Free and Cheap kids days out in Essex!
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The BEST free and cheap family days out in Essex
Looking for affordable Essex family days out that won’t break the bank? I’ve got you covered! Family days out can often be costly, especially during the holidays. That’s why I’ve gathered a selection of my top free and low-cost activities for kids in Essex. From exploring parks and themed trails to discovering museums and embarking on thrilling treasure hunts, there’s no shortage of excitement for the whole family. Want to make it into a break away in Essex, check out these Essex Hotels & Accommodation. Check out my list featuring over 50 fantastic budget-friendly free and cheap kids days out in Essex!
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The complete guide to over 50 Family-Friendly Free and Cheap Kids Days out in Essex in 2025:
Museums, Art Galleries & Historic Venues
Priory Park and Prittlewell Priory Museum, Southend
Location: Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6NB.
Priory Park is a particularly picturesque park, not only does it have a large children’s play area, it has a lake, a woodland walk, a cafe, beautiful walled formal gardens and it’s the home to Prittlewell Priory Museum. The Priory originally formed part of a Cluniac Monastery dating back to 1180. There are plenty of nice spots for picnicking and letting the kids run off some steam.
The museum is free to enter and if you particularly enjoyed your visit then donations are welcomed. You can also book onto free guided tours.
Free parking onsite (although not a huge car park).
For more information visit the Southend Museums website.
Southchurch Hall & Gardens
Southchurch Hall and Gardens is Grade I Listed Medieval moated house located in the Southchurch district of Southend-on-Sea. Gifts shop and refreshments available.
Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 11-4pm.
Location: Southchurch Hall Gardens, Park Lane, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2TE.
Central Museum
Central Museum hosts displays of local archaeology, including the Prittlewell Princely Burial exhibition, natural history, social history and a annual programme of temporary exhibitions. The museum is free to enter and there are public car parks near by.
Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 11-5pm.
Location: Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6EW.
For more information visit the Southend Museums website.
Southend Planetarium
Southend Planetarium offers visitors a unique experience with changing talks throughout the year, exploring the night sky. Presentations are given live, giving you plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Each show can seat around 20 people.
Public shows run every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Pre-booking is essential, please contact on 01702 212345 to book. Planetarium shows run for around 45 – 60 minutes. The Planetarium is situated on the first floor within Central Museum, Southend.
Opening Times: Term Time – Saturday and Sunday: 2pm, School Holidays – Wed-Sun: 2pm.
Ticket Prices: Standard Shows, Adults: £6.80, Child/Concession: £4.60, Family Ticket: £21.00 (2 adults & up to 3 children). For more information visit the Southend Museums website.
Beecroft Art Gallery
Beecroft Art Gallery is just along from Central Museum, so you could visit them together. It has a permanent collection of over 2000 works, ranging from 17th-century Dutch paintings to contemporary works. The gallery has a programme of ever-changing temporary exhibitions and displays presenting pieces from the permanent collection on rotation. The Beecroft Art Gallery is also the home of Southend Museums’ Fashion and Textile exhibitions.
Opening Times: Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 – 17:00.
Location: BEECROFT ART GALLERY, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6EX.
Hollytrees Museum and Colchester Castle Park
Hollytrees Museum is a great museum set in Colchester Castle Park overlooking the picturesque Colchester Castle. There is a cafe, formal gardens and children’s playground with large sandpit play area to explore.
The museum gives a glance into life in Colchester and how it has evolved over the years. It has some really interesting exhibits and interactive parts to keep the kids interested and entertained. Check out their challenge sheet ’50 ways to play’.
Free entry.
Opening times of Hollytrees Museum:
Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm
Sunday 11am to 5pm
Parking is not available on site, you would need to use Colchester Town car parks.
You can visit the Castle Museum but there is a fee to enter.
For more information check the Colchester Castle Park website.
Canvey Island Transport Museum, Canvey
Check website for Open Days, which are normally on Sundays, starting from March 31st. The museum in Canvey Island is the home to a selection of vintage buses, coaches and classic cars. In addition to the museum there is a model railway and gift shop selling die-cast models and transport souvenirs.
Entry is free but donations are welcomed.
First Open day is Sunday 6th April, thereafter we are open on the first and third Sundays, April to September and Sunday 12th October.
Location: Canvey Island Transport Museum, 105 Point Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 7TD.
For more information visit the Canvey Island Transport Museum website.
Chelmsford Museum at Oaklands Park, Chelmsford
Chelmsford Museum is actually in Oaklands Park situated Moulsham Street, Chelmsford.
Set within gorgeous grounds with two fantastic playgrounds for the children, one for older children and one for younger.
