Sat 25–Sun 29 Sept

Fun on the Farm

Acres of fun for everyone. Daily tractor and trailer rides, animal interactions and much more! Off peak/peak prices -Adults £7/£9, Child £5.50/£7 Family £24/£30. 10am-5pm. Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, CM3 5WP. 01245 321552 www.marshfarm.co.uk

Sun 26

Peppa Pig Day

See Peppa Pig at intervals throughout the day and have a fun family time. Animal interactions, farmyard friends, birds of prey, shows, crafts and more. £9/£7. 10am-5pm. Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, CM3 5WP.
01245 321552. www.marshfarm.co.uk

Mon 27 - Sun 2 June

A Sheep-tastic Time

Watch sheep-shearing and learn what can be done with wool. 10am-5pm. Adult £8.50, child £7. Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF

01992 892 781

www.visitleevalley.org.uk/farms

Mon 27 - Fri 31

Love Your Zoo Week

Asian animal fun and games. 12 - 4pm. Cost included in admission fee. Shepreth Wildlife Park, Herts SG8 6PZ

07986 382643

www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

Mon 27 - Fri 31

Tractor Week

Follow the tractor trail and listen to talks in the Discovery Centre. 10am-5pm. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD 01268 532253

www.barleylands.co.uk

Mon 27

It’s Party Time

Join in for party music. 4-6pm. Space Kingdom, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton on Sea CO15 4XA

0845 5212809

www.spacekingdom.co.uk

Mon 27

Happy Hunters

Hunt for bugs, pondlife and mammals. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am-2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Mon 27

Multi-Activity Adventures

Choose from four, 90 minute activity sessions taken from the Land, Motor, Towers and Water areas. Ages 6-16, parents go free. Stubbers Adventure Centre, Upminster RM14 2TY

01708 224753 www.stubbers.co.uk

Mon 27

Bank Holiday

A chance to view this fine example of mid-Victorian military architecture. 11am-5pm. £4 adults, 50p child (5-16yrs). Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury RM18 8PB 01375 844203

www.coalhousefort.co.uk

Mon 27

Bank Holiday Family Fun Day

Activities include face painting, inflatables, BBQ & live music. The Compasses, Pattiswick, Braintree

01376 561322

www.thecompassesatpattiswick.co.uk

Free Event

Mon 27- Fri 31

Children’s Trail

Enjoy a special trail around the beautiful grounds. £3.50 per person. Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum, Coggeshall. 01376 563796 www.markshall.org.uk

Tue 28 - Thur 30

Learn to Garden

Activities include paper pots, seed sowing, and birdcakes. 10am-3pm. Adult £7.95, child (5-16) £4, under 4s free, in addition to normal entry fee. RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Rettendon,

CM3 8ET 0845 265 8071

www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall

Tue 28

Explore, Make & Do

Make a cheeky dinosaur and hunt for dinosaurs in a picture trail. Age: 1-5yrs. 11am-2pm. £1/child. Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Rd, Ilford, Essex IG1 4XA 020 8708 8100

www.valentinesmansion.com

BE

Tue 28

Time Machine

Find out about leisure activities in the Regency parlour, including card games and the ceremony of tea drinking. Age: 3+. 10.30am-12.30pm. £3.50/child. Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Rd, Ilford, Essex IG1 4XA

020 8708 8100

www.valentinesmansion.com

BE

Tue 28

GO WILD – Back in Time

Trail, crafts & activities exploring the Wick’s interesting inhabitants over the centuries including Romans and mammoths! Children must be accompanied.10.30am-3pm. £5 donation/child. Fingringhoe Wick, Fingringhoe. 01206 729678

BE

Tue 28

Boreham Fun Day

IAO the Essex Air Ambulance. Inflatables, displays, facepainting, BBQ, go-karts, live bands, tug of war. 12-4pm. Recreation Ground, Main Road, Boreham CM3 3JB.

Free Event

Tue 28

Pond Dipping

10.30am-12.30pm. £5. Thorndon Country Park, The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3RZ 01277 232944

www.essexwt.org.uk

Tue 28

Clay Clams

Press your own clam shell and make treasure to hide inside. Age: 3+. 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm. £3. Ipswich Museum, Ipswich

IP1 3QH 01473 433691

www.cimuseums.org.uk

Tue 28

Bug Hunt

2-4pm. £5. Thorndon Country Park, The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3RZ 01277 232944 www.essexwt.org.uk

Tue 28

Bushcraft & Nature Skills Workshop

£20 per person. Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum, Coggeshall. 01376 563796 www.markshall.org.uk

Tue 28

Out and About

Follow the trail, make a wild instrument and toast marshmallows over a campfire. For accompanied children of all ages.10.30am-2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 29

Beastly Bugs

Find out how to encourage mini beasts into your garden and create a giant-sized bug. Suitable all ages. 10.30am-12pm/2-3.30pm. £3.50/child. Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Rd, Ilford, Essex IG1 4XA

020 8708 8100

www.valentinesmansion.com

BE

Wed 29

Police Car Photo Shoot

Have your photo taken and make a police car frame! All ages. 10am–4pm. £2. Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford CM2 6DN 01245 457 150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Wed 29

Magic Mammals

Discover furry inhabitants and learn how you can follow the clues to find out who’s been about. Children must be accompanied. 10am–12pm. £5 per child. Fingringhoe Wick, South Green Road, Fingringhoe, CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Wed 29

Teddy Bear’s Picnic Event Day

Bring your teddy to listen to stories; make a waistcoat, borrow an explorer backpack or Beatrix Potter hamper; complete a giant jigsaw or make a timeline. Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich www.cimuseums.org.uk

Wed 29

Pondemonium

Come and find out what’s wriggling and swimming under the surface of one of the ponds! 10am-noon. £5/ accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, Fingringhoe. 01206 729678

BE

Wed 29

Pond Life

A morning of pond dipping on one of the local Nature Reserves. Accompanied 5-11 year olds. 10am-12pm. £3/child. Nazeing Triangle Local Nature Reserve, Betts Lane, Nazeing, EN9 2DA.

01992 788203

www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/countrycare

BE

Wed 29

Abberton Adventurers

Holiday club for unaccompanied 8-12 yr olds. Activities including pond dipping, bug hunting and campfire cooking. 10:30am–3pm. £10. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU

01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 29

Deeply Dippy

Discover the fascinating creatures that live in the depths of the pond, followed by a craft activity. For accompanied children aged 4+. 10am–2.30pm. £4. Visitor Centre, High Woods Country Park, Colchester 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

BE

Wed 29

Birds of Prey (Owls)

Find out about these beautiful, mysterious birds and have fun taking part in an owl-themed craft activity. 1-4pm. The View. 020 7332 1911 www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest

Wed 29

Timmy Time

Timmy will be making appearances at intervals throughout the day.10am-5pm. Adult £8.50, child £7. Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF 01992 892 781 www.visitleevalley.org.uk/farms

Thur 30

Fingringhoe Explorers

Try out survival skills, plus woodland crafts. For unaccompanied children aged 8+. 10.30am–3pm. £10/child. Bring a packed lunch. Fingringhoe Wick, Colchester CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Thur 30

Under the Sea

See the amazing puffa fish on the galleries and make your own. Age: 3+. 11am/12/1/2.30/3.30pm. £3. Ipswich Museum, Ipswich IP1 3QH.

01473 433691 www.cimuseums.org.uk

BE

Thur 30

Pondemonium

Enjoy pond dipping on the reserve and have a go at creating a pondlife scene to take home with you. For accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am-12:30pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 30

Bugtastic Bug hunting

Go bug hunting on the reserve and make your own insect to take home. For accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 12:30pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 30

Bees & Flowers

Make your own musical bee instrument and buzz into a colourful flower garden full of stories, sound and music. Age: 1-5yrs. 10.30-11.30am/1.30-2.30pm. £3.50/child. Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Rd, Ilford, Essex

IG1 4XA 020 8708 8100

www.valentinesmansion.com

BE

Fri 31

Family foraging event

Walk, forage and sample food. Accompanied over 5’s. 10.30-12.30pm. £5/child. Abbotts Hall Farm, Gt Wigborough, Colchester, CO5 7RZ 01621 862960

BE

Fri 31

Pond Dipping

Have a go at pond dipping and discover the fascinating creatures that live there. Age: 4+. 11-12.30pm & 1.30-3pm. £2. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge, IP12 1NA. 01394 380113 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Fri 31

Birds of Prey

Learn about the raptors that live in the wild and make your own hawk. 1pm-4pm. Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge. 020 7332 1911

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest

Fri 31

Fingringhoe Fledglings

Monthly club for the under 5’s with a different wildlife theme, outdoor exploration, crafts, songs and stories. 10am-12pm. £5/accompanied child/£3 siblings. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve. 01206 729678

BE

Fri 31

Make Your Own Photo Frame

Get creative with cardboard and make your own quirky photo frame. Age: 3+. Drop in 10.30-12.30pm, 1.30-3.30pm. £2. Ipswich Art School. 01473 433691 www.cimuseums.org.uk

BE

Fri 31

Play Area Madness

Have fun getting to know the new play area and playing some wild games. Accompanied children of all ages. 10:30am – 2pm . Adult: £2, Child: £1. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre,

CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

 

Sat 1 - ongoing

Camera Obscura

Artist Jackie Mellor installs her Camera Obscura. Children to be accompanied by an adult. 10am – 5pm. The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1UE 01206 712437

www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories/events/uniquely-perception-mind

Free Event

Sat 1 - Sat 29

Groundbound: Desmond Brett

A group of artworks will settle in our garden......They are clouds. 10am – 5pm. The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1UE

01206 712437

www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories/events/groundbound

Free Event

Sat 1 – Sat 13 July

Pattern and Belief : Keith Albarn

Prints, artists’ games, sound-works and moving images.10am – 5pm. The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1UE 01206 712437

www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories/events/pattern-and-belief

Free Event

Sat 1 & Sun 2

Meet the Moshi Monsters

Visit the country’s only main line heritage railway for Moshi madness. Great Central Railway, Great Central Road, Loughborough LE11 1RW

01509 632323 www.gcrailway.co.uk

BE

Sat 1

Dress a police officer!

Cut out, colour and style a cardboard police officer. Ages 5+. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 1

Mucky Mud Run

A 2.5 mile run on the Thames Estuary. www.havenshospices.org.uk

Sat 1

Junior Rangers

Learn about wildlife and how we can help it to thrive. Age: 8 - 11yrs. 10.30am-3pm. £3. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon, SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 1

Baby & Child First Aid Course

Learn key first aid skills in 2 hours. 10am-12pm. £24 per person, (concessions avail). 0844 243 6093 (option 1). firstaid@colchester-nct.co.uk.

BE

Sat 1

Wildlife Fun Day

Live snakes, spiders, owls and more.

