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 Essex
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Mother Goose
22nd November-18th January 2026
Venue: Mercury Theatre
Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk
Expect breath-taking sets, dazzling costumes, side-splitting comedy and plenty of Mercury magic in this eggs-traordinary festive treat for the whole family. So flock to the box office, grab your golden...
Jigsaw Performing Arts Brentford
24th November-1st February 2026
Venue: Becket Keys Secondary School, Sawyers Hall Ln
Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk
From babies as young as 6 months to teens of 18, Jigsaw's wide range of classes offers something for every budding performer. Join them this term and let your child take centre stage. Their journey in...
Mythical Creatures
24th November-1st February 2026
Venue: Colchester Castle
Website: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle
Embark on a magical story quest through folklore and legend, where you’ll meet a Dragon, Unicorn, Griffin, and Mermaid brought to life through curious, enchanted objects. Inspired by medieval tales,...
Sweet and Sour: The Ultimate Tribute to Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo
17th January 2026
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk
Get ready for a night of pop anthems, heartbreak hits, and fierce rival vibes at Sweet and Sour – the ultimate Olivia Rodrigo vs. Sabrina Carpenter tribute show! Featuring a powerhouse live band and...
Creative Education: Technical Theatre (8-12)
29th January 2026
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk
Workshop designed for creative 8–12-year-olds, explore how lighting and sound can bring stories to life on stage. Through hands-on activities and discussions, learn how technical theatre elements help...
Sing-A-Long-A The Greatest Showman
31st January 2026
Venue: Palace Theatre Southend
Website: https://trafalgartickets.com
From the producers of Singalonga Sound of Music it's the smash hit film musical that everyone can’t stop singing! Cheer on Hugh Jackman, lust after Zac Efron as you experience The Greatest Showman in...
Taylormania
1st February 2026
Venue: Charter Hall
Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk
An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis, a talented ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises...
Crafty Fools: Adventures In Science
7th February 2026
Venue: Colchester Arts Centre
Website: www.colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com
Join ‘The Magical Mr West’ on an incredible adventure into the world of science! Aided by his corvid companion Crowbert Mr West demonstrates the fundamental principles of scientific enquiry and tackles...
SPACE Ilford: Free Exhibitions, Workshops and School Visits
17th June 2026
Website: spacestudios.org.uk/family-activities/
Free gallery exhibitions, workshops and school visits Free exhibitions / performances Robert Cervera: Hiddenware – free exhibition, on now until 15 April 2026 Alan Abrahams: Transitions –...