Things To Do This May Half Term 2024

Stuck on fun activities and things to do with the kids this May half-term in Essex? We’ve got everything you need to know about what’s on in the area and great attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

AirHop, Colchester & Chelmsford

If you’re looking for the perfect activity for the kids to let off some steam (and sleep soundly in the evening) then head to AirHop! With locations in both Colchester and Chelmsford, AirHop trampoline park is an action or sports lovers dream of a day out in Essex, with a number of fantastic features including the freestyle jumping arena, obstacles such as The Wall, and soft play.

Clacton Breeze Open Top Bus, Clacton-on-Sea

The Clacton Breeze Open Top Bus is returning to the coastal town on the 26^th of May with an updated route! There’s no better way to see tour the beautiful Essex coast than aboard this hop on, hop off bus, running every hour from Point Clear to Clacton Pier, Monday to Sunday, including bank holidays.

Hopefield Family Festival, Brentwood

Join Hopefield Animal Sanctuary over the weekend of the 25^{th of} May to 27^th of May for their fun-filled Family Festival! Meet their adorable, rescued animals, as well as take part in a range of fun activities including inflatables, soft play bus, and live performances. There will also be a BBQ and bar for refuelling in between fun!

Puttshack, Lakeside, Grays

Great fun and a bit of friendly competition for people of all ages, Puttshack is an exciting high-tech mini golf experience located in Lakeside, Greys. There’s no need to carry around a pesky pencil and paper to keep score – this course does it all for you (so there’s no chance of cheating)! Puttshack will be running an offer over half-term where families can claim 50% off the second game all day Monday-Wednesday and until 5pm Thursday-Friday. 

Family Gardening Festival at RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford

Enjoy a wonderful day out for budding gardeners this half-term in Essex at the Family Gardening Festival taking places at RHS Garden Hyde Hall. Get hands-on with great activities such as their Garden Trail, storytelling, planting activities, and crafts and facepainting.

Stay and Play Brick Creatives at Chelmsford Cathedral

Take part in some LEGO fun this May half term on Wednesday 29^th May at Chelmsford Cathedral! The theme for this event is ‘Crazy Races’ – build your very own plane, train, or automobile and see just how fast it can go. There will also be other great race-related crafts to get stuck in to.

Park Inn Family Fun Day, Southend-on-Sea

Park Inn are celebrating 120 years of the Palace Hotel, and they want you to join in with their free admission Family Fun Day on the 25^th of May! Take part in family friendly games, let off some steam on the bouncy castle, and enjoy live celebrations at this exciting event in Southend.

Combined Military Services Museum, Maldon

If you’re looking for an education day out for history lovers, be sure to visit the Combined Military Services Museum in Maldon this May half-term, one of the country’s premier Military Museums. Explore three floors of outstanding collections including medals, uniforms, firearms, and more – one of the finest displays of Special Forces equipment in the UK. With such an extensive collection, there is something to interest all ages.

Superheroes & Princesses at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park, Waltham Abbey

Dress up as your favourite character and head to Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park this half-term in Essex. This is a chance to take part in what will be a magical day, with plenty of photo opportunities with your favourite Superhero or Princess, arts and crafts, a main stage with regular shows including a Princess Sing A Long and Superhero Training, and of course, the opportunity to meet and feed the animals.

Kids Rule! at Audley End, Saffron Walden

Visit Audley End House and Gardens from the 25^th of May to 2^nd of June for their Kids Rule! event. Try your hand at some traditional Victorian lawn games such as croquet and lawn billiards. Audley End is also the home to beautiful grounds for the family to explore – bring a picnic and enjoy some quality family time by the historic stately home.

There’s plenty of things to do in Essex this May half-term, so get planning! For more family-friendly attractions and activities, click here.