10-5pm. Snakes £1 entry. Chelmsford Museum, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford Essex CM2 9AQ

01245 605700

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums

Free admission

Sat 1

Bug Hunting

Come and see how many species of bugs you can find. 10-11.30am. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Sat 1

Décorate a Plate

Come and decorate your own plate. 1-2pm. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Sat 1

Activity Centre Open Day

Taster sessions available for activities including climbing, archery, caving and more. 50p per activity. Skreens Park Activity Centre, Holyoak Lane, Hawkwell, Essex SS5 4JD. 01702 562690 www.belchamps.co.uk

Free Entry

Sun 2

Family Fun Day

Inflatables, face painting, stalls, crafts, games. 11am-4pm. Shotgate Baptist Church, Shotgate, Wickford, SS11 8QZ 01268 573522

Free Event

Sun 2

Colchester Zoo’s Official 50th Birthday

Lots of events to mark this special day. Various prices. Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Essex CO3 0SL

01206 331292

www.colchester-zoo.com

Sun 2

Fishing for Beginners

Practical course for beginners. Age:7+. 11am-3pm. High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

Free event

BE

Sun 2

Festival of the Naked Sheep

Sheep shearing; crafts including spinning & felting; bbq & bar. 10am-5pm. Adult: £6,Child: £5 (4 to 16), Under 4’s free. Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, Mill Lane, Baylham IP6 8LG 01473 830264

Sun 2

Clacton Bus Rally

Exhibits and stalls, plus vintage bus rides. 10am–5pm. Clacton Factory Outlet, Stephenson Road West, Clacton on Sea. CO15 4TL

Free Event

Sun 2

Storymakers - Little Story

If you love silly stories and tremendous tales, come and meet the Storymaker. 12pm. New Wolsey Theatre

01473 295900

BE Free Event

Sun 2

Storymakers - Big Story

Leave your family in the New Wolsey Café Bar and come upstairs to meet the Storymaker yourself for an amazing adventure or an exciting escapade. Age:5-6yrs. 2.30pm. New Wolsey Theatre 01473 295900

BE Free Event

Sun 2

The Whale

A gentle metal giant which swallows audiences one (or two) at a time for an unforgettable 3 minute theatre performance. Age: 6yrs+. 12.30-6pm. New Wolsey Theatre Terrace

01473 295900

Free Event

Sun 2

Paper People

An interactive ‘walkabout’ performance for children and their families. 12.30pm/2pm/4.30pm. New Wolsey Theatre Terrace 01473 295900

Free Event

Sun 2

Senior Rangers

Take part in conservation work to help local wildlife. Age: 11yrs+. 10am -1pm. £3. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sun 2

Chafford Ranges

Explore the wild outdoors. Age: 8yrs+, unaccompanied. 1.30-3.30pm. £7. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Tue 4 & Tue 18

Hatchlings Club

Wildlife activities including games, crafts and music. Age: 0-5yrs.10am-12pm. £5/£3 sibling. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 5, Tue 11, Wed 19 & Tue 25

Caterpillar Club

Indoor and outdoor activities. Age: 18m+. 10am to 12pm. £5/£3 additional siblings, includes drink and biscuits. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 8

Open Day

Soaring High Montessori Primary School Open Day. 10am – 1pm. Introductory talk at 11am “Montessori in the Primary Years” by Sarah Rowledge, Principal. Purley Farm, Colne Road, Coggeshall, CO6 1TH 01376 564392

Sat 8

Open Day

Absolute Angels Montessori Nursery Open Day.10am – 1pm. Christ Church Wesley Hall, 15 Stoneham Street, Coggeshall, CO6 1TT 01376 562000

Sat 8

Summer Fete

Laser Tag, bouncy castle, Bake Off, live music, food and bar. 2-11pm. Great Bardfield Primary School, Braintree Road, Gt Bardfield, Braintree, Essex CM7 4RN 01371 810252

Free Event

Sat 8

Stolen Museum Object

Watch the news report and work out who dunnit! Ages 6+. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 8

Tepees and Totem Poles

Create a Totem Pole, a bow and arrow or a dream catcher. Age 5+. 2-4pm. Donation £5/child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Sat 8

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Music and storytelling, soft play area. Age: 0-5yrs, 12-2pm. New Hall Preparatory School, Chelmsford CM3 3HS 01245 467 588 www.newhallschool.co.uk/teddybearspicnic

Free Event BE

Sat 8

Family Forest Fun

Activities, games and crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 8

Craft Club

Create a craft. Age: 8yrs+. 1-3pm. £6. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sun 9

Fire Station Open Day

Firefighting and rescue skills demonstrated throughout the day.10am - 4pm. The Fire Station, Wycke Hill, Maldon CM9 6SH www.essex-fire.gov.uk

Free event

Sun 9

A Day in the Country

Discover about the animals and the people who look after them. 10.30am-5.30pm. Easton Farm Park, Easton, Woodbridge IP13 0EQ 01728 746475 www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

Sun 9

It’s a Farmer’s Life

Visit a working dairy and arable farm. Tours, tractors and hands on activity. 10am-5pm. Adult £8.50, child £7. Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF.

01992 892 781

visitleevalley.org.uk/farms

Sun 9

Open Farm

Vintage open top bus rides, orchard walk and trail. Meet the fruit farmer, falconry displays and tractors. 10am-2pm. Wilkin & Sons, Tiptree CO5 ORF 01621 815407 www.tiptree.com

Free Entry

Sun 9

Open Farm Sunday

Free entry for children ONLY with secret password (find it on www.farmsunday.org). 10am-5pm. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD 01268 532253

www.barleylands.co.uk

Sun 9

World Environment

Plant a seed and create something using recycled materials. Age: 4yrs+, must be accompanied. 10am-12pm. £5. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE170

Tue 11

Meadows Wildlife Walk

Discover damselflies, dragonflies and water plants. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 7 – 9pm. Cymbeline Meadows, Colchester 01206 853588 www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

Free Event

Tue 11

Tuesday Toddle

Have a gentle stroll in the gardens then make something fabulous. Accompanied pre-school children. 10-11.30am/1-2.30pm. £5, max 3 children per adult. Stables Visitor Centre, Hylands House, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ 01245 605523

BE

Wed 12

Creepy Crawlies Club

Explore, discover new things and finish with a wildlife themed story. For accompanied children under 5. 10:30am-12pm. £5/£8 for two siblings. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 14

Bat Walk

Come along and seek out the bats that come out to hunt at night. 8.30pm. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Sat 15

Family Forest Schools

Den building, cooking, whittling, arts and crafts. Accompanied children. 10.30am -12.30pm. £5/child. High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR 01621 862960

BE

Sat 15

Stormin’ Normans

Join celebrations at the new Eye Castle historic trail. Explore the Norman encampment, try your hand at archery. 10.30am-5pm. Eye Castle, Eye,

IP23 7AP 01449 724644

Free Event

Sat 15

Fingerprint Art

Design your own work of art from your fingers! All ages. 10am– 4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 15

Carnival Day

Stalls, rides, live music, fun for all the family. Brightlingsea Recreation Ground from 12 noon. Procession leaves at 1pm. www.visitessex.com

Free Event

Sat 15

Natural Printing

Printing using leaves, vegetables, etc. Age: 5+, must be accompanied. 10.30am-12.30pm. £5/child, free for accompanying adults. Abbotts Hall Farm, CO5 7RZ 01621 862960

BE

Sat 15

Summer Fair

Petting zoo, take the lambs for a walk, hold a snake, teacup ride, inflatables, balloon race, archery, grand draw, coconut shy, refreshments and lots more! 1.30-4.30pm. Adults £1, Children free. St. Mary’s Primary School, Hall Lane, Shenfield CM15 9AL. 01277 221249

Sat 15

Wild Evening Out

Including bat detecting and pond dipping. Age: 6yrs+, must be accompanied. 7.30-10.30pm. £10. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 15 & Sun 16

Journey Through the Ages

Vintage rally & country fair. 10am-5pm. Adult: £6, Child: £4. Goodrich Park, Palgrave, Suffolk, IP22 1BA 07787 155338

Sun 16

Heavy Horse Show

Spectacular display in full harness. Live music, craft stalls, and vintage tractors. 10am-4pm. Adults: £6, Concs: £5, Children: £4 (age 3-15). Museum of Power, Langford, CM9 6QA

01621 843183

www.museumofpower.org.uk

Sun 16

Father’s Day

Take part in the orienteering and denbuilding challenge. 10am-12pm. £5/child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve. South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Sun 16

Father’s Day: Boy’s Toys

Activities including helicopters, monster trucks, arena entertainment,water zorbing. 11am-8.30pm. Various prices. Hylands House, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ 01245 605555

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylandsbookings

Sun 16

Father’s Fun Day

Lots of activities & free drink for Dads. 10am-4pm. Free after admission fee. Space Kingdom, Stephenson Place, Stephenson Road, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton-on-sea CO15 4XA 0845 5212808

www.spacekingdom.co.uk

Sun 16

Father’s Day

Farm fun. 10am-5pm. All dads free entry with every paying child. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD 01268 532253

www.barleylands.co.uk

Thur 20

Treasure Hunt Bike Ride

Every child receives a Cycle Southend Goodie. Meet at 3.40pm at the Growing Together Community Gardens, 47 Fairfax Drive, Southend-on-Sea,

SS0 9AG www.visitsouthend.co.uk

Sat 22

Fun Day

Stalls and games, bouncy castle and trike track. 11am - 3pm. Runwell Village Parish Hall, Church End Lane, Runwell, Essex SS11 7JE

www.runwellpreschool.co.uk

Free Event

Sat 22

Make a Police Dog

Ages 5+. 10am– 4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 22

Tollsfest

Live music, fun run, stalls, BBQ, face painting. 11am-9pm. £3. Victory Recreation Ground, Tollesbury CM9 8QJ

Sat 22

Marks Hall Cycle Trail.

