Whether you want to fill the Summer holidays with activities or you just want to plan a few special days out there is so much going on in Essex. In this post you can find out what events are happening in Essex this summer and what special activities the county's best attractions have planned for families.

Contents (click to skip straight to the following sections)

Special Events In Essex
Summer programmes at attractions

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Where to go on rainy days in Essex
Free places to go in Essex
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Days out for Teens and Tweens in Essex

Find out where to go in Essex this summer

What Is Happening In Essex This Summer?

Special Events In Essex This Summer

Leigh Art Trail - Leigh (Free)

Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th July 2024  Website

Visit pop up galleries with contemporary painting, ceramics, mixed media, sculpture and photography from over 70 artists. The trail begins in Chalkwell Park and finishes in Old Leigh. Maps are available on their website.

Brightlingsea Regatta - Brightlingsea (Free)

Saturday 6th- Sunday 7th July 2024   Website

A two day event which includes: a carnival and fireworks on the Saturday, sailing competitions, family activities, live entertainment, local food and drinks and a marketplace of stalls from local sellers. Further details available on their website closer to the time.

Southend Pride- Southend 

Saturday 13th July 2024  Website

The Parade is due to gather at Royal Square at 11am and march at noon to the festival in Warrior Square Gardens.  The festival will include on-stage live entertainment, children's tent, community stalls and food and drink stands.

Essex Family Fest - Hornchurch 

A family festival organised by the local MIND charity. Enjoy live performances, soft play, fun fair, kids disco,  character meet and greets, petting zoo, car show and more. Most events and activities included in the ticket price. Save money by buying your tickets in advance.

The Colchester Nearly Festival - Colchester

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July 2024  Website
Old Heath, Colchester CO2 8AJ

The Regions No.1 tribute band festival is coming back to Colchester in 2024 with a line up of the very best tribute bands. The festival also includes a Kidzone with attractions & activities for little ones and  a tasty Street Food Market. Under 5's are free. Tickets available here.

Writtle Sunflowers - Chelmsford 

Last week of July to end of August (depending on when they flower) Website
Opposite Pooty Pools Farm, Radley Green Road, Roxwell, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 4NW

Fields of sunflowers are an impressive sight which wow adults and children alike. Writtle Sunflowers is a great PYO flower farm where you take some lovely photographs and cut a few stems to take home with you. Opening the end of July for around 4 weeks you need to prebuy tickets for entry. Join their mailing list or follow their socials for updates on ticket releases.

UFest - Maldon (Free)

Friday 16th August 2024 11am to 4pm Website
Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

A free festival of community and wellbeing will include music, food and the chance to try out different activities and workshops.

Anglo Saxon Weekend by Southend Museums - Southend

Saturday 3rd August 2024   Website
Southend-on-Sea, Priory Lodge, Victoria Ave, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6NB

Explore the daily life of the Anglo-Saxons through a living history camp. Take part in Anglo-Saxon themed crafts and activities, and get hands on with archaeological excavation. Tickets available here.

Brightlingsea Free Music Festival - Brightlingsea (Free)

3rd-4th August 2024   Website
Hurst Green, Brightlingsea

A great opportunity to enjoy a music festival atmosphere for free. Acts are on stage between 12.00 and 19:00 on Saturday and Midday and 18:00 on Sunday so you don't even need to keep children up too late to see the headliners.

Colchester Pride - Colchester

Saturday 17th August 2024 Website
Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, Colchester,  CO1 1JH

A mixture of indoor and outdoor activities including the main stage and market area. Under 13s free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Advanced tickets for over 13s cheaper in advance. 

Peter Pan - Hylands House- Chelmsford

Wednesday 21st August at 13:00 or 16:00. Book here.
Hylands House Back Lawn, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8W

Following the success of Wizard of Oz last year, enjoy outdoor theatre by Immersive Theatre group in this adaption of Peter Pan. You can sit on the floor or bring a chair which helps make this a relaxed family friendly performance.

