Your guide to the latest news and events in Essex. Find out what is happening this weekend and plan for exciting events coming up.

What To Do With Children In Essex This Week

See Bluebells

Bluebells are in full bloom right now. The beautiful blue carpet of flowers will wow everyone and they are a great backdrop of photographs. Find out where to see bluebells in Essex here, several locations have playgrounds nearby and there is plenty of woodland to play in nearby (just make sure not to damage the bluebells).

Peter Pan

An amateur performance by Rare Productions is at Thameside Theatre, Thurrock on 28th to 30th April (and in Harlow in June)

All About Dogs Show

Hylands House, Chelmsford, CM2 8FS
Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd May
Whether you have a dog or just love them then the All About Dogs Show promises lots of canine related fun. Tickets sold out in advance last year so they advise prebooking.
Find out more here

Opening Weekend of Fairy and Elf Walk Audley End Miniature Railway

The Fairy and Elf Walk is back at Audley End Miniature Railway from this weekend 30th May to 2nd April. Book now to be amongst the first to enjoy the walk for 2022.

The Magic of Mirabel at Marsh Farm

Marsh Farm has an Encanto themed weekend on 30th May to 2nd April featuring Mirabel, sing a long shows and walk around entertainers as well as all the normal activities.

Family Safari Trail Markshall Estate

Markshall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG
26th April to 27th May, 10am to 3pm
Explore the beautiful gardens at Markshall Estate with this self guided trail. Children earn a reward for completing it. 
Find out more here

Latest News for Families in Essex

Come and Play cafe in Debden Broadway, Loughton reopening
It was announced this week that Come and Play cafe a small soft play, will be reopening in May. They closed during the pandemic and temporarily converted into a slots machine venue, but will be converting back.
They had a small play frame for preschoolers and a space for toddlers as well as a load of toys and books. A lovely place for keeping little ones happy in the day. Follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.

Get To Know Animals Opening in New Larger Venue
The opening date of Get To Know Animals, Epping (CM16 5HW) still hasn’t been announced, but it is going to be soon. The original venue in Chingford is closing 15th May and the new venue expected to open mid to late June.  The new premises on the site of a former soft play just off the Miller & Carter roundabout is much bigger.
Described as an "Indoor Animal Experience Centre" they have super friendly staff will talk to you about animals and you can pay extra for animal handling sessions. The price of the small venue was £6.50 per person although they are currently only booking private 1 hour handling sessions at £25 per person. The price is necessary for the care of the animals though, many of which are rescued animals. Follow on Facebook for updates.

Ride London Is Coming To Essex
The "world's greatest festival of cycling" is coming on Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2022. There are extensive road closures in some parts of Essex which will cause significant disruption to people in some areas including Epping Forest. I recommend you check the road closures on that weekend as some areas will be cut off for large periods of time which will make the half term get away challenging. The Friday and Saturday is a professional road race which will involve shorter road closures, but the Sunday will see road closures for most of the day with the longer route going from London to Chelmsford.
If you have keen cyclists then the RideLondon-Essex event should be fun to take part in.

Coming Up This Month - May including May Half Term Events

Rush Weekend at Nuclear Races - Saturday 14th to Sunday 15th May
This event is great for families with older children who love a challenge. On 14th and 15th May there are various events where you can take part in their challenging and muddy obstacle courses. The Rookie Wave is a 1.5km course for 4 to 8 year olds and 3km course for 9 to 14 year olds (must be accompanied by an adult), there is also the Family Wave on Sunday where children over 10 and their adult can take part on a 4km course covering some of the adult obstacles. Find out more information here.

Rapunzel at Thameside Theatre, Thurrock - 28th May
A new production of Rapunzel by Scott Ritchie Productions including songs and dancing. 

Wizard School at The Manor - Tuesday 31st May (May Half Term)
Creeksea Place Manor House, 826 Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8PJ
A themed afternoon tea with Hogwarts students. Book Tickets here.

Future Events for Families In Essex

Jubilee Events
There are hundred of Jubilee events taking place across Essex. I recommend staying local and exploring the offerings in your local halls.

Harlow Playhouse, Harlow
Amateur by Rare Productions Production of Peter Pan 2nd to 4th June

London Shows Kids Week
If you fancy heading into London to see a show in August then one child can go free per full price adult during Kids Week to many musicals and theatre performances. Up to two more children can go for half price too. Tickets go on sale Tuesday 14th June and top shows will go quickly. Check out Official London Theatre for more information.

Foodies Festival,  Hylands House, Chelmsford, CM2 8FS
17th, 18th, 19th June
Celebrity chefs and music. Find out more here.

Father's Day Motorfest by Motor Show Events, Kings Farm, Chelmsford, CM1 3PJ
18th to 19th June
Monster trucks, show cars, wrestling, BMX show, inflatables and much much more Find out more here.

Dinosaurs at Barleyland, Barleylands Farm Park & The Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD
25th to 26th June
As well as all the normal activities at this family attraction they will have two animatronic dinosaurs to meet and taking part in special shows. There will also be fossil digging, dinosaur-themed crafts and a dinosaur egg trail with prizes. Find out more here.

Jessel Green Family Fun Day, Loughton
26th June 2022 12pm to 4pm
A lovely community fun day with inflatables and rides. Buy wristbands to go on rides.

To add something to this listing please email me at: hello@countingtoten.co.uk