If you are looking for inspiration for the Easter holidays this year this post shares Essex based Easter Egg Hunts, Spring Trails, Easter themed hosted activities for children and other events taking place in the Easter holidays to help you keep your children entertained. I have added a map to the end of the post to help you find which events are near you.

When are the Easter Holidays?

Easter Sunday this year is 5th April 2026, with most schools in Essex breaking up on Friday 27th March and going back on Monday 13th April. With Easter weekend in the middle of the holidays most of the Easter themed events are in the first week and over the bank holiday weekend.

Post Updates

This post has been updated for 2026 with over 45 confirmed Easter holidays events. Many locations are yet to announce this years events by time of publishing, but in previous years we have listed over 100 events by Easter. In some cases where events are expected, but not confirmed I have shared last year's information to give an idea of what might happen and prices (clearly stated as last year's info). The post will be regularly updated throughout February and March.

If you live in Essex you might also find my guides to Essex section helpful for places to visit or these ideas of what to do with children in Essex this Spring.

Here are the places in Essex offering Kids Eat For Free (or £1) over the Easter holidays.

Easter Egg Hunts and Easter Holiday Activities for Children in Essex (and beyond) for 2026

Events range from free to £££, check the organisers website or Facebook page for latest information on ticket availability.

Last updated 23rd February 2026

Easter Egg Hunts and Holiday Activities in Essex for 2026

Where to go in Essex this Easter

Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, Church Road, Layer-de-la Haye, Colchester, Essex, CO2 0EU

There is an 'Eggcellent Easter trail' at Abberton Reservoir Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April 10.30 to 3.30pm where on completion of the Easter Trail children received a chocolate prize (allergy friendly option available if specified on booking form). Tickets need to be booked in advance online and included pond dipping too. £8.80 per child (including booking fee).

All Things Alpaca, Lathcoats Farm, Beehive Lane, Galleywood, CM2 8LX

'All Things Alpaca are running special 15 minute sessions where children can meet and handle chicks, bunnies and lambs. the baby animals on the farm (does not include bottle feeding). Up to 4 people will be on each session. £8 per child up to 15 years, includes a free adult spectator ticket per child. Sessions running from Saturday 28th March to Saturday 25th April. You can also enjoy Lathcoats farm while there.

Ashlyns Wildlife Park, 5 High Road, North Weald, CM16 6RZ

There are 3 play areas and a range of animals at this wildlife park. It's not huge, but good for a dry day. If it's cold you can book a soft play session too. Last year at Easter they had Peter Rabbit making appearances. Easter 2026 event not yet announced.

Audley End House and Gardens, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF

The 'Easter Quest' takes place from Saturday 28th March to Sunday 19th April 10am to 5pm. Solve the clues around the grounds to claim a chocolate reward. Easter quest tickets cost an additional £2 to the entry price (for both members and non-members). Entry costs: £31.20 for an adult and up to 3 children, or £50.20 for 2 adults and up to 3 children. Under 5s free. Free entry for English Heritage members (but still need to pay for the quest). You can get English Heritage family membership (for 2 adults and up to 12 children) for £144 a year.

The Big Brick Build LEGO event will also be happening between Friday 3rd to Sunday 12th April.

Audley End Enchanted Railway (previously Audley End Miniature Railway), Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB
Open every day from the 28th March to 12th April 2026 you can hop on the train at Audley End Enchanted Railway. You will be welcomed onboard the train by the friendly Farmer who will Take one of the trains into the woods to visit 'Shearlock Holmes- The Sheep Detective' and help to solve the case of the missing eggs. Once the case is cracked you can visit Fulfen Forest to the potting shed where you can plant carrot seeds to take home. You can also visit the Fairy and Elf Walk and see the mischievous Fox in a stage show.
Tickets: £19, children under 92cm are half price (£9.50) and under 1s free. Easter weekend is an extra £1.50/ 75p per person. Booking essential.

A steam train pulling out of the station with open side carriages behind it

Audley End Enchanted Railway

Barleylands, Barleylands Road, Billericay CM11 2UD

Visit the farm park for Spring Easter fun including crafts and lamb bottle feeding from 28th March to 12th April 2026. Prebooking is recommended to speed up admission, but walk in tickets normally available. Includes animal holding, springtime crafts, lamb bottle feeding demos and the Skittleman the Entertainer as well as normal activities including soft play and animal displays.

