Free places to go with kids this February half-term
February half-term is nearly here, and many families are on the lookout for ways to keep the kids entertained while they’re off school. To help you plan a week of fun, we’ve rounded up some free or low-cost activities to do and places to eat.
Cheap places to eat with kids
Lots of restaurants run offers where kids can eat for free or for £1 when an adult buys a meal. Many of these are year-round, but there’s usually a few more to take advantage of during the school holidays. Take a look at this round up of everything on offer on Money Saving Expert’s website.
Essex Fire Museum open day
On the 17 and 22 February, Essex Fire Museum are opening their doors to the public between 10.30am-4pm. There will be opportunities for families to get involved in history trails around the museum, do arts and crafts, sit on the fire engines, and more. Entry is free, but you'll need to book your place via Eventbrite. Click here for the session on 17 February and here for the session on 22 February.
Essex ActivAte half-term clubs
Local providers are offering free spaces at the half-term clubs to eligible children. See what’s on near you and contact your local club directly to secure a free space.
Winter Reading Challenge
Essex Library Service is once again running a Winter Reading Challenge for children during January and February. The theme for 2026 is The Pawfessionals, six friendly animal mascots exploring their dream jobs around the county. Children are encouraged to complete six challenges from a choice of twelve, which include reading and creative activities. They can earn stickers and a certificate, and also have the option to enter an exciting prize draw.
Junior parkrun, locations across Essex
Junior Parkrun is a weekly 2km event for 4-14 year olds, and takes place at multiple locations across the country. It’s a fun and friendly free event, and you’ll only need to register once (before your first visit). Find your local junior park run.
Promenade Park, Maldon
With a sand pit, play fort, zip-wire, and a large activity feature in the shape of an old sailing ship, children can climb, slide, and run around to their heart’s content at Promenade Park. Entry is free, and parking prices start from £1.70.
Chelmsford Museum
Chelmsford Museum is located in Oaklands Park on Moulsham Street. It’s free for children and young people to enter and there’s also free parking on-site. Adults pay £4. Once you’ve looked through the interesting exhibits on offer, the kids can let off some steam in the two fantastic playgrounds next door.
Brambly Hedge Sculpture Trail at Abberton Reservoir, Colchester
The characters from the classic children’s stories Brambly Hedge are brought to life at Abberton Reservoir in Colchester. Find seven of the characters along the sculpture trail using the Bramly Hedge map, available for £1 from the Nature Discovery Centre.
Southend Museums
Visit one of the four venues that make up Southend Museums, including Beecroft Art Gallery, Central Museum and Planetarium, Prittlewell Priory, and Southchurch Hall. All branches are free entry, but they gratefully receive donations if you enjoy your visit.
Great Notley Discovery Park, Braintree
Great Notley Country Park is home to Essex’s longest play trail with plenty of interactive play equipment to explore. Entry to the main park is free, and parking prices start at £2.80.
Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford
With over 25,000 historical artefacts in the collection, Essex Police Museum tells the story of the local service from the Victorian era to today. It’s usually open to the public on Saturdays, and during the school holidays it’s also open on Wednesdays, 10am-4pm.
Dobbies free gardening workshops
Dobbies ‘Little Seedling workshops’ are for children ages 4-10 and encourage them to learn about wildlife, plants and the environment. They take place on the first Sunday of the month, and during the school holidays. Find more information about the Bury St Edmunds branch here.
Turf Maze, Saffron Walden
The Saffron Walden Turf Maze is the largest example of its type in the world and is one of only eight surviving turf labyrinths in England. It’s publicly owned, so it’s free to explore. There are also three other mazes in Saffron Walden to enjoy, including the Victorian yew hedge maze in Bridge End Garden, the Jubilee Garden Bandstand Labyrinth, and the Swan Meadow Maze.
If you come across any fun, free local activities that you'd like to share with other families, let us know! Email communications@chp.org.uk and we'll add them to our list.