Looking for fun, family-friendly things to do during the Easter half term in Essex? There are plenty of great options nearby to keep the kids entertained.
From wildlife parks and creative workshops to indoor adventure venues packed with games and challenges, Essex offers plenty of activities for families during the Easter holidays and beyond.
Here’s a quick look at the best activities for families this school holiday:
1. Unleash Your Inner Detective at Hackers
If you’re looking for an all-in-one indoor adventure, Hackers in Essex is packed with activities that suit families, groups of friends, and older kids looking for something different.
When the weather is unpredictable, indoor venues become especially popular. Hackers offers several different activities under one roof, making it easy to plan a full afternoon or evening without needing to travel between locations.
The venue is designed to work for a wide age range, from younger children enjoying crazy golf to teenagers competing on AR darts or pool tables. With food and drinks available on site, families can relax and spend more time enjoying the activities rather than rushing between attractions.
Choose from:
Indoor crazy golf across two themed courses
Immersive Essex escape rooms for puzzle-solving adventures
AR darts with interactive scoring and custom game modes
Gaming area with Nintendo Switch 2 console and 2 games
Pool tables for older kids and competitive groups
Food, drinks, and slushies available on site
Good to know: Most activities last around 45 minutes to 1 hour, making it easy to combine several experiences during a single visit.
2. Explore Wildlife at Colchester Zoo
Home to more than 160 species, Colchester Zoo remains one of the most popular family days out in Essex. The zoo features large open habitats, interactive exhibits, and regular animal feeding sessions that children love.
During the Easter holidays, the zoo often runs themed activities such as family trails, craft workshops, and character events, which add an extra layer of adventure for younger visitors.
The Lost Madagascar Express train ride is also a favourite with families, giving visitors a relaxing way to explore part of the park.
Top tip: booking tickets online in advance helps avoid queues.
3. Burn Off Energy at AirHop Adventure Park
If the weather turns wet during the Easter holidays, indoor trampoline parks are always a safe bet. AirHop Adventure Park in Essex offers wall-to-wall trampolines, obstacle challenges and plenty of space for kids to jump, flip and burn off energy.
During the Easter holidays, AirHop often runs themed events and activities. In 2026, visitors can join the K-Pop Energy Easter Party, featuring upbeat music, games and a best dressed competition, alongside all the usual trampoline fun.
It’s a great option for energetic kids and teenagers looking for something active to do during the school break.
4. Take a Steam Train Ride at the Epping Ongar Railway
For something a little different during the Easter holidays, the Epping Ongar Railway offers heritage steam train journeys through the Essex countryside.
During Easter 2026, families can join the Easter Eggstravaganza (3rd to 6th April), where children follow clues to find eggs hidden along the railway line and win a prize. Visitors can travel on heritage steam and diesel trains, meet the Easter Bunny at the stations, and enjoy vintage London bus rides connecting the railway with nearby transport hubs.
With magic performances onboard and themed Easter activities throughout the day, it’s a fun and slightly nostalgic day out that feels very different from typical attractions.
5. Enjoy a Day at Barleylands Farm Park, Billericay
For families with younger children, Barleylands Farm Park is a popular day out during the Easter holidays. The farm park combines animal encounters, outdoor play areas and seasonal activities that make it ideal for a full family day out.
During Easter 2026 (28th March to 12th April), Barleylands hosts a range of themed activities including lamb bottle feeding, chick handling sessions, Easter trails, craft workshops and magic shows. Visitors can also meet baby animals, enjoy tractor rides around the farm and take part in family-friendly dance parties with the Easter Bunny.
The neighbouring Craft Village adds even more to explore, with independent shops, pottery painting studios, cafés and small attractions that make it easy to turn the visit into a relaxed half-day or full-day trip.
With indoor soft play, outdoor adventure playgrounds and plenty of hands-on animal experiences, it’s a great option for younger children looking to enjoy a classic springtime day out.
Bonus Ideas for Local Family Days Out
If you’re planning a few days out during the holidays, these local spots are also worth considering:
- RHS Garden Hyde Hall – seasonal trails and garden activities for children
- Maldon Promenade Park – playgrounds, riverside walks and picnic areas
- Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park – farm animals, indoor play and tractor rides
What Are the Best Things to Do in the School Holidays Near Essex?
There are plenty of family activities across Essex, from wildlife parks and museums to adventure venues packed with games and challenges.
For families looking for an all-weather option with several activities in one place, Hackers stands out as a top choice. With escape rooms, indoor crazy golf, AR darts, gaming consoles and pool tables, it’s a destination that keeps both younger children and older kids entertained throughout the school holidays.
If you’re planning your next family day out, you can explore the full range of activities and book your visit at Hackers.
