Mid Essex – Summer Events

Celebrate the opening of the Extinction! exhibition with family activities inside the museum and Football history of the beautiful game. Includes mindfulness crafts for children.

Date and Time: July-December 2026

Venue: Braintree Museum- CM7 3HW

Find out more information here: https://braintreemuseum.co.uk/exhibitions/ 

Date and Time: Competition starts 12th July, Bocking Windmill open days 2nd, 16th, 30th August

Venue: Bocking Windmill CM7 5LQ

Date and Time: 18th July-31st August 2026,

Venue: Braintree Museum- CM7 3HW

For more information: Call 01376 328868

Date and Time: 19th July

Venue: Kinetix Academy- CM8 3UW

Book your space here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kinetix-family-movement-fun-wellbeing-day-tickets-1989602737346

For more information: https://teamkinetix.co.uk/ 

Join at Zero 2 Bus Museum in Great Yeldham for a fun-filled community day! Bring your ‘favourite Teddy Bear’ and a
picnic to enjoy games and activities.

Date & Time: Wednesday 5th August 11am-3pm

Venue: Zero 2 Bus Museum (CO9 4HP) 

For more information- please contact
Janye Laken [email protected] or call 07458 300903

Pre-loved school uniform available for all families to come and pick up from the family hub.

Date & Time: Friday 14th August 10.30am – 12.30pm

Venue: Carousel Family Hub at CM7 3QZ

Find out more: https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/hubs/carousel-family-hub/ 

A peer led play session for children and families

Day & Time:
Toddler group from Wednesday 9.30am – 11.30am for 0-5 year olds and
Baby group from 12.30pm – 2.00pm for 0-1 year olds.
Venue: Acorn Family Hub, Halstead, CO9 1JH.

A FREE weekly play session for 0-12 month olds and their parents/ carers (under 1’s only, no siblings)

Days & Times:
Every Monday from 9.30am – 11.00am at Harlequin Family Hub, CM8 1NA,
Tuesday from 1.00pm – 2.30pm at Carousel Family Hub, CM7 3QZ
Friday from 10.00am – 11.30am at Acorn Family Hub , CO9 1JH
Friday from 09.30 – 11.00 at Silver End Family Hub, CM8 3RQ

A fun session for little ones to play and explore! Free admission and no booking needed

Dates and times: Every Friday 10.00am – 11.30am  at Acorn Family Hub Delivery Site, Beridge Road, Halstead, CO9 1JH

Ages: For 9-18 month olds only (no older siblings)

A FREE weekly play session for children aged 1-4 years (upto 8 years old in school holidays).

Days & Times:
Every Wednesday 10.00am- 11.30am at Silver End Family Hub, CM8 3RQ,
Thursday 10.00am – 11.30am at Carousel Family Hub, CM7 3QZ,
Thursday 1.00pm – 2.30pm at Harlequin Family Hub, CM8 1NA

Freedom Leisure, in partnership with SEND Sensation, will be offering weekly Relaxed SEND Family Swim sessions in both the main pool and the small pool. These dedicated, quieter sessions are designed specifically for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), providing a calm, supportive, and welcoming environment for families to enjoy together.

Days & Times:
Every Sunday from 12:00 to 13:00 at the Braintree Swimming and Fitness Centre

Cost:Children: £4.30 per session, ONE Parent/Carer: Free, Additional Adult: £5.70 per session.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/freedom-leisure-relaxed-send-family-swim-braintree-swimming-fitness-tickets-1969206544785

Dive back into the fun with our Pool Inflatable which has officially returned. Get ready for splash-filled excitement as our Weekend Inflatable Sessions are now open for pre-booking. Spaces fill up fast, so secure your spot today and make your weekends unforgettable!

Days & Times:
Sessions are held every Sunday 2.30pm – 3.30pm.

Cost:Non Members £8.00, Members £4.00

Book here: https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/braintree-swimming-and-fitness/pool-inflatable/

For young people aged 13–19 (up to 25 with SEND), offering a safe and supportive environment with activities and youth support.

