Kids play and trails
Get your kids out and set their imaginations free as they play, climb and soar in beautiful outdoor locations. Specially designed, natural and unique play equipment has been commissioned and developed at many of the parks. Great Notley Country Park boasts the longest play trail in Essex and is also home to Sky Ropes. Find out more and kid about.
Great Notley Country Park
Home to Essex's longest play trail and Sky Ropes, Great Notley Country Park offers the perfect family day out.
- Braintree, Great Notley, CM77 7FS
Cudmore Grove Country Park
A nature reserve with of over 102 acres of unique coastal landscapes and habitat and heritage overlooking the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries.
- Broman's Lane, East Mersea, CO5 8UE
Belhus Woods Country Park
Over 300 acres in South Essex, Belhus Woods Country Park combines ancient woodland, kid's play area, meadows and lakes with a visitor centre and café.
- South Ockendon, Aveley, RM15 4XJ
Weald Country Park
Famous for its deer park and Stick Man trail, Weald boasts spectacular views and space, covering over 520 acres of woodland, wildflower meadows and open grassland.
- Weald Road, Brentwood, CM14 5QS
Thorndon Country Park
Colourful woodlands, birdlife, open parkland, fishing and the Gruffalo Trail make Thorndon Country Park the perfect destination for nature lovers, dog walkers and families alike.
- Brentwood, Warley, CM13 3RZ
Essex Outdoors Danbury
Danbury offers a wide variety of programmes including activities such as aerial trekking, canoeing, climbing and mountain biking. Duke of Edinburgh and expedition leadership courses are also run from this site. Danbury’s 70 acre site offers many options for your accommodation, conferencing and room hire needs – catered or self-catering.
- Well Lane, Danbury, CM3 4AB
Sky Ropes
Your family adventure starts here! Swing, swoop and soar on our specially designed Sky Ropes.
- Essex, Braintree, CM77 7FS
The Lock Climbing Wall
Welcome to Essex's largest Indoor climbing Centre! Located on the outskirts of Harlow, The Lock climbing wall is one of the most popular climbing walls.
- Burnt Mill, Harlow, CM20 2QS
Discover more places
Featured events
Jaywick Martello Tower: Junior Coastal Open 2023
We are now accepting applications for the Junior Coastal Open 2023.
- Dates: June 1 - October 29, 2023
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 12:00pm - 12:00pm
- Teenagers
- Price: Free
Walter and Zoniel's Modern Mythologies - Thorndon (South) Country Park
From mid-September, artists Walter and Zoniel present an ambitious public art project across Essex green spaces.
- Dates: September 15, 2023 - April 30, 2024
- Venue: Thorndon Country Park
- For the whole family
- Price: FREE
Walter and Zoniel's Modern Mythologies - Hadleigh Country Park
From mid-September, artists Walter and Zoniel present an ambitious public art project across Essex green spaces.
- Dates: September 15, 2023 - April 30, 2024
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- For the whole family
- Price: FREE
Walter and Zoniel's Modern Mythologies - Jaywick Martello Tower
From mid-September, artists Walter and Zoniel present an ambitious public art project across Essex green spaces.
- Dates: September 17, 2023 - April 30, 2024
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- For the whole family
- Price: FREE
Explore Essex
Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out
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.