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 Lancashire
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Blackpool Illuminations 2026
4th September-3rd January 2027
Venue: The Promenade
Website: www.visitlancashire.com/events/
The world-famous Illuminations need little introduction. With six miles of traditional festoons, tableaux and interactive features along the Promenade, Blackpool’s annual Illuminations display will once...
Stranger Folk
2nd October-1st November 2026
Venue: Rufford Old Hall
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/rufford-old-hall/events/
Go on a quest with the Stranger Folk app this October and explore Rufford Old Hall through folk tales and interactive games. The app is designed for children aged 7-12 and can be downloaded for free from...
Of Mice and Men
9th October 2026
Venue: Darwen Library Theatre
Website: bwdvenues.com/whats-on/
Set against the harsh backdrop of the Great Depression, Of Mice and Men is the story of George and Lennie, two friends with a simple dream: to own a farm and live off the fat of the land. Starring Nigel...
Sing The Musicals
10th October 2026
Venue: King George's Hall
Website: bwdvenues.com/whats-on/
The national tour of some of the greatest musicals of all time performed by a sensational live band and character singers. A giant screen with sing-along lyrics make this a must-see show of 2026.
Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptians
15th-18th October 2026
Venue: Blackpool Grand Theatre
Website: www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
Prepare yourselves for two amazing shows with Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and eye-popping 3D special effects, these astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children.
The North West Bird Watching Festival
17th-18th October 2026
Venue: WWT Martin Mere
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/whats-on/events/north-west-bird-watching-festival
The North West Bird Watching Festival celebrates the migratory species that visit during the autumn and winter. Open from 8am, watch the spectacle of thousands of geese leave the roost before heading for...
Story & Rhyme Time
21st October 2026
Venue: The Atkinson
Website: theatkinson.co.uk/events/story-rhyme-time/
Explore stories through rhyme and help develop your child’s language and communication skills while meeting other parents and carers. Together with the friendly librarians, babies and under-fives will...
Glowtots: A Showtots Special
22nd October 2026
Venue: Showtown
Website: www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/whats-on/events/glowtots
Got a little one aged 0–4? Visit for Glowtots, a fun, light-themed Showtots as part of Lightpool Festival! Get hands on and explore the sensory-filled session designed with your little ones in mind....
Halloween In Concert
22nd October 2026
Venue: Winter Gardens Blackpool
Website: www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/
As darkness falls across the land, the incredible cast and live band take to the stage. With stunning visuals and state-of-the-art production, this brand-new concert spectacular unleashes a thrilling crescendo...
Scarecrow Festival at Rufford 2026
23rd October-8th November 2026
Venue: Rufford Old Hall
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/rufford-old-hall/events/
Visit this October for the popular scarecrow festival, where this year's theme is 'Rufford Rocks: pop stars and music legends'! Enjoy a family day out as you explore the garden and woods in search of scarecrows....
Spooked: Scooby-Doo (PG) - Dress-Up Screening
23rd October 2026
Venue: The Dukes
Website: dukeslancaster.org/whats-on
Scooby-Dooby-Doo! It is time for a dress-up screening. Whether you visit disguised as an old lady or Shaggy, be prepared for this spooky ride! The gang must crack the case, save themselves and, possibly,...
Halloween Xplorer Challenge
24th October-1st November 2026
Venue: Brockholes Nature Reserve
Website: www.lancswt.org.uk/events/2026-10-24-halloween-xplorer-challenge-brockholes-nature-reserve
Xplorer Challenge is back! Explore Brockholes, find the markers, complete the challenge and have fun together! Xplorer is the perfect outdoor activity to get the whole family outside in the fresh air together....
October Half Term at Affinity Lancashire
24th-31st October 2026
Venue: Affinity Lancashire in Fleetwood
Website: affinitylancashire.com
Get ready for a spooktacular week of free family events at Affinity Lancashire! Meet the Creepy Before Christmas crew and join in with the Silent Halloween Bash and Glitter Goo Lab. With free parking,...
Pressed Flower Pumpkin Decorating Workshop
24th October 2026
Venue: Rufford Old Hall
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/rufford-old-hall/events/
This autumn, join local artist Lisa to create pressed flower decorated pumpkins resulting in beautiful keepsakes to enjoy for the season and beyond. All materials are provided and your decorated pumpkin...
Pumpkin Carving at Brockholes
24th-31st October 2026
Venue: Brockholes Nature Reserve
Website: www.lancswt.org.uk/events/2026-10-24-pumpkin-carving-brockholes
Choose your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and get creative by carving your own design! The cosy Halloween display on the floating village, complete with a rustic picket fence, straw and hay bales,...
