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!
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Make Christmas magical with Colchester Castle’s festive experiences!
15th November 2025
Experience the magic of Christmas at Colchester Castle This December, Colchester Castle invites families to step into a world of festive wonder. From sparkling lights to joyful laughter, our enchanting Christmas events promise unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages. Children can meet Father...
This is Christmas, turned all the way up – at Lakeside!
14th November 2025
Get ready to turn it up this festive season, because Lakeside Shopping Centre is where Christmas comes alive. Turn up style! - From winter wardrobe must-haves to the ultimate gifting inspiration, explore over 220 stores packed with fashion, beauty, and everything you need to sleigh your festive look. Turn...
Make a Splash with Confidence at Leisure World Colchester!
13th November 2025
Swimming is more than just a fun activity it’s a vital life skill that keeps children safe around water. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a pool party, or a family holiday, knowing how to swim can make all the difference in an emergency. That’s why starting lessons early is so important. At...
A Christmas Journey at Old MacDonald’s Farm
12th November 2025
Save 15% when you book over seven days in advance. Treat your little ones to a magical Christmas experience they’ll never forget! Old MacDonald's Farm presents... A Christmas Journey, a perfect family day out jam-packed with holiday magic! Visit for a festive extravaganza. Here's a sneak...
Free Skills Bootcamps for careers in early years
10th November 2025
If you're thinking about a career change or returning to work, consider the childminding and early years Skills Bootcamps offered by Essex County Council and delivered by The International Education Group, supported by the Essex Year of Opportunity. The Skills Bootcamps are fully funded for Essex...
Aladdin Flies into Chelmsford Theatre for a Magical Family Pantomime Adventure!
8th November 2025
Flying into Chelmsford Theatre from 28th November - 4th January is their 2025 pantomime with all the ingredients of a perfect family Christmas treat When Aladdin and his friends innocently get embroiled in a wicked sorcerer's plan for world domination, things seem hopeless. But with the help of...
Santa's North Pole Adventure
6th November 2025
Join Santa and his elves at the North Pole for a festive tale filled with fun, laughter and a touch of mischief, from 13th - 24th December. It's been a busy season for the elves, who have just graduated from Elf School and are now expert present packers and present stackers. Everything is going...
Celebrate the Festive Season at the Your Billericay Late Night Light Up Event
3rd November 2025
Get ready for one of the most magical evenings of the year as Your Billericay’s Late Night Light Up event arrives on Thursday 27th November, from 5pm to 9pm throughout Billericay High Street and surrounding streets. The Late Night Light Up event celebrates community spirit, festive fun, and...
Businesses Bring Christmas To Brentwood, Shenfield And Ingatestone High Streets
21st October 2025
Three free festive events will take place in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone High Streets this November and December, from Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID), funded by town centre businesses in the three town centres, and supported by Brentwood Borough Council. On Saturday...
For festive fun, hold a Reindeer Run!
11th October 2025
1 November - 22 December The Reindeer Run is a sponsored run, jog or walk for nurseries, schools and youth groups, that raises money for Farleigh Hospice. Getting involved couldn’t be easier: you pick the date, distance and location and Farleigh will provide everything else to make your event...
Enjoy over 24,000 courses for free with Essex Library Service!
7th October 2025
Did you know an Essex library card unlocks career growth, creative skills, new hobbies and personal wellness? With a library card, members can enjoy access to over 24,000 expert-led courses on a fantastic range of topics through LinkedIn Learning, completely free of charge. Boasting around 60 new...
Shrek The Musical – This Christmas at Charter Hall!
1st October 2025
Make this Christmas one to remember as Shrek The Musical takes to the stage at Charter Hall, Colchester! Starring television favourite Danny John-Jules (Red Dwarf, Death in Paradise) as the hilarious Donkey, alongside the hugely talented Joseph Rawlings as the mighty Shrek, this festive family spectacular...
Sleeping Beauty at Harlow Playhouse
30th September 2025
Let the magic unfold this Christmas with the enchanting pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty'. In the kingdom of ‘Harlowtopia’ far, far away, a beautiful princess awaits her true love's kiss to awaken her. But beware! The wicked fairy Carabosse has cast a spell, and only the bravest...
Sleeping Beauty – The Pantomime of Your Dreams!
16th September 2025
Towngate Theatre and Evolution Productions are thrilled to bring you this year’s magical pantomime – Sleeping Beauty! Following the ★★★★★ success of Jack and the Beanstalk, our 2025–26 panto promises sparkling fun, side-splitting laughter and plenty of audience participation...