10 Best Summer Holiday Ideas in Essex

Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with the Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks.

Can you find the magical creatures hiding in the Essex Country Parks?

Find fairies, dragons, and maybe even unicorns, who live deep in the hidden corners of the Essex Country Parks.

Or head over to Hadleigh Country Park for their special Bugs and Butterflies Summer Trail.

Make a day of it. Pack up a picnic and discover the magic of the great outdoors.

Love looking for wildlife too? Download ourSummer Spotters Guide and see how many birds, flowers and insects can you spot or hear in the Essex Country Parks.

Supported by the Essex Year of Numbers.

This is an idea fit for your diary. Come to Cressing Temple Barns on Thursday 24 July to discover a fantastic new and FREE festival for anyone with an interest in archaeology, history and the heritage of Essex – young and old.

Encounter some of the country’s leading heritage experts and browse finds, enjoy children’s activities and re-enactments, talks, tours and so much more including food stands and Tiptree cream tea boxes.

A programme of lectures and activities taking place throughout the day, including workshops with a children’s author, which are all now live to book!

Bring your own picnic and a blanket or take advantage of the picnic benches scattered around the atmospheric site. Find out more. 

Get your heart racing and explore new heights in a quest to conquer Sky Ropes at Great Notley Country Park in Braintree or High Ropes at Harlow High Adventure.

Put your balance and concentration skills to the test with these awesome adventure courses suitable for the whole family, from tiny tots of two years to big kids and adults.

There are two separate courses in Braintree. The main Sky Ropes course is suitable for children over 1.22m (4ft) and Sky Ropes Junior which is suitable for children who are at least 2 years old but less than 1.22m (4ft) tall. Book early to avoid disappointment.

In Harlow,climb high, challenge yourself to different levels and explore the hexagon tower for those who can reach 180cm with their arms fully stretched. Or try the Climbing Wall Adventure - five different fun and funky walls to test your climbing skills and build confidence for ages 6+. Book online.

Meet on the meadow at Danbury Country Park for some free child-led play in the great outdoors.

Come with family and friends, bring a picnic lunch and have some fun whilst making memories and learning new skills.

Activities and equipment available for children and families to use and enjoy will vary each week but may include hammocks, den building, mud kitchen, water play and a squirrel trail.

Drop in anytime between 11am - 2pm.

*Car parking charges apply.

Set imaginations free at our kids play areas and trails. Play, climb and soar in beautiful outdoor locations. Specially designed, natural and unique play equipment can be found at many of our Country Parks across Essex.

Great Notley Country Park boasts the longest play trail in Essex spanning an impressive 1.2km of fun and includes giant seesaws, swing scales, rope climbers, slides, forts and a large sand play area.

Set sail and become a pirate or captain of the Mersea Island crew at Cudmore Grove’s nautical themed play area. Capture wooden hippos or dig for treasure in the giant sandy pit.

Compete with the birds at Belhus Woods and compose an interesting tune using the outdoor musical play instruments or climb high on the rope ladder.

Weald has two play areas. One for smaller explorers and another with slides, monkey bars and more. Not to mention deer, ducks and a large green space ideal for kite flying.

Hadleigh is a bike rider’s paradise. Scale hills, test your balance on the rocky off roading area or find your top speed on the Pump Tracks. Benefitting from one of the largest green spaces in Essex, its also perfect for new riders to learn how to ride. Bike hire is also available through Hadleigh Cycles for fun family rides.

Essex Outdoors’ offer special All Ability days for children with SEN at their Harlow Centre.

Working in small groups, all ability kids will have the opportunity to take part in up to four fun and challenging activities each day. 

Parents can have peace of mind that children will benefit from constant supervision to ensure they have a memorable and fun filled day! Find out more and book on their website.