Chelmsford in Essex is a hive of activity with a variety of places to explore, things to do and regular family events, there genuinely is something for everyone. Having relocated there a couple of years ago Sarah has pulled together this list of great places to visit. Despite spending a lot of time exploring she she still has so many places to tick off on her 'to visit' list. Chelmsford is just a 35 minute train journey from Central London and with quick access from the A12 it is easily to visit from London and the rest of Essex.
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| The beautiful River Chelmer runs through Chelmsford City Centre |
Days Out and Activities For Families in Chelmsford
Parks and Playgrounds in Chelmsford
Baddow Hall Park
Baddow Hall Avenue, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 7QTBaddow Hall Park is home to a fantastic pump track for mountain bikers and BMX'rs to practice their stunts. Surrounding this, Baddow Hall Park’s woodland has plenty of open, green space for a run around and a children’s adventure play area with all the usual equipment plus a zipline.
Angel Meadow Park
Angel Meadow, Main Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford CM1 7AH
Revamped in 2023, this fantastic playground next to Broomfield Village Hall has a large pirate ship with loads of interactivity to keep children engaged. A few metres from the playground is Cheerful Chai cafe which offers great homemade cakes and refreshments and even has some books and toys to keep little ones entertained whilst you eat.
Revamped in 2023, this fantastic playground next to Broomfield Village Hall has a large pirate ship with loads of interactivity to keep children engaged. A few metres from the playground is Cheerful Chai cafe which offers great homemade cakes and refreshments and even has some books and toys to keep little ones entertained whilst you eat.
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Central Park
Chelmsford CM2 0RWAs the name suggests Central Park is right in the centre of town and a mere stones throw from Primark and Marks & Spencer. Here you have the option of riverside walks, safe cycle paths, a miniature railway (only open on Sunday afternoons), children’s playground, a lake, wildlife and a skateboard ramp.
During the summer months we often buy a meal deal from town and walk to
the park to enjoy the green space and a picnic. This park hosts many
events throughout the year including
Play in the Park sessions during the school holidays. Central Park Cafe located by
the lake is an independent, family run cafe with a lovely menu.
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| The entertainer at the 2023 Play in the Park in Central Park was a hit with all the children |
Danbury Country Park
Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road , Chelmsford,CM3 4AWWhilst there isn't a playground here, children can enjoy walking, running, cycling and visiting the ducks. The park also regularly runs family friendly activities such as Wild Wednesday and Weekend Family Forest School- check their website here for availability.
Read our review and tips for visiting Danbury Country Park here.
Hylands Estate (often referred to as Hylands House or Hylands Park) is one of our favourite locations in Chelmsford and often the place we take visiting friends and family. From the fantastic adventure playground, masses of green open space, gorgeous gardens and the grand home itself, there is something for everyone.
Hylands Estate
Hylands House, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQHylands Estate (often referred to as Hylands House or Hylands Park) is one of our favourite locations in Chelmsford and often the place we take visiting friends and family. From the fantastic adventure playground, masses of green open space, gorgeous gardens and the grand home itself, there is something for everyone.
Our favourite visits have included the annual Foodies Festival (June) and Enlightened, the stunning Christmas light trail. Keep an eye out on their website as they regularly host open cinema events, theatre performances and their monthly Open Day has Urban Food Fest street food market with live music and a chance to see inside the House which is normally closed for private events. As if that wasn't enough it is also home to Essex's only Go Ape if you are on the lookout for a challenging and exhilarating outdoor adventure.
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| Enjoying the illuminations at Hyland's 'Enlightened' event which runs from November- January |
RHS Hyde Hall
Creephedge Lane, Chelmsford CM3 8ETRHS Garden Hyde Hall is an Estate managed by the RHS. It has a combination of formal gardens and more wild areas. Children will love getting amongst nature, exploring the plants, trees and wildlife that live at Hyde Hall, running around in the vast open space and playing in the whimsical looking wooden tree house: Higgledy Hyde.
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| Balance, swing and climb on the 'Hiddledy Hyde' play equipment at RHS Hyde Hall |
Oaklands Park
Oaklands Park, Chelmsford, CM2 0JJ
Oaklands Park is well worth a visit with 12 acres of grounds surrounding the Chelmsford Museum it has two brilliant playgrounds with fun and challenging equipment. The museum is small, but free and often has activities for children. The building also has a cafe on one side.