Date and Time: Monday and Friday during the holidays 6:30-8:30pm

Venue: Halstead Youth Centre CO9 2ES

For more information: Please contact [email protected]

For young people aged 11–13 offering a safe and supportive environment with activities and youth support.

Date and Time: Wednesday during the holidays 6:30-8pm

Venue: Halstead Youth Centre CO9 2ES

For more information: Please contact [email protected]

A free event at Weavers Park, designed and led by young people in collaboration with Essex Youth Service and Braintree District Council offering fun, creativity, music, dj workshops and live bands

Date and Time: 28th August 12-5pm

Venue: Weavers Park, CM7 9HB

For more information: Please contact [email protected]

Home to Essex’s longest play trail and Sky Ropes, Great Notley Country Park offers the perfect family day out.

Information: https://www.explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-nearme/great-notley-country-park

You can also take part in the Junior Park run here! ( Suitable for 4-14 year olds)

Date & Time: Every Sunday at 9am

More information: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=junior+parkrun+braintree&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-GB:&ie=UTF-8&oe=&safe=active&ssui=on

View an A-Z directory for all the parks and play areas within the Braintree district.

Information: https://www.braintree.gov.uk/directory/5/parks-and-play-areaslocations/category/7

A series of FREE 2 hour Play sessions in parks and parish venues around Chelmsford and SWF. Activities include; sports, games, crafts, and free play. Most sessions have additional ‘Extras’ including inflatables, parkour, petting zoos and more. Suitable for aged 3-11 yrs.

Date & Time: Wednesday 22nd July to Friday 21st August

Information: Play in the Park

FREE themed activity days at Melbourne Park. Activities are similar to Play in the Park but include a free lunch for anyone accessing benefit-based free school meals, along with food demonstrations available for everyone. Suitable for ages 3–11. Open to all.

Date & Time: Monday 27th July to Friday 31st July

Venue: Melbourne Park, Chelmsford, CM1 2EH

Information: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/picnicinthepark

Festival for children and young people with SEND and their families, with activities, animals, and entertainment. Tickets from £10. Free tickets also available for eligible Essex residents benefit-related FSM or Universal Credit. Contact [email protected] for more details

Date & Time: Monday 20th July and Tuesday 21st 10am-5pm

Venue: Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park

Information and how to book: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/picnicinthepark

Free pre-loved uniform available. Anyone can pop in and help themselves. Will be crafts/ refreshments available.

Date & Time: Thursday 6th August 2026 10.30am-1pm

Venue: Christ Church Chelmsford, 164 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0AW

A community festival for happiness and connection. Activities include live music, workshops, dance and fitness classes and more

Date & Time: Saturday 18th July, 10am-7pm

Venue: Angel Pavilion Broomfield Chelmsford, CM1 7AH

Tickets can be booked through the following website, please contact directly to see if you are eligible free ticket access : https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/dose-fest-tickets

For more information, please visit their website www.dosefest.co.uk

A FREE weekly Infant feeding support group- drop in for support with breastfeeding/ formula feeding and more.

Date & Time: Every Wednesday 1pm-2.30pm

Venue: Chelmsford West Family Hub, Dixon Ave, CM1 2AQ

Our free Holiday Club is run once a week during most school holidays. This summer, we will be hosting five holiday clubs at our Head Office.

The clubs create a safe space for children to:

• participate in meaningful activities • make friends and socialise • access lunch and snacks All of this is while developing social and communication skills and exploring new talents or interests. Holiday Club sessions are booked and offered to families according to criteria.
• Priority will be given to those from lower income families, in receipt of pupil premium or eligible for free school meals, however anyone can apply and we will allocate spaces accordingly.
• Activities are free and suitable for children aged 6 and over in primary school. For more information you can read our Holiday Club Terms and Conditions

Dates, Times and Venue:

