Are you looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and some pub grub while the kids have a blast playing nearby? We've got you covered! Welcome to the Parks of Essex Guide to family friendly pubs in Essex. Here you will find a great variety of pubs across Essex with beer gardens and play areas.
Last Updated - February 2025
From pub snacks to Sunday roasts, these pubs serve some of the best pub food in Essex! Make sure you visit the pubs websites for up to date dietary information. Whether you're a local resident or visiting for the holidays, these kid-friendly establishments are sure to make your day out memorable.
When it comes to finding the best pubs in Essex with play areas, you'll be spoiled for choice. From traditional countryside pubs to modern pubs, each venue has its unique charm and offerings that cater to families looking to enjoy quality time together. The perfect day out in Essex for the whole family.
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Pubs in Essex with play areas:
This guide also features pubs with indoor play and soft play. Pubs with soft play will be highlighted SOFT PLAY. If you are after a comprehensive guide to soft plays in Essex, check out our Post: Ultimate Guide 2025: Indoor Play Spaces, Soft Play and Children's Play Cafes in Essex
Pubs with Play Areas in Billericay
The White Horse - Heath Road, Ramsden Heath CM11 1NA
The White Horse in Billericay has one of the biggest pub gardens in Essex. There is a brilliant, huge kids playground at The White Horse which was recently updated in May 2024. The highlight of the play area is the large, connected climbing frame with several sides and climbs. This was the Most Recommended Pub with Play Area in Essex by the Parks of Essex readers!
The Olde Dog Inn - Billericay Road, Herongate, Ingrave, Tye, CM13 3SD
The Olde Dog Inn Freehouse has a beer garden with children’s play area, an outdoor bar and great food options. You can also catch live music performances! The outdoor bar is open weekends (weather depending) from late May – September.
Pubs with Play Areas in Rochford
Victory Inn - Rochford, SS4 3EU
The play area at the Victory Inn is a decent size! On one side of the pub garden is a large slide and climbing apparatus. The other side has two seesaws, a smaller slide and swings. There is also a large TV in the pub garden, close to the entrance to the pub, showing sport. There is a reasonably priced menu, including a kids menu.
Pubs with Play Areas in Mersea Island
Victory at Mersea - 92 Coast Road, Mersea Island, Colchester, CO5 8LS
The Victory is a great family friendly hotel and pub located on Mersea Island. The pub serves food and there is a good sized play area in the pub garden. There are also beautiful sea views from the pub garden.
Pubs with Play Areas in Colchester
The Wooden Fender - Colchester Road, Ardleigh, Colchester, CO7 7PA
The Wooden Fenderin Ardleigh has a spacious garden for alfresco dining and a play area to keep the children entertained. There is a kids menu with meals from £9.95.
The Kings Arms - Main Road, Frating, Colchester CO7 7DJ
This Country Pub is situated on the Main Road between Clacton, Colchester, Brightlingsea & Tendring. This cosy pub has a real wood burning fire making the bar snug in the winter. In the summer there is a beer garden with great children’s play area.
The Half Butt Inn - Nayland Road, Great Horkesley, CO6 4ET
The Half Butt in Great Horkesley has a large fully enclosed beer garden with children's play equipment. There is a kids menu with meals from £6
The Rovers Tye - Ipswich Rd, Highwoods, Colchester CO4 9BA
The Rovers Tye is full of character and charm with traditional with authentic oak floors. This Greene King family friendly pub has an outdoor play area.
The Swan Inn - 285 London Rd, Stanway, Copford, Colchester CO3 8LU
The Swan Inn is a Hungry Horse Pub with a play area. The Swan Inn has a beer garden, outdoor play area and good value family meals.
The Berechurch Arms - 177 Shrub End Rd, Colchester CO3 4RG
The Berechruch Arms is a family favourite. There is an outdoor play area, beer garden and the pub regularly has a boucey castle on weekends (weather permitting)!
The Dog and Pheasant - 24 Nayland Road, Mile End, Colchester, CO4 5EG
The Dog Pheasant is a sports pub in Mile End Colchester. The pub welcomes families and dogs. There is an outdoor play area.
