Welcome to your essential guide to what's on for children and families over the next few months in and around Southend. We also regularly post events, things to do and other news on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you are looking for Holiday Clubs and Camps we have a dedicated section for those.
If you are running an event for families or children that you would like to list here please complete our online form to send us the details.
We do our best to ensure dates, timings and details about events on this page are accurate. However, to avoid unnecessary disappointment please do double check details before setting off!
View as: DIARY EVENT LIST
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Tuesday 1st September
The Destination Lakeside Summer beach -FREE
Destination Lakeside
Fri 17th July 2026 - Tue 1st September 2026
12-8pm
Our Summer Beach is back at The Destination @ Lakeside from 17th July, and we're bringing the heat with our brand new Splash Landing Pool & Tipping Bucket! 💦☀️
🕛 Open daily: 12pm-8pm
💧 Splash Pool: 12pm-6pm (20 min sessions apply)
🎟️ FREE PARK ENTRY for the whole family!
Get ready to dig your toes into the sand, cool off in the splash zone, and make the most of your summer holidays! 😍⛱️
Find out more:
www.thedestinationatlakeside.com
Saturday 5th September
Mudtribe - 1.5K
Nuclear Races
Sat 5th September 2026
Various
• APPROX. 1 HOUR
• AGE 4+
For our families with younger children, the shorter 1.5km option of Mud Tribe means even the youngest family members can join in: you'll get the mud, foam and fun!
It is a great option for those who don't want to take on the full 5km course. The course features obstacles that all can achieve, whatever their age.
What's Included
• Wide variety of obstacles - no upper body strength required!
• Go at your own pace; no chip timing.
• Hot wash downs and changing rooms at the end of the course.
• Water obstacles but no full water submersion.
£38.00 Per Person
Current Price: £21.99
(Price Includes Booking Fee)
4 - 15 year olds must be... Read more
Find out more or book:
nuclear-races.co.uk
Mudtribe - 5K
Nuclear Races
Sat 5th September 2026
Various
• APPROX. 2 HOURS
• AGE 7+
We ramp up the fun on the 5km course, with even more mud, foam and laughs! Make some muddy memories for your Tribe to treasure.
Join us for a day of excitement, encouragement and lots of fun!
With achievable fun obstacles that will have you smiling and laughing all the way round.
Following it's popularity in our inaugural 2025 event we'll also have a female only Mud Tribe Sisters start time between 12:30pm - 1:30pm.
What's Included
• Wide variety of obstacles - no upper body strength required!
• Go at your own pace; no chip timing.
• Hot wash downs and changing rooms at the end of the course.
• Water obstacles but no full water submersion.... Read more
Find out more or book:
nuclear-races.co.uk
Mudtribe - 6K
Nuclear Races
Sat 5th September 2026
Various
Approx. 2 hours
Age 13+
Those wanting an extra challenge can take on the Mud Tribe Blast wave with an extra 1km course extension, featuring tougher obstacles (staples of the old Nuclear Blast course).
Whether you're a group of friends, a family unit or an office crew, this wave is all about teamwork and having a blast together and is suitable for all abilities and fitness levels.
The Blast Wave is great for adults, but open to anyone from age 13+ (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, max ratio 3 children per 1 adult).
What's Included:
Wide variety of obstacles - no upper body strength required!
Go at your own pace; no chip timing.
Free hot wash downs at the end of the course.
Water obstacles... Read more
Find out more or book:
nuclear-races.co.uk
Sunday 6th September
Doggy Fun Day
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
Sun 6th September 2026
10am - 4pm
Get ready for a tail-wagging Doggy Fun Day that promises fun, laughter and unforgettable memories for dogs and humans alike! Join us at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary for one of our most popular family-friendly events of the year - the perfect day out for dog lovers, families and anyone who adores animals.
Our Doggy Fun Days are packed with exciting activities, interactive attractions and relaxed countryside vibes, all while supporting the care of over 700 rescued animals who call Hopefield home. Every ticket sold helps us continue our lifesaving work.
Whether your dog loves to show off, splash about or simply soak up the attention, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
What's On:
☕ FREE Puppuccino for ALL dogs - because every good dog deserves... Read more
Find out more or book:
hopefield.org.uk
Saturday 19th September
Play Cafe Meet Up
Mini&Me Play Cafe
Sat 19th September 2026
11:00- 13:00PM
Something special for you this September...
Join us for a beautiful morning at Mini & Me Play Café on Friday 19th September | 11:00am-1:00pm
A chance for little ones to explore, play and make new friends while you enjoy a complimentary coffee and connect with other local mums in a welcoming, relaxed space.
What's included:
our first tea or coffee is on us
Exclusive use of the gorgeous Mini & Me Play Café
Meet and chat with other local mums
Safe, fun play for your little ones
A relaxed morning of connection, community and creating memories
Whether you're a first-time mum or looking to grow your village, we'd love to welcome you.
Tickets are on sale now via Ticket Tailor - spaces... Read more
Sunday 27th September
The Little Children's Market - Baby & Children's Nearly New Sale
The Brentwood Centre
Sun 27th September 2026
11.00am-12.30pm
Our hugely popular baby and children's Nearly New Sale will return to Essex this September! Shop thousands of preloved toys, clothing, books, equipment and more for your little ones - all under one HUGE roof, all at bargain prices!
📅 When: Sunday 27th September
⏰️ Time: 11.00am-12.30pm
📍 Where: The Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Rd, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood CM15 9NN
🎟 £2.50 per adult, children enter free
🚗 Free onsite parking
🛍 Free compostable shopping bag for the first 50 buyers
💷 Cash only event
RSVP to our Facebook event for more details and updates: www.facebook.com/events/992811795613451
SELL WITH US
Want to sell at this Event? Have a post-summer clear out... Read more
Find out more or book:
www.thelittlechildrensmarket.com
Saturday 3rd October
Exotic Animal Weekend
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
Sat 3rd October 2026 - Sun 4th October 2026
10am - 4pm
Join us for our Exotic Animal Weekends - a truly special experience that only happens three times a year at our sanctuary. Taking place on 6th & 7th June, 1st & 2nd August, and 3rd & 4th October, these limited dates are your chance to see some of our most fascinating rescued residents on public display.
Due to licensing restrictions, we can only welcome visitors to our rescued "exotic" animals for just six days per year - which means once these dates are gone, they're gone. If you've ever wanted to get closer to some of the most unusual animals you'll meet, this is your moment.
Across the weekend, visitors can discover an extraordinary variety of rescued animals, including:
- Meerkats
- Parrots
- Marmosets
- Skunks
- Asian palm... Read more
Find out more or book:
hopefield.org.uk
Sunday 4th October
Exotic Animal Weekend
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
Sat 3rd October 2026 - Sun 4th October 2026
10am - 4pm
Join us for our Exotic Animal Weekends - a truly special experience that only happens three times a year at our sanctuary. Taking place on 6th & 7th June, 1st & 2nd August, and 3rd & 4th October, these limited dates are your chance to see some of our most fascinating rescued residents on public display.
Due to licensing restrictions, we can only welcome visitors to our rescued "exotic" animals for just six days per year - which means once these dates are gone, they're gone. If you've ever wanted to get closer to some of the most unusual animals you'll meet, this is your moment.
Across the weekend, visitors can discover an extraordinary variety of rescued animals, including:
- Meerkats
- Parrots
- Marmosets
- Skunks
- Asian palm... Read more
Find out more or book:
hopefield.org.uk



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