Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's On in Cumbria
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Decopatch
12th October-22nd November 2026
Venue: Rheged
Address: Redhills, Penrith, CA11 0DQ
Website: https://rheged.com/event/decopatch-2/?date=20261012
We are delighted to introduce our Décopatch workshop. With a selection of items to choose from ranging from farm animals, unicorns, masks, letters and more plus beautifully designed paper just take a...
Pick your own Pumpkins
12th-31st October 2026
Venue: Lakeland Maze Farm Park
Address: Sedgwick, Cumbria LA8 0JH
Website: https://www.lakelandmaze.co.uk/news/pumpkin-patch-2/
Wheelbarrows at the ready. There’s no picking from a shelf or box here, we have THOUSANDS of home grown pumpkins for you to choose from and you can pick them directly from the patch they were grown in...
Rookery Woods Adventure Play
12th October-22nd November 2026
Venue: Keswick Climbing Wall
Address: Goosewell Farm, Keswick CA12 4RN
Website: https://www.activity-centre.com/activities/rookery-woods/
Rookery Woods is an adventure play area designed for the younger adventurer and is ideal for anyone aged 8 and under! With Ziplines to Slides, Mazes to Soft Archery, Rookery Woods has so much to offer!...
Pumpkin Picking
13th-31st October 2026
Venue: Greystoke Castle
Address: Penrith, CA11 0TG
Website: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/event/120392
11am to 4pm. Bring the little ones along to pick their very own pumpkin, enjoy our Little Knights & Princesses Play Area, and make a proper family day of it in the castle grounds. £10 per child, pumpkin...
Stranger Folk at Wray
19th October-22nd November 2026
Venue: Wray Castle
Address: Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JA
Forget pumpkins and plastic fangs - this Halloween adventure crackles with old-world magic. Download our Stranger Folk app and begin an adventure inspired by British Folklore set against the dramatic backdrop...
Arty Activities for October Half Term
24th-31st October 2026
Venue: Abbot Hall
Address: Kendal, LA9 5AL
Website: https://lakelandarts.org.uk/events/arty-activities-for-october-half-term/
10am to 4pm. Join in with some free, arty activities at Abbot Hall this October Half Term. A mix of free creative activities invites families to explore textures, make leaf creatures, and follow trails...
Crafty October Half Term Activities at Blackwell
24th October-1st November 2026
Venue: Blackwell
Address: Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3JT
Website: https://lakelandarts.org.uk/events/crafty-october-half-term-activities-at-blackwell/
10am to 4pm. Enjoy some crafty activities this October half term inspired by the beautiful interiors of the house. Try Tissue Paper Flower Making, using the provided materials in the Guild Room, have a...
Drop-in Family Crafts
24th October-1st November 2026
Venue: Tullie
Address: Castle Street, Carlisle, CA3 8TP
Website: https://tullie.org.uk/events/drop-in-family-crafts-october-half-term-2026/
1 to 4pm. Get into the spooky spirit with our October half term drop-in craft sessions. With easy, family-friendly activities to enjoy each day of the half term, it’s the perfect way to tinker, make,...
Halloween Family Festival
24th October-1st November 2026
Venue: Muncaster Castle
Address: Ravenglass, CA18 1RQ
Website: https://www.muncaster.co.uk/halloweenfamilyfestival
Team Spook-caster is back this Halloween with even more pumpkin-fuelled fun and mayhem for all the family! This year's theme is Zombie and Boggles bringing a monstrously good mix of spooky surprises, live...
Little Scare-lings 2026
24th-31st October 2026
Venue: Dobbies Garden Centre
Address: Orton Grange, Carlisle , CA5 6LB
Website: https://events.dobbies.com/event-detail/?e=4434&v=0&r=v
You’re invited to a wonderfully spooky Halloween tea party – full of hands-on fun, a little bit of magic, and plenty of tasty treats. Book now for only £15 per child. Designed for families, this interactive...
