South Essex sunny/rainy day

[Queenbee245]

New to south Essex(in Hadleigh but have a car so i can get about) just looking for some places to take DS 4yo
So far we have been to Southend which he loved but with the rides etc it was a bit expensive

Obvious sunny day choice is the beaches at Leigh (bell wharf) or chalkwell.
Belfairs Woods is nice. There's a playground too.
Hadleigh Castle.
Rainy days- Swimming at Runneymeade
Will be watching the thread. We get bored when it rains when we visit....

Marsh Farm
Colchester zoo
Hyde Hall
Prittlewell park/priory
Hadleigh castle/Farm
Tropical wings
Sea life centre
Train trip/walk down the pier
Mountfitchet castle
Shoebury east beach
Walk in belfairs or Hockley woods. There's a lovely newish wooden play bit in the middle of belfairs and they do pony rides for a pound on some days!

Thank you for these
gert I've been told today there are a few play centre type places in basildon so will check them out for the rainy days

Creepy Crawlies soft play in South Woodham Ferrers is friendly and small scale - not quite so overwhelming as some of the bigger places in Basildon.
Wat Tyler Country Park is a good place for a picnic and a potter.
Hanningfield Reservoir visitor centre is interesting and good for an explore.