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
To search the listings, enter a keyword, location and/or date in the boxes below.
When entering a location, select the best location match from the list that appears, then click Go.
Click here to clear your search.
The New Adventures of Peter Pan
23rd November-19th January 2025
Venue: Mercury Theatre
Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk
Colchester’s favourite pantomime Neverland bursts to life in a spectacular production. The New Adventures of Peter Pan promises to be an awe-inspiring spectacle with the perfect blend of breath-taking...
Great Notley Country Park Junior Parkrun
25th November-3rd February 2025
Venue: Great Notley Country Park
Website: www.explore-essex.com
Join this free, weekly 2k run aimed specifically at juniors aged 4 to 14 years-old. Parkrun organise free, weekly, 2km timed runs around the world for children. They are open to everyone and take place...
Gruffalo Trail
25th November-3rd February 2025
Venue: Thorndon Country Park
Website: www.essexwt.org.uk/visit/nature-trail/gruffalo
Discover the magic of the deep dark wood with this self-led trail searching for the amazing hand crafted carvings of the Gruffalo characters. No booking required and the pathways are buggy friendly.
High Ropes Quiet Sessions
25th November-3rd February 2025
Venue: Nuclear High Ropes
Website: www.nuclearhighropes.co.uk
Embark on a uniquely tailored adventure where tranquility meets thrilling heights! The exclusive Quiet Sessions have been thoughtfully designed to cater to individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN),...
Jigsaw Performing Arts
25th November-3rd February 2025
Venue: Chelmsford and Brentwood
Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk
Jigsaw's singing, dance and drama classes are dedicated to boosting confidence, improving social and communication skills and are lots of fun! Find your place to belong this autumn, and have the chance...
Kids for a Quid
25th November-3rd February 2025
Venue: Epping Ongar Railway
Website: www.eorailway.co.uk
Keep the kids entertained on a day out with a steam and hauled heritage train service when Child tickets are just £1! Tickets offer unlimited travel on heritage steam and diesel trains and vintage London...
Laser Tag Parties
25th November-3rd February 2025
Venue: Laser Mayhem
Website: www.laser-mayhem.co.uk
Offering Laser Tag from 7+ years and Mini-Paintball from ages 8-13. Laser Mayhem activities are perfect to keep up those team bonds. The large party rooms are ideal and they also offer food packages. Call...
Little Monkeys Sessions
25th November-3rd February 2025
Venue: Nuclear High Ropes
Website: www.nuclearhighropes.co.uk
The new High Ropes Little Monkeys Sessions are crafted with your comfort in mind, offering access to the lower high ropes levels where you can build confidence at your own pace. Conquer your fears and...
Northlands Junior Parkrun
25th November-3rd February 2025
Venue: Northlands Park
Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/northlands-juniors
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9am. Free to join but you must register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun so go along and...
SEN Club
25th November-3rd February 2025
Venue: Time and Space in Battlesbridge
Website: www.facebook.com/sen.club.2024
SEN Club is a lively, fun club for children with special needs and their families. Activities include Lego, biscuit decorating, crafts and toys, the children also enjoy parachute games to music and a lovely...
Try a free Perform Class
25th November-3rd February 2025
Venue: Various venues
Website: www.perform.org.uk/try
Packed with fun drama-based games, singing and dancing, sessions allow reserved children to come out of their shell and give energetic children the perfect outlet to express themselves. Every child is...
Young Farmers Club
25th November-3rd February 2025
Venue: Lambourne End
Website: www.lambourne-end.org.uk/youngfarmersclub
The young farmers will be in a group of 12 and led by one member of staff along with additional team leader volunteers. The club aims to provide opportunities for young people to develop and participate...
Winter Reading Challenge
2nd January-22nd February 2025
Venue: Various venues
Website: www.libraries.essex.gov.uk
Kids will take part in various exciting challenges ranging from reading to creating art to acting! They’ll choose from 12 challenges, and as they complete them, they’ll earn stickers to help the dragons...
Taylormania
19th January 2025
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...
Colchester Operatic Society – The Little Mermaid
31st January-9th February 2025
Venue: Mercury Theatre
Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk
Let Colchester Operatic Society take you on an ‘under the sea’ musical adventure following the timeless tale of Ariel, a spirited young mermaid, who longs to be part of the human world. But transforming...
Pop Princesses
2nd February 2025
Venue: Towngate Theatre
Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk
A magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars. They just love to sing! Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and Lizzo,...