Browse the siteWelcome! From bumps to teens we have it covered.
This is your one-stop site for everything you need to know about living in Southend with children.
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When it comes to the summer holidays, we have everything you need to keep the children busy, with fun days out and free and low cost ideas. If you want to get the kids involved in the planning, take a look at our fun and simple Summer Bucket List idea or use our printable Summer Holiday planner to get organised.
We have everything you need for a summer of fun:
ποΈ What's on guide - Your summer bible to finding all the local events. Use the list to browse all events or click the calendar to jump to any date in the future
π° 65+ FREE & low cost things to do this summer
π¦ Things to do - A huge category of local attractions including museums, farms and zoo's, sports and leisure, transport, out and about and hands-on activities.
βοΈ Summer Holiday Planner - An A3 planner to print out and help you get organised
π Summer bucket list
π» Pubs with play areas
π Places to go Fruit Picking
πΉ Days out for teens & tweens
ποΈ Where to find discounted tickets for local attractions
πΆPlaces to take babies and toddlers - If you're looking for somewhere quieter to take the younger ones!
π Summer Reading Challenge - Sign up at any library for free!
π Kids week - Take the kids to a London Theatre for FREE with a full paying adult ticket
π½οΈ Kids eat free - COMING SOON
βοΈKickstart your summer holiday organisation with our downloadable planner sheet!
We've started adding lots of events to our What's On page for the summer holidays and with so much to chose from already you might find our downloadable summer holiday planner useful.
Thanks to our very talented colleague Jane at Mum's guide to Romford who put this together and kindly made a Southend version for us to share with you. We know that many of you found it really useful last year because we've already had requests for it!
β¬οΈ Click here to download
π¨οΈ Print
βοΈand check out our What's On page to start filling it in.
We will of course keep adding more events and activities to the website as we hear about them, so do keep checking back.
A great day out for us last summer was fruit picking and it's fun for the whole family. We don't have many farms that you can pick your own near Southend unfortunately, but we've pulled together the closest. Always check before travelling what and if/what fruit is available, depending on how much has been picked the day before. Most PYO farms require you to book before visiting.
Click here to find out more about these PYO farms
π Hilltop Farm - Benfleet, SS7 1PH (Approximately 15 - 20 minutes from Southend)
π Lathcoats Farm - Great Baddow, Chelmsford. CM2 8LX (approximately 30 minutes from Southend)
π Little Mountains Farm (approximately 45-50 minutes from Southend)
π Cammas Hall Farm - Hatfield Broad Oak. CM22 7JT (approximately 50 minutes from Southend)
π Foxes Farm Produce - Colchester. CO6 3PR (approximately 1 hour from Southend)
π McLauchlans of Boxted - Boxted Berries - CO4 5RB (approximately 1 hour from Southend)
Is fruit picking on your list this summer? If you go somewhere new, tell us about it here
Summer Circus at Old MacDonald's Farm
20th July
- 1st September
Old MacDonald's Farm, Brentwood
Summer Magic Trail
(FREE)
20th July
- 1st September
Thorndon Countryside Park CM13 3RZ, Belhus Woods RM15 4XJ
Animal Mysteries Trail
(FREE)
20th July
- 1st September
Hadleigh Country Park, Hadleigh
Bubble 'n' Bop Children's Festival at Marsh Farm
21st July
- 1st September
Marsh Farm, South Woodham Ferrers
My Pet Pals workshops
(FREE)
21st July
- 1st September
Pets at Home, Rochford Road, Southend
Hopefield's Summer of Fun
22nd July
- 1st September
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood
Summer at Lemon Witch
23rd July
- 1st September
Lemon Witch, Leigh-On-Sea
Decorate a cupcake at Mrs Barnes Bakery
23rd July
- 27th July
Mrs Barnes Bakery, Leigh-On-Sea
Zoo Groove Rangers
24th July
- 1st August
Call of the Wild Zoo, South Woodham Ferrers
The Cow Maize
(FREE)
25th July
- 1st November