Pumpkins in the Park
24th-25th October 2026
Venue: Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens
Website: lowtherpavilion.co.uk/shows/pumpkins-in-the-park-an-october-family-fun-weekend/
A weather-proof family event with undercover activities, covered crafts market stalls, pumpkin carving, crafts, games, and more. There's plenty of autumn-themed fun for all ages. Stalls and events from...
SUPER Natural - October Half Term 2026
24th October-1st November 2026
Venue: WWT Martin Mere
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/whats-on/events/super-natural-october-half-term-2026
Discover a family-friendly Halloween adventure. Perfect for younger children, this magical experience offers a scare-free day out in nature. With charming wildlife, seasonal creativity and plenty of outdoor...
Halloween Critters Guided Walk
25th October 2026
Venue: Brockholes Nature Reserve
Website: www.lancswt.org.uk/events/2026-10-25-halloween-critters-guided-walk-sun-25-october
Visit Brockholes this half term and look for Halloween critters on this family-friendly walk. The walk is at a gentle pace with lots of stopping to look for bugs and spiders! Route suitable for prams....
Animal Encounters
26th October 2026
Venue: Barton Grange Garden Centre
Website: www.visitlancashire.com/events/animal-encounters
Children will have a hands-on opportunity to meet, learn about, and get up close to a variety of animals, including spiders, snakes and other fascinating creatures. This interactive experience is perfect...
October Half-Term Theatre Camp (Ages 7+)
26th-30th October 2026
Venue: Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens
Website: lowtherpavilion.co.uk/shows/october-half-term-theatre-camp-ages-7/
Looking for a creative and engaging half-term activity for your child? With experienced tutors, small classes and plenty of fun, these camps create memorable holiday experiences that inspire creativity...
Spooks In Space
26th October 2026
Venue: Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens
Website: lowtherpavilion.co.uk
Climb aboard for a laugh-filled space adventure with Magic Light Productions! Spooks in Space mixes amazing magic, glowing UV puppets, and interactive comedy. Perfect for families with children aged 3–11,...
Crown Ballet presents: Swan Lake
27th October 2026
Venue: Lancaster Grand Theatre
Website: lancastergrand.co.uk
Crown Ballet® is proud to present a breathtaking new staging of Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky’s iconic masterpiece of romance, mystery, and classic ballet beauty. Follow Prince Siegfried as he encounters the...
October Half-Term Art Adventures - Paper Lantern Decorating
27th October 2026
Venue: Lancaster City Museum
Website: www.lancaster.gov.uk/museums
Visit this half term to decorate your own paper lantern! Perfect for Halloween, Diwali or Light-up Lancaster. Create your own design - the only limit is your imagination! Suitable for all ages. Book in...
FREEZIN’
28th October 2026
Venue: The Atkinson
Website: www.theatkinson.co.uk
When the wicked Jack Frost sweeps into the kingdom and casts a spell of eternal winter, fountains freeze, forests frost over and the Royal Palace is plunged into chaos! With his icy powers growing stronger...
Let’s Get Printing with Phoebe Foxtrot
28th October 2026
Venue: The Harris
Website: theharris.org.uk/product/phoebe-foxtrot/
Unleash your creativity at The Harris this October half term with local illustrator Phoebe Foxtrot. Phoebe will guide you to create your own custom repeating designs using the textured art of collagraphy,...
October Half Term Spooky Crafts
28th October 2026
Venue: Gawthorpe Hall
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/gawthorpe-hall/events/
Take your little witches and wizards for some Halloween crafty fun at Gawthorpe Hall. Have a go at making your own spooky woolly ghost to take home and keep. Explore the Hall and see if you can spot the...
Wonders of Our Universe – The Next Chapter
28th October 2026
Venue: Blackburn Empire Theatre
Website: blackburnempire.com
Designed for both returning fans and first-time explorers, The Next Chapter dives deeper, illuminating the mysteries of space and time. Astrophysicist Ian Hall FRAS makes the most mind-bending ideas feel...
Books Alive! Festival of Stories
29th-30th October 2026
Venue: The Atkinson
Website: theatkinson.co.uk/events/books-alive-festival-of-stories/
Books Alive! brings storytelling, creativity and family fun to Southport in this free family festival. Festival of Stories brings together authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers for two days...
Halloween Ghost Trains
29th-31st October 2026
Venue: East Lancashire Railway
Website: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
Board the Scream Train and solve the mystery of the Swamp Monster of Irwell Vale! Something very strange is happening along the tracks of the East Lancashire Railway this Halloween… Join Zombie Bob and...
