A Saturday with the Kids

Bond Street brings the family day together, with step-free routes, easy underground parking and something for every age.

At a glance

ParkingFamily parkingunderground

RoutesStep-free

FoodFor all ages

ShoppingChildren's shoes and toys

CinemaEveryman family clubs

An easy day, whatever their age

Park underground, use the family spaces at the rear of the car park and take the lift straight to the main level. From there, choose what works for your children.

Babies and toddlers

Step-free routes, baby-change and morning cinema clubs at Everyman.

Younger children

Pocket-money toys at Flying Tiger, children's shoes at Schuh and new stories at Foyles.

Older children

Young Adult fiction and Manga at Foyles, gifts at Oliver Bonas and daytime games at Boom Battle Bar before heading back.

Family dining

Food for every appetite

Bill's

Highchairs, colouring sheets and a build-your-own Pancake Parlour for children.

Wagamama

Kids' bento boxes, mini chicken katsu and activity sheets, in the largest Wagamama in Essex.

Giggling Squid

A "Squidlets" menu for younger Thai food fans.

Mowgli

Child-friendly Indian home and street food, with tiffins and sharing plates.

ASK Italian

Easy wins like the build-your-own Happy Face Pizza, pasta and garlic bread.

Prezzo

A children's menu with classic cheese and tomato pizza or bolognese.

Las Iguanas

Latin American choices for children, from burgers to a mild curry and churros.

Songs

A world buffet where younger eaters can choose their own plate.

For growing families

Shops for growing families

John Lewis

Three floors, with Kids' Gifts and toys including LEGO on the Ground Floor, Childrenswear and Kids' Shoes on Level 1, plus children's shoe fitting, nursery advice, baby-change and a Parents' Room.

Schuh

Children's shoes from big names including Nike, adidas, Converse and Vans, for girls and boys.

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

A stop for small toys, craft kits and pocket-money treats, all affordably priced.

Foyles

A bright bookshop across two levels, with a children's section and sofas upstairs, plus Young Adult and Manga for older readers.

Oliver Bonas

Design-led gifts and small treats that make easy presents.

A touch of magic

Bubbling Burkes

A shop for potions, spells, mystery gift boxes and licensed Harry Potter merchandise, including wands, collectibles and wizarding-world gifts. There is also a touch of Lord of the Rings, Wednesday and, soon, Stranger Things, plus takeaway Chocolate Frog Hot Chocolate and Butterscotch Beer, hot or cold.

Things to do

Everyman

Watch a family film from a sofa, with food and drink to your seat. Look out for Family Film Club, Baby Club and Toddler Club screenings.

What's on at Everyman (opens in a new tab)

A family film from the sofas at the Everyman, Bond Street Chelmsford

Boom Battle Bar

Daytime family games include Crazier Golf, Augmented Reality Darts and Shuffleboard, with street food and mocktails for children. Under-18s are welcome before 7pm with an adult; axe throwing is adults only.

More on the doorstep

Riverside Leisure Centre

A few minutes' walk away, Riverside Leisure Centre has separate soft play zones for under-3s and ages 3 to 7, a 10m learner pool, splash zone and flume, public ice skating and swimming, plus adult seating and accessible facilities including pods, hoist and platform.

Visit Riverside Leisure Centre (opens in a new tab)

Soft play and the learner pool at Riverside Leisure Centre, Chelmsford

Good to know

Where should we park?

Use the 24-hour underground car park directly beneath the shops, with family spaces at the rear and lifts to the main level.

Is Bond Street buggy-friendly?

Yes. It is on one level and step-free, making it easy with a buggy or wheelchair.

Where can we change a baby?

John Lewis has a Parents’ Room and baby-change, and the restaurants also have baby-change facilities.

How do we get here?

Enter from the High Street or the riverside; Chelmsford station is about a ten-minute walk away.

Can we bring the dog?

Yes. Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere; pet dogs are welcome across the streets and riverside and in many shops and restaurants, with a dog menu at Bill's.

More ways to visit