A great place to visit with the kids is Wings Café at North Weald airfield. They have a good outdoor seating area with plenty of play equipment for the kids including 2 trampolines..  You can sit and enjoy the aircraft flying by as its on the side of the runway.
There is usually lots going on in the airfield with planes and helicopters taking off. while having a coffee or something to eat.  If it’s not such a nice day you can sit in the coffee lounge watching the aircraft The café serves a variety of styles, including Breakfast, British Fast Food, Italian, Sandwiches and Vegetarian. The food is freshly cooked to order. Take a look at the menu here Open 9.30am – 4 pm 7 days a week. Hangar 4 Adjacent, North Weald Airfield Epping Tel:  01992 523588