Summer Holiday Family Events around Bury St Edmunds, Colchester, Sudbury and Ipswich
Are you looking for places to take the kids in the summer holidays 2026? With those long six weeks looming, I have been searching for the best events and family activities that are happening around Suffolk and Essex this holidays. From Bubble shows for children in Sudbury, outdoor family theatre in Long Melford, to Dinosaur Workshops in Bury St Edmunds, a gaming festival in Colchester as well as music concerts in Castle Park, there’s so much going on for families this Summer.
Events to Take Children to in the Summer Holidays in Sudbury & Long Melford Summer 2026
George & Dragon Summer Festival (Saturday 19th July 2025)
The George & Dragon’s annual summer festival is back and it’s always a fun one if you’re local to Long Melford or fancy a relaxed day out with live music, good food and a proper pub garden atmosphere.
Alongside a great line-up of live acts and a wide range of guest beers, there’ll also be children’s entertainment running during the day, so it’s definitely one to keep in mind for families looking for something local that still feels like a summer event.
Party in the Park, Belvue Park, Sudbury (20th July)
An annual summer event in Sudbury, after taking a break, Party in the Park in Sudbury is back – a fab family event full of activities and fun for children. Its held at Belvue Park on the edge of the town and runs all day until well into the evening. It’s also a chance for the community to showcase all the town has to offer, so there are often display’s and the chance to have a go from lots of different clubs and organisations. Alongside this, there are plenty of food trucks and games to play. It does get very busy though, so if you have very little ones or children that find crowds difficult, I would head up to the park early when it begins. Same goes for getting a nice spot, as its a good one to set up camp for the day with blankets and chairs to enjoy the live music, while the children play.
Family Theatre, Quay Theatre Sudbury
The Ultimate Bubble Show (Thursday 24th July)
The Ultimate Bubble Show at Sudbury’s Quay Theatre sounds just the ticket for families starting the summer holidays in Sudbury, Suffolk. Ray Bubbles is a Guinness World Record-holding bubbleologist and he’s bringing a whole host of bubble magic to town. Expect floating carousels made from bubbles, bubble ghosts, volcano bubbles and even a tornado inside a bubble.
This one’s perfect if your kids are easily wowed by anything a bit different and it’s something fun to book for the beginning of the school holidays. If you haven’t been to The Quay before, its such a beautiful theatre on the riverside, with only 125 seats – making the intimate environment especially good for young ones with seats so close to the action. The show is a matinée performance and you can book direct on the Quay Theatre website.
Robin Hood at the Quay Theatre (25th July)
If you’re already heading to Sudbury Quay Theatre for The Ultimate Bubble Show earlier in the week, here’s another one to add to your list.
DOT Productions are bringing the story of Robin Hood to life in a fun and action-packed family show, complete with sword fights, archery contests and plenty of silliness. Robin and his merry men are out to stop the Sheriff of Nottingham and the whole thing’s packed into just under an hour, making it a great pick for kids who love a bit of drama and adventure.
Family Workshops, Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury (Every Tuesday)
Every Tuesday in the Summer holidays Gainsborough’s house in Sudbury are running family sessions with the option to book on from either 10-12pm or 1-3pm in the afternoon. There’s a different theme each week including string prints, marbling and book binding, inviting children to get involved and enthused about one of our most famous Suffolk Artists.
Sudbury Quay Theatre – Children and Teenagers Summer School of Performing Arts 2025
If you’ve got a drama-loving child or teen at home (or one who just needs a confidence boost), the Quay Theatre’s Summer School is a brilliant way to spend a week of the holidays. It’s open to all abilities, whether they’ve never stepped on stage or already love the spotlight and there’s a lovely focus on building confidence as much as performance skills. You do need to commit to the full week though as they spend the days working towards a performance at the end, but I would say its well worth the week of long days rehearsing. My daughter have gone a couple of times and got so much from it each time. The places go quick though, so its worth booking early – Tweens and Teens Drama Camp Sudbury
Sudbury International Regatta (2nd August)
One of the oldest Suffolk events, the Sudbury Regatta is back for its annual summer celebration on Saturday the 2nd Aug 2025. It’s a great event to go and watch on Friars Meadows with crowds of people attending every year, along with their picnics and gazebos, all set up ready to cheer on all the competitors as they speed past on the river. Although we personally have zero rowing knowledge, my children have loved going to this free event in the past, getting caught up in all the noise and excitement of all the races while enjoying a (hopefully sunny) afternoon out on the meadows. For more information head over to the Sudbury Rowing Club website who organise the event.