Family guided cycle ride around the Estate and local byways. Bring your mountain bike, helmets should be worn. £5/£3.11.am. Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall. www.markshall.org.uk

Sat 22

Heybridge Basin Regatta

Traditional sailing regatta including competitions, children’s activities and BBQ. Heybridge Basin CM9 4RS

www.heybridgebasinregatta.co.uk

Free Event

Sat 22 & Sun 23

Viking Weekend

Explore the history of Vikings with battle displays. Age: 3-15yrs. Admission charge applies. CONKERS, Rawdon Road, nr Swadlincote, S.Derbyshire DE12 6GA 01283 216633 www.visitconkers.com

Sun 23

Blackwater Country Show

10am-5pm. Rook Hall, Chigborough Road, Heybridge, CM9 4RB 01621 858150

www.blackwatercountryshow.co.uk

Sun 23

Hopefield Open Day

Meet and greet over 300 animals. Lots to do for the kids with games, crafts and a child’s entertainer. 1-4pm. £3/£2. Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, CM15 9BZ.
01277 201110 www.hopefield.org.uk

Sun 23

Writtle Gardens Open Day

Gardens, allotments, Longmeads House & the Church. 12-6pm. Admission by programme. £4, accompanied children under 16 free. Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3DU 01245 421503

Sun 23

Food & Farming Fun Day

2-4.30pm. £2.50. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge IP12 1NA 01394 380113 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Sun 23

Astronomy Night

Learn about the night sky and planets, find the constellations and learn how to use a telescope. 8.30-10.30pm. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Sun 23

Mike the Knight Day

Calling all knights-in-training...come and see Mike the Knight at intervals through the day and enjoy a fun family time on the farm. Adults £9, Child £7. 10am-5pm. Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, CM3 5WP. 01245 321552
www.marshfarm.co.uk

Wed 26 - Fri 28

Little Legs Preschooler Festival

Bouncy castles, mini zoo. Visits from Iggle Piggle and Hello Kitty. Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens. 9.30am-3pm. £5 adults, £4 1-4yrs, under-1s free. Tickets from

www.braintreeartstheatre.com

Wed 26

Creepy Crawlies Club

Explore, discover new things and finish with a wildlife themed story. For accompanied children under 5. 10:30am-12pm. £5/£8 for two siblings. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 73817

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thu 27

Visitor Centre 20th Anniversary Quiz Night

Celebrate Bouchiers Barn becoming the Visitor Centre, and support future projects. Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall. £3/person. www.markshall.org.uk

BE

Thur 27 - Sun 30

Leigh Folk Festival

Including Punch & Judy, clowns, face-painting and a circus skills workshop. Leigh-on-Sea, Southend. www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/leigh/2013

Free Event

Fri 28

Fingringhoe Fledglings

Monthly club for the under 5’s with a different wildlife theme,outdoor exploration, crafts, songs and stories. 10am-12pm. Donation £5/accompanied child/£3 siblings. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Sat 29

Woodland Adventure Play Club

Activities such as den building, cooking on fires, arts and bushcraft. Ages 4-11 (accompanied by adult). 10am -12pm. £5/child. Lexden Gathering Grounds, off Cymbeline Way, Colchester CO3 4DA 01621 862960

BE

Sat 29

Summer Fete

Stalls, competitions, inflatables and archery. BBQ and Indian food. 12-4pm. Entry £1/adult (free for children). Fundraiser for SHSB. Southend High School for Boys, Prittlewell Chase, Southend-on-Sea SSO ORG

Sat 29

Freshwater Forensics Part 1

Learn about ponds and the wildlife discovered in them. 10am-12:30pm/1:30-4pm. Epping Forest Field Centre, Paul’s Nursery Road, High Beech IG10 4AF 020 8502 8500

www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/countrycare

BE

Sat 29

Late Night Opening

Enjoy a host of feeds and displays. Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Essex CO3 0SL 01206 331292

www.colchester-zoo.com

Sat 29

Family Fun Day

Inflatables, face painting, dance, BBQ. 11am-4pm. Entry by donation. The Len Forge Centre, Eastwoodbury Lane playing fields, Eastwoodbury Lane, Southend on Sea, Essex SS2 6UH Kllymrtn4@aol.com

Sat 29

Oars and Paws

Fun classes for all types of dogs and owners. Children’s rosettes. Daisy Meadow, Heybridge Basin CM9 4RS, Vicky Brooks 01621 854210

www.thebasinoars.co.uk

Sat 29

Wildlife Walk

Look at wildlife on a walk through the country park. Accompanied children of all ages welcome.10.30am-3pm. High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR 01206 853588 www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

Free Event

Sat 29

Strawberry Fayre

Local food, drink, crafts & children’s activities. IAO The Suffolk Horse Society. 10am-4pm. Alder Carr Farm Shop, Creeting St Mary, Ipswich IP6 8LX 01449 720820

Free Event

Sat 29

Armed Forces Day

Marching parade through Canvey Island town to Paddocks community centre,for a service and wartime/military exhibition. 01268 683971

www.canveyisland-tc.gov.uk.

Free Entry

Sat 29

Detective Trail

Look for the hidden clues to get a reward! All ages. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 29

Mediaeval Fayre

Raffle, tombola and side shows. Adults: £2, conc: £1, accompanied children free. Parking nearby. 2-5pm. St Nicolas Church, Chipping Hill, Witham CM8 2JS 01376 516727

Sat 29

Summer Fete

Face painting, soccer challenge, coconut shy, and more. 2-4.30pm. £1 adults, kids free. Hamilton Primary School, Constantine Rd, Colchester CO3 3GB Hamiltonsummerfair2013@gmail.com

Sun 30

Open Day

A chance to view this fine example of mid-Victorian military architecture. 11am-5pm. £4 adults, £3 concessions, 50p child (age 5-16yrs) Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, RM18 8PB 01375 844203 www.coalhousefort.co.uk

Sun 30

Fete & Teddy Bear Parachute Jump

Cream teas, stalls. Don’t forget to bring your teddy! 2-4.30pm. Holy Trinity Church, Littlebury CB11 4TD

01799 522999

www.littleburyparishcouncil.org.uk

Free Event

Sun 30

Open Day

Tractor rides, pond dipping, face painting, BBQ, bug hunting. Donation may be requested for some activities.11am-4pm. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

Free Event

 

Mon 1

Puddleducks

Nature club. Age: 0-5yrs.10-11.15am. £1. Great Notley Country Park, Gt Notley CM77 7FS 0845 603 7624

www.visitparks.co.uk

Mon 1

Walled Garden 10th Anniversary.

Illustrated talk about the restoration of the 17th century walled garden ten years ago. £7(members)/.£10 (non-members) Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall www.markshall.org.uk

BE

Mon 1

Puddleducks

Nature club. Age: 0-5yrs. 1.30-2.45pm. £1. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW

0845 603 7624

www.visitparks.co.uk

Tue 2

Cheeky Monkey Tea Party

Open to all, including non members.

11am-2pm. Bring a picnic. £4 per family NCT charity donation. Stable House, Berechurch Hall Road, Colchester CO2 9NW

Tue 2, Tue 16 & Tue 30

Hatchlings Club

Wildlife activities including games, crafts and music. Age: 0-5yrs.10am-12pm. £5/£3 sibling. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 3, Tue 9, Wed 17, Tue 23 & Wed 31

Caterpillar Club

Indoor and outdoor activities. Age: 18m+. 10am to 12pm. £5/£3 additional siblings, includes drink and biscuits. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 5

Summer Fair

Body zorbs, Go-Karts, chairoplanes, 5.30-7.30pm. Entry by donation. Collingwood Primary School, Collingwood Road, South Woodham Ferrers. friendsofcollingwoodpta@live.co.uk

Fri 5

Summer Fair

Inflatables from Giggle City, pony rides, story corner. 3.30-6.30pm. Wristbands £5. Dedham C of E Primary School, Parsons Field CO7 6BZ

Sat 6

Grand Summer Fete

Pocket money stalls, BBQ. Grand Prize Draw.12.30- 3pm. 20p/adult OR 50p/family. Prettygate Infant School, Plume Ave, Colchester, CO3 4PH

07795 320808

Sat 6

Woodbridge Carnival

Float procession through Woodbridge to Kingston Field 12.45pm. Children’s races, tug of war and side shows 2-5.45pm. www.choosewoodbridge.co.uk

Sat 6

Special Senses Day

The annual Special Senses Day, with BSL interpreted feeds and special displays and shows. Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Essex CO3 0SL 01206 331292

www.colchester-zoo.com

Sat 6

Police Jackanory

Create your own story to take home using picture storyboards. All ages. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 6

Junior Rangers

Learn about wildlife and how we can help it to thrive. Age: 8 - 11yrs. 10.30am-3pm. £3. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon, SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 6 – Sat 3 Aug

Fired Up

Work by local students as part of ‘Firing Up’, a national Crafts Council clay programme. 10am – 5pm. The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1UE 01206 712437 www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories/events/fired

Free Event

Sun 7

Steam Day

Gigantic ‘Marshall’ pumping engine will be in steam. Miniature steam train rides (fare £1). 10am-5pm. Adult £6, concs £5, children £2.50, under 5s free. Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, CM9 6QA 01621 843183 www.museumofpower.org.uk

Sun 7

Dogathon

Join Headway for an event for dogs and owners alike including a sponsored dog walk and fun dog show.10am-1pm. High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR

http://www.colchester.gov.uk/article/3053/Whats-On

Free event

Sun 7

Classic Vehicle Show

Classic cars and motorcycles. 10.30am-4pm. Bathouse Meadow, Walton on the Naze www.walton-on-the-naze.com

Free Event

Sun 7

Festival of Transport

Classic vehicles. Bring along a teddy to claim free ‘goody bag’. 10am-4pm.

£8/adults,children under 14 free. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD 01268 532253

www.barleylands.co.uk

Sun 7

Senior Rangers

Take part in conservation work to help local wildlife. Age: 11yrs+. 10am -1pm. £3. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Mon 8

Puddleducks

Nature club. Age: 0-5yrs.10-11.15am. £1. Great Notley Country Park, Gt Notley CM77 7FS 0845 603 7624

www.visitparks.co.uk

Mon 8

Puddleducks

Nature club. Age: 0-5yrs. 1.30-2.45pm. £1. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW

0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Wed 10

Creepy Crawlies Club

Explore, discover new things and finish with a wildlife themed story. For accompanied children under 5. 10:30am-12pm. £5/£8 for two siblings. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 12

Bat Walk

Seek out the bats that come out to hunt at night. 8-10.30pm. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Sat 13

New Voices Festival

Live bands, carnival processions, theatre,stalls and food. 12-6pm. V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA

www.museumofchildhood.org.uk

Sat 13

Lost Mansions & Country Estates

International Conference. 10:30am to 6pm. £25/£15(students). University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ www.markshall.org.uk

Sat 13 & Sun 14

Tractor, Country & Family Dog Show

Including water zorbing, bouncy castle, BBQ. 10.30am-5pm. Adult £3, child £1 (proceeds to Essex Air Ambulance). Blake House Craft Centre, Blake End, Nr Braintree, Essex CM77 6RA

01376 344123

www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk

Sat 13

Freshwater Forensics Part 2

Discover the wildlife found in rivers. 10am-12:30pm/1:30-4pm. Roding Valley Meadows LNR, nr David Lloyd Centre, Roding Lane, Chigwell, IG9 6BJ 020 8502 8500

www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/countrycare

BE

Sat 13

Summer Insects and Butterflies

Look for butterfly and day flying moth species. Accompanied children of all ages welcome.10am-12pm. Hilly Fields Local Nature Reserve, Sussex Road, Colchester 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

