Kids & Families

Colchester is a town full of child-friendly venues and one of the best family days out in Essex. It has a fantastic selection of events for children and families running throughout the year ranging from kids sports, art activities for children, as well as nature clubs and games. From pre-schoolers to teenagers there's always something to keep the children entertained (and plenty to do that adults can secretly enjoy as well) making it the perfect destination for a family day out - or even a longer stay.

Where can I take my child for fun?

With a zoo and a castle for starters, you'll find plenty to spark a child's imagination in Colchester. You can discover local beaches, wildlife parks and Colchester Sports Park as well as a range of fantastic family activities for wet weather days including a roller rink, trampoline park, and leisure pool.

Visit during the school holidays and you'll find a special programme of events put on by many of Colchester's best attractions, and there's always something available to do for free so a visit needn't break the bank.

Wet Weather Ideas

Bad weather needn't put a dampener on your trip to Colchester. You'll find plenty to do under cover, sometime in the least likely of locations!

In the town centre, all the musuems and art galleries are child-friendly and within two minutes walk of each other. Most are also free entry. Perhaps you could catch a kids show at the Theatre or Arts centre too?

Colchester Zoo has a special 'duck under cover' route, keeping you dry and indoors (where many of the animals will be sheltering too)

Or if you've really been stuck inside too long, burn off some energy at an indoor activity centre - take your pick from Leisure World, Rollerworld, Jump Street, or one of Colchester's numerous Soft Play centres.

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Blog: Rainy Day Activities for Families

What to do when the weather's blue? Here's your guide to keeping the kids entertained on a rainy visit to Colchester.
Events for Families
Fun For Free

Number of results: 32

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Colchester Castle Museum

Address

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

Telephone
01206 282939

museums@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe and houses the town's main museum
Colchester Zoo

Address

Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL

Telephone
01206 331292

enquiries@colchesterzoo.org

Colchester

Colchester Zoo is home to 240 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes! Listed as the 11th best zoo around the world and in the top 2 zoos in the UK as part of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Attractions.
High Woods Country Park Walks

Address

Visitor Centre, Turner Road, Highwoods, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JR

Telephone
01206 853588

countryside.team@colchester.gov.uk

Highwoods, Colchester

Download a map, including three walking trails of different lengths, of High Woods Country Park to best discover this scenic Country Park situated to the north of Colchester town centre.
Firstsite

Address

Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH

Telephone
01206 713700

info@firstsite.uk.net

Colchester

Firstsite is Colchester's contemporary art gallery and winner of the Artfund Museum of the Year, 2021.
Colchester United Football Club

Address

JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5UP

Telephone
0845 437 9089

ticketing@colchesterunited.net

Colchester

Colchester United was formed in 1937 and the club currently plays in League 2.
In August 2008 the club played their first match in their new stadium, now the JobServe Community Stadium, which is situated to the north of Colchester.
Putt in the Park

Address

Upper Bowling Green, Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Telephone
01206 579 499

colchester@puttinthepark.com

Colchester

An adventure golf course and clubhouse cafe, set in the beautiful and historic surroundings of Castle Park, Colchester. Designed to suit all abilities from the novice to the experienced golfer so the whole family can play.
Rollerworld

Address

Eastgates, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2TJ

Telephone
01206 868868

info@rollerworld.co.uk

Colchester

DX's Rollerworld - internationally recognised as the finest roller-skating rink in Europe. DX's Rollerworld has got the lot! 25m x 50m maple floor, spectacular sound and light show. Laser Quest - Laser tag at it's best. And our BRAND new Karaoke…
Odeon Cinema

Address

Head Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1NH

Colchester

The ODEON Cinema in Colchester is a fully digital eight screen cinema showing RealD and 3D films. It includes a large Costa Coffee shop and a Ben and Jerry's ice cream parlour.
Dice & a Slice - Board Game Cafe

Address

37 Queen Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2PQ

Telephone
07719 468125

diceandaslice@outlook.com

Colchester

Dice and a Slice, where you can play board games and enjoy wonderful food and drink.
Roman Circus Visitor Centre

Address

Colchester Roman Circus Centre, Roman Circus Walk, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7GZ

Telephone
01206 501785

info@romancircus.co.uk

Colchester

The site of the Colchester Roman circus (chariot-racing arena) was discovered in 2004. It was built in the early 2nd century CE and seems to have been in use for about 150 years. It is the only known Roman circus in Britain.
Castle Park

Address

High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

Telephone
01206 282962

parks@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

The jewel in Colchester’s crown - an award-winning oasis of horticultural splendour boasting a children’s play area, putting green and boating lake.
Natural History Museum

Address

High Street, Colchester, CO1 1DN

Telephone
01206 282941

museums@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Get up close to nature as you discover an interesting perspective on the local natural environment from the Ice Age right up to today.Explore the garden trail and stag beetle exhibition.
Boat Hire in Dedham

Address

The Kitchen @ Dedham, Mill Lane, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6DH

Telephone
01206 323153

dedham@thekitchenatgroup.co.uk

Dedham

HIre a rowing boat for a "hour on the Stour"
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve

Address

South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Fingringhoe, Essex, CO5 7DN

Telephone
01206 729678

fingringhoe@essexwt.org.uk

Fingringhoe

Nature reserve over 200 acres of mixed habitat on the Colne Estuary. Nature trails, wheelchair access, bird hides, gift shop and visitor centre with tea room. Friendly atmosphere. Regular events for adults and children.
Jump Street Colchester

Address

21 Mason Road, Cowdray Centre, Colchester, CO1 1BX

Telephone
01206 911035

info@jumpstreet.co.uk

Cowdray Centre

Jump Street trampoline parks offer jump sessions in Essex, suitable for both adults & children. Jump Street is based both in Colchester & in Chelmsford, also offering adult fitness classes, toddler sessions, special needs support sessions.
Colchester Roman Trivia Trail - For Kids & Families

Address

Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Take a walk through Colchester Town Centre and discover fascinating facts about the Roman history right under your feet!
Family Heritage Treasure Trail

Address

Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

One of the best things about Colchester is that there's so much to explore that's completely free. Download a Family Heritage Treasure Trail, follow the map, and discover some of the town's historical highlights. With the choice of two routes; a…
Curzon Cinema

Address

Roman House, 19 Queen Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2PH

Telephone
01233 555644

Colchester

Curzon Colchester is an independent arthouse cinema wih three screens, showing the best of quality mainstream including family films, independent gems and events. Two cafe bars and a roof terrace.
Ten Pin Colchester

Address

Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, Essex,, CO1 1YH

Telephone
0871 222 36 75

Colchester

Tenpin Colchester is an exciting venue for your day, or evening out, with 24 lanes, there is plenty of fun to be had for everyone. As well as bowling there are arcade games, American pool and air hockey.
High Woods Country Park Walks

Address

Visitor Centre, Turner Road, Highwoods, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JR

Telephone
01206 853588

countryside.team@colchester.gov.uk

Highwoods, Colchester

Download a map, including three walking trails of different lengths, of High Woods Country Park to best discover this scenic Country Park situated to the north of Colchester town centre.