May Half Term Things to do with Kids and Family Events in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Colchester and Sudbury

Has the May half term crept up on you too? Feels like they only just went back from Easter, but here we are again looking for fun things to do with the kids locally to fill up the family calendar. So if you are in Suffolk or Essex in or around Bury St Edmunds, Colchester, Ipswich or Sudbury – here’s the events I have found so far for 2026 May half term that look great to get out of the house and take kids to this holidays.

From Astronomy hunts in Bury S Edmund’s to Fun Family Farm Trails in Semer while not forgetting one of Suffolk’s highlights of the year – the Suffolk Show in Ipswich, there’s lots going on…

May Half Term Events in Ipswich Suffolk

Being such a big part of the spring time county calendar for so long, The Suffolk Show feels a good place to start. We’ve been regular visitors to the show since the kids were little and even as my children have got older, they still enjoy it. Trinity Park is filled with activities to try, we’ve spent a lot of time in the sports field every time we’ve been especially, as well as visiting all the different animals and watching the shows in the arena. There’s great shopping areas too and a huge array of food stalls and trucks to choose from. You can find all about it, over on the official Suffolk Show website.

Suffolk Farm Trail

Hollow Trees farm has long been one of our favourite places to visit as a family in Suffolk. The children love it, it’s so well looked after with lots to do and animals to see, plus the farm shop and cafe serve seriously good food to fuel up afterwards. For cheaper tickets and to secure the time slot you’d like, it’s worth booking farm trail tickets online.

May Half Term Events in Bury St Edmunds Suffolk

Nowton Park is lovely this time of year especially. It’s always great for a walk with the kids and there’s a big playground too. Plus being just outside of Bury St Edmunds with lots of parking you can avoid the town traffic.

Free Suffolk Trail

If you plan on going into Bury St Edmunds during half term another free activity I’ve just spotted is the free family friendly ‘Out of the World Astronomy Trail’ You simply collect your form from one of the towns participating businesses and go and find the different astronomy themed items around the town. You can find out all about it here – Bury St Edmunds trail

Food Museum Family Baking Workshops

We went to The Food Museum in Stowemarket for the first time last spring as a family and its worth worth a visit with animals to see, interactive exhibits and a good cafe. They hold lots of cookery classes and kids events and this May Half Term its bread week with family baking sessions you can book through the Food Museum Website

May Half Term Events in Colchester

May Half Term Events at Colchester Castle

Get ready to step back in time at Colchester Castile this May Half term. From the 23rd to the 31st May they’ve got gallery games, that are self led, with Roman challenges and medieval-themed activities o get involved in. To get the best price it’s best to book tickets in advance. Plus I can’t mention Colchester castle without mentioning the park surrounding it. So much space for kids to play and the playground caters to all ages and always worth a visit after going to the castle.

Colchester Zoo Family Event

If you’re after a guaranteed hit this half term, Colchester Zoo has some extra special fun lined up for May. As well as the usual chance to see over 180 species of animals (always a winner), there’ll be bonus activities like meeting the Zoo Crew, performances from the animal GuyZ and Native Nature sessions. It’s all included with your zoo ticket or valid pass, so it’s great value if you’re already a member. A fab mix of learning and letting off steam, ideal if you’ve got a mix of ages to entertain.

May Half Term Events in Sudbury Suffolk

The popular Rainbow Fun soft play centre are celebrating their birthday with a party on Sunday 24th May.

LeeStock Festival

For a family-friendly music experience, check out LeeStock Music Festival in nearby Long Melford. Held annually since 2006, this festival supports the Willow Foundation and offers a mix of live music, food stalls, and activities suitable for all ages. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the local music scene while contributing to a good cause. The festival typically features a variety of acts and has a welcoming atmosphere for families.