Advanced price for adults and children 2 years £16.55 a ticket, under 6 to 24 months £3.40. Save 15% by buying tickets in advance online.
Also worth noting that there is an Easter Market in the village area outside the Farm Park with free Easter Trail on 3rd April.

Barnards Farm, West Horndon, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3FY

Take a ride on the Easter Express on the 4th or 5th April. Take part in an Easter egg hunt while on a miniature railway before collecting a chocolate egg back at the terminus. Lasts about 20 minutes. Online prebooking required. Tickets £15 per person (plus £1.04 booking fee).

Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre, Broxhill Road, Havering-atte-Bower, Essex, RM4 1QH

The Easter Trail is on the 4th and 5th of April. Follow the trail and receive a prize back at the Visitors Centre. Recommended for children 4 to 11. Advanced booking required £8.80 per child. Keep an eye out on their website for other activities in the holiday too.

Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre, Eastwood Road North, Leigh on Sea, SS9 4LR

The Easter trail for 2026 hasn't yet been announced, but they do have lots of other activities available to book. Last year the trail was £3 per person.
Other activities include Forest School sessions, den building, a boat race, scrap booking (for families and various ages)

Bourne Mill, Bourne Road, Colchester, CO2 8RT

Bourne Mill is showing as closed until next year due to renovation, assuming the announcement was added last year this means it won't have the normal National Trust egg trail in the grounds this year.

Boydells Dairy Farm, Braintree Road, Braintree, CM7 4AQ

If the meaning of Easter for you is more about new life than chocolate, then maybe take a visit to Boydells working farm as it reopens for the Easter season (date tbc). This farm is all about the animals and over the Easter holidays you can expect to be able to hold chicks and rabbits, try milking cows and feeding baby sheep. Open 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Previously Adults £7, Children £6.

Brandon Groves Community Club, Branson Groves Avenue, South Ockendon, RM15 6SB

Party Monsters have their Big Easter Party for all the family on Wednesday 8th April. There are 3 sessions starting at : 10.30am, 1pm and 3.30pm. Includes magic show, puppet show, bubbles, balloons, snow, sensory play, bouncy castles and more. Tickets £5 for infants, £9 children and £6 adults plus booking fees. Snacks, drinks and face painting can be bought separately.

Brentwood Theatre, 15 Shenfield Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8AG
There is fun for the whole family at Nicky Trix' Easter Egg-stravaganza magic show, taking place on 2nd April 1.30pm (90 minute performance including interval), tickets £15.
On 9th April enjoy the Ultimate Eggventure - Ultra Vibrancy, a "Black Art UV Puppet show". 2pm show, 75 minutes running time including interval. Tickets are £10.

Call of The Wild Zoo, Wickford Rd, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5QZ

This years Easter event has not been announced. Last year Peter Rabbit made an appearance for meet and greets throughout the day on Good Friday. They also ran a range of Easter activities alongside their normal offerings such as an Easter trail and the opportunity to meet baby animals however nothing else has been announced yet. Their animal demonstrations are back for the season again though so you can see some great bird displays.

Cammas Hall Farm, Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak CM22 7JT
The Pick You Own Farm re-opens at Easter with a Fairy Tale Easter Trail from 31st March to 12th April (10am to 5pm). The route takes you through open farm and woodland with surprises and themed areas along the way. Complete the trail and get a tasty seasonal treat. Based on last year it will get really muddy in wet weather. Tickets must be prebooked, they cost £8.95 per child and £5 for accompanying adults. There is no charge babies under 12 months, but they need a ticket.
They also have Footgolf available for £6.00 per person if you fancy challenging your family to a game over the 6 acre, 9 hole footgolf course.

Capel Manor Gardens, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 4RQ

Easter activities are planned from Friday 3rd April to Monday 6th April 2026. The Easter trail runs 10am to 4pm (last entry 2pm). Complete the themed trail and claim a treat at the end. Meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy Easter crafts (colouring). There is also a mini zoo, picturesque themed gardens and the fairy forest to explore. Face painting and bouncy castle at an additional cost.
Booking recommended to guarantee entry. Adults £12, Children £9.50, under 2s free (plus booking fee). Read more in my review from our recent visit.

