Get active
Simply being outdoors and getting active improves both mental and physical health. From taking a walk across rolling grasslands to cycling and kids’ play trails we’ve got something for you in many different locations across the county. So come on and get out more.
Read more about the benefits of being outside in our blog.
Places to go
Featured events
![Gruffalo 25th Web](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/masthead/_c480x240/Gruffalo-25th-Web.jpg)
The Gruffalo and Friends 25th Birthday Colouring Competition
Win £50 of goodies every month with our colouring competition
- Dates: February 3 - August 31, 2024
- Venue: Thorndon Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free to enter
![Social Media Square](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/Social-Media-Square_2023-07-11-135804_abps.jpg)
Animal Mysteries Summer Trail at Hadleigh Country Park
Help our rangers find the animals hiding in the parks this summer holidays . . .
- Dates: July 20 - September 1, 2024
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Free
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Summer Magic Trail at Cressing Temple Barns
Add a touch of summer magic to the school holidays with our Summer Magic Trails at the Essex Country Parks...
- Dates:
- July 20 - September 1, 2024
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Free
![Adult men and women running](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/shutterstock_502256053.jpg)
Great Notley Country Park Parkrun
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
![Adult men and women running](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/shutterstock_502256053.jpg)
Cudmore Grove Country Park Parkrun
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- Venue: Cudmore Grove Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free
![Adult men and women running](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c480x240/shutterstock_502256053.jpg)
Weald Country Park Parkrun
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates: Every Saturday
- Venue: Weald Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free
Explore Essex
Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out
![A young boy and girl on scooters](https://ca1-exe.edcdn.com/_c800x480/shutterstock_436382107.jpg)
Need to know
Explorer Pass
Save money with your Explorer Pass
Our annual Explore Essex Pass will give you and your family the freedom to explore some of the incredible places and green spaces that Essex has to offer, as many times as you like throughout the year, with free parking at seven country parks, 2 or 1 on Sky Ropes, priority booking on specific events, and 10% discounts at many cafes and visitor centres.