IT'S that time in the summer holidays where you may be running out of things to do with the kids which is why we've gathered together some things to do in Essex over the next few weeks. 

Let us know if you've got another event you think should be published by commenting below. 

1. Play in the Park

Play in the Park is a series of free two-hour multi-activity sessions for children aged at various community and parish venues during the Easter & Summer Holidays. Join the Play Workers for sports, arts, crafts, games and free-play.

The next one is held today in Chelmsford's Central Park from 1.30pm.

Most activities are based outside but we usually go ahead whatever the weather! Gazebos provide shade and shelter for arts activities and in inclement weather.

For more information go to www.chelmsford.gov.uk/playinthepark.

2. Family Bat Evening

Come to Hanningfield Reservoir, near Billericay, for some Summer evening fun on Thursday, August 20. Learn about the wonderful bats at Hanningfield, and watch them fly around the reserve. Booking Essential. £6 per person. 

For more information go to www.essexwt.org.uk/reserves/hanningfield-reservoir.

3. Comic Book Heroes

An exciting workshop for any child, aged nine and over, that loves super-heroes and comics. Take photos, draw pictures, make characters and mix them together to create a unique storyboard. Held at Signals, St. Runwald Street, Colchester, on Friday, August 21 from 10am until 4pm. 

For more information go to www.signals.org.uk.

4. Southend Carnival

Attracting around 20,000 people to Southend seafront with over 60 floats and acts, the Southend SummerCare Carnival Procession is one of the largest in the UK.

The carnival procession includes colourful floats, exciting acts, dancers, bands, big costumes and much more. Expect flag waving, all kinds of music, bright lights and a great atmosphere within the crowd on Saturday, August 22. 

The free event starts at 7.45pm and for more information go to southendcarnival.weebly.com.

5. Treemendous Tuesday

Join the Rangers for some FREE messy play games and activities in Weald Country park. Dress to get messy in the park. Ideal for accompanied children under 12.

Runs from 11am until 3pm on Tuesday, August 25 

For more information go to www.visitparks.co.uk.

6. Fun Thursdays

Belfairs nature reserve in Leigh is holding a range of different activities on Thursdays through the summer holidays. Join us on an adventure of bug hunts, fun crafts, games and stories in Belfairs woods and Chalkwell. There is a different theme for every week during summer holiday.

Butterflies Thursday, August 20 and Owls that! on Thursday, August 27. Costs £5 per child and booking is essential. 

Runs from 2pm until 4pm and for more information or to book call 01702 477467.

7. Colchester Free Festival

Colchester Free Festival in its current guise is five years old this year and will be held over two days - Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30 - at Castle Park. 

For more information go to colchesterfreefestival.org.uk.

8. Family fun day

Braintree Rugby Club is holding a family fun day on Saturday, August 29 in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

There will be family touch rugby games, a bouncy castle and soft play zone, a ladies pamper zone (a separate area just for ladies with Pimms and Prosecco and the chance to get your nails done), a beer and cider tent, delicious food and live music.

Entry to the event is free and open to everyone (rugby is just a small part of the day) and wrist bands can be purchased for the bouncy castle zone either in advance or on the day.

9. Go Live! Reptiles and mini-beasts

Get up close and personal with a variety of amazing and unusual animals. Meet snakes and lizards as well as tortoises and giant spiders. 

Hosted by the Natural History Museum in Colchester High Street from 12pm until 4pm on Thursday, August 27. Costs £3, children under 2 go free. 

For more information go to www.cimuseums.org.uk.

10. Fun Day at The Green

Family entertainment to include bouncy castles, Punch and Judy, face painting, brass band, Zumba, dog show, craft stalls and various information stalls at the green in Southend Road, Billericay. 

It runs from 1pm until 4pm and entrance is free.