News

Family activities to keep you occupied over the May half-term

20 May 2025

As the May half-term approaches, there is a fantastic range of family activities in Thurrock to keep people entertained.

While school children have the week off school, there are opportunities to get creative with arts and crafts, get active and outdoors, or enjoy some theatrical entertainment.

Celebrate Elmer Day at Thurrock's libraries

Get ready to celebrate the most colourful day of the year as libraries across Thurrock host a range of exciting activities for Elmer Day on Saturday 24 May.

Elmer is a story about being yourself and celebrating our differences. To help share the message, libraries in Belhus, Blackshots, Grays, Corringham, Tilbury and East Tilbury will be hosting Elmer-themed storytimes, arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts.

The activities will start on Saturday 24 May until Saturday 31 May. For more details on the Elmer activities, visit Thurrock's Library page.

Try a new activity out at Grangewaters

For families looking for an adventure, Grangewaters is the perfect place to try out some exhilarating activities on land and water.

From Monday 26 May until Friday 30 May, activities such as kayaking, climbing, sailing and archery are available to book for children aged eight and older.

Each activity can be booked for £12 per person, for more information visit the Grangewaters page.

Explore Thurrock's riverside

Join Thurrock Youth Cabinet for an exciting walk between Coalhouse Fort and Tilbury Fort, exploring the area's history and the future of the riverside.

Along the 3.2 mile walk, you'll be able to enjoy some thought-provoking activities and insightful stories about Thurrock's riverside spaces.

To book a place on the walk, visit the t100 website.

Free and low-cost physical activities

There is a wide variety of fun activities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy, without having to break the bank.

From football clubs and dance classes, to free Oomph! sessions, there are plenty of options to try.

To discover just how many groups and classes are available in Thurrock, visit the Find Your Active Thurrock Activity Finder.

Discover Thurrock's great outdoors

Thurrock is home to some beautiful parks and green spaces, perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic.

Whether it's a walk along the riverside, getting closer to Thurrock's local wildlife or a playsite to keep little ones occupied, the Thurrock Council website is a great place to find what you're looking for.

Cycling in Thurrock

There are many great opportunities to enjoy cycling in Thurrock. Thurrock's cycling map shows the location of cycling paths, roads suitable for cycling, cycle crossings and cycle parking.

Support for parent's and little ones at Family Hubs

Thurrock's Family Hubs offer support to families with children aged 0 to 18 years-old, or up-to 25 years-old for young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND).

Throughout the half-term, they will continue to run play sessions for little ones to learn and socialise with one another.

For parents looking for a bit of extra support and guidance, make sure to take advantage of the range of services that are available at their local hub.

Take a trip to Thameside Theatre

What better way to enjoy the half-term break than to follow the yellow brick road all the way to the Thameside Theatre in Grays!

Families can watch a theatrical performance of The Wizard of Oz on Tuesday 27 May or join their favourite fictional princesses for a sing and dance-a-long during Princess Live! on Saturday 31 May.

To find out just how many theatrical shows are on offer, visit the Thameside Theatre.

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