• Activities are held at our Kids Inspire HQ, Hargrave House, Hollycroft, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, CM2 7FW Time: 10:30am-3:30pm
• Tuesday 28th July – Superhero Adventures Become a superhero detective as children take part in clue-solving challenges and problem-solving activities to help find Skittle the Worry Monster. Imaginative play, drama games and interactive activities will be led by Jasmine, our Dramatherapist.
• Tuesday 4th August – Nature Explorers Outdoor adventures including scavenger hunts, nature-inspired arts and crafts, and a mini-beast hunt. Including nature-themed sensory play sessions led by our Therapist, Yasmin.
• Tuesday 11th August – Science Discovery Hands-on science fun with volcano experiments, slime making and exciting investigations. As well as creative engineering activities with Youth Lego Engineers, where children will work together to build their own models. Tuesday 18th August – Around the World Explore different cultures through food tasting, landmark building and country-themed activities from around the globe. We will also be participating in Circus skills workshops with Circus Allstars, including plate spinning, diabolo tricks and more.
• Tuesday 25th August – By the Seaside A full day of seaside-themed outdoor fun with Beach School Explorers, featuring beach-inspired games, challenges, and creative activities.

Please see here for booking details: https://forms.office.com/e/Wi65LgtaEX

This form will close on Friday 26th June. We will contact you by Friday 3rd July to confirm if your child(ren) has got a place at our Holiday Clubs.

A FREE weekly play session for 0-12 month olds and their parents/ carers (under 1’s only, no siblings)

Date & Time: Every Wednesday 1pm-2.30pm

Venue: Chelmsford West Family Hub, Dixon Ave, CM1 2AQ

Drop in for advice, support or to use our self-weigh area to weigh baby

Dates, Times and Venues 

• Chelmsford Central Family Hub, Lower Ground Floor, County Hall, Market Road, CM1 1QH Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.30pm  (except bank holidays)
• Chelmsford West Family Hub, Dixon Avenue, Chelmsford, CM1 2AQ Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 9.30am-4.30pm (except bank holidays)

Free support and no need to book

Dates and times: Every Monday, 9.30am-11.30am,

Venue: Anglia Ruskin University Breastfeeding Support Hub Room: SAL 010 (on the ground floor of the Salmon Building), Bishop Hall Lane. Chelmsford CM1 1SQ

Other information: 

Free parking is available directly outside the building, in the Mildmay car park off Chelmer Valley Road. To enter, press the ‘help’ button on the barrier.

Parents/ carers remain responsible for their baby/ children at all times

For more info please visit: Breastfeeding Support Hub – ARU

 Drop-in and speak with a member of our team for issues around sleep, toileting, emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships and lifestyles. Open to all

Dates and times: Every Wednesday 9am-10.30am,

Venue: Chelmsford West Family Hub, Dixon Avenue, CM1 2AQ

A FREE weekly Infant feeding support group- drop in for support with breastfeeding/ formula feeding and more.

Dates and Times: Every Wednesday, 1pm-2.3pm

Venue: Chelmsford West Family Hub, Dixon Avenue, CM1 2AQ

Other information: Free admission and no booking needed

A fun session for little ones to play and explore for 9-18 month olds only (no older siblings). Free admission and no booking needed

Dates and Times: Every Wednesday, 1pm-2.30pm,

Venue: Chelmsford West Family Hub, Dixon Avenue, CM1 2AQ

A fun session for with crafts, outdoor play, stories, activities and more (Younger siblings welcome). Free admission and no booking needed

Dates and Times: Every Friday, 10am-11.30am,

Venue: Chelmsford West Family Hub, Dixon Avenue, CM1 2AQ

Weekly Gaming Sessions at Chelmergate Youth Centre CM2 0LG. These
sessions run every Friday from 1pm-4pm during the holidays starting the
24th July. SEND session are also running from Galleywood Youth Centre,
Contact [email protected] for more details.

Age Group: 11–16

Date and Time: Starting from 24th July

Venue: Chelmergate Youth Centre, CM2 0LG

Please contact for more information: [email protected] for more details.

For young people aged 11-19, offering a safe and supportive environment with activities and youth support.

Date and Time: TBC

Venue: Chelmergate Youth Centre

Please contact for more information: [email protected] for more details.

Free to visit the museum on a Saturday. And during the school holiday’s on a Wednesday too.

