretty Muddy® Kids is a fun-packed muddy obstacle course for children aged 6-12 (over 1.2m tall). The young fundraisers climb, crawl and slide their way around the course at their own pace, accompanied...

Pipes in the Park

Venue: Castle Park

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

Around 200 pipers and drummers will be descending on Colchester’s Lower Castle Park and children can enjoy the inflatables, bungee trampolines and other fun activities. Entry to the park is free, so...

Taylormania

Venue: Towngate Theatre

Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

The show has already taken ‘Swiftie’ fans across the world by storm, and features all of Taylor’s much loved hits including Shake It Off, Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Look What You...

Visit the Vulcan on Father’s Day

Venue: London Southend Airport

Website: www.avrovulcan.com/events

Visit the Vulcan on Fathers' Day is a great time out for Dad on his special day. He can get a close-up look at Vulcan XL426 in its hangar and for an additional fee can climb inside for a guided tour of...

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Venue: Cliffs Pavilion

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend

The multi award-winning show has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, international tours in over 80 countries worldwide and has become...

Foodies Festival

Venue: Hylands Park

Website: www.visitessex.com/whats-on

Watch MasterChef champions cooking in the Chefs Theatre. Learn how to make show-stoppers in the Cake and Desserts Theatre with Bake Off winners. Try exciting flavours in The Tasting Theatre, meet Artisan...

Taylormania

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Katy Ellis plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary artists of our time Taylor Swift. A self professed Swiftie, Ellis takes to the stage with a live band and dances promising to perfectly encompass...

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Green Island Gardens

Website: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk

Quantum Theatre's ever-popular production of Shakespeare’s most enduringly popular play of love and intrigue, magic and celebration set on that most dangerous of nights when fairies are abroad and nothing...

Professor Slug's House of Bugs

Venue: Colchester Arts Centre

Website: www.colchesterartscentre.com

Get as strong as an ant! Teach a bee how to buzz! And help a dung beetle make a pooey perfume for its big date…This interactive show is packed full of colourful puppets, catchy songs, and educational...

Sense and Sensibility

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

This funny, fast-paced and faithful new adaptation from the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company features live music, audience interaction, romance and heartbreak.Enjoy a night of fabulous theatre...

Dino Discovery Day

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

Discover extinct species from millions of years ago, from gigantic carnivores to the graceful herbivores, as well as the chance to meet and greet the dinosaur friends along with their keeper. Advance booking...

Hopefield Hoedown

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk

Round-up your family for a weekend of Americana entertainment. Includes live country and western musicians and singers, line dancing, mechanical rodeo bulls for children and adults, traditional fun fair...

The Smeds And The Smoos

Venue: Cliffs Pavilion

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend

Soar into space with this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up, from Tall...

Summer Fest

Venue: Harrow Lodge Park

Website: www.haveringmind.org.uk

On Sunday there will be a range of tribute acts on the main stage such as Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, with festival production that kids will love - confetti, bubbles and more! Think live shows, including...

Jigsaw Chelmsford Summer Camp

Venue: Brian Close

Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Learn, rehearse and perform a show in a week to family and friends on a professional stage! With sibling discounts available too it's the perfect place to keep your budding performers entertained this...

Bubble Rush

Venue: Carver Barracks

Website: www.ehaat.org/support-us-get-involved/events/bubble-rush

Bubble Rush is a foamy adventure where you’ll be surrounded by vibrant clouds of frothy fun at every turn! The course begins with a bubble blast at the start line, followed by four epic Bubble Stations...