Half term is set to be packed with exciting events in parks, libraries and outdoor centres. We’ve put together a list of some events happening in Essex this week.

1. THE Laboratory at Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea has several events for children this week.

Saturday - Hippy Art Day £5

Monday - All things Owl £5

Tuesday - Fun with Hama Beads £4

Wednesday - Pottery (10am - 12noon only)

Thursday - Sand Art £4

Friday - FA Cup Pack £5

Sunday - Crazy Cardboard Wall Art £4

Workshops start 10am, 12noon and 2pm unless specified.

Booking essential - text 07979332097 or email the_laboratory@hotmail.co.uk

2. CHILDREN can try instruments, from recorders to drums, at a half-term music event.

Experienced teachers will show children how to use musical instruments at St Mary's Church of England Primary School, in Boston Avenue, Southend, from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday.

Children aged seven and up can join group percussion performances, find out about other instruments, learn to play new music and take part in informal musical activities.

The event will close with an informal concert for family and friends.

For tickets, which cost £9, visit www.Tunefultuesday.eventbrite.co.uk or call 01702 215011.

3. ESSEX Wildlife Trust is hosting a new event this Monday at Chalkwell beach.

Wildbeach runs from 10am until 12.30pm and gives children the chance to learn outdoors at a local beach.

It gives children the chance to explore the beach as well as den building, art, fire-lighting skills, team building and learn about the flora and fauna of the coastline.

It costs £6 per child and under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult.

4. THE latest new arrival at Barleylands near Billericay is a little different to the usual woolly sheep and fluffy bunnies. He’s a whopping four and half foot Water Monitor Lizard!

Named Hercules by Barleylands fans on social media, the enormous Monitor arrived last week and will be making a special appearance posing for pictures with half term visitors at 11am on Tuesday.

5. MAKE a bug suncatcher at Langdon Visitor Centre and nature Reserve, Lower Dunton Road, Basildon, on Monday.

Drop in between 10am and 4pm to try pond dipping and make a creepy crawly sun catcher to hang in the window. It costs £2 per child.

6. GET up close to lizards at Chafford Gorges Nature Park, Thurrock, on Thursday.

It runs from 10am until midday, costs £5 and booking is essential. Contact 01375484016 HAVE a tree-mendous Tuesday at Belfairs Woodland centre in Leigh.

A drop-off day for 8-13yr olds will be held between 10am and 3pm.

Booking is essential by calling 01702 477467.

7. BECOME a farmer at Barleylands between Monday to Friday. 

Young farmers wanted for stacks of extra activities this half term! Feed and care for farmyard friends, grow your own vegetables, watch heavy horse shows, groom goats, bottle feed lambs and decorate biscuits. Make sure you bring some old clothes too so you can make and dress a scarecrow to win prizes.

8. BECOME a survivor at Hadleigh Country Park on Wednesday.

Come out to the woods where the rangers will show you how to make a shelter and light a fire. Bring your lunch – you’ll be cooking it on your very own campfire!

Meet at Chapel Lane car park.

Starts at 10.30am Cost £7.00 per child. Suitable for families with children aged 8+.

PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL – phone 0845 603 7624

9. CANVEY Town Council is working in partnership with the RSPB to hold their Wildlife Day at West Canvey Marsh, Canvey Road, on Saturday, May 30 from 11am to 4pm.

Wildlife expert Mike Dilger from the BBC's The One Show will be the celebrity guest at the event providing walk and talk trails around the marsh to include some of the fascinating insects, wild plants and birds that can be found on Canvey Island.

For the first time visitors will be able to have guided walks around the Land Registry owned site, Canvey Wick. BugLife representatives will be leading visitors around the site, giving them a very unique opportunity to learn more about Britain’s only brownfield Bug Reserve.

10. TAKE your toddler to Temple Sutton Children's Centre in Southend on Wednesday between 10am and 11.30am.  Please call for next start date and to book a place. £2 per week. Suitable for children from around four months to 18 months old. For more information call 01702 445526.

  • Do you know of anything else happening this half term? Comment below.