HERE are some of the best places for a family day out in south Essex.

This has been selected through Tripadvisor and is listed in no particular order.

1. Adventure Island, Southend:

Adventure Island is a very popular theme park situated on Southend seafront.

It has more than 40 rides and attractions including the Rage rollercoaster.

The theme park is rated 4.5 out of five on Tripadvisor and has thousands of positive reviews.

One visitor wrote: “Absolutely brilliant day out. Friendly staff, reasonably priced food and drink, great selection of rides, and manageable queues. We can’t wait to go back.”

Another said: “We don’t live far from Adventure Island, and we feel very lucky to have such a brilliant theme park right on our doorstep. We had a brilliant time, as we always do.”

A third added: “We have just bought the annual passes and it is a great day out. I must say, the staff are always brilliant too, so enthusiastic and engaging with the kids.”

2. Southend Pier and Railway, Southend:

Southend Pier is a major landmark in the city, and more recently won Pier of the Year.

There are a number of things to do on Southend Pier, including Crazy Golf, visit the Pier Museum, hop on the Pier Railway, as well as Jetstream Tours.

This landmark is also rated four out of five on Tripadvisor and is also the Travellers’ Choice in 2022.

One review stated: “Really awesome trip. Very friendly people and full of fun. Biggest surprise was spotting the seals. We will definitely go back.”

Another wrote: “The pier is Southend’s best-known feature, and it doesn’t’ disappoint. Visitors can either walk the full length of it, a pleasant experience, or enjoy the pier’s own railway with its lovely little carriages.”

A third added: “We had a fantastic ride on the train. The train is clean and runs smoothly.”

3. Barleylands Farm Park, Billericay:

Barleylands Farm Park is packed with excitement as so much to do whatever the weather.

You can say hello to the farmyard animals, watch bird and prey displays, as well as run wild in the indoor play area.

One review stated: “It is such a lovely farm. You can feed the animals and there is lots of demos and show. There is a lovely soft play too.”

Another wrote: “Absolutely lovely farm. The staff are so accommodating. Couldn’t recommend this farm park enough.”

A third added: “I love this farm park and have visited many times. Animals and staff are happy and friendly.”

4. Escape Live Southend – Escape Rooms:

Escape Live is an Escape Game for groups of two to six people located in Southend.

You have 60 minutes to complete a mountain of puzzles and mysteries. The aim is simple, get out before it is too late.

One review stated: “Have visited Escape Live in Southend twice in the last year and had so much fun both times.

“Our hosts really added to the excitement and were so welcoming.”

Another wrote: “First time doing an escape room. Really well run and everyone had run. There was something for everyone to contribute. Definitely recommend.”

A third added: “Amazing experience.”