Castle Park Bandstand Soundwave Sessions: 2026
Café in the Park is proud to present Soundwave Sessions! Join us on selected dates for a…
Your browser is not supported for this experience.
We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
Colchester is a great place to be over the school holidays. With a mix of free and paid activities for kids and families, there's plenty to do for all budgets and taste, whether you're looking to learn more about the city's history, take part in a fast-paced physical activity or enjoy a peaceful walk through nature.
When the sun's out, it just makes sense to take advantage of it! For a bigger day out, you might enjoy the award-winning Colchester Zoo, with a mix of outdoor and undercover enclosures. Alternatively, you can pick up a Roman Trivia Trail online or directly from the Visitor Information Centre, for a free, family-friendly, historical trip around the city.
Why not visit one of the city's green spaces? Family-friendly activities can be found at High Woods Country Park or beyond at our other green spaces, and include Bat Walks, Pond Dipping and Forest Adventure Drop-In Sessions.
For the history fanatics, Colchester is home to seemingly-endless Roman history. Why not take the kids the Roman Circus Visitor Centre to learn more about the remains of only known Roman circus in Britain; explore Colchester Castle and enjoy some of their fun activities; or walk around the city, either on a self-guided tour of the Roman and Medieval gates, or on a guided tour, maybe to become a Colchester History Explorer! For more history and culture, check out 'Museums and Galleries' page.
If you're looking for some active family fun, why not try your hand at activities like Bowling, Laser Tag, Pottery Painting or the watching a film at the Cinema? For sports, you might also enjoy a swimming session at Colchester Leisure World, or maybe a hiring a court at the Colchester Sports Park. Visit our 'Things to Do' page to see more of the activities Colchester has to offer.
Explore some of the family-friendly activities Colchester has to offer this month below, and be sure to visit our 'Events' page for more inspiration, as there are plenty of great kid-friendly concerts and shows coming up over the Summer Holidays!
Café in the Park is proud to present Soundwave Sessions! Join us on selected dates for a…
MEET 150 MILLION YEARS OF HISTORY AT COLCHESTER MUSEUMS... For the first time in Colchester’s…
On Open Days there is no need to book – just turn up on the 'hammerhead' at the end of…
This summer, enjoy a wild adventure filled with daytime activities suitable for children of all…
Explore Hollytrees Museum from 21 July to 1 September during opening hours and set off on…
Explore Colchester Castle from 21 July to 1 September during opening hours and set off on…
Let's brush up on our detective skills and see what clues and animals we can find. Discover…
Come and enjoy a weekly wildlife focused meander where we’ll take it from the basics and…
We will use bat detectors in the woodland to see what bats are about and then walk the perimeter of…
You’ve marvelled at Gaia and Mars — now there’s an opportunity to visit the Moon…
Join us for our exciting Public Farm Tours taking place every Friday from July 10th to August 28th…
Take a guided walking tour around Colchester to discover its history and heritage with an expert…
The Roman Circus Visitor Centre is open from 10 AM to 4 PM. See the archaeological site of…
Join Chameleon's Web Theatre Company for their Summer outdoor show - Rudyard Kipling's The…
This summer holiday, join us to join us as we adventure through Abberton to look for butterflies and…
Join us at Colchester Castle from Monday 27 July to Friday 21 August, with tours running…
Join us from 28 July to 27 August, with sessions running every Tuesday and Thursday from…
This summer holiday, spend time discovering the weird and wonderful creatures that can be found in…
Get creative this summer at Hollytrees Museum with our drop-in Dinosaur Craft…
Follow in the footsteps of the Emperor Claudius and Queen Boudica to uncover Colchester's…
Long John Silver and his crew of salty old sea dogs are weighing anchor at Layer Marney Tower with…
Long John Silver and his crew of salty old sea dogs are weighing anchor at Layer Marney Tower with…
On selected Saturdays throughout the summer holidays, you can enjoy more value for your money as we…
Lights, camera... summer! Join us on Saturday 15th August for FREE Summertime Screenings at Culver…