October Half Term Activities at Windermere Jetty Museum
24th-31st October 2026
Venue: Windermere Jetty Museum
Address: Rayrigg Road, Bowness on Windermere, LA23 1BN
Website: https://lakelandarts.org.uk/events/halloween-half-term-activities-at-windermere-jetty-museum/
Join us at Windermere Jetty Museum for some Halloween themed October Half Term activities. Including Boathouse Spooky Stories and Cumbrian Halloween Crafting. Find out more at lakelandarts.org.uk.
Pumpkin Carving
25th-31st October 2026
Venue: Allan Bank and Grasmere
Address: Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9QB
Have a go at carving a spooky pumpkin this half-term at Allan Bank. Unleash your creative skills on one of the pumpkins for Halloween. We’ll prepare the pumpkins ready for you to get creative. All tools...
Halloween Pet Encounter
26th-27th October 2026
Venue: Beacon Museum
Address: West Strand, Whitehaven, CA28 7LY
Website: https://thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk/whats-on/halloween-pet-encounters-2026/
11am, 1pm, 3pm. Embark on an unforgettable Pet Encounter Experience where you can meet, greet and interact with some of the most adorable and fascinating animals. This hands-on adventure is perfect for...
Astro Norma
27th October 2026
Venue: The Victoria Wood Theatre
Address: Crag Brow, Windermere, LA23 3BX
Website: https://worldofbeatrixpotter.com/events/astro-norma
11am & 2pm. A musical comedy that’s out of this world! Join Astro Norma and her cosmic piano on a madcap, musical quest to find Grandpa’s lost star. But beware, the sneaky Silencer is hot on her trail,...
PJ Party Under the Moon
27th October 2026
Venue: Carlisle Cathedral
Address: Abbey St, Carlisle CA3 8TX
Website: https://carlislecathedral.org.uk/whats-on/#calendar
6.15 to 7.15pm. Come along in your favourite PJs for a cosy, creative and memorable evening beneath the moon. Children are invited to enjoy an enchanting evening of a story, games, craft and hot chocolate...
Comedy Club 4 Kids
28th October 2026
Venue: Theatre by the lake
Address: Lakeside, Keswick CA12 5DJ
Website: https://www.theatrebythelake.com/event/comedy-club-4-kids/
2pm. Cracking entertainment for everyone over six years old and under 400 years old (no vampires). Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international...
Claytime
29th October 2026
Venue: The Victoria Wood Theatre
Address: Crag Brow, Windermere, LA23 3BX
Website: https://worldofbeatrixpotter.com/events/claytime
11am & 2pm. Interactive theatre at its most engaging. Come to a place where the earth’s natural material meets with children’s imaginations, a world of fabulous forms, amazing animals and morphing...
Evening Bat Walks in Langdale
29th-30th October 2026
Venue: The Langdales
Address: Great Langdale, near Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JU
5.30 to 7pm. Head out for family-friendly bat and wildlife spotting adventures after dark with our Ranger team in Langdale. Taking place just after it gets dark, the time of day when Langdale’s bats...
Halloween Crafts: Clay Gargoyles
29th October 2026
Venue: Keswick Museum
Address: Station Road, Keswick, CA12 4NF
Website: https://keswickmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/event/halloween-crafts-clay-gargoyles-%F0%9F%91%BB/
10.30 to 11.30am. Get into the seasonal spirit and join us for spine-chilling Halloween crafts for families at Keswick Museum. Looking for a spooky seasonal activity with a crafty twist? Join our learning...
Halloween Silent Family Disco
29th October 2026
Venue: The Coro
Address: County Square, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7LZ
Website: https://www.thecoro.co.uk/event/halloween-silent-disco-family/
If you are looking for some spooky family fun over the October half-term, join us for a special Halloween musical party! We’ll have three petrifying playlists for you to choose from, and we’ll be ramping...
Michael Rosen: NICE!
29th October 2026
Venue: Theatre by the lake
Address: Lakeside, Keswick CA12 5DJ
Website: https://www.theatrebythelake.com/event/michael-rosen-nice/
3pm. Poetry legend Michael Rosen celebrates his 80th birthday with a brand-new live show! Michael looks back at a lifetime in poetry, performing beloved classics including Hot Food, No Breathing and Chocolate...