Chelmsford Museum has some really interesting exhibits and also houses Essex Regiment Museum.
During the summer holidays they are hosting a number of themed craft sessions for school aged children. Children are encouraged to get creative, using the museum’s collections and displays for inspiration. £3 per child.
Location: Chelmsford Museum, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2 9AQ.
Free entry and free parking is available onsite.
WINTER OPENING TIMES: 1 October to 31 March – Open every day (including bank holidays): 10am to 4pm.
SUMMER OPENING TIMES: 1 April to 30 September – Open every day (including bank holidays): 10am to 5pm.
For more information please visit the Chelmsford Museum website.
The Hive Cafe is open for refreshments, for more information, visit The Hive Cafe’s website. Monday – Sunday from 8am-5pm.
Rayleigh Windmill, Rayleigh
Rayleigh Windmill is a 200 year old Grade II listed building where you can learn how the Windmill worked, climb to the top, try the quiz in the museum, dress up in traditional costumes.
Entry is free of charge but a donation of £1 per person is suggested. See our full review of Rayleigh Windmill here.
Opening times:
The Rayleigh Windmill open yearly between April – September
Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm.
Saturday 1:00 – 4:00pm.
Sunday 1:00 – 4:00pm.
Please check in advance as they close for some private events at weekends.
Parking: is at Mill Hall Car Park which is a paid for car park but free after 1pm on Saturday and free all day Sunday.
For more information please visit the Rayleigh Windmill website.
Right next door to the Windmill is Rayleigh Mount, once home to a medieval castle, now an oasis for wildlife. You can walk round the mount and trace the layout of where the castle once stood. This is a free National Trust place to visit. for more information, visit The National Trust Website.
Finchingfield Post Mill, Finchingfield
Visit the Grade II listed Finchingfield Post Mill, the oldest windmill in Essex. The oldest windmill in Essex, this Post Mill stands on a hill overlooking Finchingfield, the most photographed village in the county.
Opening times:
- April 20, 2025
- May 10, 2025
- May 11, 2025
- May 18, 2025
- June 15, 2025
- July 20, 2025
- August 17, 2025
Prices: Free
Location: Finchingfield Post Mill Duck End, Finchingfield, Braintree, CM7 4NA.
Upminster Windmill, Upminster
Upminster Windmill is managed by the Friends of Upminster Windmill. Enjoy Tea/Coffee and a Cake in a peaceful setting. Admission to the visitor centre, gardens and grounds is free of charge. Admission to the windmill is by ticket.
Built in 1803, Upminster Windmill is one of the finest remaining smock mills in the country, and has a rich history. In 2016, a restoration project began to bring the mill back to working order, saving it from collapse.
Open Days: April 12th & 13th, May 10th & 11th, June 14th & 15th, July 12th & 13th, August 9th & 10th,
September 13th & 14th October 11th & 12th – 10.00am – 4.00pm. They also run seasonal events for example Easter Egg Hunt.
Windmill admission: Adults £6 Children £2 (minimum 100cm tall)
Location: Upminster Windmill Visitor Centre, 89 St Marys Lane, Upminster, RM14 2QL.
Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford
The museum tells the story of the history of the police in Essex from the Victorians to modern day. Things you can see include the shoes of Camille Holland, murdered for her money in 1898, and the death mask of Frederick Browne, who killed PC Gutteridge in 1927.
An absolutely fascinating place and a great free kids days out in Essex. It is small but packed full of interesting facts and information and has an area aimed at children. Children can try their hand at finger printing, try on some police uniform or solve a crime scene!
They often run events throughout the year for a few pounds donation. All monies raised go directly to the Essex Police Museum to help fund it. We had great fun going round the museum on a treasure hunt and was awarded a mini magnifying glass for completing the challenge.
Visit the Essex Police Museum website for further information.
Location: Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford CM2 6DN.
Opening Times: Saturday: 10am to 4pm. Admission is free, although a small charge applies for special events. and Parking is free at Orchard Car Park. If you are using sat nav please use CM2 6DN ‘Kingston Crescent’.
Museum of Power, Maldon
The Museum includes numerous power-related exhibits that will interest all ages, many working examples of various power sources, machinery, equipment and tools. In addition, in the former workshop, the Steam Pump Tea Rooms offer a selection of refreshments. Outside in the grounds more attractions can be found including a model village, picnic area and the miniature railway.
Opening Hours: Museum – Open Wednesday to Sunday 9:30am. to 4:00pm. Last entry 3:00pm
Steam Pump Tea Room – Wednesday to Sunday 9:30am to 3:00pm. Last food service 2:30pm.
