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 Leicestershire & Rutland
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May The Toys Be With You
25th April-6th September 2026
Venue: Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
From the Millennium Falcon to The Mandalorian, this amazing free-to-visit exhibition is a family-friendly journey through five decades of toy design. From Palitoy’s vintage era action figures through...
Baby Sensory Classes
10th June-28th July 2026
Venue: Exton Village Hall, Oakham Road
Address: Rutland
Website: www.babysensory.com
Baby Sensory is the UK’s original parent and baby development programme and has been supporting families for more than two decades. Designed by expert Dr Lin Day, the classes provides carefully planned...
Cirquoise
10th-25th July 2026
Venue: Gates Garden Centre
Address: Hinckley
Website: www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk
This summer, Cirquoise returns to Gates with a thrilling, high-energy family circus that will amaze and astound audiences of all ages. Following two hugely successful years at Gates Oakham, Cirquoise is...
Accessible Afternoon
12th July 2026
Venue: National Space Centre
Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk
An afternoon to support children, young adults and families with additional needs and disabilities, designed for SEND visitors who would benefit from a quieter experience. Tickets include full access to...
Cultural Quarter Earlies
14th July 2026
Venue: Phoenix, Two Queens, Leicester Print Workshop, LCB Depot, Curve + and Central Library
Website: www.curveonline.co.uk
Free drop-in activities for ages 0-10 across Leicester's Cultural Quarter on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Every venue explores different type of creativity and LCB Depot we have a different creative...
Summer Holidays Craft Activities
14th July-20th August 2026
Venue: Leicester Cathedral
Website: www.leicestercathedral.org/children-families
Join Leicester Cathedral for some free (donations welcomed) craft and family fun. No need to book, just drop in. All children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times Tuesday and Thursdays...
Dino Adventure Day
15th July 2026
Venue: Newarke Houses Museum
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Go on a dino adventure with Newarke Houses Museum. Kids can make their own explorer’s hat and a hatching dinosaur egg. Follow the trail around the gardens to find all the dinosaur pictures then take...
K9 Kids Workshop
15th July 2026
Venue: Leicester Animal Aid
Website: www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk
K9 Kids workshop is a fun, interactive way to help your child build confidence around dogs. The one-hour session, for 5–16-year-olds, is free and led by an experienced dog professional in a safe environment....
Dog Man the Musical
16th-17th July 2026
Venue: Curve Theatre
Website: www.curveonline.co.uk
Best friends George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re ten, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favourite character, Dog Man, the...
Farmarama
18th July-1st September 2026
Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm
Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk
This year includes 5 gigantic paddling pools and over 250 tonnes of golden sand to make the farm the best beach going! Each day there will be fun seaside shows, super sand art, the huge maize maze and...
Pursued by a Bear! Kids Fun Craft Day
19th July 2026
Venue: Leicester Guildhall
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Shakespeare's plays were performed at Leicester Guildhall. Now take the kids to join in this craft event, inspired by some of Shakespeare's famous characters. Make a donkey ears hat, a fairy wand and bear...
Kool Kites
21st July 2026
Venue: The 1620s House and Garden
Website: www.1620shouse.org.uk
Let your imagination soar with kite themed crafts. Make and fly your own kite, take part in paper aeroplane competition (with prizes to be won), craft a DIY hot air balloon mobile, plus more. £7 per child....
Tales From Acorn Wood
21st-25th July 2026
Venue: Curve Theatre
Website: www.curveonline.co.uk
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved stories are brought to life on stage in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn...
Summer Games, Family Fun Day
22nd July 2026
Venue: Newarke Houses
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Celebrate this year’s Commonwealth Games at Newarke Houses Museum. Kids can make their own medal and flag, then take part in some games and races on the lawn. Explore the museum to find the pictures...
Summer of Fun - Emergency Services Day
22nd July 2026
Venue: The Crescent
Website: www.hinckleybid.co.uk
Go along and meet the Police and Fire Service, alongside other emergency services teams too. Vehicles and uniformed officers will be on display and available for photos and engagement on the vital services...
