Looking for ways to keep the kids happy this summer? Colchester is packed with fantastic, family-friendly events from creative workshops to outdoor theatre and animal encounters. Here's your ultimate summer checklist:

🧱 The Brick People at Layer Marney Tower
📅 Saturday 20 July | ⏰ Four sessions throughout the day  
📍 Layer Marney Tower
Let your imagination run wild with thousands of LEGO® bricks! Take part in exciting timed building challenges or just build freely with help from The Brick People team. Suitable for all ages.

🦁 Summer Holiday Activities with Colchester Zoological Society
📅 23 July – 31 August
📍 Colchester Zoo
This summer, enjoy a wild day out for the whole family! Expect a packed programme including Wild Vibe Crew dance shows and parties, daily animal encounters, face painting, dinosaur activities, crazy sand crafts, and the exciting Sizzling Summer Trail - complete the train for your chance to WIN a prize!

🌿 Outdoor Activities at High Woods Country Park
📅 Multiple Dates in July and August
📍 High Woods Country Park
Get stuck into nature with fun woodland games, den building and hands-on pond dipping. Perfect for young explorers who love the great outdoors! Outdoor activities on the line-up include Forest Adventure, Wild Woodland Fun (29th) & Pond Dipping at High Woods Country Park. Check individual listings for details. Further afield, you can also enjoy a Bat Walk at Bourne Valley/Colchester Cemetery.

🏰 Mythical Storytelling & Family Tours at Colchester Castle
📅 Multiple Dates in July and August  
📍 Colchester Castle  
Uncover the magical side of Colchester’s history with storytelling sessions and a family tour featuring mythical castle creatures - it's a fun and educational day out for mini history buffs and story lovers alike! PLUS, be sure to visit the BRAND NEW Mythical Creatures Exhibit, flying into Colchester Castle this summer.

With your Colchester Museum Pass, you can also enjoy interactive 'Meet the Nannies' sessions at Hollytrees Museum. Learn more about the Colchester Museum Pass on the Colchester Museums website.

🎭 Outdoor Theatre in Castle Park

📅The Railway Children – 24-26 July  
📅Alice and her Adventures in Wonderland – 2 August  

📍 Castle Park  
Pack a picnic and bring a blanket for these magical open-air performances of classic family tales in the beautiful grassy grounds of Castle Park. 

🎨 Drop-In Pottery & Painting at The Minories
📅 2 August  
📍 The Minories Galleries
Creative fun for all ages! Drop in to enjoy pottery painting and get your hands messy while creating a masterpiece. No booking required, and pay as you like. You can also enjoy this gallery and it's beautiful garden across the entire summer.

🎒 Holiday Fun at Firstsite
📅 29 July – 30 August (selected dates)  
📍Firstsite Gallery
Free activities for children including creative workshops and sports sessions, plus free hot lunches for those who may need them - ideal for keeping kids engaged and active through the summer break regardless of budget. Details coming soon, so be sure to visit the Firstsite Website for the most up-to-date information.

Whether you're building with bricks, exploring nature, getting crafty, or enjoying a live show, Colchester is the place to be this summer. Keep exploring the VisitColchester website to learn about our award-winning attractions, fantastic restaurants and world-famous surrounding area.

Don’t forget to check our website and individual websites for times, booking info and updates, and be aware that events are subject to change or cancellation. Start planning your summer adventures today using our 'What's On' events calendar.