They hold lots of events over the holidays for example Science and Art Workshops. Entry fee applies. Adults: £8.00; Concessions: Senior citizens and students: £7; Children 5 to 15 incl £4; Children 4 and under: FREE. Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) available for £20.
Miniature railway prices: Adults – £2, Children aged 3 to 15 years – £1, Children 2 and under – free.
Family Ticket – £5 (2 adults & up to 3 children).
Please visit their facebook page or Museum of Power website for further details.
Location: Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex CM9 6QA. Tel: +44 (0)1621 843183.
Essex Fire Museum, Grays
Essex Fire Museum is situated behind Grays Fire Station. They have a large collection of Fire Service artefacts from the 1700’s onwards. The museum is free entry and open every Tuesday and Thursday. They also have a family open day once a month (normally the last Sunday of the month).
Visit the Essex Fire Museum facebook page for more info.
Location: Essex Fire Museum, Grays Fire Station, Hogg Lane, Grays RM17
Parks, Forests & Nature Trails
Wind in the Willows Sculpture Trail at Hanningfield Reservoir
Hanningfield Reservoir in Downham, Billericay is a great family day out. Stick on your wellies and take a wander through the woods to spot the well known characters from Wind in the Willows. A special map is available to purchase at the visitor centre for £1. At each sculpture you can use the back of the map to make your very own brass rubbings of Badger, the Weasels, Ratty, Mole and Mr Toad.
You can visit for free but there is a suggested donation amount of £2 per adult, £1 per child or £5 per family.
They also offer a range of children’s activities during the summer holidays for just a £3 donation. Check their website to see what events are running.
The visitor centre has a refreshment area, gift shop and toilets with baby changing facilities. There is also a viewing area with views out across the Reservoir where you can relax and enjoy watching the wildlife.
There is free parking available onsite. Open Daily: 9am – 5pm.
Location: Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, CM11 1WT.
For more information visit the Essex Wildlife Trust website.
Peter Rabbit Sculpture Trail at Langdon Nature Discovery Park, Basildon
Langdon Nature Discovery Park is in Lower Dunton Road in Basildon. It is a lovely nature reserve with a trail, meadows, woodlands and lakes. As you take a wander around the trail you will meet wonderful wooden characters from Peter Rabbit. You can purchase a trail map for £1. They also offer lots of children’s activities during the summer holidays from scavenger hunts to arts and crafts for just a £3 donation. Check their website or Facebook page for details.
The visitor centre has just been renovated and has a gift shop, cafe and toilets with baby changing. To the rear of the visitor centre is a pretty wildlife garden.
There is free parking onsite. The trail is suitable for everyone, including buggies and wheelchairs.
Open Daily: 10am – 5pm.
Location: Langdon Nature Discovery Park, Lower Dunton Road, Basildon, SS16 6EJ.
For more information visit the Essex Wildlife Trust website.
Brambly Hedge Sculpture Trail at Abberton Reservoir
At Abberton Reservoir in Colchester you can meet seven of the characters from the classic stories Brambly Hedge. Test your map reading skills by following the Brambly Hedge map, which is available for £1 from the Nature Discovery Centre. Find Wilfred and his fellow Brambly Hedge mice including Primrose, Lord Woodmouse and Lady Woodmouse. Take part in the wildlife quiz as you go around the trail and learn about mice, where they live and what they eat. Abberton Reservoir also has a visitor centre, toilets, shop, cafe, outdoor play area and free parking. The trail is wheelchair and buggy friendly and open every day.
Location: Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park, Church Rd, Layer-de-la-Haye, Colchester, Essex, CO2 0EU.
For more information please visit the Essex Wildlife Trust website.
Gruffalo Sculpture Trail – Thorndon Country Park North, Brentwood
The Gruffalo Trail is in Thorndon Country Park North in Brentwood. It’s a great walk through the forest spotting all your favourite characters from The Gruffalo books by Julia Donaldson.
There is a visitor centre where you can purchase a trail guide. There is also a gift shop, cafe and toilets with picnic area.
Free entry. There is a charge for parking. No booking required and pathways are buggy and wheelchair friendly. There is also Bike Hire available.
Opening Times: 10am to 5pm. The park is open every day. The cafe is open from 10am every day.
Location: Thorndon Country Park, Brentwood, Warley, Essex, England, CM13 3RZ.
Car parking prices: Up to 1 hour £2.50, Up to 2 hours £3.80, Up to 4 hours £5.10, All day £6.30.
For more information please visit the Essex Wildlife Trust website.
Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre, Leigh on Sea
Belfairs Woods in Leigh on Sea in Essex is a great spot to wander through the woods or play in the large wooden play area. Parking is free and there is a visitor centre with toilets, shop, cafe nearby for refreshments. The Inn at Belfairs is also on site, check out our review of their afternoon tea.
Parking is at the rear of the Inn at Belfairs or at the Discovery Centre is located at:
Location: Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre, Eastwood Road North, Leigh on Sea, SS9 4LR.
Opening times: Open every day 10-5pm.
Check the Essex Wildlife Trust website for more information.
Ingrebourne Nature Discovery Centre, Hornchurch
The Nature Discovery Centre the centre overlooks the fantastic marshland and reedbeds of the River Ingrebourne Valley. The centre offers a shop, café, toilets, children’s’ play area which includes a model Spitfire and a variety of play equipment for a range of ages and abilities. Pathways suitable for bicycles, pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Opening times: Every day 10am – 5pm.
Location: Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre, Hornchurch Country Park, Squadrons Approach, Hornchurch, RM12 6DF. Parking available.
Check the Essex Wildlife Trust website for more information.
Thameside Nature Discovery Park, Stanford-Le-Hope
A visitor centre built on a former landfill site, with superb views over Mucking Flats SSSI and the Thames Estuary. Footpaths and cycle ways in 120 acres of nature park. They have a visitor centre, shop, cafe, toilets picnic area and outdoor play area, it is also a great birdwatching, insect watching and ship watching spot.
Opening Times: Every day, 10am – 5pm.
Check the Essex Wildlife Trust website for more information.
Location: Mucking Wharf Road, Mucking, Stanford-Le-Hope, SS17 0RN. Free parking.
Stick Man Trail at Weald Country Park, Brentwood
Another great free kids day out in Essex is Weald Country Park. It is set within 520 acres of parkland in Brentwood and home to a deer park and Stickman Sculpture Trail. A fun trail bringing to life the story by Julia Donaldson encouraging imaginative play. A gorgeous walk through the woodland and parkland with activities to explore at each stop. It really is a lovely walk round and the children love investigating and playing around the wooden structures.
You can purchase a map at the visitor centre. There is also a deer park to visit, cafe, play area, gift shop and toilets. You can purchase deer and duck feed.
Free entry
Parking is onsite, there is a charge for parking.
Location: Weald Country Park, Weald Rd, Brentwood CM14 5QS.
The park is open every day 8am to dusk. For more information please visit the Explore Essex website.
Belhus Woods Country Park, South Ockenden
Belhus Woods Country Park combines ancient woodland, kid’s play area, meadows and lakes with a visitor centre, toilets and café.
Opening times: open every day 8am to dusk.
Location: Belhus Woods Country Park, South Ockendon, Aveley, Greater London, England, RM15 4XJ.
Car parking prices: Up to 1 hour £2.50, Up to 2 hours £3.80, Up to 4 hours £5.10 or All day £6.30.
For more information visit Explore Essex website.
Great Notley Discovery Park, Braintree
Great Notley Discovery Park is situated in Braintree. A great place to explore with the kids with interactive play equipment and sensory trails. It is home to Essex’s longest play trail and also home to Sky Ropes (extra charge).
There is a cafe onsite, toilets and car parking.
Free Entry.
Opening times: The park is open daily from 08.00 till dusk.
The visitor centre and cafe is open daily from 10.00 till 16.00 (Except 25 December).
Location: Great Notley Country Park, Braintree, Great Notley, Essex, England, CM77 7FS
Car parking prices: Up to 1 hour £2.50, Up to 2 hours £3.80, Up to 4 hours £5.10 or All day £6.30.
For more information visit Explore Essex website.
Hadleigh Castle & Country Park, Hadleigh
Hadleigh Castle is situated in Castle Lane, Hadleigh. The ruins of the castle are set high upon a hill overlooking the Essex marshes and Thames estuary. A gorgeous spot for settling down for a picnic and letting the kids let off some steam exploring the castle ruins.
At Hadleigh Country Park is one of the UK’s top mountain biking courses, so perfect if you fancy a ride on your bikes with the kids. They also have a play area, bike hire and cafe onsite.
Location: Hadleigh Country Park, Chapel Lane, Benfleet, Essex, England, SS7 2PP.
Car parking prices: Up to 1 hour £2.50, Up to 2 hours £3.80, Up to 4 hours £5.10, All day £6.30.
Opening times: 8am- dusk, every day.
Visit Explore Essex website for more information.
Free entry all year round.