Free Event

Sat 13

Young Rangers

A club for those with an interest in wildlife and conservation. Age:10-16yrs.9.30am-12.30pm.£4. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW 0845 603 7624

www.visitparks.co.uk

Sat 13

Discovery Centre Stargazing

Discover solar observation. 12-5pm. £3 car parking. Great Notley Country Park, Gt Notley CM77 7FS 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Free Event

Sat 13

Make a Victorian Police Lamp

Ages 6+. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 13

Tendring Hundred Show

8am – 6pm. Lawford House Park, Nr Manningtree, Essex CO11 2ND www.tendringshow.co.uk

Sat 13

Forest Family Fun

Activities, games and crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 13

Craft Club

Create a craft. Age: 8yrs+. 1-3pm. £6. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 13

Chafford Rangers

Explore the wild outdoors. Age: 8yrs+, unaccompanied. 1.30-3.30pm. £7. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Sat 13 - 7 Sept

LEGO

Build your own creation to win prizes, make a film or enjoy LEGO mini movies. Admission applies. National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, Leicester LE4 5NS 0845 605 2001

www.spacecentre.co.uk

Sat 13 & Fri 26

Wild Evening Out

Including bat detecting and pond dipping. Age: 6yrs+, must be accompanied. 7.30-10.30pm. £10. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sun 14

A Garland of Summer Music

The Kelvedon Singers perform in the lovely setting of The Coach House. £14/ £12. 6.30 for 7pm. Tickets from Visitor Centre or website. Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall. www.markshall.org.uk

Sun 14

Car & Motorcycle Show

11am-4pm. Adult £5. Cressing Temple,Witham Road, Cressing, Braintree CM77 8PD 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Sun 14

Dinky Disco & Club Dinky

Dinky Disco for accompanied under 3’s. 2 – 3pm. Club Dinky for accompanied under 7’s. 3.30 – 4.30pm. With proper DJ Stereofreakz, chill out zone, colour and art. £3.50/child, £1.50/adult. Learning Spaces, firstsite, Lewis Gardens, Colchester CO1 1JH

01206 577067 www.firstsite.uk.net

BE

Mon 15

Puddleducks

Nature club. Age: 0-5yrs.10-11.15am. £1. Great Notley Country Park, Gt Notley CM77 7FS 0845 603 7624

www.visitparks.co.uk

Mon 15

Puddleducks

Nature club. Age: 0-5yrs. 1.30-2.45pm. £1. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Tue 16

Tuesday Toddle:Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Followed by a craft activity. 10-11.30am/1-2.30pm. £5/child. Max 3 children per adult. Hylands Stables Visitor Centre, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ

01245 605523

BE

Fri 19

Trellis and Wigwam Willow Workshop

A hands-on day creating garden tipi and trellis to take home. 10am–4pm. £50/person Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall. www.markshall.org.uk

BE

Sat 20

Family Forest Schools

Den building, cooking, whittling, arts and crafts. Accompanied children. 10.30am -12.30pm. £5/child. High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR 01621 862960

BE

Sat 20

New Town Community Celebration

Includes charity stalls, childrens’ rides, BBQ, live music. 12.30-3.30pm. Old Heath Recreation Ground, Colchester CO1 2DL 01206 521402

Free Entry

Sat 20

Charity Garden Trail

Visit open gardens for charity.

01268 683971

www.canveyisland-tc.gov.uk

Sat 20

Nature Club

Monthly nature club. Age:7-11yrs. 10am-noon. Child £3. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Sat 20

Crime Scene Identification

Can you identify the correct objects hidden in the museum? All ages. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 20

Active Adventure Day

Rope swings, camp fire lunch and den building. Come dressed in camouflage. Unaccompanied children age 8+. 10am-2pm. £10/child, incl. food. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe

CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Sat 20

Colchester Carnival

The carnival procession will parade through the town from 3pm. From 11am-8pm stalls, sideshows and stage performances in Castle Park.

www.colchestercarnival.com

Free Event

Sat 20

Make It At The Museum

Craft and sculpture activities. 10am-5pm. Chelmsford Museum, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford Essex CM2 9AQ 01245 605700 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums (Free entry to museum, but £3 charge for activity).

Sat 20 & Sun 21

Food & Drink Festival

10am-5pm. Adult £7. Cressing Temple,Witham Road, Cressing, Braintree CM77 8PD 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Sat 20 – Mon 2 Sep

Summer Reading Challenge

Across Essex Libraries

www.creepy-house.org.uk

Sun 21

Hopefield Open Day

Meet and greet over 300 animals and join in with lots of activities. 1-4pm £3 adults/ £2 children. Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Farm, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, CM15 9BZ
01277 201110 www.hopefield.org.uk

Mon 22 & Mon 29

11+ Mock Exam

Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal. 9.30am-12.30pm. £10 per paper. Kip McGrath,

kmcbasildon@aol.com 01268 556700

BE

Tue 23

Mothing Night

Identify the various moths coming to the lamps. 9-11pm. Cudmore Grove Country Park, Bromans Lane, East Mersea C05 8UE 0845 603 7624

www.visitparks.co.uk

Free Event

Tue 23 – Fri 30 Aug

Children’s Trails.

Pick up a guide from the kiosk, collect the clues along the trail to win a prize! £2/child. Normal admission applies. Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall.

www.markshall.org.uk

Tue 23

Wildlife Walk

Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 7 – 9pm. Gosbecks Archaeological Park, Maldon Road, Colchester. 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

Free Event

Wed 24 - Sun 1 Sep

Summer Holiday Fun

Sheep racing, cookery sessions, animal activities.10am-5pm. Normal admission fee. Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD 01268 532253

www.barleylands.co.uk

Wed 24

Creepy Crawlies Club

Explore, discover new things and finish with a wildlife themed story. For accompanied children under 5. 10:30am-12pm. £5/£8 for two siblings. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre,

CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 24

Wild Wednesday

Outdoor activities for the whole family. 11am-2pm. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Free Event

Wed 24

Police Peg Officers

Dress a clothes peg to make your own police officer! Ages 5+. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Wed 24

Den Building & Campfire

Age: 5-8yrs, must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 24

Orienteering Adventures

Learn different ways to navigate. Age: 8-12yrs, unaccompanied. 10.30am- 3pm. £10. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 24

Pond Dipping

Drop in throughout the afternoon to try pond dipping. 1pm-4pm. £2. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

Wed 24

Family Fishing

Learn the art of fishing. All equipment provided. 10am-2pm. £7. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Wed 24

Princess Trail

Drop in and do the trail. 10am-2pm. £2. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Wed 24 - Sat 27

Seaside Rock Holiday Club

Bible based fun, craft, and games. Ages:5-11yrs.10am - 12.30pm. Plume Avenue Church,Colchester CO3 4PQ. Booking form avail:

www.plumeavenuechurch.org.uk.

BE Free Entry

Wed 24 - Fri 30 Aug

Summer Funshine

A self guided event for families to get active exploring the park.10am-4pm. Child £3. Weald Country Park, South Weald, Brentwood CM14 5QS

0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Thur 25

Fingringhoe Explorers

Try your hand at the skills you’d need to survive in the woods. 10.30am-3pm. For unaccompanied children age 8+. £10/child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN

01206 729678

BE

Thur 25

DSI Drop-in

Follow the clues to solve the deadly mystery. 10am-3pm. £2 per child. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

Fri 26

Bushcraft: Survival

Learn to make shelters, treat water, track and identify plants. Age: 5+, must be accompanied. 10.30am-12.30pm. £5/child, free for accompanying adults. Abbotts Hall Farm, CO5 7RZ

01621 862960

BE

Fri 26

Fingringhoe Fledglings

Monthly club for the under 5’s with a different wildlife theme,outdoor exploration, crafts, songs and stories. 10am-12pm. £5/accompanied child/£3 siblings. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Fri 26

Schools Out Party

Celebrate the start of your summer hols! Under 4’s Party 10am-12pm £4. 4+ Party 1pm-3pm £6. 4+ Party 4pm-6pm £6. Space Kingdom, Stephenson Place, Stephenson Road, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton-on-sea

CO15 4XA 0845 5212808

www.spacekingdom.co.uk

Fri 26

Bugs & Beetles

Mini beast search, pond dipping and creative crafts. 10.30am-12.30pm. £2.50. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge, IP12 1NA 01394 380113 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Fri 26

Marine Madness

Discover the wild world under the sea, with games and craft. Unaccompanied children age 8-12yrs. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 26

Breeze Block Sculpture

Try your hand at this novel art form. Create and paint your own piece of sculpture. Age: 6+. 1.30-3.30pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 27 – Sat 24 Aug

MA Final Show

Work by students graduating from Colchester School of Art’s MA courses. 10am – 5pm. The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1UE 01206 712437 www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories/events/ma-final-show

Free Event

Sat 27

Woodland Adventure Play Club

Activities such as den building, cooking on fires, arts and bushcraft. Ages 4-11 (accompanied by adult). 10am -12pm. £5/child. Lexden Gathering Grounds, off Cymbeline Way, Colchester CO3 4DA 01621 862960

BE

Sat 27

Late Night Opening

Enjoy seeing the animals into the evening in the late summer sunshine. Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Essex CO3 0SL 01206 331292

www.colchester-zoo.com

Sat 27

Police Peg Officers

Dress a clothes peg to make your own police officer! Ages 5+. 10am– 4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 27

Big Bug Fun

Minibeast hunt and make a giant bug from re-cycled materials.10am-12pm. £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve. South Green Road, Fingringhoe

CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Sat 27

Family Forest Fun

Activities, games and crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 27

Craft Club

Create a craft. Age: 8yrs+. 1-3pm. £6. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon, SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 27 & Sun 28

Superhero Weekend

Includes face painting and treasure hunt. Sea Life Adventure, Eastern Esplanade, Southend on Sea SS1 2ER www.sealifeadventure.co.uk

Sat 27 - Sun 4 Aug

National Love Parks Week

Events throughout the week showcasing cycling, walking, and children’s activities. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. Visitor Centre, High Woods Country Park, Turner Rd, Colchester, CO4 5JR 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

Free Event

Sun 28

Motor Show

Plus pony rides, train rides and meet the animals.10.30am-5.30pm. Adult:£8.50; Child:£7.25. Easton Farm Park, Easton, Woodbridge, IP13 0EQ 01728 746475

www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

Sun 28

Classic Car and Vehicle Day

11am-4pm. Adult: £3, child: 50p (age 5-16yrs). Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, RM18 8PB 01375 844203

www.coalhousefort.co.uk

Sun 28

Summer Festival

Live music, dance, walkabout acts, art and craft activities, face painting. Suitable all ages. 11.30am-4.30pm. V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA

www.museumofchildhood.org.uk

Sun 28

Summer Festival

Live music, craft studio demonstrations and charity fire walk. 10am – 5pm. Barleylands Craft Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD 01268 532253 www.barleylands.co.uk

Free Event

Mon 29

BIG Garden Potato Planting

Help prepare the beds and plant seed potatoes for a mid-winter harvest. 2-4pm. High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

Free event

Mon 29

Go Bonkers

A variety of inflatable attractions of all sizes for all ages.1- 4pm. £6.50 age 3+/£4 under 3yrs.Great Notley Country Park, Gt Notley CM77 7FS

0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Mon 29

Basket Work Workshop.