Magic & Mayhem: Kids Party
29th October 2026
Venue: Showtown
Website: www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/whats-on/family-activities/magic-mayhem-kids-party
Step into a glowing world of colour! As part of Lightpool Festival, the popular party returns with dazzling tricks, circus fun and plenty of dancing. Children’s entertainer Adrian Catch leads an hour...
Trick and Treat Circus
29th October 2026
Venue: Darwen Library Theatre
Website: bwdvenues.com/whats-on/
Combining the comedy of pantomime with the thrill of the circus, this hour-long spooktacular is perfect entertainment for the October half-term holidays. With family-friendly characters, rib-tickling laughter,...
Wild Magic at The Hive
29th October 2026
Venue: The Hive at Moss Bank Park
Website: www.lancswt.org.uk/events/2026-10-29-wild-magic-hive
Calling all witches and wizards, goblins and ghouls! Using natural materials, you can design an enchanted cloak, build your very own broomstick from scratch, create magical wild potions and make a wand...
Fun for Little Ones: A Tribute to Ms Rachel
30th October 2026
Venue: The Atkinson
Website: www.theatkinson.co.uk
Get ready for singing, dancing, giggles and non-stop fun as the magic of Ms Rachel comes to life on stage in an interactive, high-energy live tribute performance made just for little ones and their grown-ups!...
Construction Club
31st October 2026
Venue: The Atkinson
Website: theatkinson.co.uk/events/construction-club/
Calling all young inventors, creators, and builders! Unleash your imagination with a massive supply of LEGO® bricks. Every last Saturday of each month. Admission is free, but spaces are limited.
Halloween Family Fun and Bonfire
31st October 2026
Venue: Brockholes Nature Reserve
Website: www.lancswt.org.uk/events/2026-10-31-halloween-family-fun-and-bonfire
Get ready for a fantastic family-friendly Halloween evening packed with entertainment, games, marshmallow roasting and a spectacular bonfire. Perfect for little ones - a cosy autumnal atmosphere without...
Halloween Trail
31st October 2026
Venue: Gawthorpe Hall
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/gawthorpe-hall/events/
Explore Gawthorpe Hall's gardens and see if you can find the ghosts, pumpkins, black cats and witches hiding on the Halloween trail? Collect a trail sheet at the front of the Hall and set off to explore....
Steve Backshall’s Deadly Live!
1st November 2026
Venue: Winter Gardens Blackpool
Website: www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/
Join award-winning presenter Steve Backshall as he embarks on heart-pounding adventures, tackling daring stunts, mind-blowing experiments, and cutting-edge science. This electrifying live show takes you...
Tommy & Tilly’s Magic Castle: A Spooktacular Pantomime
1st November 2026
Venue: Blackburn Empire Theatre
Website: blackburnempire.com
Step into a world of wonder, laughter, and a little bit of spooky sparkle this half term. Join Tommy and Tilly on a thrilling adventure through their enchanted castle, where ghosts giggle, pumpkins dance,...
Dog Friendly Bonfire Night at Brockholes
5th November 2026
Venue: Brockholes Nature Reserve
Website: www.lancswt.org.uk/events/2026-11-05-dog-friendly-bonfire-night-brockholes
Enjoy a dog friendly, no bang bonfire night at Brockholes! This bonfire night ensures a safe distance from local fireworks displays meaning that four-legged friends can relax and enjoy meeting new friends...
Light Up Lancaster
5th-7th November 2026
Venue: Lancaster
Website: www.lightuplancaster.co.uk
Light Up Lancaster returns in 2026 during the first weekend of November. Visit the website for full details of each artwork and installation, and don’t forget to check the take part page for how you...
The Cottage by Candlelight
6th November 2026
Venue: Cottage Museum
Website: www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/museums/whats-on
Drop into the Cottage Museum during this year's Light Up Lancaster festival for a magical evening experience. One day only! Free admission, suitable for all ages, no need to book.
The Snow Queen
6th November 2026
Venue: The Atkinson
Website: www.theatkinson.co.uk
A beautiful retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy-tale ballet. Ballet Theatre UK’s renowned company of international dancers, beautiful costumes and glittering stage sets combine to...
Lancaster Cricket Club Firework Display
7th November 2026
Venue: Lancaster Cricket Club
Website: billetto.co.uk/e/firework-display-tickets-2007653
Embrace the magic with family and friends at Lancaster Cricket and Sports Club. As the skies darken, a mesmerising professional firework display is set to illuminate the heavens, dancing across the night...
Tots & Child Friendly Bonfire Night at The Hive
7th November 2026
Venue: The Hive at Moss Bank Park
Website: www.lancswt.org.uk/events/2026-11-07-tots-child-friendly-bonfire-night-hive-7th-november
Enjoy a unique and gentle Bonfire Night experience designed for younger children and families. There will be no fireworks or loud rides, making this evening perfect for little ones attending their first...
