8 Best Family Attractions in or Near Essex for Kids

When you’re planning a family day out, sometimes you need more than open fields and country walks. You want places designed with children in mind—filled with animals, play areas, imagination, and adventure. Luckily, Essex and its nearby counties are packed with fantastic options. From magical storybook lands to wildlife farms and miniature trains, here are 8 of the best family attractions near Essex for kids.

1. Wyvernwood, Colchester

Step into a magical world of dragons, knights, and fairies at Wyvernwood, an immersive adventure park designed especially for families with younger children. Here, storytelling meets outdoor play: kids can wander through enchanted woodlands, join in interactive theatre with costumed characters, and let their imaginations run wild in themed play areas.

There are activities dotted throughout the park—from role-play games to treasure hunts—that make children feel part of a real-life storybook. Parents will love the open spaces, picnic spots, and the chance to see little ones completely captivated by the world around them. It’s not your typical day out—it’s more like stepping into a fairy tale.

2. Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park, Ipswich (Suffolk)

Just over the Essex / Suffolk border, Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park offers a mix of animals, play, and countryside fun. What started as a rare-breed farm (and made famous by Jimmy Doherty’s TV series) has grown into a full day out for families.

The wildlife park is home to everything from meerkats and wallabies to reptiles and traditional farm animals. There are themed play zones scattered throughout, including giant sandpits, climbing frames, and woodland walks that kids adore. For parents, the highlight is the food—Jimmy’s is well known for its butchery and restaurant, which serves hearty farm-to-fork meals. Don’t forget the farm shop where you can stock up on local produce and treats to take home.

With seasonal events such as pumpkin picking, Easter trails, and Christmas festivities, there’s always something new happening, which makes it a great one to return to again and again.

3. Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden

There’s something timeless about miniature trains, and Audley End Miniature Railway captures that sense of childhood wonder perfectly. The woodland railway takes you on a gentle ride through the trees, spotting teddy bears and fairy houses along the way.

After the ride, families can follow the Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk, where little ones can search for magical houses hidden in the woods. There are also play areas, picnic spots, and a café to refuel. It’s best suited to younger children, but older siblings often enjoy the magic too. Pair your visit with nearby Audley End House and Gardens if you want to make a full day of it.

4. Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar

All aboard! The Epping Ongar Railway is Essex’s very own heritage steam and diesel railway. Starting with a heritage bus ride from Epping Underground Station, families can enjoy a step back in time before boarding beautifully restored carriages through the Essex countryside.

Kids love the thrill of a real steam train, while parents enjoy the nostalgia. Special themed events (like Peppa Pig, Santa Specials, and 1940s Days) make it even more magical for little ones. It’s one of those attractions where you can easily spend a half-day just soaking up the experience.

5. Cammas Hall Farm, Hatfield Broad Oak

If your family loves a pick-your-own adventure, Cammas Hall Farm is a must. From June through summer, you can pick strawberries, raspberries, and other seasonal fruits straight from the fields. Later in the year, the pumpkin patch comes alive, perfect for autumn family photos.

There’s also a play area, nature trails, and a farm shop bursting with local produce and freshly baked goods. The café is excellent for light lunches, and there are often seasonal extras like maize mazes and craft stalls. It’s a wholesome, relaxed day out that’s great for all ages.

6. Writtle Sunflowers & Flower Fields, Chelmsford

A hidden gem just outside Chelmsford, Writtle’s seasonal flower fields are a photographer’s dream and a huge hit with families. In summer, the sunflower fields open for visitors to wander among the blooms, with opportunities to pick your own and take home a bunch. Earlier in the season, there are wildflower and tulip fields to explore.

It’s simple, seasonal fun: kids love running between the flowers, parents love the photo opportunities, and everyone enjoys the chance to slow down. Bring a picnic blanket and make a day of it—it’s one of those days out that feels really special but doesn’t cost the earth.

7. Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood

For a family day out with heart, Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Brentwood is a wonderful option. This charity-run sanctuary cares for over 500 rescued animals, from ponies, pigs and goats to raccoons, reptiles and even birds of prey. It’s not a flashy attraction, but that’s part of its charm—it’s all about giving animals a safe, loving home.

Kids can get up close to the animals, learn their rescue stories, and enjoy the open, relaxed setting. There’s a café on site for snacks and light lunches, and seasonal events like Easter trails and family fun days bring extra excitement. By visiting, you’re not only giving your children a memorable day out, but also supporting a fantastic local cause.

8. Maldon Promenade Park & Family Boat Charters

Maldon is a firm family favourite, and the Promenade Park has enough to keep children busy all day. There’s a huge pirate ship play area, a splash park in summer, mini golf, and even a small petting zoo. Add to that the riverside walk, seasonal festivals, and a great choice of food huts, pubs, and cafés, and you’ve got a full day out that works for all ages.

For something a little different, you can also book a family-friendly boat trip along the River Blackwater. Maldon is famous for its traditional Thames Sailing Barges, and some operators run short cruises perfect for families. Kids will love being out on the water, spotting wildlife, and seeing the town from a whole new perspective. It’s the kind of adventure that makes Maldon feel extra special.

From magical forests filled with dragons to steam trains, flower fields, rescued animals, and riverside adventures, these attractions are made for families who want a day designed around children. The best part? They’re all close enough to Essex for an easy day trip, making them perfect for weekends, holidays, or even a spontaneous adventure when the sun comes out.