A hands-on day creating fruit picking basket to take home. 10am-4pm. £50/person. Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall. www.markshall.org.uk BE

Mon 29

Super Seas

Learn about the ocean and its creatures. Age: 4-8yrs, must be accompanied. 10am-12pm. £5. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex. CM11 1WT 01268 711001 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Mon 29

Hopefield Inflatable Day

Let the children bounce the afternoon away on a variety of different bouncy castles. 1-4pm £5/children for an unlimited bouncy castle pass. Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Farm, ,Brentwood, CM15 9BZ
01277 201110 www.hopefield.org.uk

Tue 30

Tracks and Trails

Become a wildlife detective. Age: 4 yrs+, must be accompanied. 10.30am-12.30pm. £4/child. High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

BE

Tue 30

Wild About Wetlands

Pond dipping, dragonfly hunts, treasure trail. 10am-3.30pm. Waltham Abbey Gardens, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1XQ. 08456 770 600

visitleevalley.org.uk

Free Event

Tue 30

Fun in the Forest

101 things to do with a stick. 10.30am-12.30pm. £2.50. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge, IP12 1NA 01394 380113

www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Tue 30

Awesome Orienteering

Use maps and compasses to find your way around the reserve. Unaccompanied children 8-12yrs.10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Tue 30

Burrowing animals

Meet animals that burrow in the earth, tarantula, snakes and more. 12-3.45pm. £3 entry (ages 2 and under free). Colchester Natural History Museum 01206 282941

Wed 31 & Thur 1

Clay Sun Plaques

Play with clay and design and paint a plaque. Sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm. £3/child. Hollytrees Museum, Colchester

01206 282940

BE

Wed 31

Craft Day

Make unusual crafts to take home. Accompanied 5-11 yrs. £7.50/child to include free access to gardens for one adult. Otley Hall, Hall Lane, Otley, IP6 9PA 01473 890264

www.otleyhall.co.uk

BE

Wed 31

Brockwatch

Chance to see which animals use the park as darkness falls. 8pm. Adult £3, child £1.50. Cudmore Grove Country Park, Bromans Lane, East Mersea C05 8UE 0845 603 7624

www.visitparks.co.uk

Wed 31

Wild Wednesday

Outdoor fun and activities for the whole family. 11am- 2pm. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Free Event

Wed 31

Make your own Traffic Lights

All ages. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

 

AUGUST

Thur 1

Beach Party

Learn all about the wonderful wild world of beaches and the sea. Games, activities and craft. Age: 5-8yrs. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 1

Marine Make it!

Drop in for an afternoon of seaside themed crafts. Age:5+. 1.30- 3.30pm. £1 per craft. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

Thur 1 & Fri 2

DIY Herb Garden

Create and decorate a herb garden pot out of clay and plant herb seeds. Sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm. £3/child. Colchester Natural History Museum 01206 282940

BE

Fri 2

Bushcraft: Natural Crafts

Learn to make elder crafts, dream catchers etc. Age: 5+, must be accompanied. 10.30am-12.30pm. £5/child, free for accompanying adults. Abbotts Hall Farm, CO5 7RZ

01621 862960

BE

Fri 2

Wildlife Safari

Search for your favourite wildlife and make a lasting momento of your day. Age: 6-10yrs. 10am-2pm. £6. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge, IP12 1NA 01394 380113 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Fri 2

Minibeast Safari

A woodland and meadow bug hunt. Age: 0-5yrs. 10am-12pm. Donation £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Fri 2

Pond Dipping

See what’s lurking in the depths of our pond. With games and crafts. Age: 4yrs+. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 2 & Fri 23

Wild Night Out

Enjoy a whole night on the nature reserve. Camp in tents provided, including breakfast. Age: 8yrs+, accompanied. 7pm - 9am. £30. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 2, Sat 3 & Sun 4

Military & Flying Machines Show

Aerial displays, live entertainment, military and classic vehicles, kids entertainment, vintage funfair. 10am-5pm. Adult: £10,Child: £5 (under 5’s free). Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Aveley Rd, Upminster, Essex RM14 2TN

www.militaryandflyingmachines.org.uk

Sat 3

Bradwell Flower and Dog Show

With dog agility, live music, floral displays, handicrafts and children’s entertainment. Bradwell Village Hall and Field, CM0 7QJ. Theresa Fowler

01621 776588

Sat 3

Carnival Procession

Including arena events spot the stranger, baby competition, bingo and children’s entertainment. Maldon High Street and Promenade Park 07929 857723 www.maldon-carnival.co.uk

Free Event

Sat 3

Bat Walk

Take a walk through the country park with a bat expert and his bat detectors. 8.15-10.15pm. £4/adult. Children free. Lexden Park, Church Lane, Colchester 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark BE

Sat 3

Make your own Traffic Lights

All ages. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 3

Summer Ramble

An informative walk on the sights and sounds of summer with Curator Jonathan Jukes. 10.30am-12.30pm. £8. Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall.

www.markshall.org.uk BE

Sat 3

Junior Rangers

Learn about wildlife and how we can help it to thrive. Age: 8 - 11yrs. 10.30am-3pm. £3. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon, SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 3

Baby & Child First Aid Course

Learn key first aid skills in 2 hours. 10am-12pm. £24 (concessions avail.) 0844 243 6093 (option 1).

firstaid@colchester-nct.co.uk

BE

Sat 3

Chafford Rangers

Explore the wild outdoors. Age: 8yrs+, unaccompanied. 1.30-3.30pm. £7. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Sun 4

Bikemeet

Classic, historic and race motorcycles. Trial riding display and family entertainment. Miniature steam train rides (fare £1). 10am-5pm. Adult £6, concessions £5, children under 12 free. Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, CM9 6QA 01621 843183 www.museumofpower.org.uk

Sun 4

Tiger Day

Tiger fun and games, with all funds raised going to wild tiger conservation projects. 12-4pm. Cost included in admission fee. Shepreth Wildlife Park, Herts SG8 6PZ 07986 382643

www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

Sun 4

Beach Party

Games, limbo and party music. 10am-4pm. Free after admission. Space Kingdom, Stephenson Place, Stephenson Road, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton-on-sea CO15 4XA

0845 5212808

www.spacekingdom.co.uk

Sun 4

Senior Rangers

Take part in conservation work to help local wildlife. Age: 11yrs+. 10am -1pm. £3. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sun 4 & Mon 5

Inflatable Park

Huge selection of inflatables. 11am-1.30pm & 2-4.30pm. Wristbands: £5/session, £3.50 under 3s. Hylands House, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 8WQ

Mon 5, Mon 12 & Mon 19

11+ Mock Exam

Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal. 9.30am-12.30pm. £10 per paper. Kip McGrath,

kmcbasildon@aol.com 01268 556700

BE

Mon 5

Shipwrecked

Learn about creatures in the sea and have a go at making some survival essentials. Bring along a packed lunch. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre CO2 OEU

01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Mon 5

Go Bonkers

A variety of inflatable attractions of all sizes for all ages.1- 4pm. £6.50 age 3+/£4 under 3yrs.Great Notley Country Park, Gt Notley CM77 7FS

0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Mon 5

Hopefield Inflatable Day

Let the children bounce the afternoon away on a variety of different bouncy castles. 1-4pm £5/children for an unlimited bouncy castle pass. Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, CM15 9BZ
01277 201110 www.hopefield.org.uk

Mon 5 & Mon 26

Dens & Bushcraft Bonanza

Build your own den and learn how to survive in the wild. Age: 4-8yrs, must be accompanied.10am - 12pm. £5. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Tue 6

Bug Life

Try your hand at catching a variety of insects and mini-beasts or go hunting in the hedgerows. Parking available at the Village Hall, North Weald, CM16 6BU. 4-11 yrs. 10am-12pm. £3/child.

01992 788203

www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/countrycare

Tue 6

Bird Watching

Learn about birds and their natural habitats. 10am-12pm. £2. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Tue 6

Nature Explorers

Explore the nature reserve and find some of the interesting creatures that live here. Bring along a packed lunch .Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU

01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Tue 6

Let’s Go Fly a Kite

Join in our super fun kite trail and games and make your own kite. Age: 4yrs+, must be accompanied. 10.30am-12.30pm. £4/child. High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark BE

Tue 6

Sea Creatures

Marine themed activities. There will be a trail, games and crafts. 10.30am-3pm. Donation £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Tue 6

Animal Snap

Look for Monkey’s Mum in the monkey puzzle trail and un-jumble the jumbled animals. 10.30am-12.30pm. £2.50. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge, IP12 1NA 01394 380113 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Tue 6

The Owls Show Learn about owls.

See them fly and get the chance to stroke them. Shows at 12pm, 1.15pm and 2.30pm. £3 entry (free for ages 2 and under). Colchester Natural History Museum 01206 282940

Tue 6 & Wed 7

Fan Making Make your own fan.

Sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am,

12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm. £2/child. Hollytrees Museum 01206 282940

Tue 6, Wed 14 & Tue 20

Caterpillar Club

Indoor and outdoor activities. Age: 18m+. 10am to 12pm. £5/£3 additional siblings, includes drink and biscuits. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Tue 6

Wet & Wild

Pond dipping, water games and wonderful watery wildlife! Unaccompanied 8-12yrs.1.30-3.30pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Tue 6

Den Building

Build a shelter then practice fire lighting and toast marshmallows. Age: 8yrs +, unaccompanied.1-3.30pm. £10. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Tue 6, Wed 7 & Thur 8

Tudors Live

Learn about the 1500s and people’s pastimes. 11am-4pm. Wristband £2.50, adult £5. Cressing Temple,Witham Road, Cressing, Braintree CM77 8PD 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Wed 7

Abberton Adventurers

Pond dipping, bug hunting, campfire cooking and more. Bring along a packed lunch. Unaccompanied children aged 8 – 12 yrs ONLY. 10:30 – 2:30pm. £10. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 7

Paint in the Park

Drop in; materials included. Follow signs from the Stables Visitor Centre. 11am-3pm. £2/child. Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ

Wed 7

Seaside Special

Kite-making, seashell mobile-making and beach scavenger hunt. 11am-1pm. £5. Cudmore Grove Country Park, Bromans Lane, East Mersea, C05 8UE 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Wed 7

Wild Wednesday

Outdoor fun and activities for the whole family. 11am- 2pm. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Free Event

Wed 7

Make a Victorian Police Hat

Cut out and wear a black stovepipe hat! Ages 5+. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Wed 7

I ♥ Mammals Boat

Join a canal boat ride and learn about mammals, followed by games and quizzes. 10am-12pm/1-3pm. £8.70 per person. Broxbourne Riverside Moorings, Nazeing Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

EN10 6QT.01992 462 085 visitleevalley.org.uk.

