Things to Do in Essex with Kids: Family Days Out
Some of the best childhood memories aren’t made on expensive holidays or in front of a screen.
They’re made collecting sticks in the woods. Riding on trains. Meeting animals. Climbing play equipment. Eating ice cream outside. Spending a day together and not worrying about the time.
If you’re looking for things to do in Essex with kids, you’re spoilt for choice. From magical woodland adventures and miniature train rides to zoos, farms and historic estates, Essex is packed with family-friendly attractions that make it easy to create special memories together.
Here are some of our favourite family days out in Essex.
1. Enjoy a Magical Woodland Adventure at Audley End Enchanted Railway
If you’re looking for a family day out that combines imagination, adventure and the great outdoors, Audley End Enchanted Railway is a wonderful place to start.
Families can enjoy a ride through the woodland on our miniature railway before exploring the Fairy and Elf Walk, Little Acorn Village, adventure play areas and beautiful woodland surroundings.
During the summer holidays, visitors can also enjoy our Summer Festival, featuring live entertainment, special guests and extra activities designed to keep little adventurers entertained throughout the day.
You can find out more about our:
- Woodland Adventure Days – https://audley-end-railway.co.uk/whats-on/woodland-adventure-days-2025/
- Summer Festival – https://audley-end-railway.co.uk/seasonal-event/summer-festival/
- What’s On events – https://audley-end-railway.co.uk/whats-on/
There’s plenty to discover, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another family adventure.
2. Spend the Day at Colchester Zoo
One of the most popular family attractions in the region, Colchester Zoo offers the opportunity to get close to hundreds of animal species from around the world.
Children can learn about wildlife conservation, watch feeding sessions and enjoy play areas throughout the zoo.
A fantastic option for animal-loving families.
https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com
3. Explore the Historic Audley End House and Gardens
Just a short distance away, Audley End House offers families the chance to step back in time.
Children can explore the extensive grounds, discover life below stairs and learn about one of England’s grandest historic houses in a way that feels engaging and interactive.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/audley-end-house-and-gardens
4. Enjoy a Picnic and Woodland Walk
Sometimes the simplest family days out are the most memorable.
Essex is home to beautiful countryside, woodland trails and open green spaces where families can slow down, enjoy a picnic and spend time together outdoors.
And if you don’t fancy bringing your own food, our Woodland Café offers hot food, snacks, drinks and sweet treats throughout the day.
https://www.visitessex.com/things-to-do/activities/walking/woodland
5. Visit Hertfordshire Zoo
A favourite with many families across Essex and Hertfordshire, Paradise Wildlife Park combines animal encounters with adventure play areas and interactive experiences.
It’s a great option for a full day out with children of all ages.
6. Let Children Get Lost in Imagination
The best family attractions don’t just entertain children.
They encourage them to imagine.
Whether it’s discovering a fairy door, exploring Little Acorn Village, searching for woodland creatures or inventing their own adventures, imaginative play often becomes the part of the day children remember most.
At Audley End, we see it every day.
A child who spends twenty minutes talking to a fairy house is having just as much fun as one racing around the playground.
7. Visit a Family Farm Attraction
Family farms continue to be one of the most popular choices for a day out with young children.
From meeting animals and enjoying tractor rides to outdoor play and seasonal events, farm attractions offer plenty of opportunities for children to learn, explore and burn off energy.
Popular options for families in and around Essex include Willows Activity Farm, which offer a fantastic mix of animals, play areas and family entertainment throughout the year.
8. Make the Most of Seasonal Events
One of the joys of family days out is that every season brings something new.
From summer adventures and outdoor entertainment to Halloween fun and magical Christmas experiences, special events often become family traditions that children look forward to year after year.
At Audley End, our seasonal events are some of our most popular experiences, bringing together storytelling, adventure and unforgettable moments for families.
9. Discover Somewhere New
Children don’t need a packed itinerary.
Sometimes simply exploring somewhere they’ve never been before is enough.
Whether that’s a new woodland trail, a historic estate, a wildlife attraction or a miniature railway, new places often create the biggest adventures.
10. Spend Time Together
Ultimately, the best thing to do in Essex with kids isn’t a specific attraction at all.
It’s spending time together.
The train ride will end.
The picnic will be packed away.
The ice cream will disappear.
But years later, children often remember the feeling of the day itself.
The laughter.
The adventure.
The moments shared together.
That’s what family days out are really about.
Looking for a Family Day Out in Essex?
At Audley End Enchanted Railway, we believe childhood should be filled with adventure, imagination and time spent together outdoors.
Whether you’re joining us for a Woodland Adventure Day, visiting Little Acorn Village, riding the train through the woods or enjoying our Summer Festival, we’d love to welcome your family for a day of memory-making in the heart of Essex.
What makes Audley End Enchanted Railway a great family day out?
Audley End Enchanted Railway offers a woodland miniature railway ride, the Fairy and Elf Walk, Little Acorn Village and adventure play areas, plus the seasonal Summer Festival with live entertainment and extra activities for little adventurers.
What can families do at Colchester Zoo?
Colchester Zoo lets families get close to hundreds of animal species, learn about wildlife conservation, watch feeding sessions and enjoy play areas throughout the day.
What is special about Audley End House and Gardens for families?
Audley End House and Gardens lets families step back in time, explore the extensive grounds, discover life below stairs and learn about one of England’s grand historic houses in an engaging and interactive way.
How can families enjoy a simple picnic in Essex?
Essex offers beautiful countryside and woodland trails for a relaxed picnic, with the Woodland Café offering hot food, snacks, drinks and treats if you don’t bring your own.
What seasonal events are there at Audley End Enchanted Railway?
Seasonal events bring new experiences every time, from summer adventures and outdoor entertainment to Halloween fun and magical Christmas experiences, with storytelling, adventure and unforgettable moments for families.