Music on the Green, Long Melford
The parish council are putting on a free event in Long Melford with music and entertainment on the green on Saturday 2nd August 1pm-8pm. Along with live music, drinks and food stalls there’s children’s entertainment such as face painting and an outdoor climbing wall. You can find out all about it over on the Long Melford event page
Lavenham Two Day Summer Craft Market (Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2025)
If you’re after something relaxed and family-friendly to do over the bank holiday weekend, this two-day craft market in Lavenham is a lovely option. On Saturday (10am–4pm), the Village Hall will be packed with beautifully made, handmade items, the kind of stalls that are perfect for picking up birthday gifts, something unique for your home, or just having a browse with a coffee in hand. There’s also a café which is always a nice bonus if you’re visiting with little ones in tow.
Sunday’s a bit of a double whammy: The award-winning Lavenham Farmers Market will be running outside, while the craft market continues indoors from 10am–2pm. No café that day, but there’ll still be plenty of street food, cakes and good coffee on offer.
Melford Hall, Summer of Play
Melford Hall is always a lovely spot for a slower-paced summer day out and this year there’s more than usual going on for families. Their Summer of Play includes garden games on the lawn, a nature-themed art station, and a secret word trail to keep kids exploring.
It’s all included if you have National Trust membership, and there’s a tearoom and plenty of space to picnic. There are also a few guided park walks running in August if you’re after something a bit more structured. There’s more info over on the National Trust website.
If you are looking for new places to try eating out with children over the Summer, I think sometimes getting that balance right of finding somewhere with good food versus also being family friendly can be tricky – so I’ve also written a guide with our favourite places to eat out as a family in Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Colchester here
Events to Take Children to in Colchester Summer 2025
Puss in Boots, Colchester (Tuesday 23rd July 2025)
If you’re after a gentle introduction to theatre for little ones this summer, Let’s All Dance Ballet Company are bringing their family-friendly production of Puss in Boots to the Mercury Theatre.
This new take on the classic story follows a magical cat and a musical young man as they navigate snooty royals, big dreams and friendship, all brought to life through professional ballet, colourful costumes and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere and only 40 minutes long. To book tickets head over to the Mercury Theatre listings
Rapture Gaming Festival, Colchester (2nd–3rd August 2025)
Rapture Gaming Festival returns to Colchester this summer and it’s set to be twice the size of last year’s event. Held across both the indoor Charter Hall and a massive outdoor area, this two-day gaming celebration is packed with everything from retro arcades and robot battles to live wrestling, cosplay shows and a music stage.
For families with older kids or teenagers in Colchester, it’s a brilliant option for the school holidays especially if they’re into gaming, Dungeons & Dragons, or just fancy something different. There’s even a game development zone where they can learn how to break into the industry, and gaming tournaments. If you’re based in Essex or looking for exciting things to do near Colchester with teens this August, this one’s definitely worth a look.
Busted, Colchester (15th August 2025)
Part of the Colchester Castle Summer Series, Busted will be performing live in Castle Park this August with Scouting for Girls joining them as support. It’s the band’s first Essex show in six years, so if you’ve got older kids (or you’re a 00s music fan yourself), this one’s a bit of a nostalgia hit.
It’s suitable for children aged 6+, but under 18s need to be with a paying adult aged 21+. Everyone needs a ticket, so it’s worth booking early, these Summer Series events usually sell out quickly. A fun one if you’re looking for family-friendly live music in Colchester this summer.
I can’t talk about the summer holidays in Colchester without mentioning Colchester Zoo. One of the best family days out we have in East Anglia – if you are planning a trip there this summer then I’ve also written a guide to my top tips for taking Children over in this blog – Taking children to Colchester Zoo
Mythical Storytelling, Colchester Castle (28 & 30 July, 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20 & 25 August 2025)
If you’re planning a day out at Colchester Castle over the holidays, their free mythical storytelling sessions are a brilliant extra to add to your visit. Taking place inside the Castle, they are included with your admission.
Perfect for children aged 4 and up, expect roaring dragons, legendary heroes, and plenty of fun as the castle’s storyteller brings ancient myths to life in a way. A lovely one to keep in mind if you’re local to Colchester or heading there for a day out in August. When your finished the park itself is always worth a visit too with a huge playground full of apparatus, climbing frames and swings for all different ages.
Forest Adventure at High Woods Country Park, Colchester (29th July, 12th August & 26th August)
Let your kids go wild in the woods this summer! From den building and woodland crafts to nature games and outdoor exploration, each forest adventure session offers something new. A great way for children to connect with nature and burn off energy at High Woods Country Park in Colchester. To book and for more details go over to the Colchester council website.
ParkPlay at Old Heath Recreation Ground, Colchester
I’ve only just come across this and it sounds such a brilliant initiative. Parkplay is a national scheme where you just sign up for free and then you can go along to your local park for free family fun at ParkPlay every Saturday morning. Its an inclusive group where children and adults can join in with active games and playful activities, all designed to get your body moving and bring the community together. It looks like there’s different locations popping up, so its worth going on the website to see if there’s other local parks near you getting involved.
