From exciting castles to high-powered go-karting, there’s loads to keep them busy. Book ahead wherever possible, get there nice and early and stock up on snacks.
What: Hadleigh Castle
Where: Castle Lane, Hadleigh, Essex
The ruins of the two ancient towers and part of the curtain wall are all that remain standing of Hadleigh Castle, but of course the destruction of the ages as wrought on such an indomitable seeming structure is fascinating for kids, and the backdrop of the Thames estuary and Essex marshes make for great nature walks while they role play knights and kings (or indeed queens!).
What: Rayleigh Indoor Karting Stadium
Where: 13 Brook Road Ind Estate, Rayleigh, Essex
Arrive and Drive sessions provide a great introduction to karting, where anyone over 10 can be taught to handle their Honda 200cc 4 stroke karts! Ideal for improving your racing skills and trying to beat your previous fastest lap times, and everyone else's too!
What: Base Jump
Where: 26a Brook Road, Rayleigh, Essex
Base Jump is the largest trampoline park in the entire South East, boasting over 185 interlinked trampolines and 35,000 square feet of fun for all ages. It offers more than any other trampoline park, including Ninja courses, battle beams that pit friend versus friend in a fun ‘fight', Base Jump platforms up to 2 metres high, and the UK's first trampoline half-pipe.
What: Museum of London Docklands
Where: No1 Warehouse, West India Quay, Docklands
Dive right into history as you uncover London’s secret past at the Museum of London Docklands. When you arrive, make sure you pick up an activity pack. This is filled with exciting activities for your kids to enjoy as you explore the exhibitions. Make sure you don’t miss the exciting Tunnels, Trains and Tools exhibition and other interactive exhibits and shows for kids up to 8 years.
What: Legacy XS Centre
Where: Richmond Park, High Road, South Benfleet
Boasting a 4,500 sq ft indoor skate park and 5,500 sq ft outdoor park, some of the star features of Legacy XS Centre include a 6ft volcano, 90° and 45° hips, 8ft quarter pipe, vert wall and rails, and that's nowhere near all of it! Skaters over 4 years are welcome with parental supervision.
What: Leisure Island Fun Park
Where: Eastern Esplanade, Canvey Island
Leisure Island Fun Park is a little world of fun, made especially for the youngest adventure-lovers (from 18 months to 9 years). Located on the beautiful Canvey seafront, the park is a great place to visit during warm weather. Leisure Island Fun Park is filled with mini-coaster and funfair entertainment, designed for young kids.
What: Castle Point Transport Museum
Where: 105 Point Road, Canvey Island
Canvey Island's vintage Castle Point Transport Museum is now home to over 35 tremendously old and rare buses, coaches, vintage commercials, military and emergency vehicles. True Train Spotters will love this place to bits!
What: Rayleigh Mount
Where: Rayleigh, Essex
The dramatic Rayleigh Mount is the atmospheric remnants of an early medieval motte and bailey castle site, built by Sweyn of Essex. However these days this whole area is an urban wildlife haven great for some family exploration and offers sweeping views across the Crouch Valley.