32 Best Things to Do in Essex at Halloween with Kids 2025
Halloween in Essex is one of the most exciting times of year for families. From pumpkin patches and enchanted forests to historic houses and petting zoos, there are so many fun-filled, toddler-friendly days out to enjoy this October. Whether you’re looking for a gentle trail for little legs, a magical train ride through autumn woods, or a family farm brimming with pumpkins, this guide has you covered.
We’ve rounded up 35 of the very best Halloween events and activities in Essex for 2025 – all perfect for toddlers, pre - schoolers, and school-aged children.
Foxes Pumpkin Patch Basildon
Pumpkin Patches in Essex
Hatters Farm
Foxes Farm Pumpkin Patch (Basildon & Colchester) – The original Essex pumpkin patch with wide-open fields, photo ops, and a huge selection of pumpkins.
Hurley Pumpkin Forest (Hatfield Peverel) – A magical woodland pumpkin patch where kids can wander among the trees.
Cobbs Farm Pumpkin Patch (Maldon) – A family-run farm with a countryside vibe and plenty of pumpkins.
Ottos Pumpkin Patch
Otto’s Pumpkin Patch (Basildon) – A colourful pumpkin patch with fun displays and family activities.
Hatters Farm - (Bishop Stortford) Live roaming actors, pumpkin cannon, pumpkin picking, hay bale maze and mountain.
Cammas Hall - (Bishop Storford) Pumpkin picking day and night, maize maze, spooky tunnels and of course their famous pumpkin volcano.
Sarah Green’s Organics (Tillingham) – Pick-your-own pumpkins and squashes at a sustainable family farm.
Daisy Mays Farm (Elsenham)Firepit marshmallows, crafts, animal feeding and pumpkin ball pit.
Poplar Nurseries (Marks Tey) – Garden centre with play areas, café, and seasonal pumpkin activities.
Family Farms + Petting Zoos
Lee Valley Farm
Marsh Farm Halloween Festival (South Woodham Ferrers) – Rides, shows, pumpkins, and family entertainment.
Barleylands Pumpkin Festival (Billericay) – Animals, tractor rides, and crafts alongside pumpkin picking.
Old MacDonald’s Farm Spooky Festival (Brentwood) – Toddler rides, soft play, and animals with a Halloween twist.
White Elm Petting Zoo (Bicknacre) – Friendly animals, soft play, and pumpkin fun for toddlers.
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary (Brentwood) – Meet rescued animals and follow pumpkin-filled trails.
Lee Valley Farm (Waltham Abbey) - Halloween Festival - Live Shows, Pumpkin Patch, Play Area, Crafts.
Chigborough Farm (Maldon) - Maze and live characters. Suitable for children in the earlier session.
Magical Trails + Outdoor Adventures
RHS Hyde Hall
RHS Hyde Hall (Chelmsford) – Halloween trails through the gardens with scarecrow spotting.
Weald Country Park Pumpkin Trail (Brentwood) – Buggy-friendly interactive pumpkin trail through the woods.
Hylands Estate Halloween Family Fun (Chelmsford) – Crafts, face painting, and seasonal activities.
Danbury Country Park’s Spooky Forest School – Outdoor adventures with den building and marshmallows.
Great Notley Country Park Autumn Maze (Braintree) – Seasonal maze and open space for little legs to run.
Tollesbury Wick Nature Reserve Pumpkin Walk (Maldon) – Autumn stroll with pumpkin spotting.
Hadleigh Park Autumn Explorer Trail (Hadleigh) – Toddler-friendly spotting trails and wide open paths.
Marks Hall Estate (Coggeshall) – Stunning gardens and lakes with seasonal trails.
Cudmore Grove Country Park (Mersea Island) – Seaside autumn walk with Halloween trails.
Cressing Temple Barns (Braintree) - Apple Day 12th October - Make apple cider, crafts, market stalls, food trucks
Enchanted + Historic Experiences
Audley End Miniature Railway
Audley End Miniature Railway Halloween Special (Saffron Walden) – Train ride, witches, and lantern-lit trails, crafts and now pumpkin picking!
Mountfitchet Castle Pumpkin Trail (Stansted) – Living history village with animals and pumpkins.
Wyvernwood’s Enchanted Halloween (Colchester) – Story-led adventure with fairies, elves, and dragons.
Prittlewell Priory (Southend) – Historic house and gardens with seasonal trails and crafts.
Tiptree Jam Museum Halloween Fun – Crafts and family trails plus tea room treats.
Epping Ongar Railway Pumpkin Trains (Ongar) – Vintage train rides with pumpkin patches and fun at the stations.