Summer Magic at Essex Country Parks

Make it an enchanted summer at the Essex Country Parks with our free trail and more

Posted on 29th June 2026

Summer Magic Trails

Our Rangers are sure that magical creatures, including fairies, trolls and maybe even unicorns and dragons live deep in the hidden corners of the parks.

But some children seem to have stopped believing in them!

Can you find and count the magical creatures on our Summer Magic trail, to help make the magic stronger?

Pick up a free trail activity sheet from participating sites, or download and print at home.

You can also pick up or print a family summer spotter's sheet.

Running throughout the school summer holidays, from Saturday 18 July 2026 at:

The Summer Magic trail is supported by Essex Year of Numbers.

A Bugs and Butterflies trail is running at Hadleigh Country Park summer 2026.

NB: Car parking fees apply at all sites except for Cressing Temple Barns.

Summer Magic illustration of wizard, fairy and troll
child in tutu skirt holding a wand doing a star jump against the sun and sky

Make your own woodland wand

Make your own woodland wands and bring them when you visit to make magical memories.

Find out how in Essex Explorer magazine.

You might also like FREE Family Forest School at Danbury Country Park. Wild Wednesdays run throughout August.

Med res ECP Danbury Sept22 0683

Events

Family Forest School at Danbury Country Park

Don’t let the children have all the fun, connecting with nature is beneficial for everyone. Come and join us at our Family Forest School sessions.

  • Dates:
    • November 7, 2026
    • December 5, 2026
    • February 6, 2027
    • March 6, 2027
    • April 17, 2027
  • Venue: Danbury Country Park
  • Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
  • For the whole family
  • Price: £10 for the first child. £6 for siblings. Accompanying adults Free. Under 18 months free.
Buy tickets for Family Forest School at Danbury Country Park Find out more about Family Forest School at Danbury Country Park
Med res ECP Danbury Sept22 0431

Events

Woodland Play under five's Forest School: Danbury Country Park

Join us for woodland play sessions, aimed at the under-5's. Activities include forest crafts and building dens.

  • Dates:
    • November 9, 2026
    • November 16, 2026
    • November 23, 2026
    • November 30, 2026
    • December 7, 2026
    • (continued …)
  • Venue: Danbury Country Park
  • Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
  • For under 5s
  • Price: £9.00 per child, siblings £5.00
Buy tickets for Woodland Play under five's Forest School: Danbury Country Park Find out more about Woodland Play under five's Forest School: Danbury Country Park
Shutterstock 303586721

Events

Forest School sessions for Home Ed: Danbury Country Park

Aimed at home educated children, this series of six sessions at Danbury Country Park includes nature activities, forest crafts, imagination, physical play and building things.

  • Dates:
    • November 9, 2026
    • November 16, 2026
    • November 23, 2026
    • November 30, 2026
    • December 7, 2026
    • (continued …)
  • Venue: Danbury Country Park
  • Times: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
  • Primary School aged children
  • Price: Now booking for November and the New Year 2027. Sibling discounts available.
Buy tickets for Forest School sessions for Home Ed: Danbury Country Park Find out more about Forest School sessions for Home Ed: Danbury Country Park

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