Wed 7

African Antics

Meet African animals. 10am-5pm. Adult £8.50, child £7. Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF. 01992 892 781 visitleevalley.org.uk/farms

Wed 7

Kite Making

Make your own kite from recycled materials and fly it on the reserve! Age 7+. 10am-12pm. Donation £6/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Wed 7

Garden Potter

Decorate a plant pot and plant some wildlife friendly plants. 10-11am. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Wed 7

Butterfly Feeders

Make your own butterfly feeder. 1-2pm. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Wed 7

Crazy Crabbing

See who can catch the biggest crab, and find out more about what lives under the waves. 1-2.30pm. Donation £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Wed 7

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Go on a bear hunt and follow the adventures of Paddington Bear and Winnie the Pooh. 10.30am-12.30pm. £2.50. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge, IP12 1NA 01394 380113 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Wed 7

Meet the Wildlife

Discover the wildlife in Lincewood. Children of all ages welcome; must be accompanied by an adult. 10am- 1pm. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

Free Event

Wed 7

Survival Skills

Build a den, light a fire, and create woodland crafts. Age: 8-12yrs, unaccompanied. 10.30am - 3pm. £10. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 8

Underwater adventures

Journey to the bottom of the pond and meet some of the creatures that live there. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 12:30pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 8

Hoppy Holidays

Walk around the meadow and see if you can find some of the many hopping creatures that live there. Accompanied children of all ages. 1 – 3pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 8

Fingringhoe Explorers

Try out survival skills, plus woodland crafts. 10.30am-3pm. For unaccompanied children age 8+. £10/child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Thur 8 & Fri 9

Butterfly Decorations

Create and decorate a butterfly. Sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm. £2/child. Colchester Natural History Museum

01206 282940

Thur 8, Thur 15, Thur 22 & Thur 29

Family Fishing

Learn the art of fishing. All equipment provided. 10am-2pm. £7. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Thur 8

Natural Art

Explore the woods and meadow and then create your own works of art, using natural materials. Age: 5-8yrs. 10am-2.30pm. £10. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 9

Friday Funday

Wildlife trail, art and craft or pond dipping, and marshmallow toasting. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 9

Safari Trail

Walk around the gorge and discover wildlife. 10am-2pm. £2. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Fri 9

Bushcraft: Foraging and Cooking

Collect and sample seasonal produce from the farm. Age: 5+,must be accompanied. 10.30am-12.30pm. £5/child, free for accompanying adults. Abbotts Hall Farm, CO5 7RZ

01621 862960

BE

Fri 9

Traditional Crafts

Try out crafts from yesteryear. 1.30-3.30pm. Donation £6/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Fri 9

Bug Hunting

Search for bugs, beetles, bees and butterflies. Games and crafts. Accompanied 5-8yrs.10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 9

Junk Modelling

Drop in and turn junk into artistic creations. 1.30-3.30pm. £2. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

Fri 9

Flower Displays

Learn how to create a variety of floral displays using materials collected from the nature reserve. Age: 6yrs+, must be accompanied. 10am - 12pm. £6. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 9 & Tue 27

Kite Making

Make your own kite and then fly it.10-11am (Fri); 12-1pm (Tue). £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Fri 9 & Tue 27

Gemstone Panning

Pan for gemstones and fill a bag to take home. 1.30-2.30pm (Fri). 10-11am (Tue). £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Fri 9 & Sat 10

Big Bug Bonanza

Celebrating and exploring everything creepy crawlie with resident bug experts. 12 - 4pm. Cost included in admission fee. Shepreth Wildlife Park, Herts SG8 6PZ 07986 382643

www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

Sat 10 & Sun 11

Funfest Weekend

Childrens’ Festival including jugglers, magic, storytelling, camping and shows. Check website for further details, prices and how to book camping. Easton Farm Park, Easton, Woodbridge, IP13 0EQ 01728 746475

www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

Sat 10

Late Night Opening

Enjoy the unique experience of seeing the animals into the evening in the late summer sunshine. Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Essex CO3 0SL 01206 331292

www.colchester-zoo.com

Sat 10

Make a Victorian Police Hat

Cut out and wear a black stovepipe hat! Ages 5+. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 10

Survival Skills

Learn about gathering, cooking and building shelters. Children must be aged 8+, accompanied by an adult. 7-9pm. WaterWorks, Lammas Road, off Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7QB. 020 8988 7566 visitleevalley.org.uk

BE Free Event

Sat 10

Bat Walk

Identify different bats with a bat expert. Bring a torch. Accompanied children of all ages welcome. 8.15pm – 10pm. £4 per adult, children FREE. Colchester Cemetery, Mersea Road, Colchester. 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

BE

Sat 10

Natural Paints Workshop

Find out how the first paints were made and have a go making your own. Age 12+. 10am–12.30pm. Donation £15/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Sat 10

Family Forest Fun

Activities, games and crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 10

Craft Club

Create a craft. Age: 8yrs+. 1-3pm. £6. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 10 & Sun 11

Kids Fest

Kids festival of family fun. Everyone will be laughing, singing and dancing along with entertainment from Zingzillas to One Direction tribute act and much much more. Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, CM3 5WP.
01245 321552 www.marshfarm.co.uk BE

Sat 10 – Fri 16

Clacton Carnival Week

Carnival procession on Saturday 10th at 6pm, then a week of events, including donkey derby, sandcastle competition and much more. www.clactoncarnival.org

Sun 11

Summer Safari

Gentle off-road vehicle tour with ranger commentary.11.30am-12.30pm/2.30-3.30pm. £8. High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

BE

Sun 11

Beach Party

Games, limbo and party music. 10am-4pm. Free after admission. Space Kingdom, Stephenson Place, Stephenson Road, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton-on-sea CO15 4XA

0845 5212808

www.spacekingdom.co.uk

Mon 12

Wicked Water

A trip around the water treatment works and water games. Age: 7+ but MUST be accompanied by an adult. Bring along a packed lunch. 10.30am- 2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Mon 12

Go Bonkers

A variety of inflatable attractions of all sizes for all ages.1- 4pm. £6.50 age 3+/£4 under 3yrs.Great Notley Country Park, Gt Notley CM77 7FS

0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Mon 12

Baffling Bugs

Learn about bugs through activities, games and crafts. Age: 4-8yrs, must be accompanied.10am - 12pm. £5. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Mon 12

Hopefield Inflatable Day

Let the children bounce the afternoon away on a variety of different bouncy castles. 1-4pm £5/children for an unlimited bouncy castle pass. Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood CM15 9BZ
01277 201110 www.hopefield.org.uk

Tue 13

Bird Life

Bird watching, make a bird feeder and join in with bird games. Parking available in the Roding Valley Meadows Reserve car park nr David Lloyd Centre, Roding Lane, Chigwell, IG9 6BJ. Ages 4-11yrs. 10am-12pm. £3/child. 01992 788203 www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/countrycare

Tue 13

The Expedition

A guided walk to discover trees, plants, butterflies and other insects. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU

01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Tue 13

Meteor!

Tonight should be a good time to see the Perseid meteor shower. Craft activities for kids. 9-10.30pm. £3 adults, £2/accompanied children. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe

CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Tue 13

Treasure Hunt

Follow the clues down the ditches and around the trees to find hidden treasure. 10.30am-12.30pm. £2.50.

Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge, IP12 1NA 01394 380113 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Tue 13

Teddy Bears Picnic

Bring your favourite cuddly toy for fun, games and crafts in the woods. Accompanied children of all ages. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Tue 13

Perseids Meteor Shower

The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe. 8.30-10.30pm. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Tue 13

Clay Creations

Come and have fun with clay. 1-2pm. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Tue 13

Reptiles Meet some reptiles.

12pm-3.45pm. £3/child. Natural History Museum, Colchester 01206 282940

Tue 13, Wed 14 & Thur 15

Tudors Live

Learn about the 1500s and people’s pastimes. 11am-4pm. Wristband £2.50, adult £5. Cressing Temple,Witham Road, Cressing, Braintree CM77 8PD

0845 603 7624

www.visitparks.co.uk

Tue 13 & Wed 14

Plates in Flames

Decorate crockery in ‘fire’ theme using specialist pens. Sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm. £3/child. Hollytrees Museum

01206 282940

BE

Tue 13 & Tue 27

Hatchlings Club

Wildlife activities including games, crafts and music. Age: 0-5yrs.10am-12pm. £5/£3 sibling. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 14

Abberton Adventurers

Pond dipping, bug hunting, campfire cooking and more. Unaccompanied children aged 8 – 12 yrs ONLY. 10:30am – 2:30pm. £10. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 14

Den Building

Build your own shelter with sticks, branches and logs. 2-4pm.

Child £3. Cudmore Grove Country Park, Bromans Lane, East Mersea C05 8UE 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Wed 14

Wild Wednesdays

Outdoor fun and activities for the whole family. 11am- 2pm. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Free Event

Wed 14

Make a Police Box

Ages 6+. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Wed 14

Seaside Fun at the Farms

Donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, sandcastle competition. 10am-5pm. Adult £8.50, child £7. Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF. 01992 892 781 visitleevalley.org.uk/farms

Wed 14

Ice Cream & Rock and Roll!

Create your own ice cream sundae and prepare a dance for a short performance to be held at 7pm. Come dressed in Grease costume (some provided). 4-11yrs. 2-3.30pm. £5/child. Crowstone Christian Centre, Crowstone Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex

07527 945467

emergeartsvalerie@gmail.com

BE

Wed 14

Campfire Cooking – Savoury Stars

Learn how to cook some treats for lunchtime on the campfire, bushcraft style! 10am-12pm. £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Wed 14

Den Building

Test your survival skills as you make a cosy den in the woods. Suitable all ages. 1.30-3.30pm. £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Wed 14

Wildlife Wardens

Hay raking and building wooden insect areas. Age: 10-15yrs. 10.30am-2.30pm. £6. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge, IP12 1NA 01394 380113 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Wed 14

Mysterious Mammals

Find out about the life of mammals. Age: 8-12yrs, unaccompanied. 10.30am - 3pm. £10. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 14

Pond Dipping

Drop in throughout the afternoon to try pond dipping. 1pm-4pm. £2. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Sept

Essex Country Show

Fairground, craft displays, sheep shearing, classic cars and tractors, steam engine. 10am - 5pm. Barleylands, Billericay CM11 2UD 01268 290228 www.essexcountryshow.co.uk

 

Thur 15

Seashore Scavengers

Find out about the rubbish washed up on our seashores and turn it into something useful. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 12:30pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 15

Pond-a-thon

Explore the dipping ponds to see how many different creatures you can find .Accompanied children of all ages. 1 – 3pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 15

Grand Day Out

Entertainment including hat making, Charleston dancing and traditional sports day activities.1-4pm. £9.50 adult & child/£5 extra ticket. Chigwell Hall Metropolitan Police Club (large marquee) High Rd, Chigwell IG7 6BD

01992 564226

BE

Thur 15

Ancient Skills

Try out shelter building and fire lighting skills and make traditional crafts. 10.30am-3pm. For unaccompanied children age 8+. Donation £10/child. Bring packed lunch. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve. South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Thur 15

Deadly Dinosaurs

Follow the clues to find out about these predators. Includes craft. Suitable for age 5+, must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-3pm. £2. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

Thur 15

Pirate Trail

Take a walk around the nature reserve and look for the treasure. 10am-2pm. £2. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Fri 16

Friday Funday

Wildlife trail, art and craft or pond dipping, followed by woodland craft and marshmallow toasting. Bring along a packed lunch. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 16

Wild Evening Out

Including bat detecting and pond dipping. Age: 6yrs+, must be accompanied. 7.30-10.30pm. £10. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 16

Alice in the Gorge

Includes a themed trail, games or craft and a tea party with the Mad Hatter. 12-1.30pm. £5 child; £2 adult.

Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Fri 16

Pixie Trail

Trail around the nature reserve. 10am-2pm. £2. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Sat 17

Family Forest Schools

Includes activities such as den building, cooking, whittling, arts and crafts. Accompanied children. 10.30am -12.30pm. £5/child. High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR 01621 862960

BE

Sat 17

Make a Police Box

Ages 6+. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 17

Southend on Sea Carnival

Departs from Chalkwell Esplanade at 7.45pm, finishing at 10pm.

www.southend-on-seacarnival.org.uk

Sat 17 & Sun 18

Walton Carnival Weekend

Procession at 2pm on Sat. Fun events including car boots, tug o’ war and human table football. Walton on the Naze,

www.walton-on-the-naze.com

Free event

Sat 17

Do You Dig ‘Time Team’?

Family archaeological activities. 10am-5pm. Chelmsford Museum, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford Essex CM2 9AQ 01245 605700

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums

Free admission to museum, £3 charge for activity.

Sun 18

Beach Party

Games, limbo and party music!

10am-4pm. Free after admission. Space Kingdom, Stephenson Place, Stephenson Road, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton-on-sea CO15 4XA 0845 5212808 www.spacekingdom.co.uk

Sun 18

Hopefield Open Day

Come and meet Hopefield’s 300 rescued residents and take part in lots of crafts, games and activities as well as a child’s entertainer. 1-4pm £3/£2. Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, CM15 9BZ 01277 201110 www.hopefield.org.uk

Mon 19

Get the Buzz

Spend a day looking for bees, grasshoppers and crickets. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU

01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Mon 19

Go Bonkers

A variety of inflatable attractions of all sizes for all ages.1- 4pm. £6.50 age 3+/£4 under 3yrs.Great Notley Country Park, Gt Notley CM77 7FS

0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Mon 19

Watery Wildlife

Discover the creatures that live on, around and below the water through activities, crafts and games. Age: 4-8yrs, must be accompanied. 10am - 12pm. £5. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT

01268 711001 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Mon 19

Hopefield Inflatable Day

Let the children bounce the afternoon away on a variety of different bouncy castles. 1-4pm £5/children for an unlimited bouncy castle pass. Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, CM15 9BZ 01277 201110 www.hopefield.org.uk

Tue 20

Teddy Bears Picnic

Activities include pond dipping and bug hunting. Bring a picnic and a teddy bear. Ages:3-6yrs. 12-2pm. £3/child. Linder’s Field Local Nature Reserve. Please park respectfully on Roebuck Lane, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5QN. 01992 788203 www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/countrycare

Tue 20

Creative T-Shirts

Bring a plain white t-shirt along and we will provide everything you need to design your own wildlife t-shirt. 10-11am. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Tue 20

Barmy Summer Days

Natural art, minibeast hunting and more. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Tue 20

Rumble in the Jungle

Designed for children with disabilities. Participate in dramatised movement, sport and art. 2-4pm. £7/child (concessions £4/child). Chigwell Hall Metropolitan Police Club (large marquee) High Rd, Chigwell IG7 6BD

01992 564226

BE

Tue 20

Riverside Wildlife Walk

Discover wasp spiders, crickets, meadow plants and estuarine birds. Accompanied children of all ages.7 – 9pm. Rowhedge Meadow, Oxton Close, Colchester 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

Free Event

Tue 20

GO WILD – Birds and Beasts

Various animal and bird themed activities, plus a trail, games and crafts.10.30am-3pm. £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Tue 20

Pond Dipping

Discover the underwater world of newts, diving beetles and water boatmen. 1-2.30pm. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Tue 20

Nature Trail

Drop in and do the trail. 10am-3pm. £2. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Tue 20

Little Red Tractor

Find out what grows on the farm and turn it into a tasty treat. 10.30am-12.30pm. £2.50. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge, IP12 1NA 01394 380113

www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Tue 20

Bug Hunting

Drop in throughout the afternoon and try bug hunting. 1pm-4pm. £2. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

Tue 20 & Wed 21

Undersea Light-up Animals

Create an underwater creature using magic of light and recycled materials. Sessions 10.30-12.30 and 1.30-3.30. £2/child. Colchester Natural History Museum 01206 282940

Wed 21

Fun Day and Teddy Bears Picnic

Dress up your teddy for a day out on the farm, including Teddy Bear’s hospital. 10.30am-5.30pm. Adult: £8.50; Child: £7.25. Easton Farm Park, Easton, Woodbridge IP13 0EQ 01728 746475 www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk.

Wed 21

Abberton Adventurers

Pond dipping, bug hunting and campfire cooking. Unaccompanied children aged 8 – 12 yrs ONLY. 10:30 – 2:30pm. £10. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 21

Dens and Dream-catchers

Build dens and make dream-catchers. Age: 4yrs+; must be accompanied. 10am-12.30pm. £4/child. High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

BE

Wed 21

Wet & Wonderful

Encounter the fascinating creatures that live in the pond, followed by a craft activity. Ages 4+; children must be accompanied. 10am – 12.30pm. £4 per child. Visitor Centre, High Woods Country Park, Turner Rd, Colchester CO4 5JR 01206 853588

www.colchester.gov.uk/countrypark

BE

Wed 21

Summer Rangers

Outdoor activities. Age: 8yrs+, unaccompanied. 10am-12pm. £10. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Wed 21

Mapsticks

No need for your Tom-Tom to help you remember your route! 2-4pm. Child £3. Cudmore Grove Country Park, Bromans Lane, East Mersea, C05 8UE

0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Wed 21

Wild Wednesday

Outdoor activities for the whole family. 11am- 2pm. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Free Event

Wed 21

Make a police station!

Ages 5+. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Wed 21

Love British Nature Day

Hunt for minibeasts and get up close to owls, bees and more! 10am-5pm. Adult £8.50, child £7. Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF. 01992 892 781 visitleevalley.org.uk

Wed 21

Make a Menagerie

Make some marvellous animal puppets from junk! 10am-12pm. Donation £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Wed 21

Family Orienteering

Test your family’s teamwork and navigation skills on an orienteering route. 1.30-3.30pm. £5/family. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

Wed 21

Where the Wild Things Are

Enter an imaginary world and discover wild beasts. 10.30am-12.30pm. £2.50. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge, IP12 1NA 01394 380113 www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Wed 21

Fairies & Elves Treasure Hunt

Follow the clues through the woods to discover fairy friends. Age:0-8yrs, must be accompanied. 10am-12pm. £5 per child. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 21

Wild & Wet

Discover the wildlife that lives on, in and under the water. Includes games and crafts. Age: 8-12yrs, unaccompanied. 10.30am - 3pm. £10. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex

CM11 1WT 01268 711001

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 22

Summer Senses

Awaken your senses with a morning stroll around the reserve. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 12:30pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 22

Summer Colours

How many different colours can you find on the reserve? Accompanied children of all ages. 1 – 3pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 22

Fingringhoe Explorers

Try out survival skills, plus woodland crafts. 10.30am-3pm. Unaccompanied children age 8+. £10/child. Bring packed lunch. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Thur 22

Family Bat Evening

Learn about bats and watch them fly around the reserve. 7.30-9.30pm. £5. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex CM11 1WT 01268 711001 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 22

The Seashore Show

Handle different types of shells, plus crabs. Sessions at 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm.£3/child. Colchester Natural History Museum 01206 282940

Thur 22 & Fri 23

Clacton Air Show

Full flying programme each day. 11am-5pm. West Greenward, Marine Parade West, Clacton on Sea.

www.clactonairshow.com

Free Event

Fri 23

Friday Funday

Wildlife trail, art and craft or pond dipping and marshmallow toasting. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 22 & Fri 23

Cardboard Boat and Shipbuilding

Join a professional artist who will help you make cardboard boats and ships. Sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm. £2/child. Hollytrees Museum 01206 282940

BE

Fri 23

Stig of the Dump

Use a map to find Stig’s stashes to build a hide-away in the pit. Age: 6-10yrs.10am-2pm. £6. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge,

IP12 1NA 01394 380113

www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Friday 23

‘Treasure Island’

Outdoor theatre production in evening, workshop for ages 5-10 in before the show (£2.50). Children invited to come in pirate fashion for photos with the cast Tickets available in advance and on the door. Prices range from £9-£45 (family). Under 3s free. Gates open at 2pm. Curtain up 6pm. Email:

bookings@markshall.org.uk

www.markshall.org.uk

Fri 23

Pirates!

Follow the clues to find Pirate Pete’s hidden treasure. Age: 5-8yrs, must be accompanied. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 23

Craft at the Haven

Find out how people used to live. Make your own souvenir. Age: 5yrs+. 1.30-3.30pm. Museum admission applies. Haven Plotland Museum, Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon, SS16 6EB. 01268 419103 / www.essexwt.org.uk

Sat 24

Young Rangers

A club for those with an interest in wildlife and conservation. Age:10-16yrs.9.30am-12.30pm.£4. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW 0845 603 7624

www.visitparks.co.uk

Sat 24

Make a police station!

