Kids play and trails

The Essex Country Parks are proud to be home to two official licensed sculpture trails with thanks to Magic Light Pictures.

Discover The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child and friends hiding in the 'Deep, Dark Woods' at Thorndon Country Park.

Meet the Stick Man in his family tree and find his friends around the lake at Weald Country Park. Here you can also enjoy feeding the fallow deer herd in their enclosure and the ducks -with the official food - available to purchase at a small cost from the cafe.

Set imaginations free with the delightful characters based on the bestselling and much loved books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Discover our themed wooden play areas and help your children to swoop and soar.

Physical play is important for children, and being outdoors can boost both mental and physical fitness. Read our blog about the benefits of parks to find out more.

Visit Belhus Woods to enjoy the musical themed play area.

Visit Cudmore Grove to delight in the maritime themed play.

Visit Great Notley for the longest play trail in Essex, bring bikes and scooters to enjoy along the way, head to the giant sand play area. You can also book on to Sky Ropes and make a day of it.

Visit Hadleigh Country Park for small children's play areas, parkour and pump tracks as well as the multi-use trails, ideal for cycling. There's even a bike hire shop on site.

Enjoy the two small play areas at Weald at the beginning and half way point of the Stick Man sculpture trail. Head into the woods to find the den building area too.

Tucked way at Danbury Country Park, our Forest School sessionsoffer you and your family the opportunity to reconnect with nature and each other.

Create lasting memories around the campfire, explore the native flora and fauna, swing in a hammock, challenge yourself to the rope ladder or just chill by the stream.

Choose from term time blocks or once a month Saturday sessions. Special school holiday themed activities also sometimes available.