Chelmsford City Centre
The Chelmsford Takeover organised by Chelmsford for You and Essex Cosplayers is back on Saturday 11th April, 10am to 4pm raising funds for Little Havens. This free entry event normally involves plenty of characters and props from film and TV, workshops and activities and a costume competition. Full details not yet announced. Check out the Facebook event page for the latest information.

Chelmsford Museum, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2 9AQ

Chelmsford Museum have an Oi! It's the Easter Holidays event with "painting, crafting and digging" inspired by the "Oi Dinosaur!" book by Kes Gray. Running from 31st March to 9th April and ideal for age 6 to 10. £6 for non-members, includes one free adult. It's worth following them on Facebook for other events they announce in the Easter holidays.

Chelmsford Race Course, City Racecourse, Chelmsford CM3 1QP
This year there is a two day festival at the Racecourse running on Maundy Thursday (2nd) and Good Friday (3rd). Includes racing as well as a Games Zone for friendly competition, Kids Zone, petting zoo, food village and DJ. Adult tickets from £15 on Thursday and £20 on Friday, under 18's are free with the standard ticket. This sold out last year which is why they have added the additional day to this year's event.

Chelmsford Theatre, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford. CM1 1JG
Over the Easter holidays there are several shows of interest for families including: The Tiger Who Came To Tea (Friday 3rd April to Sunday 5th April) and Ministry of Science Live 2026 (Monday 6th April).

Colchester Castle, Castle Park, High Street, Colchester, CO1 1TJ

The 2026 Easter activities haven't yet been announced. Last year there was a trail (additional £5), crafts and games. Admission is £12.75 for adults, £7.50 for first child and £3.75 for consecutive children within the group.

Colchester Zoological Society, Maldon Road, Colchester CO3 0SL
Colchester Zoo's Easter holidays activities are running from 28th March to 12th April 2026. Tickets are at peak price: £25.88 (adults) and £19.13 (children) in advance without a donation or more on the day. If purchasing family membership it costs just over twice this rate and you'll get 10% discount off any food and drink you buy on the day so it's worth looking into it if you love the zoo.

A large furry easter bunny holding real chicks

The Barleylands Easter Bunny

Copped Hall, Crown Hill (Upshire Road), Epping. Sat Nav postcode CM16 5HR

Join the Easter egg hunt and enjoy the spring flowers on Sunday 5th April. Gates open at 2pm and close at 4pm, car park closes at 5pm. Adult tickets £7 in advance, £8 on the day (accompanied children under 16 are free). Children can see the Easter bunny and join in an Easter egg hunt to search for hidden clues (not plastic eggs) while adults can enjoy the Spring flowers. There will also be Easter themed colouring and a face painter. Tea/coffee and home-made cakes available until 4.30pm and the Copped Hall shop and second hand Bookshop are also open. Prebooking recommended.

Countrycare Easter Scavenger Hunt Roughtally’s Wood, end of Pike Way, North Weald, CM16 6BL
Take part in this Easter Scavenger Hunt across the nature reserve on Wednesday 1st April 2026 11am to 1pm, see how many wildlife riddles you can answer correctly and win some Easter treats. For children aged between 4-11 years and all children must be accompanied by an adult. £3 per child 4 and over, under 4s free. No charge for accompanying adults.

East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel Station, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DS
On the 3rd to 6th April (Easter weekend) the popular Day Out With Thomas event returns to East Anglian Railway Museum between 10am and 4pm. You can take unlimited train rides behind Thomas, Percy and Daisy. Meet Toby, Henrietta, Rusty, Dusty and Sir Topham Hatt. Also enjoy the miniature railway and train themed playground. Tickets cost £15 for children (2 to 17) and £19 for adults. Prebooking required. Read about our visit here.

Epping Forest Play in the Park- Various dates and locations from 30th March to 2nd April and 7th to 10th April.
Free of charge and no need to book, just drop in at any time. They have two sessions most days in different locations, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The Play in the Park team supply a range of sports equipment and arts and crafts activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar and North Weald
Catch the Easter Express running between the 3rd and 6th April at Epping Ongar Railway. The Easter egg hunt takes place around across both stations and the train ride making it probably the longest Easter Egg hunt in Essex and you will need to hop on and off their heritage steam and diesel trains to spot them all. Children need to keep an eye out the window while riding the trains. Get your clue sheet on arrival and spot all the eggs before heading to the shop to get a special Easter treat. There will be appearances by Bertie The Easter Bunny and face painting (additional cost). A magician will also be on some trains.
Tickets: Adult £17.50; Child £12; Family (up to 2 adults and 3 children) £57. Under 3s free. Prebooking required.

