There are plenty of fun, fit and bracing activities in Southend for families this winter. From Bushcraft sessions for the over 8s and Nature Tots for kiddies to Christmas markets and an atmospheric Christmas lantern tour. There’s something that will pretty much appeal to all family members. And don’t let’s forget Adventure Island…

This is bound to be a huge hit with the whole family. Overlooking the Southend seafront, there are 40 rides and attractions, from the 75ft rollercoaster with a vertical drop to plenty of choices for smaller ones. The challenge will be getting the kids to leave.”

Meanwhile, here’s a quick list of some well-known family faves:

Southend Festive Gift Show

No doubt an activity that will appeal more to mums, the Southend Festive Gift Show is guaranteed to get you in gear for Christmas shopping. That’s because there will be plenty of artisanal gifts and hot chocolate and cake to sustain you as you shop. You can also sing along to a live singer. The event is at Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre, Garon Park, on Saturday, November 26 (from 10 am to 5 pm) and Sunday, November 27 (finishes an hour earlier at 4 pm).

Padel family tuition

And while you’re at the Garon Park Centre, why not sign up for some padel family coaching sessions for you and the kids? A great game for all ages, padel is a cross between tennis and squash. It’s played indoors on covered courts with LED floodlights for added atmosphere on these shorter winter days. You can book a coaching session or just have a hit around yourselves. They also have a fantastic junior programme available if your little ones get hooked on the game.

Belfairs Nature Tots and Bushcraft Woodland

Both tots and Over 8s are catered for at two separate nature-loving events held at Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre this winter. Nature Tots, which includes natural painting and leaf spotting, is on Saturday, November 26.

Bushcraft Woodland Workshop is on Thursday, December 22. Here older kids can learn to make their own woodland Christmas decorations or toys to take home with them (or give as a gift). Both events are from 10 am to 12 noon at Eastwood Road, North Leigh on Sea.

December Lantern Tour

Get in the festive spirit with an afternoon lantern tour at Prittlewell Priory. You can hold your lantern as you wander through the ancient stone corridors. Learn about the history of Christmas while tucking into a mince pie and mulled punch. The tours take place from Friday, December 9, to Friday, December 16 2022. It’s a 45-minute long event, beginning at 4 pm.

Explore the beaches

Now that the summer season is over, you can explore the beaches as a family, including the dog. Great exercise – even if it does prove a little ‘bracing.’ There’s Thorpe Bay beach with its picture postcard beach huts, the award-winning Chalkwell Beach and Shoebury Common (famous for kite-surfing and Uncle Tom’s Cabin).

Image source: Southend Free Southend beach Image on Unsplash