Boo at the Zoo
30th October 2026
Venue: Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
Address: Milnthorpe, LA7 7FE
6 to 9pm. Join us for a spooky evening of ghostly fun! With kid's fancy dress competition, local craft stalls selling handmade goods, late night animal feeds and talks, skull and bones table, some creepy...
Kids Halloween Party
30th October 2026
Venue: Greystoke Castle
Address: Penrith, CA11 0TG
Website: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/event/121749
2 to 5pm. Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon of Halloween fun! Join us for a fun-filled Kids Halloween Party. Come dressed as your favourite scary character and enjoy an afternoon of apple bobbing,...
Animals! Performance
31st October 2026
Venue: Windermere Jetty Museum
Address: Rayrigg Road, Bowness on Windermere, LA23 1BN
Website: https://lakelandarts.org.uk/events/animals-performance/
11am & 2pm. Everyone’s here for the Animals’ General Meeting but as usual one species hasn’t turned up, and it’s the species which has been causing all the trouble… the humans. Buzzard, Rabbit...
Carlisle Fireshow
31st October 2026
Venue: Bitts Park
Address: Dacre Rd, Carlisle CA3 8UZ
Website: https://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/events/carlisle-fireshow-2/
The sparkling event will start at 6.30pm and will be the 37th Fireshow event to be held. It is the biggest event in the region expected to attract more than 35,000 spectators. This year’s event is organised...
Nick Cope’s Family Show
31st October 2026
Venue: Brewery Arts
Address: 122A Highgate, Kendal LA9 4HE
Website: https://www.breweryarts.co.uk/event/nick-copes-family-show/
11am & 2pm. Come and join Nick Cope for a brand new, delightful family concert, featuring all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more. Nick has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique...
Bonfire Night Fireworks Display
5th November 2026
Venue: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa
Address: Low Wood Bay, Ambleside Road, Windermere, LA23 1LP
Website: https://englishlakes.co.uk/events/2026-bonfire-night-at-low-wood-bay-resort-spa/
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa will be hosting our annual fireworks display to mark Bonfire night. There will be several options from which to choose and experience this special night. Whether you’re viewing...
Community Fireworks & Bonfire
6th November 2026
Venue: Coniston Sports & Social Centre
Address: Shepherds Bridge Lane, Coniston
Entry by donation. Doors open at 4pm, bonfire & BBQ from 6pm and fireworks at 7pm. No alcohol to be brought onto site.
Fireworks Extravaganza & Bonfire
7th November 2026
Venue: Windermere RUFC
Address: Dawes Meadow, Longlands Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3AS
Gates Open 5.30pm. Entertainment includes three live bands, three bars, fire eater, street food, ice cream van and more! Tickets £8 Adult, £4 child (aged 5 to 14), £20 for a family, 2 adults and 2 children....
Wildlife Kids' Club
19th November 2026
Venue: Cold Springs Nature Reserve
Address: Penrith, CA11 8EY
Website: https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2026-11-19-wildlife-kids-club
5 to 6.30pm. Join us as we explore the outdoors with nature spotting, foraging and bushcraft. Suitable for children, young people and families, on the third Thursday of each month we will explore the outdoors...
Craft Workshop: Make a Patch for your Backpack
20th-22nd November 2026
Venue: Abbot Hall
Address: Kendal, LA9 5AL
Website: https://lakelandarts.org.uk/events/craft-workshop-make-a-patch-for-your-backpack/
11.30am to 1.30pm. Mark your latest mountaineering achievement – or your Kendal Mountain Festival weekend – by creating your very own embroidered patch to add to your backpack. Adults and children...
Ambleside Community Christmas Lights
21st November 2026
Venue: Ambleside
Address: Cumbria
Website: https://www.amblesidechristmaslights.com/
The event began as a simple community celebration, centered on Santa casting his magic dust to switch on the lights and illuminate our town through the darker winter months. We are returning to those traditional...
Charming
26th November-5th December 2026
Venue: West Walls Theatre
Address: West Walls, Carlisle, CA3 8UB
Website: https://www.carlislegreenroom.uk/event/charming/
It is the night of the ball and Prince Charming has just been told he is to find a wife by his mother, the Queen. Little does she know his heart belongs to someone a little closer to home. A tale of secrets,...