Essex Libraries, Across Essex

For free Easter events this holiday check out what is happening at your local library. Lots of locations have Easter crafts happening on Saturday 28th March including: Shenfield, Stanway and Vange. Check for age suitability and if booking is required.

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park, South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Colchester , Essex, CO5 7DN
On the 3rd and 4th April there is an Easter event where you can complete a trail for an 'Easter prize' and then also make an Easter-themed craft out of natural materials. You need to prebook (£8.80 per child including booking fee).
There are other bookable activities happening over the holidays too including Fingringhoe Forestmaster (30th March), Fingringhoe Pond Dipping (1st April) and Fingringhoe Bows, Arrows and Crowns (7th April).

Flatford, East Bergholt, Suffolk, CO7 6UL

The National Trust Easter Egg hunt is running from 28th March to 12th April between 10.00am and 3pm. The trail is across countryside which gets muddy at times (so bring wellies). Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, pencil, bunny ears and dairy or 'Free From' chocolate egg.

Admission of £5 per car also applicable (unless National Trust members). Please note the cottage, shop and tea room aren't open every day so check the website.

Forty Hall, Forty Hill, Enfield, EN2 9HA
The 2026 Easter event hasn't yet been announced, last year there was a Golden Bunny Hunt at 11am, 12pm and 1pm on Saturday 19th to Monday 21st April. Once they complete the hunt, children get a reward. It required prebooking via the website for £5.50 per child.

Hylands Estate, London Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM2 8WQ
The monthly Hylands Estate open day is during the school holidays on Sunday 12th April, but it is likely that if they have Easter activities they might happen at the one before on 8th March. Previous years the house was open with Easter crafts, an egg scavenger hunt and storytelling (free). Outside the House you can expect a wide range of food stands, live music in The Stables and explore the artists' studios.

Get To Know Animals, Forest Lodge Commercial Complex, Epping Rd, Epping, Essex, CM16 5HW

The mini zoo are likely to be running its hands on animal experience sessions like they do most holidays. There won't be lambs or chicks, but you might get to hold a bunny and maybe a snake or bearded dragon. In the 1 hour experience (which comes with zoo entry) you get to hold up to 10 animals and you will learn lots about them too. Dates to be confirmed, book directly on their website at £25 per person. You can read about our recent visit here.

A girl stroking a rabbit at Get To Know Animals Epping

No Easter Bunny, but there are real bunnies to see at Get To Know Animals

The Gibberd Garden, Marsh Lane, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0NA
2026 information not yet available. Last year The Gibberd Garden was open for an Easter Family Fun Day on Easter Monday (21st April 2025) from 2pm to 6pm. It included an egg trail and activities for children as well as the gardens to explore. Entry last year was £6 adults, £1 children, under 5s free, the Easter trail is an extra £1 and there is also face painting for £5.

Go Bananas, 9-10 Mason Road, Cowdray Centre, Colchester, CO1 1BX

2026 party not yet announced, last year the soft play had an Easter Party for 1 to 12 year olds on Friday 18th April from 5.00 to 7.00pm. Includes a professional entertainer, Easter egg hunt, dancing, soft play, games and crafts. £15.99 per child, £3 per adult. Book online.

The Green Barn Farm Shop, North Benfleet Hall Fishery, Benfleet SS12 9JR
This farm shop and cafe has an egg hunt (with a small Easter treat to take home), animal handling (including holding a chick, pet the calf and miniature pigs and stroke a bunny and guinea pig), bottle feeding, crafts, Easter bunny, make food for the easter bunny and photo opportunities at their Easter event running 21st/ 22nd March, 28th March to 4th April and 6th to 10th April. There are also tractor rides (£3.50 pp)and marshmallow toasting at an extra cost. Advanced booking required: £12.50 per child, accompanying adults £5.50 (under 1s free) plus booking fee. Addition £1 per person on Easter weekend.

A boy counting plastic easter eggs in a basket having completed an Easter Egg Hunt

Join in the trail and see baby animals at The Green Barn Farm Shop

Hadleigh Farm Estate, The Hub, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, SS7 2PP

Last year there were free Easter holiday activities for families including: Fun with Clay, Hot Cross Bunnies, Easter Bunny Trail, Jelly Bead Prayer Bracelets, Edible Easter Garden and Holy Week in A Box between 10am and Midday at the Hub Cafe in Hadleigh Park run by the Salvation Army. Check their Facebook for updates.

Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay CM11 1WT
An Easter-themed adventure trail with crafts and outdoor exploration on Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April, suitable for children over 4. Tickets must be booked in advance and cost £8.80 per child, including booking fee.

Hanningfield Waterside Park, Giffords Lane, South Hanningfield, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 8HX

An Easter Kids Craft Club is running on Tuesday 31st March and 7th April. £2.50 per child and no booking required (cash may be required). Keep an eye out for their Easter Egg hunt being advertised soon too.

This is also a great place to spot birds and has a play area and plenty of parking.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow CM20 1LS
Harlow have their Easter Panto: Robin Hood from 27th March and 2nd April, having seen previous pantos I'm sure it will be a lot of fun. Tickets from £14. You can also catch the show later in it's tour in Southend on 9th April and Thameside (Grays) 11th April.

Also at the Playhouse this Easter, Harlow Ballet Association present Cinderella on 10th and 11th April.

Hasty's Adventure Farm, West Road, Clacton, CO15 1AG

Last year The Easter Trail ran throughout the Easter holidays. Children could look for the wooden eggs around the farm, write down where they found them and get a chocolate egg or sticker on their way out. Included in the cost of farm entry. Entry last year was £11.95 per person.

Hedingham Castle, Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3DJ
On Sunday 5th and Monday 6th April (10am to 4pm) Hedingham Castle have a Knights of Middle England Joust. Step back in time to enjoy displays of Falconry, musicians, try out archery and axe throwing, explore the castle and join a Knight School battle. Gates open at 10 am and the Jousts will take place at roughly midday and 3pm. Adults £24, 4-16 year olds £17.50, under 4's free. There are also family tickets available which provide savings.

Hobbycraft (Various locations including Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow and Southend)
Most Hobbycraft stores run craft sessions in store and in the run up to Easter. Previous years they included: Easter bonnet making (£8), Easter Egg Character Workshop (£8) and Easter clay animal making (£8). These start in early March and need to be booked online via ClassBento. If you are struggling to return search results select 'Spring and Easter Crafts' as craft type and make sure you put dates in (even when I know classes are listed I find it difficult to make them show up).

Hollytrees Museum, Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1UG

Easter events for 2026 haven't yet been announced, last year they had Easter card crafting sessions. The crafts were included within museum entry which costs £3.50 for the first child and £1.75 for all additional children in the party. Adult entry is £5. The museum is open 10am to 5pm for this family friendly museum in Castle Park with plenty of hands-on exhibits.

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Farm, Sawyers Hall Lane, CM15 9BZ

Hopefield reopens for the season on 27th March with an Easter event during the school holidays. Meet the Easter Bunny, hop your way around our Easter trail and enjoy animal talks and feeds (adults £11, children £9.96, Blue Peter Badge Holders free). In addition the Easter Fun Weekend event runs from 4th to 6th April with themed activities, games, trails and seasonal entertainment, (adults £14.15, children £16.77)

RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford CM3 8ET

The Easter trail runs 28th March to 12th April runs throughout the Easter holidays and children can complete the Easter Detective trail to find out who framed the Easter Bunny. Detective packs are £3 per person and get a chocolate prize. The 'Wind in the Willows' garden adventure trail is also running throughout 2026 (it started in February). On selected days there are storytelling sessions throughout the day. Entry is free to RHS members and under 5s. Non-members advanced tickets, £16.80 adults, £5.00 for children.

Kids Play Bouncy Castles, Debden Park High School, Willingale Road, Loughton, IG10 2BQ

Easter event not yet announced, but expected soon. If you are looking for something inside for children to burn off energy then this pop up soft play and inflatable event is suitable for 6 months to 11 year olds. There are large inflatables for children aged 4 years and over and brilliant area for younger children too. Last year it was running on 10th and 11th April in bookable 2 hour slots starting at 9.30am, £12 per child (over 6 months) tickets available to book online.

