THE 10 BEST Family & Kid Activities in Essex
Things to Do in Essex with Kids
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295 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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Amusement & Theme Parks • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Parks • Scenic Walking Areas
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Showing results 1-30 of 295
What travellers are saying
- Ben P1 contributionZoo overall is amazing, cannot fault the layout and how attractively each exhibit is presented. It was thoroughly a full-filled day out & one of the best zoo's we have visited.
However, the letdown was the lack of dining / food facilities. There was a lot of outdoor seating and picnic areas which were lovely but, concerning got food there was only a chicken wrap bar and a chip bar... Both of which rather slow service and after waiting 30 minutes to order at each we found there was no hot food options due to running out of ingredients (this was at 2pm). Consequently we couldn't get lunch whilst visiting for the day.
We would love to return granted the cafes, restaurants, dining facilities etc are more available and open as unfortunately, the site has loads of outdoor picnic areas which are empty of people due to lack of facilities and majority being closed. Alot of the indoor animal attractions were also early to close (3-4pm) despite the park having a closing time of 5:30pm, meaning we missed out on parts such as the bats.Written 20 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sameerah A4 contributionsThe theme park was great i went with my family and i love rides , its the closest theme park to me and its cheap not like other theme parks such as alton towers like don’t get me wrong i love alton towers but it costs alot and i have to drive 3 - 4 HOURS TO GO like adventure island is just 10 minutes away and my fav rides are rage and axis since there the most thrilling rides there the only thing is i wish there was more roller coasters there since i go every week day because its so cliseWritten 15 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Amanda S4 contributionsGreat full day out first ever visit to farm, so much to see and do perfect for for my 4 year old grandson, place was kept so tidy and clean all day great job done by staff 100% would recomend a visit .Written 18 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MoodyBlue69Colchester, UK14 contributionsI have actually been to this theatre many times. Its always well run and comfortable. A credit to the area. Staff are friendly, welcoming and helpful. A variety of shows throughout the year. Good parking either in local car parks or street parking.Written 20 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- gibbsartSouthend-on-Sea, UK3 contributionsThunderbirds! Captain Scarlet! Stingray! at Colchester Castle. Go back in time and revisit your childhood heroes at this perfectly puppet sized exhibition, Steve Zodiac, Captain Scarlet, Scott Tracy, Parker, Lady Penelope and of course the Angels are all on show! Celebrate the genius of Sylvia and Gerry Anderson. Admire the brilliance of the puppet and model makers. Then walk around the Castle and then go outside to the lovely Gardens. Colonel White is waiting for you!
The exhibition is on to the 30/6/2024.Written 19 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MrsrevillChelmsford, UK5 contributionsWe had a fabulous day at Marsh Farm, the new dinosaur experience was great! The staff were great at interacting with the little ones. The outdoor play area was also a great hit and with the sun shining we managed to enjoy it all!Written 22 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Caroline P7 contributionsabsolutely lovely afternoon out!
well thought-out and beautifully maintained gardens, intersting plants, knowledgable staff and great coffee shop!Written 5 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - jo pBristol, UK147 contributionsWe attended the Thunderbirds puppet weekend held in the Castle Museum and this park was idyllic with a rare weekend of sunshine to match. Sadly the nearby High Street on a Sat night is far from idyllic and somewhere to avoid unless you are young, drunk and don't need a nights sleep !Written 10 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DaisyUnited Kingdom1 contributionI took my 7 month old to one of Wyvernwood's Diddy Dragon Days, which are their special events for under 5s on Wednesdays and Fridays during term time.
He loved the baby sensory class - it was great having an activity he could get fully involved in, and the cast member leading the class was lovely and attentive. The storytelling session got a little noisy as there was a group of school children which scared him a little! Diddy Dragon Days run from 10 to 2, and the day passes quickly, so it's worth getting there when the park opens. At closing time, all the cast lined up at the gate and waved us off, which was a lovely touch.
The whole park was clean, well presented and easy to traverse with a pram. It's definitely somewhere to visit when the weather is good as very little is under cover - fortunately, we visited on a beautiful sunny day. There were 2 baby changing facilities (one inside the accessible toilet), which were clean and there wasn't a queue for them.
There could be more food options - just hot dogs, pizza, ice cream and hot drinks were available, so perhaps they could bring in a few food trucks. The hot dogs were huge and we did enjoy them, but I would have liked to have some sandwiches/paninis and snacks. I'll probably bring a picnic in future.
I think the Diddy Dragon Days are a great idea and we'll definitely be visiting again. Wyvernwood has already emailed me with some offers, including half price tickets, which is amazing! Under 2s are usually free, but tickets for them cost ÂŁ4.99 on Diddy Dragon Days, which I think is reasonable as there are activities on for them. Wyvernwood don't do annual passes for under 2s but I think it'd be great if they did some kind of annual or term pass for the Diddy Dragon Days, as we're local and I can see us visiting regularly - especially as Wyvernwood is conveniently located on a bus route.Written 13 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Madelon V4 contributionsHighly disappointing how long it took to buy a coffee from the Thatch Barn. One uninterested person serving. Creating an insanely long q and wait. On a sunny Sunday at least 2 people should be serving.Written 5 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Megan P2 contributionsAbsolutely brilliant. We took our boys (18 months & 3 years) and they both had a fantastic time.
There was enough there to keep both of them busy for the afternoon - with all the play equipment and the most enthusiastic goats that you will ever meet!
Definitely better on a dry day rather than a rainy day though.Written 23 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - George SFrinton-On-Sea, UK167 contributionsFrinton on Sea has a fabulous beach. Long and flat and in the most, golden sands! Yes of course there will be odd shells or multicoloured pebbles, and, of course, that sought-after Sea Glass that crafters enjoy finding.
Frinton-on-sea is a village by the sea. There are no refreshment stalls or cafe establishments along the seafront to drain away those hard-earned pounds. None to tempt the mothers of young children who want everything on offer. Most folk bring a picnic. There is plenty of space for all of this.
When you do want a light snack or meal, there are some fabulous eateries in Connaught Avenue to choose from.
Parking is free ( so far) along the Greensward road but get here early if you want to secure a space.
I do live here, I am not biased, just feel privileged to live here.Written 6 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MellWardTamworth, UK378 contributionsBeautifully laid out interesting home . Disappointed one couldn’t take photos inside the house, not suitable for those with mobility issues many stairs. Gardens so niceWritten 23 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Barry MThorpe Bay37 contributionsGreat for families....prams especially. Free WiFi, food fairly priced and gr8 selection. Best bit? ??? SUPERB STAFF.... !!!Written 2 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jane MWickford, UK16 contributionsVisited Boydells with a school trip today and I had to review straight away to say how absolutely fabulous it was. The staff are amazing, really know their stuff and they were so lovely with our inquisitive, curious little ones (and the adults !)
Don’t think I have ever experienced so many hands on activities and our children LOVED the paddle in the stream!!!
Thank you so so much for a wonderful day. We all loved it !!Written 2 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
