Family Fun in Colchester
When you're travelling with little ones, it can feel like a challenge making sure everyone's entertained. Luckily, there's always a great selection of family-friendly events happening in the city, and we proudly boast a number of fantastic, award-winning child-friendly attractions that run all year round.
Top attractions like Colchester Zoological Society or the Colchester Castle put on a regular programme of events that are great for kids, and during the School holidays you'll find even more going on around the city to keep the whole family entertained.
Events Perfect for the Whole Family
Guys and Dolls follows Nathan Detroit, who runs an illegal dice game, his fiancée of 14 years, Adelaide, big time gambler Sky Masterson, and sweet Sarah Brown, leader of the Save-a-Soul Mission. Will Adelaide ever get her big white wedding? And why is Sarah mixing with…
Take a guided walking tour around Colchester to discover its history and heritage with an expert guide. Colchester was Britain's first city, and is now it's newest after regaining city status in 2022. With a story stretching back over 2000 years, join one of our official…
From 26 July 2025 until 22 February 2026, embark on a magical story quest through folklore and legend, where you'll meet a Dragon, Unicorn, Griffin, and Mermaid brought to life through curious, enchanted objects. Inspired by medieval tales, this enchanting exhibition invites…
This February half term, enjoy a week filled with daytime activities suitable for children of all ages! Come along to Zoo Crew parties, try out different themed activity boxes, explore the dinosaur realm and learn about different animal habitats with the interactive sand…
Get making during our Holiday Fun: Make session with a variety of free creative activities at Firstsite this February. Most suitable for those aged 4 – 11 yrs, but all ages welcome. Drop-in anytime between 10am – 2:30pm from Tuesday to Saturday to take part. No need…
Follow clues around the museum, complete a fun worksheet, and uncover fascinating facts as you explore natural history in this interactive, hands-on adventure designed for curious young visitors.
We love pancakes, so we wanted to celebrate Pancake Day (even if we are a few days early!). Join us at Abberton, where we will make some natural party crowns, play a party game or two, and make some food for the birds, so they can join the party. Of course, it…
Join us at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park for February half-term fun: get making and take action to help the birds living in your garden. Learn a bit about the birds that might live in your garden and how you can help them. We will provide you with a 'build…
Join us at Fingringhoe for a morning filled with fun in nature - build dens, create a banquet in the mud kitchen, get creative with natural crafts, and enjoy a campfire (weather permitting). This event is suitable for children aged 2-9. Please come dressed for the…
Get hands-on with history in the Castle’s Armoury! Try on replica helmets, handle historical weapons, and step into the shoes of knights from the past. Plus, keep an eye out for a special guest… a friendly dragon might just drop by! Suitable for ages 4+…
This February half-term, join us at Fingringhoe and help us solve the codes to top secret messages that have been hidden around the reserve. Find the messages, crack the codes, and complete the challenges, and you could get a reward for your special agent…
Special sessions designed for visitors with autism or other sensory sensitivities so they can enjoy the museum in a calm, quieter and relaxed atmosphere. Suitable for ages 4+. This event is included as part of Castle admission.
The naughtiest, funniest, most revolting science show in the world. Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts. On the surface it’s a riot of disgusting…
Meet the Servant 10.30am - 12.00pm 1.5 hours Thursday 19 February 2026 Hollytrees Museum All ages Meet a costumed member of staff and explore real objects used by Georgian servants. Try washing the old-fashioned way with a dolly peg, dress up as a servant, and discover what…
Join us as we explore the woods at Tiptree Heath. Build dens, swing in a hammock, look for bugs, climb trees, create a seasonal natural craft, cook a tasty treat on the fire (weather permitting), and discover lots more! Advanced booking is essential, and all children must be…
Join us at Abberton this February half term, where we'll get making and take action to help the bats living near you. Learn a bit about bats and how you can help them. We will give you your own build-a-bat-box kit, the tools, and the knowledge to assemble it…
This February half term, get making and take action to help the birds living in your garden. Learn a bit about the birds that might live in your garden and how you can help them. We will provide you with a 'build your own bird box' kit, including the tools and…
Celebrate World Book Day with us at Fingringhoe, where nature and our favourite stories will come together for a fun session of creativity! You will be able to create your own natural bookmark, identify famous woodland creatures from your favourite books, and enjoy…
Join us at Fingringhoe and spend some time this February half-term exploring the wild ways our ancestors survived during the Stone Age, learning new skills, and having fun in the woods! Whittle weapons and track footprints to hone your hunting skills, plus build your…
Past Toys Craft 10.30am and 3.00pm 1.5 hours Friday 20 February 2026 Hollytrees Museum This event is suitable for ages 4+ Get creative with your little ones! Make a fun craft inspired by toys from the past and enjoy hands-on history together in this family-friendly…
A quest to make amends, in a magical world of Mysterium! A magical, silent, physical, comedy fable, of few words, about perseverance & achievement. Jon, the chaotic student/caretaker of Frank the Dog, breaks a precious artefact and has to redeem himself through a…
Bring along your favourite game and a group of friends or family and settle in for an exclusive evening at the Castle. You’ll be able to view the museum’s exhibits at your leisure, hire a table and chairs perfect for gaming and receive a drinks token to redeem at the…
A different adventure every week… rope walks, hammocks, woodland crafts, den building, mini beast hunting, climbing, fire making, cooking, pond dipping and so much more!
This Easter, enjoy a wild adventure filled with daytime activities suitable for children of all ages! Visit the website for more details.
Join us for a ZOO-PER weekend as we share facts about the Zoo's most famous scales, tails and feathers. Take part in a range of activities from 10:00am – 4:00pm located under the shelter between the Sea Lion Tunnel and Inca Trail. Visit the website for more information.