A toddler inflatable area at Debden Park 2020 easter

Part of toddler area at Kids Play Bouncy Castle Pop Up Soft Play and Inflatables in Loughton

Langdon Nature Discovery Park, Lower Dunton Road, Basildon, SS16 6EJ

There are lots of Easter events planned a Langdon this year including: a story time sessions with crafts for preschoolers (3rd), Easter crafts (4th) and pond dipping (6th April). Previous years there has also been a trail through out the holidays for £4 a child, you can join in by grabbing a map from the Nature Discovery Centre. Once completed children can return to the centre to collect their prize.

Lathcoats Farm, Beehive Lane, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 8LX

The Easter trail runs from 20th March to 11th April, tickets on sale soon. Normally you collect the activity sheet and pencil from the farm shop and head to the animal area to start the Easter Trail. Once completed you could collect your prize. £4.50 per participant. No more than 2 non-paying participants with 1 paying participant. No booking required. It's a fairly short trail, but great for little ones.

Layer Marney Tower, Layer Marney, Nr. Colchester, C05 9US

You can visit Layer Marney during the school holidays (28th March to12th April) to go on a tractor ride and see the lambs, and feed them if they are hungry. In addition on Easter Sunday and Monday there is an Easter event including an egg and spoon race and toddler Easter Egg Hunt. Tickets are £12 adults, £7 children.

Layer Woods, New Cut, Layer de la Haye, Colchester CO2 0EH

The Layer Egg Hunt normally takes place on Good Friday, but the 2026 event details are to be announced. The event raises money for Layer primary school and starts at the village hall before going round the woods. Each child receives an egg or allergen free alternative for solving the riddles. Tickets last year were £6 (plus booking fee) in advance, £8 on the day per child depending on availability. May be muddy and not suitable for pushchairs. Buy tickets here.

Feeding a baby lamb

Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2EF

Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park will be running events over the Easter holidays as normal, but details are still to be announced.

Little Easton Manor, Park Road, Dunmow CM6 2JN

This year's event is “Neverland Easter Adventure” themed. Running on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April between 10.30am and 3.30pm. In the gardens you will find Captain Hook ready to play games, a hunt for fairy dust (with a chocolate egg reward), bungee trampoline and bouncy castles, face painting, garden games and live music. Entry is £12.50 per person (over 2 years). They also have an Easter lunch on Easter Sunday and Peter Pan themed afternoon tea on Easter Monday 6th April.

Marsh Farm, South Woodham Ferrers CM3 5WP

Marsh Farm will be running their Easter Egg-stravanza on 20th to 22nd March and 28th March to 12th April. Expect an egg hunt, face glitter, walkabout characters, live shoes and the normal activities. You can also upgrade your tickets for access to the handful of rides and the ice rink. Peak prices 27th March to 6th April. Booking prices are a little confusing, but they appear to be: £26.50 each for VIP tickets including build a bear and rides, Early bird tickets £10.50 each (plus a £2.50 upgrade for rides and ice rink), I assume this will go up as it gets closer to Easter. £14 for tickets for the week after Easter,

Melford Hall, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9AA

Easter Adventures will be running at Melford Hall in the Easter Holidays from 1st to 6th April, 11am to 4.30pm. This event includes a National Trust Easter trail with nature inspired activities in the beautiful gardens. Charged at £3.50 per child including map, bunny ears and chocolate treat (vegan/ free from option available), get your trail at the Visitors Centre. Admission charges also apply (£14 adults, £7 children, free for National Trust members)

Mountfitchet Castle, Stansted CM24 8SP

Mountfitchet Castle opens for 2026 on the 14th March and they normally announce the Easter details shortly before this. Last year they had an Easter Bunny Trail where children collected stamps around the Castle & Museum to claim an Easter prize. Opening hours 10am to 5pm with last admission at 3.45pm. Last year prices were £18 for adults, £14 for children 3 to 13, no need to book.

Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, CM9 6QA

There is an Easter Holiday Event at the Museum of Power on Thursday 2nd and 9th April, 9.30am to 4pm. It includes an Egg Hunt, crafts and activities. The miniature train and astaria model village will be open. Adults £8, children £5, under 5s £1. Prebook tickets via their website.

The Naze Centre, Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8LE

Take part in the Easter event from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th April. Learn about eggs under the sea and take part in some crafts using natural materials. £8.80 per child (including booking fee), advanced booking required.
There are also Family Fossil Discovery sessions you can book during the holidays where they will help you hunt for fossils on the beach and Seashore Discovery sessions where they will help you discover living creatures.