Ages 5+. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 24

Bat Walk

Learn about the fascinating nocturnal world of bats and have a go with a bat detector. Age 5+. 8-10pm. Donation £5. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve. South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN

01206 729678

BE

Sat 24

Family Forest Fun

Activities, games and crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 24

Craft Club

Create a craft. Age: 8yrs+. 1-3pm. £6. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 24 - Mon 26

Outdoor Leisure Show

Showcasing Britain’s great outdoors, including fairground, craft market and food fair.10am-6pm. Advance one day tickets adult £9, child £5. River Lee Country Park, Showground Site, Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1AB. wwoutdoorshow.com

Sat 24 - Mon 26

Military Odyssey

The world’s largest multi-period history event. 2 arenas and battlefields, military history re-enactments, arena displays, stalls and collectors market. 9.30am-5.30pm. Kent Showground, Detling, Nr Maidstone ME14 3JF. 01268 772448 www.military-odyssey.com

Sun 25

Beach Party

Games, limbo and party music. 10am-4pm. Free after admission. Space Kingdom, Stephenson Place, Stephenson Road, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton-on-sea CO15 4XA

0845 5212808

www.spacekingdom.co.uk

Sun 25

Donkey Show

A fun and interactive celebration of all things donkey.10.30am-5.30pm. Adult:£8.50, Child: £7.25. Easton Farm Park, Easton, Woodbridge IP13 0EQ 01728 746475

www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

Sun 25 & Mon 26

Craft Show

The Guild’s annual flagship craft show. 10.30am-5pm. Adult £3. Cressing Temple, Witham Road, Cressing, Braintree, CM77 8PD 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Sun 25 & Mon 26

Steam Gala Event

Steam train rides, museum, stalls and rural walks. Mangapps Railway Museum, Burnham-on-Crouch CM0 8QG

01621 784898 www.mangapps.co.uk

Sun 25

Open Day

A chance to view this fine example of mid-Victorian military architecture. 11am-5pm. £4 adults, £3 concessions, 50p child (age 5-16yrs) Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, RM18 8PB 01375 844203 www.coalhousefort.co.uk

Mon 26

Multi-Activity Adventure Day

Choose from four, 90 minute adventurous activity sessions taken from the Land, Motor,Towers and Water sports areas. Ages 6 to 16, parents go free. Stubbers Adventure Centre, Ockendon Road, Upminster RM14 2TY 01708 224753 www.stubbers.co.uk

Mon 26

Magic Monday

Magic shows throughout the day. 10.30am-5.30pm. Adult:£8.50; Child: £7.25. Easton Farm Park, Easton, Woodbridge IP13 0EQ 01728 746475 www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

Mon 26

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Follow the trail to find a tea party. Don’t forget your hat! Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre,

CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Mon 26

Bank Holiday Open Day

A chance to view this fine example of mid-Victorian military architecture. 11am-5pm. £4 adults, £3 concessions, 50p child (age 5-16yrs) Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, RM18 8PB 01375 844203 www.coalhousefort.co.uk

Mon 26

Go Bonkers

A variety of inflatable attractions of all sizes for all ages.1- 4pm. £6.50 age 3+/£4 under 3yrs.Great Notley Country Park, Gt Notley CM77 7FS

0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Mon 26

Discovery Centre Stargazing

Discover solar observation. 12-5pm. £3 car parking. Great Notley Country Park, Gt Notley CM77 7FS 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Mon 26

Brightlingsea Town Show

Horticultural show, plus games, sideshows, food stalls and more. Community Centre, Lower Park Road, Brightlingsea

www.essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk

Free Event

Mon 26

Wood Fair

Woodcraft sessions, demonstrations and games. Beacon Hill Country Park, Woodhouse eaves, Leics LE12 8SP www.nationalforest.org/visit/woodfair

Mon 26

Hedgehog Day

All about hedgehogs! In aid of the Shepreth Hedgehog Hospital. 12 - 4pm. Cost included in admission fee. Shepreth Wildlife Park, Herts SG8 6PZ

07986 382643

www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

Mon 26

Boat Making Challenge

Make your own tiny boat out of natural material. Plus pond dipping. 10am-12pm. Donation £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Tue 27

Pond Life

See what wonders lie beneath the surface of the pond. Ages:4-11yrs. 10am-12pm. £3/child. Nazeing Triangle Local Nature Reserve. Roadside parking on Betts Lane, Nazeing EN9 2DA

01992 788203

www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/countrycare

BE

Tue 27

Teddy Bears Picnic

Trails, stories, songs and games. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Tue 27

Little Pirate Workshop

Pre-show drama workshop to meet characters from the show, learn songs and play games. Age: 5-10yrs. 1-1.45pm. £3/child. Performance ticket holders only. Hylands House, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford

CM2 8WQ 01245 605555

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylandsbookings

BE

Tue 27

Treasure Island

Musical adaptation of Treasure Island. Bring a picnic. Suitable all ages. 3-5pm. Various prices. Hylands House, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 8WQ 01245 605555

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylandsbookings

BE

Tue 27

American Antics

Get up close to North and South American animals.10am-5pm. Adult £8.50, child £7. Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF. 01992 892 781 visitleevalley.org.uk/farms

Tue 27

GO WILD – Bushcraft

Activities including a trail, den building, campfire and more. 10.30am-3pm. £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Tue 27

Crazy Crabbing

See who can catch the biggest crab! Plus find out more about what lives under the waves. 4.30-6pm. Donation £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Tue 27

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Search for dragonfly nymphs, then create one yourself. Age: 5-8yrs, must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 28

Abberton Adventurers

Pond dipping, bug hunting, campfire cooking and more. Unaccompanied children aged 8 – 12 yrs ONLY. 10:30 – 2:30pm. £10. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU

01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Wed 28

Wet and Wonderful

Discover pond creatures, followed by a craft activity. Age: 4yrs+; must be accompanied. 10am-12.30pm. £4/child. High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR

http://www.colchester.gov.uk/article/3053/Whats-On

BE

Wed 28

Cupcake Decorating

Ingredients provided. Age:6+. 10-11.30am/12-1.30pm. £18/child. Accompanying parent free. 01245 605555. Hylands House, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 8WQ. www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylandsbookings

BE

Wed 28

Seashell Mobiles

Create your own hanging mobile with shells from the beach. 2-4pm. Child £3. Cudmore Grove Country Park, Bromans Lane, East Mersea, C05 8UE

0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Wed 28

Wild Wednesday

Outdoor activities for the whole family. 11am- 2pm. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Free Event

Wed 28

Guess Who?

Guess the suspect – like the popular children’s game. Ages 6+. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN. 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum

Wed 28

I ♥ Minibeasts Boat

Join a canal boat ride and learn about minibeasts, followed by games and quizzes. 10am-12pm/1-3pm. £8.70 per person. Broxbourne Riverside Moorings, Nazeing Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

EN10 6QT. 01992 462 085 visitleevalley.org.uk

Wed 28

Dinosaur Day

Follow the trail, make your own fossil and take part in a dinosaur dig. 10am-12pm. Donation £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Wed 28

Pondemonium

Find out what’s wriggling and swimming under the surface of the ponds! 1.30-3.30pm. £5/accompanied child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Wed 28

Scrapbook Safari

Discover the wildlife and then do crafts and scrapbooking. Accompanied pre-school children. 10am-12pm. Tickets £6/child. Max 3 children per adult. Hylands Stables Visitor Centre, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford

CM2 8WQ 01245 605523

BE

Wed 28

Wind in the Willows

Follow the adventures of Toad, meet his friends and make a model boat. 10.30am-12.30pm. £2.50. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge,

IP12 1NA 01394 380113

www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Wed 28

Nature Trail

Trail around the nature reserve.10-11.30am. £2. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG www.essexwt.org.uk

Wed 28

Den Building

Build a shelter and play games. Age: 8yrs+, unaccompanied. 12.30-1.30pm. £5. Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 6RG

www.essexwt.org.uk

Wed 28

Wildlife Detectives

Find animal footprints and spot their homes. Age: 8-12yrs, unaccompanied. 10.30am - 3pm. £10. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex

CM11 1WT 01268 711001 www.essexwt.org.u

BE

Wed 28

Summer Crafts

Choice of four crafts. Suitable all ages. 1-4pm. £1 per craft. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

Thur 29

Pond Quest

Hunt for some of the treasures of the ponds. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 12:30pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 29

Bizarre Bugs

Discover some bizarre creatures, like a spider that looks like a wasp. Accompanied children of all ages. 1 – 3pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Thur 29

Ancient Skills

Try out shelter building and fire lighting skills and make traditional crafts. 10.30am-3pm. For unaccompanied children age 8+. £10/child. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve. South Green Road, Fingringhoe

CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Thur 29

Discover Wildlife

At Marks Hill Nature Reserve. All children welcome, must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-1pm. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

Free Event

Fri 30

Friday Funday

Wildlife trail, art and craft or pond dipping, marshmallow toasting. Accompanied children of all ages. 10.30am- 2pm. £5. Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, CO2 OEU 01206 738172 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 30

Bushcraft: Fire Lighting and Cooking

Learn to light fire safely and cook marshmallows and dampers. Age: 5+, must be accompanied. 10.30am-12.30pm. £5/child, free for accompanying adults. Abbotts Hall Farm, CO5 7RZ 01621 862960

BE

Fri 30

Fingringhoe Fledglings

Monthly club for the under 5’s with a different wildlife theme,outdoor exploration, crafts, songs and stories. 10am-12pm £5/accompanied child/£3 siblings. Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve, South Green Road, Fingringhoe CO5 7DN 01206 729678

BE

Fri 30

After Dark Family Evening

Go in search of creatures of the night and toast marshmallows over an open fire. 7.30-9.30pm. £2.50. Foxburrow Farm, Melton, near Woodbridge,

IP12 1NA 01394 380113

www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

BE

Fri 30

In Search of Ratty and Friends

Follow the trail of clues. With games, craft and activities. Age: 5-8yrs. 10am-12pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB 01268 419103

www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Fri 30

Weird World War Two

Games, crafts, and activities. Age: 8-12yrs, unaccompanied. 1.30-3.30pm. £5. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 31

Woodland Adventure Play Club

Activities such as den building, cooking on fires, arts and bushcraft. Ages 4-11 (accompanied by adult). 10am -12pm. £5/child. Lexden Gathering Grounds, off Cymbeline Way, Colchester CO3 4DA. 01621 862960

BE

Sat 31

Nature Club

Monthly nature club. Age:7-11yrs. 10am-noon. Child £3. Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW 0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

Sat 31

Guess Who?

Guess the suspect – like the popular children’s game. Ages 6+. 10am–4pm. £1. Essex Police Museum, HQ, Chelmsford, CM2 6DN 01245 457150 www.essex.police.uk/museum

Sat 31

Coastal Foraging

Sample some foraged food and make your own seaside mobile. Age: 5+, must be accompanied. 10am-12pm. Abbotts Hall Farm, CO5 7RZ 01621 862960

Free Event

BE

Sat 31

Family Wild Evening Out

An evening of wildlife watching and campfire. Age: 6yrs+, must be accompanied by an adult. 6.30-8.30pm. £6. Langdon Visitor Centre, Lower Dunton Road, Laindon SS16 6EB

01268 419103 www.essexwt.org.uk

BE

Sat 31 & Sun 1 Sept

Pirate Weekend

Treasure hunt, face painting, arts and crafts. Sea Life Adventure, Eastern Esplanade, Southend on Sea SS1 2ER www.sealifeadventure.co.uk

 

 

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