Believe in Magic
10th November 2026
Venue: King George's Hall
Website: bwdvenues.com/whats-on/
When a gold coin disappears, it sends them on a time-travelling quest that blends the past with the present. Join the journey of Peggy and Imtiaz as they uncover hidden treasures from Blackburn Museum!...
Dear Zoo Live!
10th-11th November 2026
Venue: Blackpool Grand Theatre
Website: www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
Dear Zoo, the timeless children’s classic book returns to the stage! Help your children learn as the book leaps onto the stage and share a magical experience as the story unfolds with child-engaging...
The Nutcracker
12th November 2026
Venue: The Atkinson
Website: www.theatkinson.co.uk
Crown Ballet® brings back its dazzling production of The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece. Follow young Marie as her Nutcracker doll transforms into a prince and leads her into a world...
Arts, Crafts & Gifts Fair
14th-22nd November 2026
Venue: Pendle Hippodrome Theatre
Website: www.pendlehippodrome.com/whats-on/arts-crafts-gifts-fair
A fixture on the local events calendar for over 30 years, the theatre is transformed into a major exhibition hall and regularly features over 70 local crafters and artists. There are always new and unusual...
Cinderella: A Fairytale
20th November-9th January 2027
Venue: Octagon Theatre Bolton
Website: www.octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on
The Octagon is ready to welcome you to this funny, high-energy retelling of the classic story that’s packed with music, magic and laughter for the whole family. When Ella gets an invitation to the Royal...
Aladdin
21st November-3rd January 2027
Venue: Blackburn Empire Theatre
Website: blackburnempire.com
This latest production from Tom Rolfe Productions is packed with comedy, chaos, a magical genie, and plenty of audience participation – everything you’d expect from a proper Blackburn panto. Dust off...
Paper Dress Making Workshop (For Families)
21st November 2026
Venue: The Harris
Website: theharris.org.uk/product/paper-dress-making/
Paper art workshop with artist Sian Peters. Create your own 1950s style miniature dress using vintage paper. All materials provided.
Robin Hood: Family Panto
28th November-28th December 2026
Venue: Lancaster Grand Theatre
Website: lancastergrand.co.uk
Enjoy a fun-filled adventure in Sherwood Forest! Packed with comic chaos and jokes, audience participation, catchy songs, dazzling dancing and plenty of boos and cheers, Robin Hood is a magical pantomime...
Cinderella
4th-31st December 2026
Venue: The Atkinson
Website: www.theatkinson.co.uk
Expect magic, romance and wicked sisters as Cinders goes from rags to riches! This sparkling production promises everything you love about The Atkinson pantomime – dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy,...
Christmas Cracker Fair
5th December 2026
Venue: Moor Park Sports & Social Club
Website: www.facebook.com/Moorparksportsandsocialclub/?locale=en_GB
Visit the Christmas Cracker Fair with lots of stalls to browse and festive fun to enjoy together as a family. Moor Park Sports Centre Sports Hall, 10am-2pm.
Blackpool Santa Dash
6th December 2026
Venue: Blackpool Tower
Website: www.blackpoolsantadash.co.uk
Pull on your Santa suit and join hundreds of festive fundraisers at Blackpool Santa Dash in support of Brian House Children’s Hospice. Brand-new for this year – the event starts outside Blackpool Tower....
Scrooge: Cirque Extravaganza
10th-13th December 2026
Venue: Blackpool Opera House
Website: wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
Scrooge: Cirque Extravaganza brings Charles Dickens’ much-loved festive classic to life with a spectacular twist! This enchanting family show combines musical theatre with jaw-dropping circus skills,...
Cinderella
16th-31st December 2026
Venue: The Guild Lounge, Preston Guild Hall
Website: www.guildhallpreston.co.uk
Get ready for a magical adventure as Cinderella comes to The Guild Lounge this festive season! Prepare for dazzling costumes, catchy songs, and all the traditional pantomime fun you could wish for, Preston...
Elf [Empire Cinema]
22nd December 2026
Venue: Chorley Theatre
Website: www.ticketsource.com/chorleytheatre/
Celebrating the 21st anniversary of this movie with a special Christmas week screening! Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human being who has spent his whole life believing himself to be an elf. Christmas...
Jack and the Beanstalk
27th-31st December 2026
Venue: Marine Hall
Website: www.marinehall.com
Get ready for a giant Christmas adventure, starring Coronation Street's Connor McIntyre as the villainous Fleshcreep! When Jill is kidnapped, Jack must climb the beanstalk, save the day, and win the heart...