Hylands House & Park, Chelmsford
Hylands House is based in Chelmsford in Hylands Park. The Grade II listed house is set in gorgeous landscaped parkland, with pretty formal gardens to explore, a cafe, adventure castle play area and artists studios.
There is a kiosk for refreshments next to the play area. Opening Times of the kiosk are:
Monday – Friday 9am-3pm.
Saturday- Sunday: 9am-4pm.
There is Free entry to the park and a small charge for parking.
The house is open Free of charge, third Sunday per month and they have a food fest and live music. Check their website for dates.
Please check their website for opening dates and times of the house and cafe. Please also be aware that it will be closed for visiting during a weekend in mid August for a Festival.
Location: Hylands House, Hylands Estate, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ
For more information please visit the Hylands Estate website.
Thames Chase Nature Reserve, Upminster
Location: Thames Chase Forest Centre & Broadfields, Pike Lane, Upminster, Essex, RM14 3NS.
For more information please visit the Thames Chase website.
Thames Chase Nature Reserve based in Pike Lane, Upminster has a great nature trail with activities as you go round. It also boasts a play area, nice cafe, gift shop and bicycle hire. It’s a great place to take the kids bikes to cycle round.
They have recently opened their Gruffalo Party Trail.
The interactive family trail features all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures.
Follow the trail to help find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember. Search for balloons, pine cones, apples and the Gruffalo himself, and complete fun activities and rubbings as you go along. You can also purchase a trail activity pack for £4 (but not essential).
Free entry.
Includes café and shop with toilets and baby changing.
All day parking is £2.
Wat Tyler Park, Basildon
Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea, Basildon has 125 acres of country walks, wildlife spotting and brand new updated adventure play area for kids. The park has a fascinating history and was originally an explosives factory. There are informative signs as you walk around the trail.
There is a cafe and gift shop onsite with toilets and baby changing.
Free entry and free parking onsite.
Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9am to 7pm.
Location: Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, Basildon, Essex, SS16 4UH.
For more information please visit the Wat Tyler website.
Grays Beach Park, Grays
Grays Beach Park is a great cheap day out for children and families too. They have:
- a sand pit play area, with a play galleon and play equipment for a range of ages and abilities
- a skate ramp
- an aerial zip-line
- an adiZone multi-use ball court
- a large open grass field, ideal for picnics
- Summer Splash Pad (£2.99).
It’s free entrance and there is a large cafe serving food and coffee with an ice cream and dessert parlour.
Park Opening times:
- April to October – 8am until dusk
- October to March – 8am until 4pm
Parking: Local ‘pay and display’ street parking is available in Thames Road. There is also an off-street ‘pay and display’ car park on Thames Road. Grays Beach Riverside Park is a short walk from Grays Railway Station. ‘Places of interest’ signs direct traffic from surrounding main roads.
Location: Greys Beach Riverside Park, Thames Road, Grays, RM17 6JP.
King Georges Park, Brentwood
Set within King Georges Park, are many free and cheap activities to enjoy with the family. The playing fields boasts a splash pad with fountains, while the adventure playground offers kids the chance to climb, slide and explore to their hearts content. The centre also has a café and reception area, a TAGactive (TAGactive is a game-based indoor obstacle course), a soft play area, Changing Places accessible toilet facilities, a sensory room, changing facilities and a new golf club house with changing facilities.
Location: 1-3 Hartswood Pavilion, King George’s Playing Fields, Ingrave Road, Brentwood Essex CM13 2FD.
Opening Times:
Splash Pad: Term Time: Monday – Friday: Closed, Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00. Holiday Time: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00.
Adventure Play Area: Term Time: Monday – Friday: Closed, Saturday & Sunday: 09:45 – 16:45. Holiday Time: Monday – Sunday: 09:45 – 16:45.
Soft Play Area: Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 20:00, Saturday & Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00.
Tag Active: Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 20:00, Saturday & Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00.
Sensory Room: Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 20:00, Saturday & Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00.
Cafe: Monday – Friday: 07:00 – 20:00, Saturday & Sunday: 07:00 – 18:00.
For more information or to book an activity visit King Georges Playing Fields Website.
Stubbers Adventure Centre, Upminster
Stubbers Adventure Centre in Upminster has recently added lots of exciting new play areas and trails, meaning you can pay a small entry fee, £3 adults and £4 for kids. The kids can play all day. Included in that is: Park access 9am to 5pm, Free Parking, Adventure Play Area, Woodland Discovery Trails, Food Court and Coffee Shop, Big Top Activities, Wild Camp Taster Sessions, Paddle Beach and Pedalos (extra costs apply).
