Activities for Children in Chelmsford

Occupying children can be tough. It’s okay, you can admit it. They’re infinitely curious, with notoriously short attention spans; a combination that can lead to boredom and frustration, making school holidays challenging. 

But with a little planning and a lot of ingenuity, it’s possible to make that combination work in your favour, spinning it into a variety of fun-filled family days that support their development and keep them occupied. 

Which is the trick, isn’t it? We’re huge advocates for learning through play (it’s the entire basis of our Bee Curious curriculum), so we’ll leap at any chance to suggest ways to fuse fun, family outings and fundamental development. 

And so, to inspire your next adventure, we’ve pulled together a handy guide to activities for children in Chelmsford, packed with museums, parks, and more. 

Museums in Chelmsford

A vibrant city with a rich heritage, Chelmsford is packed with exciting, educational museums, perfect for a family outing. From history-spanning exhibits to interactive art galleries, there are plenty of opportunities to give your little one their first taste of culture. And there’s no better place to start than:

Museum of Chelmsford

Housed in a beautiful, Grade II-listed building, the Museum of Chelmsford is bursting with exciting exhibits, guaranteed to ignite your little one’s curiosity. 

Your little explorers will love the interactive history of Chelmsford, which uses interactive displays, immersive audio, and games to whisk you off on a tour of the city’s past, including the Ice Age, the Roman Empire, and the present day. 

Beyond history, the museum also features temporary art galleries and installations, perfect for any budding artists in the family. 

Colchester Castle Museum

Eager to channel your inner time-traveller? Colchester Castle Museum is the ideal destination. 

While no literal time travel is involved, the stunning setting, built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, boasts a huge variety of archaeological collections. Spanning 2,500 years of history.

But it’s not all gazing in wonder. The museum hosts regular kid-friendly sessions, including dressing up in period clothes to stepping into an expertly-recreated thatched Celtic Roundhouse, making it a perfect way to expose your little ones to the wonders of history.

The museum is open 10:00 – 17:00, Monday–Friday, and 11:00 – 17:00 on Sundays. Tickets cost £12.75 for adults, and £7.50 for children aged 4 – 6. 

There’s a staggering amount to see, so it’s definitely worth setting aside a day to explore, just be sure to pack a lunch! 

If you’re eager for a little more hands-on learning, the museum hosts regular interactive sessions, aimed at little ones, covering everything from code breakers to handling historical objects. 

And the best bit? The museum is budget-friendly, with adult tickets costing just £4, while children’s entry is free. 

Parks and play areas in Chelmsford

If you’re eager for the children to soak up some sun (read: burn off some energy), Chelmsford boasts several stunning parks and play areas, perfect for outdoor exploration and physical development. 

Whether you’re planning to get sporty, sneak in a sunny picnic, or simply explore neatly curated woodlands, there’s a park in Chelmsford for children. Starting with:

Baddow Hall Park

An all-ages space boasting a custom-built BMX track, children’s adventure play area, and football and basketball facilities, Baddow Hall Park is ideal if you’ve got children of varying ages. 

Fringed by acres of meadows and woodland, it’s a gorgeous space, perfect for wiling away a summer day, with activities galore. 

So, whether your little ones are scaling climbing equipment, sneaking in a penalty shootout, or tossing frisbees, they’ll get a healthy dose of activity that supports their physical development. 

Image by Chelmsford City Council Parks.

Mace Playce

If you’re looking to escape the heat but still ensure your little ones get an opportunity to explore and hone their coordination, you should definitely check out Mace Playce, a spacious, custom-designed soft play area for toddlers to twelve-year-olds. 

A hugely popular (and award-winning) play area in the centre of Chelmsford, Mace Playce boasts several spaces with age-appropriate apparatus, including ball pits, slides, mazes and more. 

They even host regular events, including school starter meets and a dedicated special needs session on the first Tuesday of each month. 

Tickets cost £3.50 for non-walkers, £7.50 for under-fives, and £8.50 for five – to twelve-year-olds. Adult tickets cost £1.5o, but you can’t go on the slides, as much as you may want to. 

Chelmer Park

All-ages play equipment? Sports courts and pitches? Vast open spaces, ripe for strolls and sports? You’ll find them all at Chelmer Park. 

Whether you’re teaching your little ones to play tennis, exploring the old apple orchard, or spotting the local wildlife together, there’s something to support their physical development, as well as their understanding of the natural world. (Two of the Bee Curious areas of development, FYI.) 

Ideal for a full family day out or a quick visit to soak up some sun, Chelmer Park is a multi-purpose, well-maintained space for the whole family. 

Free and Low-Cost Activities in Chelmsford

If you’re eager to conserve a little cash during school holidays, you’ll find a host of free and low-cost activities for children (and grown-ups!) in Chelmsford. 

From brain-teasing mystery trails to picturesque walking trails, there’s something for all tastes; all you need is yourself, your imagination, and (maybe) a packed lunch. 

Play in the Park

We love a spot of outdoor play. It’s fantastic for developing minds and bodies and helps enthusiastic little ones burn off a little excess energy. 

If you’re seeking a more structured type of outdoor play, you’ll find it at Play in the Park, a series of free, two-hour sessions taking place during the Easter and summer breaks. 

From popular sports to engaging games and even inflatables, the sessions offer a variety of ways to get involved, and are suitable to children aged 3 – 11, including those with accessible needs. 

And for added peace of mind, the sessions are supervised by dedicated play workers, so you’re free to let your child fully-engage and explore. 

Explore Chelmsford Walking and Cycling Trails

Eager to explore Chelmsford, but not sure where to start? Check out the many (many) picturesque walking and cycling trails curated by Explore Chelmsford. 

An excellent opportunity to explore the nature world with your little one, the family-friendly trails span the breadth of the city’s outdoor spaces, including meadows, woodlands, and parks. 

And to keep tiny brains engaged as you explore, each route features mini-challenges including I-spy prompts, selfie spots, and more. 

Exercise and exploration? What’s not to love? 

Whether you’re keen for your little one soak up some culture or just explore the amazing outdoors, Chelmsford is packed with places to discover. 

Need an expert-led nursery in Chelmsford? We’ve got you. Book a visit today to see how we can support your little one’s first steps in education.