What to do and see in Essex, England: The Best Fun Activities & Games

Hardie Park is a community led family park and open green space. Local residents took ownership after a period of neglect with the guidance of local resident Rob Groves in order to develop and enhance the area for the benefit of the local community. Friends of Hardie Park are a Registered Charity and Community Interest Company and a not-for-profit organisation. Over a period of years the site has developed enormously and is now run by our Board of Trustees (since Oct 2020) with a passionate team of staff and volunteers. The site is open 7 days a week and provides a cafe, toilets, play facility, skate park, a varied events programme and more recently a cycle hub providing low cost re-furbished bikes to the community. The cafe is also used as a base for many groups with clubs and act Hardie Park Registered charity number 1172078

Whether you're an adventurer at heart or just want to relax and unwind in Essex's beautiful countryside, Great Notley Country Park offers the perfect day out for all the family. Covering 100 acres of open space the park is home to Sky Ropes, the fun, family friendly high ropes adventure course as well as Essex’s longest kid’s play trail. Jump, swing, slide, crawl and climb your way around 1.2km of fun including giant see-saws, swing scales, a climbing forest, rope climbers, slides, forts and a large sand play area. (Please note our waterplay and climbing forest are currently out of action). Looking for something a bit quieter? The park also offers some lovely areas to explore and enjoy nature including a fishing lake and wildflower meadows. It’s popular for a wide range of activities including birdwatching, walking, cycling, fishing, horse riding, football, picnics and kite-flying. The park is also a great place to base yourselves to head off and explore the Flitch Way.

Everyone Active Basildon Sporting Village operate this wall please contact them directly not High Sports

A public outdoor swimming pool now run by a Charitable Trust for the benefit of the local community and visitors. Opening times may change due to operational needs so please check the Facebook page for regular updates.

Leisure World Tiptree shares its facilities with the local Thurstable School and Sports College and is open to the public 7 days a week. The centre boasts many excellent facilities including a 3rd Generation football pitch with floodlights, fitness suite and a climbing wall. Many different clubs such as football, badminton and an internationally recognised rollerskating club (TARSC) operate out of the site. There are fitness classes, children's coaching courses and adult sports sessions. Facilities can be booked on a pay and play basis and fitness membership options are available. Equipment can be hired for a number of sports if you do not have your own.

Imagine a place with multi-level play structures, ball ponds, air cannons, a jelly mountain, football pitches, comfy seating for mums and dads to relax, an ever changing menu with freshly prepared food, a fully licensed bar and most of all… Fun!

Imagine a place with multi-level play structures, ball ponds, make a bear, comfy seating for mums and dads to relax, an ever changing menu with freshly prepared food… Fun!If you’re looking for a great day out or the perfect location for your little one’s birthday party then look no further.