The Green Barn Farm Shop, Benfleet
Enchanted Fairy Trail
26th July
- 1st September
Garon Park, Southend
Summer beach party at Rollacity - All ages
27th July
Rollacity, Rochford
Kids' Clay Pencil Toppers Workshop at Hobbycraft
27th July
Hobbycraft Southend, Retail Park
Kids' Friendship Bracelets Workshop at Hobbycraft
27th July
Hobbycraft Southend, Retail Park
Music in the park
(FREE)
27th July
- 28th July
Priory Park, Southend-On-Sea
Big up Southend
(FREE)
27th July
The Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend-On-Sea
Catchment to Coast
(FREE)
27th July
Catchment to Coast at Belfairs Discovery Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Essex Fire Museum - Family Open day
(FREE)
28th July
Essex Fire Museum (Grays Fire Station), Grays
Sports day actvities at Leigh Community Centre
29th July
Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Pond Dipping at Wat Tyler Country Park
29th July
Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Basildon
Soft Archery at Wat Tyler Country Park
29th July
Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Basildon
Animal Feeding FREE
(FREE)
29th July
- 2nd August
The Green Barn Farm Shop, Benfleet
Pirate Breakfast
29th July
Joannas Cafe, Westcliff-On-Sea
Princess Breakfast
29th July
Joannas Cafe, Westcliff-On-Sea
Inflatable fun day Southchurch Park
30th July
Southchurch Park, Southchurch
Crafty Tuesday at Thames Chase
30th July
Thames Chase Forest Centre, Upminster
Sports day with Families growing together 0-4 Years
30th July
Centre Place Family Centre, Southend
Stories & Songs FREE summer activities at Hadleigh Hub
(FREE)
30th July
Hadleigh Farm Estate, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh
Decorate a cupcake at Mrs Barnes Bakery
30th July
- 3rd August
Mrs Barnes Bakery, Leigh-On-Sea
Kids Summer Movie Marathon
(FREE)
30th July
- 31st July
The Bread and Cheese Pub, South Benfleet
Pond Dipping at Wat Tyler Country Park
30th July
Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Basildon
Orienteering at Wat Tyler Country Park
30th July
Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Basildon
Dinosaur Reading at Leigh Community Centre Cafe
30th July
Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Marvellous Makers - FREE Toilet Roll Cacti
(FREE)
30th July
Southchurch Library, Southend-On-Sea
Summer fun days
(FREE)
30th July
Avenue Baptist Church, Westcliff-On-Sea
Ballet Summer Party
30th July
St Albans Church, Westcliff-On-Sea
Pixie and pirate party
30th July
Grumpy's Diner, Southend
Summer Holiday Havoc
31st July
- 2nd August
Museum of Power, Maldon
Kids' Clay Pencil Toppers Workshop at Hobbycraft
31st July
Hobbycraft Southend, Retail Park
Kids' Rip Collage Workshop
31st July
Hobbycraft Southend, Retail Park
Kids activities at Phab Life - Decorating gingerbread men
31st July
The Phabulous Cafe, Leigh-On-Sea
Becoming a Birdwatcher
31st July
- 2nd August
Chelmsford Museum, Chelmsford
Space rocket craft - FREE summer activities at Hadleigh Hub
(FREE)
31st July
Hadleigh Farm Estate, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh
Race Against Time at Wat Tyler Country Park
31st July
Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Basildon
Race Against Time at Wat Tyler Country Park
31st July
Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Basildon
TinySplash sessions
31st July
Shoeburyness Leisure Centre, Shoeburyness
Trolls day
31st July
Leigh Community Centre, 71 Elm Road
Mermaid Breakfast
31st July
View Garden Centre, Wickford
Lego at the Olympics
(FREE)
1st August
Christ Church, Leigh-on-Sea
Joe Banana party at Leigh Community Centre
1st August
Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Little Victories Teddy bears picnic
(FREE)
1st August
The Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend-On-Sea
FREE pokemon trading session
(FREE)
1st August
Create98, Create98 ,98 Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea
Family Film night - FREE summer activities at Hadleigh Hub
(FREE)
1st August
Hadleigh Farm Estate, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh
The Sunflower Field
(FREE)
1st August
- 31st August
The Green Barn Farm Shop, Benfleet
Chalkwell Fair
