8 affordable May half term ideas for active kids

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.

Purchase 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.

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.

Head to Belhus Woods to swing, slide and 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, it's perfect for new cyclists to learn how to ride. Bike hire is also available through Hadleigh Cycles for fun family days out.

Want to make this half-term more 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.

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.

Experience a day out with a difference with Essex Outdoors on the River Blackwater Estuary.

Whether you want to learn the ropes and try your hand at helming or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings - the choice is yours.

Build your day just how you want it and make memories to last a lifetime with family and friends.

Or try a Stand Up Paddle Board Taster Session at Harlow. Available for adults and children aged 8+.

Make the most of Maywith a sea wall or waterside walk.

Comb the beach for shells at Cudmore Grove or spot the sailing boats and wildlife at Marsh Farm Country Park.

Or choose a lakeside stroll at Belhus Woods, Danbury, Weald, Great Notley or Hadleigh Country Parks.

Slow things down, bring a picnic and watch the kids enjoy a day out by the water.

You might like to read our 12 reasons to visit the 8 Essex Country Parks in 2026 blog for more holiday inspiration.