Clacton Air Show - Clacton Seafront (Free)

Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd August 2024   Website

Head to Clacton Seafront to see displays from a range of aircrafts including the RAF Red Arrows. Displays start around 1pm both days and on Thursday evening there is also a special early evening display including lasers and pyrotechnics. Fireworks will also follow the twilight flights, taking place on Clacton Pier. Further details on timings etc will be available closer to the date.

Meet Thomas and friends this summer at East Anglian Railway museum

Day Out With Thomas - East Anglian Railway Museum - Wakes Colne, Colchester

Charlie Cook's Favourite Book- Chelmsford Theatre

Thursday 29th August - Saturday 31st August 2024   Book here
Chelmsford Theatre, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JG

Based on the original book of the same name, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The puppetry and wonderful songs should make it a hit with all family members, plus it is only 60 mins long so not too difficult for the younger audience members to sit still through.

Bubble N Bop Festival is at Marsh Farm every day this summer

What's Happening At Essex Family Attractions This Summer?

Audley End Miniature Railway (Saffron Walden) are inviting visitors to have an Enchanted Summer Adventure. Running from 20th July- 1st September 2024 you can go on the miniature railway to complete an I spy sheet and maybe even spot the dragons that guard precious ancient crystals. The ticket also includes entry to the elf and fairy walk, crafts, games area and adventure play area.

Barleylands  Barleylands will be home to a 5k obstacle run on Saturday 17th August 2024. With 32 gigantic obstacles it is set to be an adrenaline pumping day. Children between 5 - 15 years old must be accompanied by a paying participating adult. Get your tickets here.

Colchester Zoo has Wild Vibe Wonderland running from 20th July to 1st September 2024. Enjoy more for your money on 10th and 24th August with a later closing time of 9:00pm featuring Live performances from 4:30pm to 9:00pm – all included in standard entry or with a valid Zoo Pass. Open every day.

Epping Ongar Railway has special guests visiting during the Summer including Paw Patrol, Peppa & George. Children will be so excited to board the heritage steam train and meet some of their favourite TV characters. Paw Patrol (Chase and Marshall) are visiting on Sunday 4th August 2024 (Chase and Marshall), whilst Peppa and George will be visiting on Monday 26th August 2024. The resident magician will also be there showcasing some impressive magic tricks and there is a challenge for visitors to follow the clues and find hidden pictures of animals around the station.

Essex Wildlife Trust has a huge number of activities at locations across Essex this summer. From a kite festival to forest school sessions, drop off days and pond dipping. Look at their events page to find out what is on near you. Prices vary and they normally get fully booked.

Hasty's Adventure Farm (Clacton) has a butterfly trail around the farm from Monday 15th July to Monday 5th August where you can look out for the wooden butterflies around the farm in exchange for a sticker.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall (Rettendon, Chelmsford) have The Great Garden Adventure with Shaun the Sheep. Make your own Shaun clay model, find the decorated sculptures, get your face painted, enjoy storytelling, and enjoy the Giant Bubble Show. There are plenty of other activities for children taking place over the summer holidays too. Running from 20th July to 1st September. Prebooking not required for self-led trail, but special activities will sell out. Also worth noting that Hyde Hall's Flower Show runs from 31st July to 4th August so the gardens will be particularly busy on those dates. Check out our tips for visiting RHS Hyde Hall here.

Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park (Waltham Abbey) has it's Toddler Festival running on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July and Kids Fest every day from 24th July to 1st September 2024. You can expect entertainment, music, animals, 12 hole mini crazy golf course, bouncy castles and adventure play area. You can even get a Summer Pass which grants you unlimited entry between the 1st July to the 1st September priced at £29.99 per person.

Marsh Farm (South Woodham Ferrers) has it's Bubble N Bop children's festival running over the summer from 20th July to 1st September. This is a full day out with lots to do including a disco, foam party, soft play, role play village, animals, a few rides and inflatables, character meet & greets (selected days) and the beach with a small splash area and large sand pit (you need non slip pool shoes to go in the water). Read more about our visits to Marsh Farm here.

Old MacDonalds Farm and Fun Park has a summer circus event running from 20th July to 1st September 2024. There is so much to do at the farm including see animals, go on rides, a maze and new activities including a splash pad and play village.

All information correct at time of publishing, check details on the events website for further details.