They also have over 35 other activities that can be booked at an extra charge, from abseiling to Canoeing! We tried out the High Ropes Course. Please note: Adventures are not included and need to be booked in advance; children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Opening times: Park Access – 9am to 5pm (last entry at 4.00pm)
Coffee Shop – 9am to 5pm
Visit Stubbers website for more info.
Location: Stubbers Adventure Centre, Ockendon Rd, Upminster RM14 2TY
Beaches, Coastal and Canal Walks
Traditional Seaside Town Beaches
Southend-on-Sea Beach (Southend-on-Sea)
⭐ Why Visit? A lively beach with attractions and the world’s longest pleasure pier.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, amusement arcades, restaurants, cafés, and bars.
🅿️ Parking: Various paid car parks (Seaway Car Park, Fairheads Green Car Park).
🎡 Highlights: Adventure Island theme park, Southend Pier, and nightlife.
Chalkwell Beach (Chalkwell, Southend)
⭐ Why Visit? A quieter, family-friendly beach near Southend.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, cafés, and picnic areas.
🅿️ Parking: Free and paid parking along Chalkwell Esplanade.
🎡 Highlights: Great for paddling and dog-friendly off-peak.
Leigh-on-Sea Beach (Leigh-on-Sea)
⭐ Why Visit? A small beach near Old Leigh’s pubs and seafood restaurants.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, pubs, and fish markets.
🅿️ Parking: Leigh Station Car Park (paid).
🎡 Highlights: Famous for cockles and seafood, tea room and pubs.
Canvey Island Beach (Canvey Island)
⭐ Why Visit? A sandy and shingle beach with arcades, amusements, and family attractions.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, cafés, a play area, and amusement arcades.
🅿️ Parking: Free and paid parking available.
🎡 Highlights: Seafront arcades, mini funfair, seafood stalls, and estuary views.
Sandy Beaches in Essex
Clacton-on-Sea Beach (Clacton-on-Sea)
⭐ Why Visit? Classic seaside resort with amusements, a pier, and sandy shores.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, cafés, restaurants, arcades, amusement rides.
🅿️ Parking: Several paid car parks nearby, including Hastings Avenue Car Park & Martello Bay.
🎡 Highlights: Clacton Pier, crazy golf, fish & chips, and summer events.
Frinton Beach (Frinton-on-Sea)
⭐ Why Visit? A quieter, more upmarket beach with soft sand and colourful beach huts.
🚻 Facilities: Limited toilets and a small café nearby.
🅿️ Parking: Free and paid street parking along The Esplanade.
🎡 Highlights: No amusements, making it perfect for a peaceful beach day.
Jaywick Sands (Near Clacton-on-Sea)
⭐ Why Visit? A quiet, sandy stretch of beach great for walks.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets and a few local shops.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking available near the beach.
🎡 Highlights: Ideal for a budget-friendly beach day with fewer crowds.
Dovercourt Bay Beach (Harwich)
⭐ Why Visit? A Blue Flag beach with golden sand and scenic lighthouses.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, cafés, picnic areas, and children’s play area.
🅿️ Parking: Free and paid parking available near the beach.
🎡 Highlights: Historic lighthouses, promenade walks, and water sports.
Family-Friendly Beaches
Walton-on-the-Naze Beach (Walton-on-the-Naze)
⭐ Why Visit? A great beach for families with a traditional pier and soft sand.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, cafés, shops, amusement arcades.
🅿️ Parking: Naze Park Road Car Park (paid) and limited free spaces.
🎡 Highlights: Naze Tower, crabbing, fossil hunting, and a dog-friendly beach.
Mersea Island Beach (West Mersea)
⭐ Why Visit? A mix of sand and shingle, perfect for beachcombing and seafood lovers.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, cafés, pubs, seafood shacks (famous for oysters!).
🅿️ Parking: West Mersea Esplanade Car Park (paid).
🎡 Highlights: Great seafood, crabbing, and water sports. Check tide times as the island gets cut off!
Brightlingsea Beach (Brightlingsea)
⭐ Why Visit? Small but charming beach with a lido.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, cafés, and a children’s play area.
🅿️ Parking: Brightlingsea Promenade Car Park (paid).
🎡 Highlights: Beach huts, open-air lido, and promenade walks.
Secluded & Nature Beaches
The Naze (Walton-on-the-Naze)
⭐ Why Visit? A wild and natural beach great for fossil hunting.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, a small café at Naze Tower.
🅿️ Parking: The Naze Car Park (paid).
🎡 Highlights: Fossil cliffs, birdwatching, and historic Naze Tower.
Shoebury East Beach (Shoeburyness)
⭐ Why Visit? A quieter alternative to Southend’s main beaches.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, a small café.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking on site.
