With the six weeks holidays kicking off in just over a weeks’ time, Essex and Thurrock will be bursting with different activities to keep the little ones and families entertained during the summer! Whether it’s spending quality time in the garden, visiting your local green or blue space, or taking a family trip and venturing out, discover some of the many ways to make the most of the long summer below…
Enjoy free activities at a summer, Essex ActivAte club!
Eligible school-aged children who receive benefit based free school meals or who’re from ‘low-income’ working families can enjoy physical and enrichment activities and a nutritious meal at their free, local, summer club! Book on with your HolidayActivities voucher from your school or find a local club and contact them directly to book on here.
Enjoy summer at home!
The summer holidays don’t need to be costly, and we have some ways you can enjoy the long break without the expense, in the comfort of your own home.
- Give our free, summer activity booklets a go! They have lots of ideas on places to visit, how to support wildlife, a summer scavenger hunt, ways to get creative and so much more.
- Check out our family support pack which also offers a range of resources, tips and guidance for parents, carers and grandparents!
- Fancy a sweet treat to cool you down? Our summer recipes are easy, low-cost and perfect for the warmer weather! Why not try making your own ice-cream or create some frozen yoghurt bark and pack it for your next picnic!
- From colouring pages to games, there’s plenty to keep your little ones entertained and engaged in our children and young people’s activity pack. Can you solve the word search, or maybe even design your own beach towel and ball?
- Head over to the Activity Village and discover thousands of free printables. From puzzles to learning resources and colouring pages, there’s something for everyone!
Download your Essex ActivAte booklets for free and find even more activity ideas on the Essex ActivAte Family Support Hub!
Summer events and days out!
Across Essex and Thurrock, there are plenty of parks to visit, beaches to see and family-fun days to discover! Take a look at a few of our favourite events happening across the holidays below…
North Essex – Clacton Airshow
Head down to the glorious seaside to celebrate 30 years of of the Clacton Airshow! Enjoy dynamic aerial displays and land based entertainment and attractions across the August bank holiday weekend – there’s plenty to do and see for the whole family!
Date: 24th and 25th August
Address: Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1FS
Price: FREE to attend – attractions at extra cost
Find out more here.
Mid Essex – Wind in the Willows Sculpture Trail
At Hanningfield Reservoir, you will find the Wind in the Willows sculpture trail which consists of wooden sculptures of the most popular characters from the classic book – buy a trail map for £1 at the visitor centre and borrow a crayon for the brass rubbings!
Address: Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, CM11 1WT
Price: £1 for trail map – parking charges may apply.
Find out more here.
West Essex – Epping Ongar Railway
Head down to Epping Railway and ride both steam and diesel trains, or even a traditional, red London bus – A perfect, historic day out for all the family to enjoy! Please book in advance.
Address: Railway Station, Station Approach, Epping, Chipping Ongar, Ongar CM5 9BN
Price: £1 per child, under 3’s go free! (Adult ticket at extra cost.)
Find out more here.
South Essex – Southend Beach
Discover seven miles of coastline and blue flag beaches in Southend and enjoy the sun, sea and sand on those glorious sunny days – pack a picnic, some sun cream and your crabbing net, and off you go!
Price: FREE
Find out more here.
Thurrock – The Big Community Lunch!
At various locations across Thurrock in August, enjoy family, fun-filled afternoons with free, children’s entertainment and performances – pack a picnic and enjoy your local green space!
Price: FREE
Find out more here.
To find more summer events and days out across Essex and Thurrock, click here.
Other family fun activities:
Beyond summer events and activities, there’s plenty of green and blue spaces to explore, community events and family-fun days happening across Essex and Thurrock, as well as museums and landmarks, country parks and nature reserves! Take a look at our family support booklet for more activities to do during summer, or discover how you can get moving with the family for little or no money with Find Your Active!