1st August
- 10th August
Chalkwell Park, Westcliff-On-Sea
Swiftie cruel summer
1st August
Mill Hall, Rayleigh
Pond Dipping at Wat Tyler Country Park
2nd August
Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Basildon
Soft Archery at Wat Tyler Country Park
2nd August
Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Basildon
Three Billy Goats Gruff - Family Theatre
2nd August
Mill Arts & Events Centre, Rayleigh
Summer fun days
(FREE)
2nd August
Avenue Baptist Church, Westcliff-On-Sea
Fairytale fest 24
2nd August
- 4th August
Basildon Sport and Leisure club, Basildon
Circus skills workshop
2nd August
Thames Chase Forest Centre, Upminster
Summer at Lemon Witch
23rd July
- 1st September
Lemon Witch, Leigh-On-Sea
Decorate a cupcake at Mrs Barnes Bakery
23rd July
- 27th July
Mrs Barnes Bakery, Leigh-On-Sea
Enchanted Fairy Trail
26th July
- 1st September
Garon Park, Southend
Music in the park
(FREE)
27th July
- 28th July
Priory Park, Southend-On-Sea
Big up Southend
(FREE)
27th July
The Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend-On-Sea
Catchment to Coast
(FREE)
27th July
Catchment to Coast at Belfairs Discovery Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Sports day actvities at Leigh Community Centre
29th July
Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Pirate Breakfast
29th July
Joannas Cafe, Westcliff-On-Sea
Princess Breakfast
29th July
Joannas Cafe, Westcliff-On-Sea
Inflatable fun day Southchurch Park
30th July
Southchurch Park, Southchurch
Sports day with Families growing together 0-4 Years
30th July
Centre Place Family Centre, Southend
Decorate a cupcake at Mrs Barnes Bakery
30th July
- 3rd August
Mrs Barnes Bakery, Leigh-On-Sea
Dinosaur Reading at Leigh Community Centre Cafe
30th July
Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Marvellous Makers - FREE Toilet Roll Cacti
(FREE)
30th July
Southchurch Library, Southend-On-Sea
Summer fun days
(FREE)
30th July
Avenue Baptist Church, Westcliff-On-Sea
Ballet Summer Party
30th July
St Albans Church, Westcliff-On-Sea
Pixie and pirate party
30th July
Grumpy's Diner, Southend
Kids activities at Phab Life - Decorating gingerbread men
31st July
The Phabulous Cafe, Leigh-On-Sea
TinySplash sessions
31st July
Shoeburyness Leisure Centre, Shoeburyness
Lego at the Olympics
(FREE)
1st August
Christ Church, Leigh-on-Sea
Joe Banana party at Leigh Community Centre
1st August
Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Little Victories Teddy bears picnic
(FREE)
1st August
The Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend-On-Sea
Chalkwell Fair
1st August
- 10th August
Chalkwell Park, Westcliff-On-Sea
Summer fun days
(FREE)
2nd August
Avenue Baptist Church, Westcliff-On-Sea
Music in the park
(FREE)
3rd August
- 4th August
Priory Park, Southend-On-Sea
Sketchy arts and crafts at Leigh Community Centre
3rd August
Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Cloudy with a chance of meatballs - Outdoor Cinema at the Big Screen
(FREE)
3rd August
The Forum / Focal Point Gallery, Southend-On-Sea
Anglo Saxon Weekend
3rd August
- 4th August
Prittlewell Priory, Southend-On-Sea
Marvellous Makers - FREE Crafty Kids
(FREE)
3rd August
Southchurch Library, Southend-On-Sea
Sports day actvities at Leigh Community Centre
5th August
Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Princess Party with Expressions Theatre Arts
5th August
Expressions Theatre Arts, Southend
SUMMER SCHOOL
5th August
- 9th August
Absolute Arts, Westcliff on Sea
Inflatable fun day Priory Park
6th August
Priory Park, Southend-On-Sea
Connecting with nature with Families growing together 0-4 Years
6th August
Centre Place Family Centre, Southend
Decorate a cupcake at Mrs Barnes Bakery
6th August
- 10th August
Mrs Barnes Bakery, Leigh-On-Sea
The Art of Scribbling at Leigh Library
(FREE)
6th August
Leigh Library, Southend-On-Sea
Summer fun day
6th August
Holy Trinity Southchurch, Southend-On-Sea
Kids activities at Phab Life - Edible chocolate garden
7th August
The Phabulous Cafe, Leigh-On-Sea
Sketchy arts and crafts at Leigh Community Centre
7th August
Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Summer Fun Day
7th August