🎡 Highlights: Perfect for dog walks, windsurfing, and picnics.
Riverside
Burnham-on-Crouch Riverside Walk (Burnham-on-Crouch)
⭐ Why Visit? A flat, easy walk along the River Crouch with stunning estuary views.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, cafés, and nearby shops
🅿️ Parking: Free and paid options nearby.
🎡 Highlights: Walk past Burnham’s quaint pubs, cafés, and yacht clubs. Extend your walk by continuing along the sea wall to Creeksea. Marina, yachts, and pretty cottages line the route.
Perfect for birdwatching, especially waders and wildfowl.
Maldon & Heybridge Basin Walk (Maldon)
⭐ Why Visit? A peaceful riverside walk along the Blackwater Estuary. See traditional Thames sailing barges and wildlife.
🚻 Facilities: Toilets, cafés, and nearby shops.
🅿️ Parking: Paid options nearby.
🎡 Highlights: Stop at Heybridge Basin, a charming marina village. Maldon Promenade Park – great for families.
Paper Mill Lock
⭐ Why Visit? Paper Mill Lock, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful waterways in Essex. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk, boat trip, or a relaxing riverside picnic.
🚻 Facilities: Tea Room, Toilets.
🅿️ Parking: Paid options nearby, free parking if using cafe.
🎡 Highlights: Public boat trips available, paddleboards for hire, charming tea room over looking the lock.
Farms & Animals
A selection of affordable farms to visit in Essex. Some of these farms offer off-peak prices or family passes to save more money.
White Elm Petting Farm, Bicknacre
Location: White Elm Garden Centre, White Elm Road, Bicknacre, CM3 4LR
Entry Price: Adults – £8.95, Child (2 to 16) – £7.95, Junior (6 Months to Under 2) – £2.50, Under 6 Months – Free, Concessions (60+) – £7.95
Family run Petting Farm with over 100 animals. Entrance to the petting farm includes entrance into the soft play barn. You can purchase a small bucket of feed at the ticket hut and feed most of the animals, they are an interactive farm.
Parking: Free parking.
Café: Yes – tea room with cakes & lunch options.
Contact: White Elm Garden Centre and Tea Room website
Rare Breeds Centre, Hadleigh
Location: Hadleigh Farm Estate, Castle Lane, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2AP.
Next to Hadleigh Country Park is the Rare Breeds Farm.
Parking: It is also home to the Salvation Army Hadleigh Tea Room with car park. Please note there is a charge for car parking.
Entry Prices: Entry to the Farm isn’t free but it is very reasonable and is well worth a visit to see the sheep and goats if in the area.
- Adults £5.50
- Children (3-16) £4.50
- Under 3’s FREE
- Concessions (over 60’s, students and disabled with carer) £5.00
- Child Concessions (disabled with carer) £4.00
- Family (2 Adults and 2 Children or 1 Adult and 3 Children) £18.00
They have a play area and lots of rare breed friendly animals to see.
Contact: Salvation Army Rare Breeds Centre Website.
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood
Location: Sawyer’s Hall Farm, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, CM15 9BZ.
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood gives a home for life to sick, unwanted and mistreated animals such as horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, geese, ducks and cats. Open to the public daily. They run themed events throughout the holidays and have a cafe on site and play area.
Admission Fees
- Adult – £9.00
- Child (2-15) – £8.00
- Concession – £7.00
- Family of 2 – £16.00
- Family of 4 – £32.00
- Under 2’s – FREE
Extra Animal Experiences help the sanctuary raise much needed funds and gets you even closer so you can help feed and groom. There is a play area and cafe onsite and free parking. Please check the Hopefield website or facebook for further details of their special events.
Daisy May’s Farm, Elsenham
Location: Daisy mays Farm, Hall Road, Elsenham, Essex, CM226DN
Daisy May’s Farm is a working and community farm based in the village of Elsenham, Essex. It is run solely by volunteers, as a not for profit organisation.
With a range of animals and their own breeding programme, there is always something for you and your family to enjoy. They encourage hands-on time for everybody and provide the following experiences: Collecting the eggs, Feeding and handling farm animals, Bottle feeding the lambs (seasonal), Holding chicks, Milking the goat.
The farm is set in almost 20 acres of pasture and woodland. Why not enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake from our Snack Shack, whilst watching your children spend time in the secure play area.
Entry is £5 per person.
Opening times: 9am to 5pm.