North Weald & District Miniature Railway, Canes Lane (A414), Hastingwood, Near Harlow, Essex, CM17 9LD
This miniature railway in the grounds of Harlow Garden Centre (the one on the roundabout at junction 7 of the M11) has it's Easter specials on Friday 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th April between 11am and 4pm..
Children get a chocolate egg and to meet the Easter bunny. It is a short event (15 mins or so), but children enjoy it. Book quickly as they sell out. Tickets cost £7 per person.

Old Macdonald's Farm, Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AY

The Easter Festival is running from Saturday 28th March to Sunday 12th April 2026. Activities include: Easter Egg Hunt, Magic Shows, Baby Animal Encounters and Circus Workshops. There are also arts and crafts on Bank Holiday weekend only (3rd to 6th April). Entry to the park includes unlimited rides and costs: on the day price £24 adults, £23 children (under 2s free) or £25 pp Easter weekend. Buy at least 7 days in advance for best prices.

Maldon Promenade Zoo, Maldon Promenade Park, Maldon, Essex CM9 5JQ

2026 event not yet announced, last year children could follow the Easter Trail through the zoo, meet some animals in interactive sessions (bearded dragon, snake, tortoise etc), meet some special Easter guests and get an egg to take home from the Easter Bunny. It was £13.95 per child (need to book online here), adults £10.95 (but need to book on arrival).

Pets' Corner, Harlow Town Park, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2QG

You can expect a range of activities over the holidays, but 2026 details are not yet announced. Last year they had sessions to: meet the lambs (£3.50), meet the Easter bunny (free), keeper talks (free, 12.30 every day in the Easter holidays), Easter Egg Hunt (£1.50 everyday) and Easter crafts (£2). Best place to check for more details and booking is their Facebook page.

Play In The Park, various venues Chelmsford.

Play in the Park runs at multiple community venues in Chelmsford during the Easter holidays, for children aged between three and 11. Sessions are free, but need prebooking. They last 2 hours (at 10am and 1pm). They normally involve games, sports and crafts.

Popworld Chelmsford, 7 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6JE
Little Ravers have an Easter Special on Sunday 13th April 2pm to 5pm. Enjoy dancing, bubbles, confetti, face painting and music. Children get unlimited soft drinks. Adults £10, Under 12s £6, Under 3s free.

Princes Theatre, Clacton Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 1SE

The Easter pantomime for 2026 is Mother Goose on 29th March. Pinocchio (Sunday 6th April 2025) Children's tickets are charged at £13 and adults £14 or a family of 4 is £50.00 (booking fees charged on top).

Rainham Hall, The Broadway, Rainham, Havering, London, RM13 9YN

The Easter based activities at Rainham Hall run from 1st to 6th April. They include a "buzzing new adventure" with a treat at the end for completion. £3.50 per participant (card payment only). Booking not required, but book separately if you want to visit the Hall as well which is open on limited dates. There is no on site car park, but there is parking nearby in Tesco (3 hours free for customers) and a pay and display car park.

Riverside Leisure Centre, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1FG

Enjoy the 2026 Easter on ice show of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Tickets on sale from 11th February ranging from £17 to £23 for adults, £18.50 to £13.50 for children.

Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve, Grange Farm Centre, Grange Farm Lane, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 6DP

Join in the Easter Egg Hunt on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April around the reserve. £8.80 per child (including booking fee). Take part in the trail, enjoy a natural craft and then collect a chocolate treat.
For younger ones check out the Nature Tots Easter special (31st March) includes: swinging in the hammock, crafting activity, getting mucky in the mud kitchen, searching for minibeasts plus more. There is also a campfire which can be toasted on at the end of the session if weather permits. £8.80 per child and intended for children aged between 18 months and 5 years. Find and book via the Events page. Events at this location are normally listed under Grange Farm, but previously have also been under Roding Valley Meadows and Chigwell Meadows.

Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY

The Easter Extravaganza at the Mills takes place on 4th and 5th April. There will be an Easter Quest around the site and an Easter show, recommended as perfect for ages 3 to 8. They also have open days on 11th and 12th April (and every weekend through to September). Open days include hands on displays, tractor-trailer tours, railway rides, interactive exhibitions and more. Tickets: Adults £15, children £10 (but the ticket then appears to be valid for return visits on general open days through out the season).