Oaklands Park is well worth a visit with 12 acres of grounds surrounding the Chelmsford Museum it has two brilliant playgrounds with fun and challenging equipment. The museum is small, but free and often has activities for children. The building also has a cafe on one side.
Read our review and tips for visiting Oaklands Park here.
This free museum explores the history of the city including the people and animals who have lived in Chelmsford from the Ice Age to the present day. Exhibits include toys, fashion and the natural world. The Hive Cafe onsite has a great menu and as mentioned above, there are two brilliant playgrounds within Oaklands Park which surrounds the museum.
Chelmsford's Free Museums
Chelmsford Museum
Oaklands Park, Chelmsford CM2 0JJThis free museum explores the history of the city including the people and animals who have lived in Chelmsford from the Ice Age to the present day. Exhibits include toys, fashion and the natural world. The Hive Cafe onsite has a great menu and as mentioned above, there are two brilliant playgrounds within Oaklands Park which surrounds the museum.
Read our review of Chelmsford museum and tips for visiting here.
Another free hidden gem, this museum has plenty of interactive exhibits to keep children engaged. Here they will learn about local history and the work that the police do. Visitors can even have a go at solving a crime scene whilst dressed in a police uniform. There is the opportunity to go inside a Victorian cell and take your fingerprints as well as look through an old charge book to discover crimes of days long gone by.
Essex Police Museum
Essex Police Museum, Essex Police Headquarters, Kingston Crescent, Chelmsford CM2 6DNAnother free hidden gem, this museum has plenty of interactive exhibits to keep children engaged. Here they will learn about local history and the work that the police do. Visitors can even have a go at solving a crime scene whilst dressed in a police uniform. There is the opportunity to go inside a Victorian cell and take your fingerprints as well as look through an old charge book to discover crimes of days long gone by.
They have very limited opening hours so check on their website before travelling.
Chelmsford For Animal Lovers
Eden Oasis
Eden Oasis, Old Southend Road, Howe Green, CM2 7TBDescribing themselves as "From the cute & cuddly to the wild & wonderful! At Eden Oasis we offer a range of hands-on, fun and educational animal experiences." Rather than a zoo or farm, Eden Oasis is a close up interaction with the animals booked in a small group or 1:1 setting. They also run a parent and toddler animal discovery session which enables your child to meet four of their incredible animals each session, alongside fun toys and messy play activities.
All Things Alpaca
Lathcoats Farm, Beehive Lane, Galleywood, CM2 8LXFancy spending 45 minutes trekking an Alpaca through the orchards? Well this is the place for you, Alpaca Trekking is suitable for age 8 upwards (and adults), but there are also other activities like pygmy goat and donkey meet and greets that are suitable for younger children.
Alongside the paid for activities there is more to check out at Lathcoats Farm including PYO, a farm shop and animals. Read our review of Lathcoats Farm here.
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| Children can get up close to the wonderful exotic animals at Eden Oasis |
Soft Plays, Obstacles Courses, Gaming and Activity Centres in Chelmsford
Airhop
Dukes Park Industrial Estate, 12 Richmond Rd, Chelmsford CM2 6UAAirhop Chelmsford has trampolining, soft play, airslides, obstacle course and more as well as a Clip n Climb area. An Open Jump ticket includes lots more than just trampolining (including the soft play). The Clip and Climb at what they claim is Essex's largest climbing area requires a separate ticket.
Unit 3, Cuton Hall Lane, Springfield Trading Estate, Chelmsford, CM2 6PB
A family run soft play with separate areas for over and under 5's as well as a baby area and games area For children between 0 and 12 years. On site parking is available but limited.
A family run soft play with separate areas for over and under 5's as well as a baby area and games area For children between 0 and 12 years. On site parking is available but limited.
Mace Playce City Centre
68 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6JYAimed at 0 to 6 year olds, this is a smaller version of the popular soft play located in the city centre.
No parking available, but the Bond Street Car Park or Meadows Multi Storey car parks are nearby.