Fruit Picking & Sun Flower Fields
Cammas Hall Farm, Bishops Stortford
Cammas Hall Farm is set in the Essex countryside, just outside Bishops Stortford. A great spot for strawberry and fruit picking. They have a lovely outdoor play area, maize maze, cafe and farm shop. Many events run throughout the year and its also a great spot for a Halloween day out and pumpkin picking come Autumn. They host themed events too and we had the best time at the Alice of Wonderland event they previously hosted.
I would definitely recommend a visit there. It’s best to check the Cammas Hall website.
Location: Cammas Hall Farm, Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak, Near Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM22 7JT.
Lathcoats Farm
Lathcoats Farm Beehive Lane, Galleywood, CM2 8LX. Family fruit farm growing over 40 varieties of delicious English apple, and a wide variety of summer fruits for PYO. They also have a farm shop and and The Bee Shed Cafe on site and run seasonal events throughout the year.
Location: Beehive Lane, Galleywood CM2 8LX
Unusual Days Out
North Weald & District Miniature Railway
Location: Harlow Garden Centre, Canes Lane, Hastingwood, CM17 9LD
The North Weald & District Miniature Railway (NWDMR) is based in the grounds of Harlow Garden Centre in Essex. Maintained and operated by volunteers, they operate a variety of trains including both steam and diesel electric and petrol hauled services all year on selected days and then Special Events including Easter & Christmas Specials.
Tickets start from £3 per person.
Check their facebook page for running days and special events.
Free Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Tour, North Weald
Did you know you can book FREE tours of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance base in North Weald Airfield in Essex. This is such an interesting and fun experience. They run free public tours which tell you about this vital service. We found it absolutely fascinating, the wonderful and friendly volunteers told us all the interesting facts about our local air ambulance. We got to see a mock up of the cabin in life size, sit in the pilot’s seat and try on the helmets.
Outside, we saw the helicopter and were lucky enough to meet the crew on our visit. Whilst we were there, there was an emergency call out for air ambulance and we were privileged to see it take off, this was an amazing experience but quite a sobering realisation that somebody needed vital help.
Did you know that the air ambulance bring the accident & emergency department direct to the patient, attending the most critical of emergency calls with a pre hospital doctor and critical care paramedic on board to treat patients at the scene. You learn all the interesting facts.
Why not go online and book a free tour at EHAAT.org to see how you could help your local air ambulance.
Location: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, Hangar 12, CM16 6HR.
Treasure Hunts in Essex, Various locations
Although technically not a ‘Free kids days out in Essex’. These work out brilliant at £10 for a whole family day out. There are over 14 Treasure Hunts available across Essex. Read our full post about Essex Treasure Trails here. A Treasure Hunt in Essex is the best way to explore a new destination whilst having fun with friends and family. A perfect socially distanced outdoor activity for a cheap day out with the kids. You can download the booklet for £9.99 and enjoy time outdoors with friends and family solving the clues. Such great fun!
I hope our list of Free Family Days Out in Essex helps and inspires you to go out and have fun with the family whilst on a budget. Please let me know if there are any great budget-friendly places I need to add to the list. Need ideas for free or cheap family days out in London, pop over and have a read!
Please note all information is correct at time of publishing, please check venue websites or Facebook pages before you visit for up to date information or changes.
Thank you for reading ‘Free kids days out in Essex!‘. If you can think of any other great free family days near you in Essex, let me know!
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Priory Park in Southend also has free concerts on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the summer months, 3-5pm given by local bands, choirs and groups.
Thames Chase Forest Park has disability bikes for hire as well as ordinary bikes but you need to ring first.
Canvey Island – the £5 wrist bands are at Leisure Island park not Fantasy Island, which is the larger rides park next door. Also on Canvey is Stay and Splash paddling pool at The Paddocks but it is vsy popular on hot days!
Thank you Ruth! X
Someone posted this link on FB. All the suggestions are fab but I particularly love it because my little girl is also called Eden Rose! 🙂
Aw thank you, another Eden Rose! Good choice lol!
Fantastic website, thank you for all the information given to us parents who want to get out and enjoy the world with our little ones.
Xx
Thank you so much! That means a lot! X
Hi I am a Director at Grays Beach Park and would like you to create awareness for us too. Our park is a childrens park and has free entrance.
There is a cafe selling a wide range of foods and drinks there is an icecream parlour and in the summer there is a splash pad which is only £2.99
Hi. Is it possible to include a listing for the Essex Fire Museum (on your free / cheap days out page). We are situated behind Grays Fire Station and have a large collection of Fire Service artefacts from the 1700’s onwards. The museum is free entry and open every Tuesday and Thursday. We also have a family open day once a month (normally the last Sunday of the month). Thanks.