6 things to do in Essex this summer school holiday
Make this summer the wildest yet with Essex Country Park trails, adventures and activities
Posted on 16th July 2024
Looking for things to do during the summer school holidays – then you’re in the right place. There are loads of fun activities, from FREE family-friendly trails to sporty activity days to keep children (and parents) entertained.
Summer Magic Trails
Our Rangers are sure that magical creatures, including fairies, trolls and maybe even unicorns and dragons live deep in the hidden corners of the Essex Country Parks.
But some children seem to have stopped believing in them!
Can you find and count the magical creatures on our Summer Magic trail, to help make the magic stronger?
Wild Wednesdays
Enjoy some free family fun in the great outdoors this summer with Wild Wednesdays.
Meet on the meadow at Danbury Country Park for some FREE child-led play in the great outdoors, run by the Essex Country Parks Outdoor Learning Team.
Come with family and friends and bring a picnic lunch.
Sky High Adventures
Take this summer holiday to new heights with Sky Ropes in Braintree and High Adventure including The Lock Climbing Wall in Harlow.
Test your climbing skills and stamina with this fun and affordable activity for all the family. With courses for younger adventurers what's stopping you?
Book your next adventure: Sky Ropes, Harlow High Adventure.
Essex Outdoors Activity Days
Our friends at Essex Outdoors provide action-packed kids holiday club activity days at four centres during the summer holidays. Located across Essex at Bradwell Waterside, Danbury, Harlow and Mersea Island, small groups of children will enjoy four exciting activities with enthusiastic and highly qualified instructors.
Meet The Gruffalo and Stick Man on our sculpture trails
Take a stroll through the deep dark wood at Thorndon Country Park and find The Gruffalo and other familiar characters including Snake and Owl. 🐍🦉Or join Stickman on a hunt around Weald Country Park to say hello to Swan, Frog and discover our awesome kids play equipment. 🐿️
Trail sheets and more Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler storybooks and merchandise can be found in the café at both sites. Our fantastic toilet facilities and picnic spots also make fun days out easy for all!
Explore all 8 Essex Country Parks for less
Take advantage of our Explorer Pass Summer Offer and enjoy multiple visits to 8 Essex Country Parks for less with this annual car parking pass. Plus get 10% discounts at many cafes and visitor centres and more.
Buy before Sunday 25 August and get 13 months for the price of 12. Quote: Summer24 at the checkout.
The Essex Country Parks are:
- Belhus Woods
- Cudmore Grove
- Danbury
- Great Notley
- Hadleigh
- Thorndon
- Weald
- (You can park for free at Marsh Farm Country Park)
More inspiration
The NEW summer edition of the Essex Explorer Magazine is also packed full of things to keep you busy this summer. Read it online or pick up a hard copy from Essex Libraries.