No parking available, but the Bond Street Car Park or Meadows Multi Storey car parks are nearby.
Ninja Warrior Chelmsford
The Meadows Retail Park, Chelmsford, CM2 6JXNinja Warrior is suitable for age 5 and upwards, but if under 8 an adult has to accompany them on the course (with a paid ticket). It features "a mix of adrenaline-fuelled TV show style courses and inflatable runs inspired by the family favourite programme". A new preschooler session has just started on weekdays.
For older kids and teens, Boom Battle Bar is a great location for some crazy, fun filled games. Activities include: Axe Throwing (18+), Crazy Golf (11+), Ping Pong (11+) Shuffleboard (11+) and more.
Skreens Park Activity Centre provides outdoor fun and adventure for young people across a 55 acre site. They have a huge range of activities but some of the more unusual options include: Gladiator Challenge – Vertical Assault Course, Cave Bus – Caving experience above ground inside an actual bus?! and Human Table Football.
This cinema chain shows all the latest blockbusters, keep an eye on their website for family deals or student offers. The 'kids sessions' during the weekend and school holidays are good value and worth looking into.
The Everyman cinema experience is like no other cinema experience; luxury velvet sofas, food and drink ordered via an app to your seat and the fanciest loos you could dream of! You do pay more for the experience but I have to say I think it's worth it. They host a Toddler Film Club on Friday or Saturday for toddler-friendly cinema screenings. Aimed at children between 1 and 5, its £12 for an adult plus 1 child and for that you also get a warm drink and slice of cake bought to your seat.
With three shopping centres featuring all the high street stores you would expect and plenty of places to eat and drink, Chelmsford is a great spot for some retail therapy. During the weekend keep an eye out for Chelmsford's most popular street performer, Michael the pirate who walks on stilts making balloon creations for children and making families laugh with his cheeky jokes.
There are often things going on in the town centre: the annual Chelmsford Takeover is one of our favourite days out, a cosplay event where you will have the opportunity to meet familiar heroes, characters and show cars from films and TV. Chelmsford For You is the place to go for updates on things going on in Chelmsford and the surrounding areas, it's worth following them on social media to stay updated.
Boom Battle Bar
106-108 Bond Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1GHFor older kids and teens, Boom Battle Bar is a great location for some crazy, fun filled games. Activities include: Axe Throwing (18+), Crazy Golf (11+), Ping Pong (11+) Shuffleboard (11+) and more.
Inside Back Yard Golf - Chelmer House, 19-21 Springfield Rd, Chelmsford, CM1 1BE
A shooting range that uses the official airsoft BB pellets. You can simulate battles or hit targets. Children from as young as 7 can play if accompanied by a paying adult.
Those 10 years of age and up can have a go at throwing real axes (eek!) against a target in the interactive target lanes. This location is also home to Escape Chelmsford escape room which is designed for 10 years and up and has two rooms/ story lines to escape from.
A shooting range that uses the official airsoft BB pellets. You can simulate battles or hit targets. Children from as young as 7 can play if accompanied by a paying adult.
Game of Throwing Chelmsford
1 Beehive Lane, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9TQThose 10 years of age and up can have a go at throwing real axes (eek!) against a target in the interactive target lanes. This location is also home to Escape Chelmsford escape room which is designed for 10 years and up and has two rooms/ story lines to escape from.
Skreens Park Activity Centre
Skreens Park Road, Roxwell, ChelmsfordSkreens Park Activity Centre provides outdoor fun and adventure for young people across a 55 acre site. They have a huge range of activities but some of the more unusual options include: Gladiator Challenge – Vertical Assault Course, Cave Bus – Caving experience above ground inside an actual bus?! and Human Table Football.
Cinemas in Chelmsford
Odeon
Kings Head Walk, Chelmsford CM2 6FHThis cinema chain shows all the latest blockbusters, keep an eye on their website for family deals or student offers. The 'kids sessions' during the weekend and school holidays are good value and worth looking into.
