Join us for these hands-on gardening sessions where you will help to plant with wildlife friendly herbs, flowers and vegetables for the season ahead and create some earth inspired art.

Learn how to care for plants and our native wild while connecting with the outdoors with nature inspired arts and crafts.

Most suitable for 4 – 11 years, but all ages welcome. Caregivers are required to stay on site throughout the activities.

Gardening activities will mostly take place outside although some activities may happen indoors. Please make sure those taking part in activities are dressed appropriately for the weather.

Our Holiday Fun activities are for families facing economic challenges or who require additional support during the school holidays, including those that qualify for benefits-based free school meals.

Holiday Fun is designed in partnership with African Families in the UK, Bangladeshi Women’s Association Essex, and Level Best Enterprises.

Find out more about Holiday Fun.

How to book

Scroll down to book your spaces.

Early bird tickets are on sale from 9am on Tue 20 Oct 2026. More tickets will be released three days in advance of each session.

Bookings can be made by selecting a date at the bottom of this page, or by calling 01206 713 700. Spaces are limited, offered on a first come, first served basis.

How to get to Firstsite

Please note there is no parking available at Firstsite, however there are car parks nearby, and Colchester Town Centre is well serviced by public transport. How to get here

If you can no longer attend your booking…

If you contact us 24 hours before the event your space can be made available for another family. Thank you!

Explore more of Holiday Fun

Get creative with all the family in our art drop-in activities, plus children can take part in our Holiday Fun movement activities – find out more and book here