Leigh Road Baptist Church Hall & Garden, Leigh-On-Sea
Little Victories Summer in Southend
(FREE)
8th August
The Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend-On-Sea
Marvellous Makers - FREE Paperchains
(FREE)
8th August
Southchurch Library, Southend-On-Sea
Southend pier puppet show
9th August
- 11th August
Southend Pier (Pier head), Southend On Sea
Music in the park
(FREE)
10th August
- 11th August
Priory Park, Southend-On-Sea
Back to the future - Outdoor Cinema at the Big Screen
(FREE)
10th August
The Forum / Focal Point Gallery, Southend-On-Sea
Around the world with Lego
(FREE)
11th August
Christ Church, Leigh-on-Sea
Inflatable fun day Southchurch Park
13th August
Southchurch Park, Southchurch
The very hungry caterpillar day with Families growing together 0-4 Years
13th August
Centre Place Family Centre, Southend
Decorate a cupcake at Mrs Barnes Bakery
13th August
- 17th August
Mrs Barnes Bakery, Leigh-On-Sea
Marvellous Makers - FREE Rainbow spinners
(FREE)
13th August
Southchurch Library, Southend-On-Sea
Princess Reading at Leigh Community Centre Cafe
13th August
Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Kids activities at Phab Life - Monster Marshmallows
14th August
The Phabulous Cafe, Leigh-On-Sea
Summer Slime Day
14th August
Leigh Road Baptist Church Hall & Garden, Leigh-On-Sea
Inflatable fun day Chalkwell Park
15th August
Chalkwell Park, Westcliff-On-Sea
Little Victories Princess and Prince party
(FREE)
15th August
The Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend-On-Sea
Fossil crafts and fossil display
16th August
Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Summer Holiday Special stay and play
(FREE)
16th August
ATF at Wellbeing Garon Park, Southend
Superhero Weekend at Adventure Island
17th August
- 18th August
Adventure Island, Southend
Music in the park
(FREE)
17th August
- 18th August
Priory Park, Southend-On-Sea
Wall-E - Outdoor Cinema at the Big Screen
(FREE)
17th August
The Forum / Focal Point Gallery, Southend-On-Sea
8th Leigh Scout group Community fun day
(FREE)
18th August
8th Leigh Scout group, Leigh-On-Sea
Inflatable fun day Priory Park
20th August
Priory Park, Southend-On-Sea
Emergency services day with Families growing together 0-4 Years
20th August
Centre Place Family Centre, Southend
Decorate a cupcake at Mrs Barnes Bakery
20th August
- 24th August
Mrs Barnes Bakery, Leigh-On-Sea
Kids activities at Phab Life - Decorating fairy cakes
21st August
The Phabulous Cafe, Leigh-On-Sea
Inflatable fun day Chalkwell Park
22nd August
Chalkwell Park, Westcliff-On-Sea
Little Victories Superhero day
(FREE)
22nd August
The Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend-On-Sea
Step aboard the Galeon Andalucia
22nd August
- 28th August
Southend Pier, Southend-on-Sea
Marvellous Makers - FREE Origami bookmarks
(FREE)
22nd August
Southchurch Library, Southend-On-Sea
Summer Holiday Special stay and play
(FREE)
23rd August
ATF at Wellbeing Garon Park, Southend
Mega Fun day
26th August
Garon Park, Southend
Inflatable fun day Southchurch Park
27th August
Southchurch Park, Southchurch
Punch and Judy show at Leigh Community Centre
27th August
- 28th August
Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-On-Sea
Summer party with Families growing together 0-4 Years
27th August
Centre Place Family Centre, Southend
Decorate a cupcake at Mrs Barnes Bakery
27th August
- 31st August
Mrs Barnes Bakery, Leigh-On-Sea
Frozen Extravaganza
27th August
Room one Leigh Community centre, Leigh on sea
Marvellous Makers - FREE Rock Painting
(FREE)
27th August
Southchurch Library, Southend-On-Sea
Kids activities at Phab Life - Pizza making
28th August
The Phabulous Cafe, Leigh-On-Sea
Holiday club
28th August
Unit 14 Leighcliff building, Leigh on sea
Summer Community day
28th August
Garon Park, Southend
Legoland Exhibition
(FREE)
31st August
Christ Church, Leigh-on-Sea
Big up Southend
(FREE)
31st August
The Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend-On-Sea
Feel Good Festival Southend.
(FREE)
14th September
Garon Park, Southend
Why not browse through some of the listings we have recently added to the site...
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