A Town Called Christmas
8th-27th December 2026
Venue: Theatre by the lake
Address: Lakeside, Keswick CA12 5DJ
Website: https://www.theatrebythelake.com/event/a-town-called-christmas/
Far away, beyond the snow, and nestled in a perfect nook you’ll find a town called Christmas. Clementine dreams of a place where gingerbread houses glow under twinkling fairy-lights, and chocolate coins...
Santa's Best Christmas Ever
10th December 2026
Venue: Rosehill Theatre
Address: Moresby, Whitehaven, CA28 6SE
Website: https://www.rosehilltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/santas-best-christmas-ever
4pm. The show where every child gets a special present from Santa! Following last year’s sell-out performances of Santa’s Christmas Party, Honalee Media are delighted to present a new Christmas show,...
Pinnochio
12th-31st December 2026
Venue: Upfront Puppet Theatre
Address: Unthank, Near Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith, CA11 9TG
Website: https://up-front.com/event/pinnochio/
The production uses a combination of long stringed marionettes performed from our two mobile bridges and rod puppets worked from our puppeteer’s pit beneath the floor of the stage. The story about a...
The 2026 UVHS Christmas Festival
16th December 2026
Venue: The Coro
Address: County Road, Ulverston LA12 7LZ
Website: https://www.thecoro.co.uk/event/the-2026-uvhs-christmas-festival/
7.30pm. The annual Christmas spectacular from UVHS – a festive feast of musical entertainment including audience carols and seasonal readings, from one of the country’s most celebrated and successful...
Frozen Party
19th December 2026
Venue: Rosehill Theatre
Address: Moresby, Whitehaven, CA28 6SE
Website: https://www.rosehilltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/frozen-party
10am. Join us for an unforgettable screening of Disney’s much-loved modern classic, Frozen, complete with a mystery appearance from someone very special. Perfect for families and young fans, this relaxed...
The Elves & The Shoemaker!
19th-28th December 2026
Venue: Brewery Arts
Address: 122A Highgate, Kendal LA9 4HE
Website: https://www.breweryarts.co.uk/event/the-elves-the-shoemaker/
Presented by Exeter Northcott Theatre and Paddleboat Theatre Company. In the nooks and crannies of the old Shoemaker’s shop live the Elves. These cheeky stowaways live off the odds and ends left behind...
The Gingerbread Boy
19th-24th December 2026
Venue: The Victoria Wood Theatre
Address: Crag Brow, Windermere, LA23 3BX
Website: https://victoriawoodtheatre.com/whats-on/the-gingerbread-boy
On Christmas Eve, a boy made of gingerbread and his new friend Blake race into a magical adventure packed with laughter, songs, surprises and festive fun - with a special visit from Santa himself! Every...
WADAMS: Cinderella
26th-30th December 2026
Venue: Carnegie Theatre
Address: Finkle Street, Workington, CA14 2BD
WADAMS returns with their traditional family pantomime – Cinderella! Many years ago, in a bustling kingdom, a kind young girl named Cinderella lived under the watchful eye of her cruel Stepmother and...
Pinocchio
28th December-3rd January 2026
Venue: Theatre by the lake
Address: Lakeside, Keswick CA12 5DJ
Website: https://www.theatrebythelake.com/event/pinocchio-2/
Steve Tiplady, as Geppetto, uses the objects of a carpenter’s workshop to tell the tale of the puppet that wants to be a real boy, and the puppet-maker who wants to be a real father. Pinocchio is carved...
The Dinosaur That Pooped
17th January 2027
Venue: The Sands Centre
Address: Carlisle, CA1 1JQ
Website: https://betterboxoffice.co.uk/the-sands-centre/whats-on/tom-fletchers-the-dinosaur-that-pooped
When Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the...
Jack and the Beanstalk
27th-30th January 2027
Venue: The Coro
Address: County Road, Ulverston LA12 7LZ
Website: https://www.thecoro.co.uk/event/jack-and-the-beanstalk/
Presented by Ulverston Pantomime Society. The story of the dopey son of the poor family who attempts to sell the family cow to raise money for food. Jack is fooled by a passing wizard to sell the cow for...