Everyman
131 Bond St, Chelmsford CM1 1GDThe Everyman cinema experience is like no other cinema experience; luxury velvet sofas, food and drink ordered via an app to your seat and the fanciest loos you could dream of! You do pay more for the experience but I have to say I think it's worth it. They host a Toddler Film Club on Friday or Saturday for toddler-friendly cinema screenings. Aimed at children between 1 and 5, its £12 for an adult plus 1 child and for that you also get a warm drink and slice of cake bought to your seat.
Shopping in Chelmsford
With three shopping centres featuring all the high street stores you would expect and plenty of places to eat and drink, Chelmsford is a great spot for some retail therapy. During the weekend keep an eye out for Chelmsford's most popular street performer, Michael the pirate who walks on stilts making balloon creations for children and making families laugh with his cheeky jokes.
There are often things going on in the town centre: the annual Chelmsford Takeover is one of our favourite days out, a cosplay event where you will have the opportunity to meet familiar heroes, characters and show cars from films and TV. Chelmsford For You is the place to go for updates on things going on in Chelmsford and the surrounding areas, it's worth following them on social media to stay updated.
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| Chelmsford's Bond Street shops |
Other Indoor Activities In Chelmsford
Geek Retreat
48 Cunard Square, Townfield Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1AQGeek Retreat is a great place to play games, trade cards, read comics or just meet people with similar interests. Geek Retreat has a delicious menu of milkshakes on offer too, I highly recommend the 'Chocolate Thunder' creation! They often run events so check their websites and social media for updates.
Professor Delgados Escape Room
Inside Bck Yrd Golf - Chelmer House, 19-21 Springfield Road, Chelmsford CM1 1BEWith three rooms to challenge your problem solving, skill and patience. Each room takes about 60 minutes to complete.
Ice skating
Riverside Leisure Centre, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1FGRiverside offers public skate sessions, club nights and family sessions. There are also skating lessons during the school holidays.
Swimming
Riverside Leisure Centre, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1FGDuring the fun sessions at Riverside children can enjoy a one-hour session which includes a large inflatable, the flume and small inflatables and floats.
Chelmsford Cathedral
New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1TYChelmsford Cathedral is regularly hosting events throughout the year including craft fairs, exhibitions, concerts and family activities. Have a look at whats on here.
If you visit the Cathedral with children, make sure you pick up one of their free Trails of Discovery.
The trails are designed to encourage visitors to explore the architecture, art and history of the Cathedral. They have two available: one aimed at preschoolers and one for primary aged children.
Chelmsford Library
Chelmsford County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1QHWe are so lucky to have such an extensive library in Chelmsford which often runs family friendly events. We are regulars at the weekly free Baby and toddler rhyme time session (finally a class which doesn't clash with the babies morning nap!) There is always a table with pictures to colour and they also do a free weekly Block Builders Construction Club for those who enjoy making lego creations. There is a small sensory area for children to sit in whilst they read their books. It is one of our favourite places to go for a free morning out.
Other Outdoor Activities In Chelmsford
PYO at Lathcoats Farm
Lathcoats Farm, Beehive Lane, Galleywood, CM2 8LXLathcoats Farm is primarily a family run fruit farm with over 40 varieties of apples and a wide range of pick your own fruit in the summer months. Throughout the year they have special events for children, but it is a lovely place to visit all year round due to the animals, a cafe and a farm shop. Read our review here
Paddleboarding
If your child fancies having a go at Stand up paddle boarding, you can book a beginner 2 hour course here. Whilst you are there, the Paper Mill Lock Tearooms are incredibly picturesque and have a great offering of cakes and sandwiches made fresh to order. You can find other places to paddleboard in Essex here.
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| A beautiful spot for paddleboarding at Papermill Lock |
Writtle Maize Maze
Sandy Brook Fields, Margaretting Road, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3HGTry and navigate your way through the maize labyrinth and when you succeed reward yourself with an ice cream or slice of cake. They have a smaller maze for kids if they can’t manage the bigger one. Lovely shaded picnic area, sandpit and a small climbing frame. Open roughly July to November.
Rascal Bay Mini Golf
Rascal Bay, West Park Golf Centre, Waterhouse lane, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2RYKids will love this adventure golf, you will encounter pirates, cannons, an octopus, snakes, skulls, and even an erupting volcano.
*Recommendations, images and post created by Sarah, a mum living in Chelmsford, Essex*
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