Rye-Assic Adventure Park at Rye House, Rye Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 0EH

The Dinosaur Themed Adventure Park in Hoddesdon has an Easter event from Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April. Tickets cost £15.00 per child for 2 1/2 hours and includes 1 adult, under 1's are £3.50. Entry includes: craft station, egg hunt, cake making and soft play.

Sarah's Creative Chocolate Kitchen, 83 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, Leigh On Sea, Essex, SS9 5UZ

Enjoy a range of workshops and events over Easter including Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Chocolate egg making (dairy free and vegan options available) and cooking workshops. They are running on Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th, Thursday 9th and Friday 10th.

Shotgate Easter Market, Southend Road, Shotgate, SS11 8XD

There is an Easter Market on Sunday 5th April between 10am and 3pm which includes an Easter Egg and Duck Hunt as well as their annual Easter Bonnet Competition and a raffle. Admission free.

Southend Pier & Railway, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE
Last year there was a Dino Egg Hunt on the pier over the Easter holidays which cost £3 in addition to pier entry from 5th to 21st April.

Pier entry costs £7.70 for adults and £4.10 for children in you get the train both ways (the pier is over a mile long) or cheaper if you walk one or both ways.

Stubbers Adventure Centre, Ockendon Road, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2TY

They will be open during the Easter holidays for activities including a nature trail. Entrance includes the paddle beach and play park. On the day you can book tractor rides, clip n climb, caving and pedalo. You can also prebook water sports, target sports and 4x4 driving. General entrance costs £4 children, £3 adults, under 5's free. Activities are varying prices.

Thameside Theatre, Orsett Road, Grays, RM17 5DX

Has a few of child-friendly shows this April including Unicorn Live! (1st April), Top Secret - The Magic of Science - High Voltage (2nd April) and the Robin Hood panto (on tour following the Harlow and Southend dates) on 11th April.

Thurrock Thameside Nature Park, Mucking Wharf Road, Mucking, Stanford Le Hope SS17 0RN

Easter activities for 2026 include their Easter trail followed by pond dipping on Friday 3rd and Monday 6th April (£8.80 per child). There is also a Easter Family Forest Fun session on 2nd April. Prebooking required.

Wild Forest Obstacle Activity Centre, Parsonage Farm, Ongar Road, Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA

This year's Easter family Obstacle Run is on 3rd, 4th and 6th April. A 2k run (walk or jog) with obstacles and lots of mud for around 90 minutes. Suitable for children 6 plus. Warm up by the fire pit at the end (bring your own marshmallows). £25 per person, £80 for family of 4. Book here.

Willows Activity Farm, London Colney, Hertfordshire AL4 0PF

Willows has their Easter Eggstravaganza running from 28th March to 6th April and "Jemima's Jamboree" (Jemima Puddle Duck|) from 7th to 12th April. Easter tickets include: Easter egg hunt, Easter grotto, arts and crafts, meet and greet animals including Easter bunnies, pig racing and lamb bottle feeding demonstrations. After Easter weekend there is still an Egg hunt with chocolate eggs, arts & crafts, animal demonstrations as well as Jemima Puddle-Duck shows. Tickets are yet to be announced but the link above will take you to the event page when released.

2018 Easter Egg Hunt at Willows Activity Farm eggs and mud

The Easter Egg Hunt at Willows Activity Farm

Wivenhoe House Hotel, Wivenhoe House, CO4 3SQ

On Wednesday 8th April at 2.30pm Magical Princess Parties are hosting a Princess Afternoon Tea. Includes meeting the princesses, story telling, singalongs and crafts along with an afternoon tea. £30 per person.

Wyvernwood, St. Osyth Road, Alresford, Colchester CO7 8AP
Wyvernwood is an outdoor immersive storytelling world with lots of play areas and very little cover. Their Easter event runs from 28th March to 12th April where you can search for the missing dragon's eggs for a chocolatey reward. Advanced tickets cost £19.49 for children and £18.49 for adults.

All information believed correct at time of publishing. I am not affiliated with any of the venues and I can't provide any information about the quality of the events apart from those I have previously visited (reviews linked where relevant). If you spot any errors or know of any other events please email me or add to the comments below. Thank you.

You may also be interested in these related posts:
Things to do with children in Essex this Spring and Over 150 places to go on rainy days in Essex

If you fancy going further afield you might want to check out this guide to Easter Egg Hunts in South East London or this guide to Easter activities in Kent.