Pubs with Play Areas in Clacton-on-Sea
The Roaring Donkey - 316 Holland Road, Clacton-On-Sea, CO15 6PD
The Roaring Donkey is a family friendly sports pub in Clacton-on-Sea. The Roaring Donkey is a Hungry Horse Pub with a good sized outdoor play area.
Smugglers Cove - Hartley Brook Road, Clacton-On-Sea, CO15 3TP
This family friendly pub is located in Clacton-on-Sea. The pub serves a daily carvey. There is a beer garden and childrens play area.
Pubs with Play Areas in Braintree
Mulberry Tree - Braintree Bypass, Braintree, CM77 8GG
The Mulberry Tree is a Brewers Fayre pub. There is an Indoor Play.kids zone with a softplay. The Indoor Play is open every day between 12pm - 7pm. 90 minute sessions cost £4.50, children under 1 free.
SOFT PLAY
The Astronomer - Avenue East, Skyline 120, Great Notley, Braintree, CM77 7AH
The Astronomer is a Hungry Horse pub located in Great Notley, Braintree. There is an outdoor play area. This pub is also only a few minutes drive away from Great Notley Country Park, which is home to The Longest Play Trail in Essex - a series of seperate play areas across a 1.2km flat loop. Why not make a day of it!
Pubs with Play Areas Maldon
Black Rabbit - 188 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BX
The Black Rabbit in Maldon states it has "the biggest beer garden in Maldon!". There is also a brilliant playroom especially for kids under 4 years old. The play room at Black Rabbit is open until 7pm every day.
SOFT PLAY
This pub is a short walk from Promenade Park in Maldon
Pubs with Play Areas in South Ockendon
Sir Henrys - Romford Road, Aveley, South Ockendon, RM15 4XB
There is a large beer garden at Sir Henrys in South Ockendon. There is also a children's play area in the beer garden. There is a kids menu with meals from £5.95.
Pubs with Play Areas in Grays
The Bull, - 98 Dock Rd, Grays, RM17 6EY
The Bull has a large family friendly beer garden . There is a children's play area in the pub garden. There are also booths (including children's booths) available for hire.
Chafford Hundred - Fleming Road, Unicorn Estate, Chafford Hundred, Grays, RM16 6YJ
Chafford Hundred is a Brewers Fayre pub. There is an Indoor Play.kids zone with a softplay. The Indoor Play is open every day between 12pm - 7pm. 90 minute sessions cost £4.50, children under 1 free.
SOFT PLAY
Pubs with Play Areas in Chelsmford
Six Bells - Six Bells Public House and Restaurant, Main Road, Boreham, Chelmsford, CM3 3JE
The family friendly Six Bells in Boreham has a very big beer garden and play area! Dogs are welcome in the garden area. There is a great menu at the Six Bells including a Childrens Menu, vegan and vegetarian options and also a full range of gluten free dishes.
The Black Bull - 244 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2PN
The Black Bull is a great family friendly pub in Chelmsford. There is a large beer garden with a large climbing frame and lots of seating. Inside there are pool tables and darts. This a dog friendly pub in Chelmsford, Essex.
The Three Horseshoes - 3 Burnham Road, Althorne, Chelmsfod, CM3 6DP
There is a large beer garden at The Three Hoseshoes. There is a children's play area, outside seating and disabled access.
The Duke of Wellington - The Street, Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, CM3 2EA
The Duke of Wellington is a country pub located in Hatfield Peverel, roughly a 15-minute drive from central Chelmsford. The Duke of Wellington has a great outdoor area with heated outside seating, partially covered by a pergola. There is also a outdoor play area for children.
The Great Baddow Barn - Galleywood Road, Chelmsford CM2 8NB
The Great Baddow Barn is a Hungry Horse Pub with an outdoor play area. Expect good value family meal!
SOFT PLAY
The Anchor Danbury - Runsell Green, Danbury, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 4QZ
The Anchor in Danbury is a tradition English Country Pub. The large gardenalso has a children's play area.
Galvin Green Man - Main Road, Howe Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 1BG
The Galvin Green Man serves an exceptional seasonal menu. There is a beautiful garden with children’s play area as well as bespoke private dining rooms. The utdoor terrace is the perfect spot for al fresco dining during the warmer months.
