As the summer sun graces Essex, it’s the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors and enjoy a plethora of events sure to keep everyone smiling throughout the school holidays. There’s so much to see – from family festivals, live theatre to action-packed activity days and magical outdoor pop festivals, there’s something for every member of the family to delight in. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed day out with the kids or an adventure-filled weekend, this guide highlights 14 handpicked events that promise joy and memories. Let’s make this summer one to remember in Essex!
1. Summer of Fun
Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary and Visitor Centre
Town: Brentwood
Organiser: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
Date: 21st July 2025 – 31st August 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: £16.77 – Child, £11.53 – Adult, £11.53 – Concession
Description: Get ready for a summer packed with adventure, learning, and laughter! For just £15 per child (age 2–15) and £10 per adult, you’ll receive an UNLIMITED summer pass, giving you access to visit as much as you like throughout the school holidays – all for no extra charge!
Website: Summer of Fun
2. Puss in Boots
Venue: Mercury Theatre
Town: Colchester
Organiser: Mercury Theatre
Date: 23rd July 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Price: £13.50
Description: Based on the original version by Charles Perrault, the Let’s All Dance Ballet Company presents a magical tale of friendship between a musical young man and his talking feline companion, Puss. Expect charm, music, and heartwarming moments for the whole family.
Website: Puss in Boots
3. Colchester Mid Summer Evening Market
Venue: Suffolk Market Events
Town: Colchester
Organiser: Suffolk Market Events
Date: 19th July & 16th August 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Price: FREE
Description: The popular summer evening market returns, filling the Mercury Theatre piazza with artisan stalls, mouth-watering street food, and vibrant local produce. A perfect summer evening for foodies and families alike.
Website: Colchester Mid Summer Evening Market
4. Summer Pop, Tribute & Family Festival
Venue: Harrow Lodge Park
Town:
Organiser: Mind in Havering, Barking & Dagenham
Date: 11 – 13th July 2025
Time: Timings vary, check website
Price: From £7 per Adult & £5 per Child
Description: Looking for something to do this Summer? The Summer Pop, Tribute and Family Festival brings you an epic weekend of music, nostalgia, and family fun at Harrow Lodge Park. With our cheaper ticket prices, the fact you can bring in your own food and our very reasonable bar prices, our festival truly is the best value festival in the area, with all money raised supporting local mental health charity Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham.
Website: Summer Festival
5. Mini Museum Explorers
Venue: Colchester & Ipswich Museums
Town: Colchester
Organiser: Colchester Museums
Date: 22nd July 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 11:15 AM – 3:15 PM
Price: £3.00
Description: These interactive sessions for children aged 2½ to 4 offer hands-on exploration with a new theme each month. July’s theme is Mythical Creatures—come discover the magical!
Website: Mini Museum Explorers
6. Summer Holiday Havoc
Venue: Museum of Power
Town: Maldon
Organiser: Museum of Power
Date: 24th & 31st July; 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th August 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price: £5.00 – Child, £7.00 – Concession, £8.00 – Adult
Description: Join us every Thursday for crafts themed around ‘Friends of the Forest’. Activities are tailored for children aged 1–15, and include entry to the museum. Don’t miss the Robin Hood theatre production on 14th August!
Website: Summer Holiday Havoc
7. Diesel Day
Venue: East Anglian Railway Museum
Town: Colchester
Organiser: East Anglian Railway Museum
Date: 23rd July; 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th August 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Price: £8.50 – Child, £11.50 – Adult
Description: Take unlimited rides on a vintage diesel train and explore the museum’s fascinating railway exhibits. A fun and nostalgic day out for the whole family.
Website: Diesel Day
8. Stow Maries: Family Nature Day
Venue: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Town: Chelmsford
Organiser: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Date: 27th July & 16th August 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price: £12.00 – Adult, £9.00 – Concession, £37.00 – Family
Description: Explore the beautiful grounds of this unique aerodrome and discover the wide variety of flora and fauna that have made this peaceful site their home.
Website: Stow Maries: Family Nature Day
9. Dinosaur Train
Venue: The Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership
Town: Witham
Organiser: ESSCRP
Date: 29th July 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: £3.00 – Child, £5.00 – Adult
Description: Celebrate the grand opening of Braintree Museum’s dinosaur exhibition Extinction with a special dinosaur-themed train journey from Witham to Braintree. Includes goody bags and discounted museum entry when you show your train ticket.
Website: Dinosaur Train
10. Bing’s Birthday
Venue: Cliffs Pavilion
Town: Southend
Organiser: Cliffs Pavilion
Date: 1st – 2nd August 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: £13.00
Description: Join Bing and friends live on stage for a joyful celebration full of heartwarming moments and catchy songs. A perfect treat for little Bingsters, brought to life by world-class puppeteers in this delightful 70-minute CBeebies experience.
Website: Bing’s Birthday
11. Rapture Gaming Festival
Venue: Colchester Events
Town: Colchester
Organiser: Colchester Events
Date: 2nd – 3rd August 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Price: £13.20 – Child, £15.40 – Concession, £17.60 – Adult, £55.00 – Family
Description: Dive into the ultimate gaming experience with hundreds of gaming stations, tournaments, cosplay village, robot arena, D&D zones, wrestling, karaoke, indie devs and more. A paradise for gamers of all ages!
Website: Rapture Gaming Festival
12. Anglo Saxon Weekend
Venue: Southend Museums
Town: Southend
Organiser: Southend Museums
Date: 2nd – 3rd August 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: £8.30 – £9.92
Description: Step back in time to the age of the Anglo Saxons with hands-on displays, blacksmithing, textile demos, combat shows and a living re-enactment camp. Learn traditional skills and even train like a Saxon warrior!
Website: Anglo Saxon Weekend
13. Langford & Ulting Country Fayre & Classic Car Show
Venue: Museum of Power
Town: Maldon
Organiser: Museum of Power
Date: 20th July 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: £5.00 – Child, £8.00 – Concession, £9.00 – Adult
Description: Celebrate the countryside with a classic fayre featuring vintage cars, crafts, agriculture exhibits, food stalls, live demos, and even a dog show. A charming, nostalgic day out for all ages.
Website: Langford & Ulting Country Fayre & Classic Car Show
14. “Family Fun” History Day!
Venue: Galleywood Heritage Centre
Town: Chelmsford
Organiser: Essex Society for Family History
Date: 16th August 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Price: £1.00 – Adult, £3.00 – Child
Description: Explore your family roots and local history through engaging activities and crafts at this fun-packed day hosted by the Essex Society for Family History.
Website: “Family Fun” History Day!
If you’re looking for other summer holiday ideas, events or camps take a look at our other articles on our what’s on page HERE.
