Cheap & Cheerful Ideas for Autumn 2026

It's that time of year when we really want to get out and about with our children but we are still feeling the pinch after Christmas. February Half Term is lurking and we need some suggestions. So here we go with a few ideas...

• Playgrounds - there are so many great playgrounds around, some in Romford and some a little further afield. We love to go a little further and visit somewhere different.  Check our our Top 10 Playgrounds here
• Trails - there so many trails to do that the kids will love. Just remember while the trails may be free, there will be parking costs at most of the venues. In addition to the trails mentioned in our article here,  there is also the new Stick Man trail at Thames Chase which has just launched.
• Parks & Woodland we are so lucky in Havering to have so many great country parks to explore. Get the wellies on and let the kids do some splashing in muddy puddles! Check out some suggestions here
• Beaches - ok so it might not beach weather all the time but we love to go hunting for shells or pretty pebbles at this time of year. A day by the sea is invigorating and not too busy either. Beaches near us
• Pets Corner Harlow - this is a great free venue to visit although they do rely on donations. Pets Corner can be found in Harlow Town Park which is another new park to explore and get to know. Parking charges will apply.
• Planes - we love to go and watch the planes at either Damyns Aerodrome at Upminster or Stapleford Airfield at Stapleford Abbots. Both have a cafe with an enclosed garden area so you can enjoy a coffee while the kids enjoy the planes. 
• Mighty Mornings at Vue - bargain cinema visits for just £2.49 per person on weekend and daily during school holidays
• Feed the ducks/geese - Why not feed the ducks at Raphael Park or Langtons Gardens (you might even spot a couple of turtles in the lake here!) or visit the swans at Harrow Lodge Park. It's not recommended to feed the birds bread any more but you can get some ideas of what to feed them here
• Farms - Wellgate Community Farm is open daily and is free to visit. You can also visit Foxburrows Farm in Hainault County Park which is free to visit although there are parking charges here. 
• Percy The Park Keeper - pop down to Raphael Park and visit this local hero - Percy can be found as you walk past the lake, take the path to the left. This has recently been resurfaced which will make it more easily accessible now. 
• Havering Museum is free for children to visit, adults pay just £3. It's open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays