With the long summer holidays almost here, across Essex and Thurrock, there is so much to explore and try, helping to keep little ones entertained and the whole family active! Family-fun days, local community events and holiday clubs are welcoming children and families to experience a range of activities whether that’s park games, festivals, nature adventures and more, for little or no cost at all.
Make the most of family time during the summer break and explore what’s happening near you below…
Enjoy free activities at a summer, Essex ActivAte club!
More than 250, free holiday clubs run by local club providers across the county are offering lots of fun and exciting activities for eligible children and young people this summer! Families who receive income related free school meals or pupil premium can book children onto free spaces using their emailed HolidayActivities voucher code. Find a list of local clubs near you here.
Enjoy the summer holidays 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!
- 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!
Explore what’s on near you!
Essex and Thurrock offers many amazing places and spaces that the whole family will love, it’s hard to spotlight all of them but why not try some of our favourites below?
- Play in the Park is taking place across Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers parks throughout the summer holidays. They offer free 2 hour sessions for children to play, have fun and give arts and crafts a go to! It’s a great opportunity for your children to make friends also.
- At Chelmsford Museum, there’s a range of nature sessions on offer! Whether your child is interested in bugs, birds or plant life, there is plenty for them to learn and love. These sessions are £5 per child and are not only a way to get active by walking and exploring but also a great learning opportunity as well!
- Head down to the glorious seaside to watch the Clacton Airshow for free! 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!
- Get exploring and take part in the Gruffalo trail at Thorndon Country Park in Brentwood! Pick up a free colouring sheet and get creative to be in the chance to win some prizes!
- Over in Basildon and Southend, ATF run lots of free, community sessions and fun days for all the family to get moving and meet others! Find out more here.
- Follow in the footsteps of Roamin’ Rex and discover Essex’s fantastic museums and heritage venues! Harlow Museum have got a brilliant trail where you can learn about Harlow’s history through their collection and collect unique badges along the way. Read more here.
- At various locations across Thurrock in August, The Big Community Lunches are back! Enjoy family, fun-filled afternoons with free, children’s entertainment and performances – pack a picnic and enjoy your local green space.
Head outside and enjoy local green and blue spaces!
Essex and Thurrock are bursting with beautiful beaches and woodlands, also filled with nature, parks and play areas! Heading outside and enjoying fresh air can be extremely beneficial for young people to support their physical health and wellbeing! Explore local parks and open spaces here.
Whether it’s a walk in the park, a dance party in the kitchen or a trip to the beach to go on a scavenger hunt or discover sea shells, Find Your Active this summer and don’t forgot to have fun!
