Top 5 Weekend Ideas for Chelmsford Mums

If you're juggling packed lunches, busy schedules, and trying to plan something fun for the kids this weekend...keep reading. Whether you’ve got toddlers in tow, school-aged adventurers, or teens who need a gentle push to leave the house, here are five brilliant ideas for family days out in Essex.

Here are some fresh picks that are creative, active, and easy to slot into whatever kind of weekend you’ve got ahead.

🌿 1. RHS Garden Hyde Hall – Nature Explorer Weekend

📍 Rettendon (about 20 mins from Chelmsford)
🗓 All weekend | 10am–6pm

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Chelmsford that combine fresh air with a bit of curiosity, head to RHS Hyde Hall. This weekend’s Nature Explorer theme means your little ones can get hands-on with planting, bug hunts, and nature trails — it’s ideal for curious minds and tired parents who fancy a stroll with a decent coffee.

There’s loads of space to run around, and the café is great for lunch or snacks if you don’t feel like packing a picnic.

💷 Free for RHS members, or standard entry
🔗 Visit RHS Hyde Hall

🦋 2. Tropical Wings Butterfly House & Mini Zoo

📍 South Woodham Ferrers (25 mins from Chelmsford)
🗓 Saturday & Sunday | 9:30am–5pm

Looking for Chelmsford indoor activities just in case the weather turns? Tropical Wings is back and it’s a firm favourite for animal-loving families, from a walk-through Essex butterfly house to meerkats and wallabies. There’s plenty to explore, plus a playground and picnic area for a full morning or afternoon out.

Kids especially love the feeding sessions and animal talks, and there’s a café on-site for refuelling.

🔗 More info

🎨 3. Creative Kids Club at Chelmsford Museum

📍 Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street
🗓 Saturday, 17th May | 11am–3pm

The Explorer Zone is available daily from 10 am–5 pm (10–4 pm in winter) and offers themed explorer bags for all ages—including story bags and sensory play for under‑5s, “Bee” bags for park‑and‑museum trails, and more advanced History Hacker bags for older children, free to borrow during your visit.

During school holidays (like half‑term), the museum hosts family-friendly activities such as craft workshops, science trails, fossils sessions and themed trails. Past programmes have included “Science Discovery Day” and “Fossil Fun Craft”

👉 Ideal for a fun learning day out: hands-on activities, story trails, dress‑up and more.

It’s a great shout if you’re after activities for children in Essex, or just want something creative without the mess at home. An added bonus is The Hive café, which is attached and offers refreshments overlooking Oaklands Park.

💷 £4 per adult, children go free
🔗 Chelmsford Museum Info

🚴‍♀️ 4. Danbury Country Park – Bikes, Ducks & Woodland Play

📍 Danbury (15 mins from Chelmsford)
🗓 Open all weekend

Danbury Country Park is one of those easy wins, perfect if you’re looking for outdoor activities in Chelmsford. It’s peaceful, totally free, and has a bit of everything: lakes, woodland, ducks to feed, and room for kids to scoot or bike safely.

It’s a brilliant no-fuss day out, especially if you’re keeping an eye on costs and energy levels. Pack snacks or a picnic, and let the kids roam.

💷 Parking available:
Up to one hour: £3.00
Up to two hours: £4.20
Up to four hours: £5.30
All day: £6.30
🔗 Danbury Country Park Info

🍓 5. Lathcoats Farm – Fruit Picking & Farmyard Fun

📍 Beehive Lane, Galleywood
🗓 Saturday & Sunday | 9am–4pm

Fruit picking season is officially here! If you’re searching for fruit picking in Chelmsford or want a gentle activity with a treat at the end, Lathcoats Farm is a fab option. Early strawberries and rhubarb are in season, and little ones will love collecting their own.

There’s also a sweet animal corner, and the Bee Shed Café does great cake and coffee, ideal after some serious strawberry gathering.

💷 Entry: Vouchers cost £4 per person (£5 at the weekend). You'll get £2 back at the till if you pick at least £2 worth of fruit.
🔗 Lathcoats Farm Info

👩‍🍼 Bonus Tip for Local Mums

Whether your ideal weekend is muddy and adventurous, creative and calm, or just anything that doesn’t involve CBeebies on loop, I hopefully, there’s something here to help you make it a good one.