10 affordable summer holiday ideas for active kids

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

Come with family and friends, bring a picnic lunch and have some fun whilst making memories - these free sessions are ideal for groups big and small and every generation.

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.

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book fans will love exploring the deep dark wood at Thorndon Country Park in Brentwood. Find The Gruffalo, Snake, Owl and more characters on this magical self-led wooden sculpture trail.

Travel 10 mins by car to nearby Weald Country Park and you can also meet Stick Man in his Family Tree. Walk along the pathways, past the resident deer and by the lake to meet more familiar characters from the much-loved book, illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Pick up a trail map from the café when you arrive and let the kids lead the way.

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. With plenty of new equipment to discover and accessible pathways, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

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.

Want to make this half-term memorable? Book the kids onto an Essex Outdoors school holiday activity day.

In small groups of around 10, children (aged 8-16) will enjoy four exciting activities each day with enthusiastic and highly qualified instructors.

Sessions range from high ropes, climbing and zip wire, to water sports including canoeing and stand-up-paddleboarding, to archery, mountain biking and bushcraft.

Childcare doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Days start from only £40, at either Danbury, Mersea, Bradwell or Harlow.

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.

If you’re looking to find the thrill of achievement indoors, choose Essex’s largest indoor climbing wall, The Lock in Harlow.

Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a newcomer looking to try the sport, The Lock Climbing Wall provides exhilarating climbing experiences for children aged 7+ and their families.

Choose the Kids Fun Climb sessions to see if your child has what it takes to move onto the Youth Learn NICAS sessions to learn how to become an advanced climber.

These two crafty ideas are bound to keep the kids (big and small) entertained this summer.

Gather ribbons and sticks, tie them together to make wonderful woodland wands.

Or preserve your memories with a tremendous time capsule.

Go to page 30 of the NEW Summer Essex Explorer Magazine for more details.

You might like to read our 50 things to do in Essex in 2025 for more holiday inspiration.