Summer Festival at Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden, Essex
A bit of a drive out of Colchester, but this enchanting miniature railway is well worth the trip if you have little ones. There’s so much work that goes into making it feel magical. Start with a trip on their beautiful old school train, spotting teddys in the woods on the way. There’s then lots of festival fun to enjoy afterwards including, den building, face painting, a pedal go kart track, a musical fairy and elf parade, music and new for this summer the opportunity to have a ride on a punt.
Events to Take Children to in Bury St Edmunds Summer 2025
Games afternoon at Waterstones Bury St Edmunds (19th July)
Take your kids along to join fellow gamers as the shop showcases its best-selling board and card games. This month’s featured pick is the ever-popular Exploding Kittens, a hilarious and fast-paced card game where your mission is to “explode” the kittens before they explode you! The games afternoon is running 4-5pm on Saturday 19th July.
Theatre in the Park, Bury St Edmunds
Grab your blankets and picnic baskets, Theatre in the Parks is back this summer, bringing enchanting open-air performances to three stunning West Suffolk locations: Abbey Gardens, West Stow Country Park and Brandon Country Park (new for 2025) This year’s line-up promises something for everyone, with fresh takes on classic tales that will captivate kids and grown-ups alike.
Prehistoric Beasts: Land, Moyse’s Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds (On now until 5th October)
Step back in time and come face-to-face with giants of the past! Moyse’s Hall Museum has an awe-inspiring exhibition on this summer packed with prehistoric creatures from land, sea, and sky. Get up close with a towering Tyrannosaurus and encounter favourites like the Velociraptor, Triceratops, and Iguanodon. Being right in the middle of town, this small but packed museum is a nice add on, if you need to do errands in Bury with the kids in tow first. There’s also Dino Lino Workshops every Tuesday and Thursday from 22nd July to 26th August that are included with your exhibition entry fee.
Summer Play at Ickworth Estate, Bury St Edmunds
This summer, the beautiful grounds of Ickworth Estate have lots going on for families. Held in the walled gardens, children can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities including: storytelling, crafts and mud kitchen play. There’s also a huge estate to explore on walks or bikes (that you can hire from their cycle hub)
Sunflower Field to visit with Kids, Suffolk
We loved visiting Rougham Estate a couple of summers ago to pick Sunflowers. I didn’t really know if the kids would be that into it, but the way they have set it up, makes it feel like a full experience and so much more than just PYO. Firstly you walk through what feels like a maze of towering Sunflowers, and its fun choosing and picking the ones you want. There’s lots of photo opportunities, places to play and food and drink trucks too. They can’t give an exact date, as it all depends on when the flowers are ready, but they expect to be open the first week of August.
Kids and Canvas, The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, (22nd & 24th July, 19th Aug & 21st Aug)
We are so lucky to have the Apex in Bury, such a beautiful venue with so many different events going on to get involved in. One such event that looks perfect for children this summer holiday is Kids and Canvas. Its a ninety minute session for children 5+ where they will be guided through a painting session to create their own animal painting on their very own canvas to take home.
Events to Take Children to in Ipswich Summer 2025
Rhythm Rascals Kids’ Rave, Ipswich (12th August 2025)
If your kids love music and letting off steam, Rhythm Rascals could be just the thing this summer. It’s a brand new kids’ rave-style event with music, lights, bubbles and plenty of dancing all aimed at children and their grown-ups.
It’s their launch event and sounds like it’ll be a hit with little ones who have energy to burn and parents that fancy a dance in the daytime without the hassle of securing a babysitter. Held at Venue 16 in Ipswich, this sounds a lot of fun and something a bit different to try this summer.
Hop to It! Suffolk 2025
Suffolk’s biggest art event has arrived! This special community trail organised by St Elizabeth Hospice is a collection of stunning and uniquely decorated giant hare sculptures each individually designed and painted by professional artists. This year, the trail will be held in Ipswich and for the first time, it will also extend to satellite locations – Beccles, Felixstowe, Lowestoft and Woodbridge. Its a fun (and free) activity to do with kids during the summer, where you can add some interest and motivation to go for a walk, searching for different sculptures as you go.
You can buy maps for a £1 from the Hop HQ in the Buttermarket shopping centre, or from a hospice shop with all proceeds going towards supporting the charity. Alternatively, you can use a digital map on the Hop to it! Suffolk trail app which also enables you to tick off statues as you discover them and earn rewards too the more you discover on the trail.
The Suffolk Military Show 2025, Trinity Park, Ipswich
Step into over 1,000 years of military history at The Suffolk Military Show, a jam-packed weekend of thrilling live action, historical displays, and hands-on family fun. Taking place at Trinity Park, this two-day event is one of East Anglia’s biggest military shows.