Pubs with Play Areas in Brentwood
The Bull - 13 Brook Street, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5LZ
The Bull in Brentwood has a great pub garden for al fresco drinks and snacks. There is alaso a great play area at The Bull Brentwood. There are swings, a slide and playhouse. The Bull in Brentwood has a kids menu. 1 course £10, 2 courses £13 and 3 courses £15.
The Brave Nelson - 138 Woodman Road, Warley, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AL
A friendly, welcoming pub, with great beers with fantastic outside seating and a children’s play area. Dogs are of course welcome too.
Pubs with Play Areas in Basildon
The Noak Bridge - 45 Wash Rd, Laindon, Basildon SS15 4BS
The Noak Bridge is a great local pub. This Greene King family friendly pub has an outdoor play area.
The Four Seasons - Victoria Road, Laindon, Basildon, SS15 6AW
The Four Seasons pub in Laindon, Basildon is a great sports bar. There is a large pub garden with a small play space. This pub is also a short walk away from Victoria Park in Laindon, where there is a great, unique, space themed play area.
Pubs with Play Areas in Benfleet
The Zach WIllsher - 170-180 Church Road, Benfleet, SS7 4PL
The Zach WIllsher in Benefleet is a Grenne King Pub. There is a large beer garden and a small children's play area.
Pubs with Play Areas in Southend
The Saxon King - 160 Priory Crescent, Southend, Essex, SS2 6QN
The Saxon King has an outdoor children’s play area and an indoor play zone. This Marston's Inns pub serves pub classics.
The Castle Inn - 181 Little Wakering Road, Little Wakering, Essex, SS3 0JW
The Castle Inn is one of the oldest pubs in the area dating back to the 17th century. The Castle Inn is light and spacious inside, with plenty of outdoor space and a small play area.
The Old Walnut Tree - Southchurch Boulevard, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4XA
The Walnut Tree pub has great options for family. You can enjoy a drink in the beer garden, which also has an outdoor play area to keep little ones entertained.
The Rose Inn - Wakering Roadd, Great Wakering, Southend-on-Sea, SS3 0PY
The Rose Inn in Great Wakering describes itself as a 'bit of a hidden gem'. This Greene King pub can be found in the picturesque village of Great Wakering. The Rose Inn serves great Sunday roasts and has outdoor play area for the kids.
Pubs with Play Areas in Bishops Stortford/Stansted
Three Willows Birchanger - 327 Birchanger Ln, Birchanger, Bishop's Stortford CM23 5QR
There is a great beer garden at The Three Willows with a children's play area. This pub is also located close to Stansted Airport.
The Rose and Crown - 31 Bentfield Green, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8HX
The garden at The Rose and Crown is great! There is plenty of undercover seating, kids play area, as well as heated areas on chilly evenings
The Ash - Bury Lodge Lane, Burton End, Stansted, Essex, CM24 8UQ
The Ash is a truly beautiful pub with a cosy woodburner. There is a great beer garden with play area.
Pubs with Play Areas in Harlow
The Moorhen Pub - Burnt Mill Lane, Harlow, CM20 2QS
This family friendly pub is located just off the A414 in Harlow. The Greene King Pub has great value food options and an outdoor play area with large climbing frame.
Pubs with Play Areas in Loughton
The Kings Oak - Paul's Nursery Road, Waltham Abbey, Loughton IG10 4AE
The Kings Oak High Beach sits in the southern section of the glorious Epping Forest, close to the city of London and Hertfordshire borders. This Essex pub has a large garden also has a safe and secure play area.
Pubs with Play Areas in Epping
The Theydon Oak - 9 Coopersale St, Coopersale, Epping CM16 7QJ
The Theydon Oak is a great child friendly pub! There is a kids' play area and patio.
Making the Most of Your Visit
When planning a day out at one of Essex's best pubs with play areas, here are a few tips to ensure a memorable experience:
Check the Opening Hours: Verify the pub's operating hours and any specific play area guidelines before your visit.
Plan Ahead: Consider making a reservation, especially during peak times, to secure a table and ensure a hassle-free dining experience.
Pack Essentials: Come prepared with items like sunscreen, hats, and water bottles to keep everyone comfortable during outdoor play.
Whether you're enjoying a leisurely Sunday lunch or celebrating a special occasion, these family-friendly establishments provide the perfect setting for a fun-filled day out. So, gather your favorite people, head to one of Essex's kid-friendly pubs, and enjoy summer!
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