Date & Time: Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am -4pm

Venue: Essex Police Museum Essex Police Headquarters, Springfield, Chelmsford CM2 6DN

Information: https://www.essex.police.uk/museum

Open daily. FREE for under 16’s and £4 per adult. You can take a walk through Chelmsford’s history, from the Ice Age, right through to the present day. See a mammoth, watch a princely Anglo-Saxon burial, and see stunning art by a Turner Prize winner.

Date & Time: 10am-5pm Daily (April-October)

Venue: Museum of Chelmsford, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2 9AQInformation: https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/

Free downloadable family friendly cycling and walking maps. Short and long routes for most areas in Chelmsford, including SWF. Play the i-spy game on your route and submit the answers to win a prize.

Date & Time: Open all year

Information: https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/leisure-centres/where/community-sportand-wellbeing/explore-chelmsford/

Free to use outdoor table tennis tables in Parks and Community areas around Chelmsford. Bring your own bats and balls.

Date & Time: Open all year

Information: Ping! table tennis

Find links to information about our parks and allotments, as well as Hylands Estate and sports in parks.

Information: Find a Green Space – Love Your Chelmsford

UFest is a free all-day community festival celebrating joy, connection, and wellbeing with live music, arts, performances, and family activities.

Date and Time: Friday 14th August, 11am–4pm

Venue: Promenade Park, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Information: https://www.maldon.gov.uk/news/article/7010/ufest_to_return_to_maldon_promenade_park_this_august 

A free community event celebrating Burnham Skatepark with family friendly activities.

Date and Time:TBC

Venue: Burnham Skatepark

Free two-hour multi-activity sessions for families with children aged 3–11, including sports, arts & crafts, and games across Maldon District parks.

Dates and times: Sessions run for 4 weeks around Maldon and District starting Monday 27th July. Up to date listings can be found here: https://maldoncvs.org.uk/activities-projects/green-space-games

Venue: Over 15 venues across Maldon District including Maldon Prom, Heybridge, Burnham, Tollesbury

Information: https://maldoncvs.org.uk/activities-projects/green-space-games

Free preloved school uniforms, crafts, and refreshments available to all.

Date and Time: Friday 31st July, 1-3pm

Venue: Plantation Hall, Colchester Rd,
Heybridge, Maldon CM9 4AL

Information: https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/hubs/maldon-family-hub/

Description: A session for primary-aged children and families to explore fun ways to
stay active.
Date and Time: Every Wednesday, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Venue: Dengie Family Hub, CM0 8QB

Free weekly play sessions for children

Date and Time: Mondays & Wednesdays

Venue: Chetwood Family Hub CM3 5ZX and Dengie Family Hub CM0 8QB

Information: Maldon Family Hub

Free weekly play sessions for babies under 1 and their carers.

Date and Time: Thursdays & Fridays

Venue: Chetwood Family Hub CM3 5ZX and Dengie Family Hub CM0 8QB

Information: Maldon Family Hub

A fun session for little ones to play and explore. For 9–18-month-olds only (no older siblings)

Dates and Times: Every Wednesday 10.00am – 11.30am

Venue: Maldon Family Hub, Carmelite House, White Horse Lane, Maldon, CM9 5FW

Free admission and no booking needed

For young people aged 11-19, offering a safe and supportive environment with activities and youth support.

Date and time: 5th, 12th, 26th August, 10am-5pm

Venue: Maldon Activity Centre, CM9 5GF

Please contact for more information: [email protected] for more details.

A youth gaming project run by Maldon and District CVS. It provides a safe, social space for young people interested in gaming to connect with others.

Dates and Times:

Maldon sessions will be held at the Maldon Activity Centre 5-8pm every Friday.

Burnham sessions will be held at Burnham Village Hall, every 1st & 3rd Tuesday 5-7pm

Tollesbury sessions will be held at Tollesbury Congregational Church every 2nd & 4th Wednesday 5-7pm

Information and to book: https://maldoncvs.org.uk/activities-projects/communitygaming-initiative-2

Free to access skate parks:

Prom Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Riverside Park Skatepark, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HS

West Maldon Community Centre, Sunbury Way, Maldon, CM9 6YH