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Colchester and its surrounding area is full of child-friendly venues and can provide one of the best family days out in Essex and the East of England.
With one of the best zoos in the country and a historic and family friendly castle for starters, Colchester is an appealing destination for children and their parents alike. When the sun is shining you can discover beautiful local beaches, nature discovery centres, the magical Wyvern Wood, or the newly opened Colchester Sports Park. On wet weather days there's still plenty to enjoy 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.
Events for Children in Colchester
Discover a fun and entertaining 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.
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 city 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. Jump into our blog post on the subject to find out more.
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Browse our specially selected events listings for the perfect family activity that's right for you.- Find out how you can entertain the family without breaking the bank. From beaches to free festivals - it's all here.
- Don't let the rain ruin your holiday with our quick guide to easy solutions of what to do in a downpour.
Number of results: 49
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Colchester
Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe and houses the town's main museum
Address
Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SLTelephone
01206 331292Colchester
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.
Address
Colchester Castle, Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UGTelephone
01206 282939Colchester
Join us this summer for our spectacular new exhibition, Gladiators, A Day at the Roman Games! Featuring the incredible Pompeii Murmillo gladiator helmet on loan from the British Museum.
Address
St Osyth Road, Alresford, Essex, CO7 8ASAlresford
Wyvernwood is an immersive story-led experience near Colchester, Essex, for families with children aged 2-12.
Come and join in with the magic at WyvernwoodAddress
The Kitchen @ Dedham, Mill Lane, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6DHTelephone
01206 323153Dedham
HIre a rowing boat for a "hour on the Stour"
Address
Colchester Town Centre, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1AAColchester
Invasion Colchester returns to the city centre.
Address
Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JHHigh Street, Colchester
Celebrate Colchester’s diverse community through food, music and performances.
Address
Colchester Sports Park, Northern Gateway, Off of Junction 28 of the A12, Colchester, EssexOff of Junction 28 of the A12, Colchester
Head down to Colchester Sports Park for our Festival of Fun and explore Colchester’s state-of-the art sports facility!
Address
Castle Park, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJTelephone
01206 282962Colchester
Six walking trails of Castle Park - each aimed at a different age group
Address
Roman House, 19 Queen Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2PHTelephone
01233 555644Colchester
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.
Colchester
For over 50 years the East Anglian Railway Museum has been transporting visitors of all ages back in time to discover the unique history of the region’s railways.
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Wakes Colne, Colchester
Join Thomas & Friends for family fun at the East Anglian Railway Museum. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement. There will be lots to enjoy, including: •…
Address
Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UGTelephone
01206 282920Colchester
Discover a series of concrete murals around Colchester Town Centre depicting its history and famous characters from it's past.
Address
West Mersea, EssexWest Mersea
West Mersea Town Regatta takes place on Mersea Island in Essex, and has been running since 1838
Address
Upper Bowling Green, Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UGTelephone
01206 579 499Colchester
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.
Address
9-10 Mason Road, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1BXTelephone
01206 761762Colchester
Go Bananas Play Centre, soft play with Tiny Town for the under 5's, a 3 storey Aztec Adventure frame for those aged 5-12yrs and also a 6m Climbing Wall.
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Wakes Colne, Colchester
Join Thomas & Friends for family fun at the East Anglian Railway Museum. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement. Don't forget Santa too!
There will be lots to…East Mersea
A family friendly lake offering water sports activities for all ages and abilities, including paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing.
Address
Visit Colchester Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UGTelephone
01206 282920Colchester
Take a walk through Colchester Town Centre and discover fascinating facts about the Roman history right under your feet!
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Wakes Colne, Colchester
Join Thomas & Friends for family fun at the East Anglian Railway Museum. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement. There will be lots to enjoy, including: •…
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