Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a aria-label="Bubble &amp; Pop kids festival (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.marshfarm.co.uk/events/bubble-n-bop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bubble &amp; Bop kids festival</a>, Marsh Farm (runs until 2 Sept) </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="687" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.02.02.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8459" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.02.02.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.02.02-800x550.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.02.02-768x528.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.02.02-764x525.png 764w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There will be bubbles. And bops. There will also be *deep breath* bouncy castles, a train ride, sand pits, animal encounters, crazy golf, fairground rides, bouncy pillows, foam machines, paddling pool and circus fun. Essentially this is your one-stop ticket to relieve holiday boredom for young children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a aria-label="Kids Fest (opens in a new tab)" href="https://leevalleyfarm.co.uk/events/kidsfest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kids Fest</a>, Lee Valley Farm (runs until 31 Aug) </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="702" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/flower-wall_kidsfest.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8460" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/flower-wall_kidsfest.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/flower-wall_kidsfest-800x562.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/flower-wall_kidsfest-768x539.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/flower-wall_kidsfest-748x525.jpg 748w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Dubbed Glastonbury for kids, what it lacks in ageing rock stars and amphetamines it makes up for with circus skills, glitter stations, bouncy castles, foam parties and a music stage. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a aria-label="Enchanted Summer Adventure  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.audley-end-railway.co.uk/events/summer-festival-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enchanted Summer Adventure</a>, Audley End (runs until 4 Sept)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="678" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.11.57.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8462" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.11.57.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.11.57-800x542.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.11.57-768x521.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.11.57-774x525.png 774w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Is it even the summer holidays if you haven’t been to Audley End with the kids? This year’s programme includes jam-packed days of rides on the Explorer Express (a miniature train), fairy- and elf-finding woodland walks, bug-hunting and story-telling before hitting the adventure playground. Also check out its A Very Victorian Weekend&nbsp; (23-24 July) which promises more family-friendly fun.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a aria-label="Inflatable Family Fun Day (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/event/inflatable-family-fun-day-aug2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inflatable Family Fun Day</a>, Southend (various dates in Aug) </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/274627908_5470855012943986_5349946788897794019_n.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8465" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/274627908_5470855012943986_5349946788897794019_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/274627908_5470855012943986_5349946788897794019_n-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/274627908_5470855012943986_5349946788897794019_n-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/274627908_5470855012943986_5349946788897794019_n-900x507.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Need a quick, easy way to tire out the fam? Look no further than this air-filled extravaganza, which caters for little ones (soft play and small bouncy castles) through to big hairy teenagers (assault courses, giant mega slides, football arena, coconut shy). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a aria-label="Clacton Air Show (opens in a new tab)" href="https://clactonairshow.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clacton Air Show</a> (25-26 Aug)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Paul_Johnson_Flightline_UK_RAFAT_Red_Arrows_13-1536x1024-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8471" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Paul_Johnson_Flightline_UK_RAFAT_Red_Arrows_13-1536x1024-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Paul_Johnson_Flightline_UK_RAFAT_Red_Arrows_13-1536x1024-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Paul_Johnson_Flightline_UK_RAFAT_Red_Arrows_13-1536x1024-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Paul_Johnson_Flightline_UK_RAFAT_Red_Arrows_13-1536x1024-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>An oldie but a goodie. This annual theatre in the sky is actually a brilliant day out for multiple ages, as there’s everything from The Red Arrows whizzing through the air to all the fun of the fair on the legendary pier.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a aria-label="Hey Duggee (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.eorailway.co.uk/events/come-and-see-hey-duggee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hey Duggee</a>, Epping Ongar Railway (28-29 Aug)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/jpg_1612470092-554.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8474" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/jpg_1612470092-554.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/jpg_1612470092-554-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/jpg_1612470092-554-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/jpg_1612470092-554-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>One for mini Muddies, though I actually find Duggee funny too, particularly the ‘sticky sticky stick stick’ rave tune (if you know, you know). Anyway, I digress, EOR is calling all squirrels to meet the big dog himself aboard a train, plus there’s a magician too. A-woof. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a aria-label="Storytelling Adventure (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/viewevent?EFID=3484&amp;ESRC=CMS," target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Storytelling Adventure</a>, Hyde Hall  (17 Aug)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/children-running.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8477" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/children-running.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/children-running-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/children-running-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/children-running-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Storyteller Mike Dodsworth leads children around the RHS gardens with a cool interactive adventure. Do not miss picking up some bits in the well-stocked garden centre or having a slice of cake at the Clover Cafe while you’re there.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a aria-label="Raver Tots Outdoor Festival (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.ravertots.co.uk/event/raver-tots-outdoor-festival-southend-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raver Tots Outdoor Festival</a>, Southend (29 Aug)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-4-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8478" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-4-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-4-1-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-4-1-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-4-1-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Water bottles and face glitter at the ready because it’s time to raise your hands in the air like you just don’t care…with the mini Muddies in tow. Artful Dodger, Brandon Block and DJ Archie (the world’s youngest DJ) are going to spin some tunes while you and your crew dance and hit the fun fair rides, inflatables and play area. There will be face painting, giant bubbles, food stalls and a bar too. This will take you back to your free and single festival days, just with less WKD blue drinks.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a aria-label="Great Notley County Park (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/great-notley-country-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Notley Country Park</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="650" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/proxy-image-3.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8479" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/proxy-image-3.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/proxy-image-3-800x520.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/proxy-image-3-768x499.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/proxy-image-3-808x525.jpeg 808w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Summer holidays are costly even if you’re not flying off to far-flung places, so the fact this awesome park’s on our doorstep and completely free is fabulous. Pack a picnic and the kids in the car and make a beeline for this 100-acre park, home to sky ropes, the longest in Essex at 1.2km of rope climbs, slides, forts, swings and seesaws. There’s also a fishing lake, wildflower meadows and lots of space to let off steam.</p>



<p><a aria-label="Curve Water Sports (opens in a new tab)" href="https://curvewatersports.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curve Water Sports</a>, St Osyth </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="581" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-5.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8481" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-5.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-5-800x465.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-5-768x446.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-5-900x523.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Kids can kayak, wakeboard, paddleboard or just throw themselves around on the inflatable aqua park at Curve in St Osyth, which has a sun-trap lakeside cafe too.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a aria-label="Stretched-out Summer (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.colchester-zoo.com/event/stretched-out-summer-days-august/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stretched-out Summer</a>, Colchester Zoo (20 Aug) </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="586" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-6.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8482" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-6.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-6-800x469.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-6-768x450.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-6-896x525.jpeg 896w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The zoo’s staying open until 7.30pm for one night only, and will be putting on some fun activities, including animal-handling and feeding, plus seasonal food outlets like a slush station.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a aria-label="Essex Outdoors (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.essexoutdoors.com/individuals-and-families/leisure-and-recreation/school-holiday-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essex Outdoors</a>, various locations, throughout Aug</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="656" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/lock-block.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8484" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/lock-block.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/lock-block-800x525.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/lock-block-768x504.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The name alone provides hope doesn’t it? Yes, your kids can be in the fresh air this summer holidays and not glued to a screen all thanks to action-packed activity days at locations including Bradwell-on-Sea, Danbury, Harlow and Mersea Island. What do they get up to? What don’t they get up to? Everything from archery and bushcraft to watersports and zipwires. Where do I sign?&nbsp;</p>


Things to do with kids of all ages this summer

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