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
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.
Jaywick Martello Tower Exhibition: St Helena Hospice - Life Stories
St Helena Hospice is celebrating its 40th anniversary with two exhibitions at the historical Jaywick Martello Tower.
- Dates: May 1 - June 22, 2025
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free
Man about Country: An Essex Ways story walks
Discover the stories and secrets of Essex with a guided walk through some of its finest landscapes.
- Dates: June 13 - July 10, 2025
- Times: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free
ERO Presents: Thou Savage Woman
Former police officer and historian, Blessin Adams, will introduce us to her bold, page-turning new history of traitorous wives, greedy mistresses, cunning female poisoners and spiteful witches.
- Dates: June 17, 2025
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £12.00, concessions (Students, Under 27s and Unwaged) £10.00
Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free to take part
Parkrun: Cudmore Grove Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- Venue: Cudmore Grove Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free
Parkrun: Hadleigh Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free
Tagged with
Related blogs
Best Picnic Spots in the Parks
Picnics are a great way to spend time together away from distractions and are a relaxing and affordable way to enjoy long summer days in the great outdoors.
Posted on 11th June 2025
Read article
How to keep kids active in Essex this summer
These affordable ideas will keep your active kids amused during weekends and school holidays
Posted on 21st May 2025
Read article
Enjoy waterfalls and weirs on a waterside walk
If you’re looking for the tranquil walk around Maldon’s countryside and along the Rivers Blackwater and Chelmer, then the Beeleigh Falls and Heybridge trail is perfect for all ages.
Posted on 25th April 2025
Read article