Summer Events: Read, Count and Explore in the Parks

Free family summer fun days at the Essex Country Parks with Essex Libraries, TLC, ACL and our very own Education Rangers

Posted on 19th June 2023

Come and join us for FREE* family fun at the Essex Country Parks this summer and ‘Read, Count and Explore in the Parks’ this school holiday.

Enjoy story times and sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge with Essex Libraries, take part in drop-in craft sessions with ACL and our Park Rangers.

Pick up an Animal Mysteries Summer Trail booklet, borrow a Read and Count Under a Tree book bag, and much more.

Bring a blanket and join the teddy bear’s picnic!

Running from 10am to 2pm at various Essex Country Parks from Monday 31 July to Friday 11 August.

These events are part of the Essex County Council Year of Numbers initiative and Year of Reading legacy.

*Car parking charges apply

Read, Count and Explore in the Parks

The events will run from approximately 10am to 2pm on the following dates.

Monday 31 July: Hadleigh Country Park

Thursday 3 August: Thorndon Country Park

Monday 7 August: Cudmore Grove Country Park

Friday 11 August: Great Notley Country Park

Illustration of large yellow butterfly and three children sitting around a tree.

Plan your visit

Plan your visit to Hadleigh Country Park.

Plan your visit to Thorndon Country Park.

Plan your visit to Cudmore Grove Country Park.

Plan your visit to Great Notley Country Park.

Good to Know:

Car parking charges apply at all Essex Country Parks.

Cafes, kiosks or vans serving light refreshments available at all sites.

Toilets open at all sites.

Look out for the Read, Count and Explore Gazebo and come join in the fun.

Events

Autumn Scavenger Hunt

Autumn has arrived and the parks are bursting with colour. See how many of these seasonal sights you can spot on your next trip to an Essex Country Park.

Dates: September 10, 2025 - January 31, 2026
Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
For the whole family
Price:

Find out more