Awesome Archaeology
23rd July 2026
Venue: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park
Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk
Become an archaeologist for the day with this fun workshop. Dig into an exciting hoard of history themed activities and crafts and get the chance to see some real archaeological finds from the site. Recommended...
Archaeology Fun Day
24th July 2026
Venue: Leicester Guildhall
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Take the Kids to Leicester Guildhall to become an archaeologist for the day. Make your own archaeologist’s hat, trowel and ID badge and have a go at digging up some pictures of treasure in the dig trays....
The Three Musketeers Outdoor Theatre
24th July 2026
Venue: Bradgate Park
Website: www.bradgatepark.org
Prepare for a thrilling evening of adventure, comedy and daring swordplay as Illyria brings The Three Musketeers to life in a spectacular outdoor performance at Bradgate Park.Illyria’s acclaimed production...
K-Pop All Stars
25th July 2026
Venue: Loughborough Town Hall
Website: www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk
From stadium-shaking anthems to breathtaking choreography, K-Pop All Stars celebrates the global phenomenon redefining pop culture.With a sea of light sticks glowing and the crowd moving as one, you’ll...
Fairy Day
26th July 2026
Venue: Rockingham Castle
Website: www.rockinghamcastle.com
Embark on a magical adventure through the wild garden and seek out the tiny fairy doors and discover which Rockingham fairies, pixies, or elves make their home at Rockingham Castle.They will be available...
Summer Holiday Clubs
28th July-20th August 2026
Venue: National Space Centre
Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk
This summer, young explorers can take their curiosity to the next level with two unique National Space Centre clubs designed to spark imagination, build confidence, and fuel big ideas. Choose one adventure...
Teddy Bears Picnic
29th July 2026
Venue: Newarke Houses
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Take the kids and a teddy for a fun day of teddy bear crafts and activities. Find the giant 6ft tall teddy in the museum and pictures of popular teddy bear story book characters in the garden trail, then...
Cirquoise
30th July-14th August 2026
Venue: Gates Garden Centre
Address: Oakham
Website: www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk
Expect everything you love about the circus: Hilarious, laughter-filled clowning, Breath-taking, death-defying acrobatics plus exciting new acts, including the incredible Mexican juggler Roberto Carlos,...
Wizard School
30th July 2026
Venue: Leicester Guildhall
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Make a wizard wand, hat and magical “rabbit in a hat” toy. Find the pictures around the museum in the wizard world trail and join the broomstick game in the courtyard (broomsticks provided).£4 Advance...
Family Sea Glass Workshop
31st July 2026
Venue: Leicester Guildhall
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Curious about sea glass? Love getting creative? Visit Leicester Guildhall for a magical Children’s and Family Sea Glass Workshop where you’ll turn these ocean treasures into something truly beautiful....
Pinocchio Outdoor Theatre
31st July 2026
Venue: The 1620s House and Garden
Website: www.1620shouse.org.uk
Childless toymaker Geppetto buys a piece of wood to make a puppet – little realising the chaos he is about to unleash. The puppet yearns for adventure and runs away, but instead of excitement only finds...
Day Out With Thomas™: Let's Rock, Let's Roll
1st-2nd August 2026
Venue: Statfold Country Park
Website: www.statfold.com/day-out-with-thomas
There will be so much to do from rides behind steam engines Thomas, James and Percy to live shows with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty and Dusty, and keep the beat going with music-inspired activities in...
Leicester Caribbean Carnival
1st August 2026
Venue: Victoria Park
Website: www.leicestercarnival.com
The Carnival Village will be open from 10am to 8pm, filled with vibrant performances, cultural displays, music, food, arts, and the joyful spirit that makes this event so unique. Everyone is welcome, this...
Sky Glow Music Festival
1st August 2026
Venue: Belvoir Castle Parkland
Website: www.skyglowmusicfestival.co.uk
SkyGlow Music Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of music, lights, and entertainment. As the sun sets, the festival transforms with breathtaking tethered hot air balloon night glow displays,...
Family Fun Day
2nd August 2026
Venue: Loughborough Rugby Club
Website: www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Leicester/Loughborough-Rugby-Club/Family-Fun-Day---LRFC/42375427/
Bring the family along for a fantastic day full of food, games, stalls and much more!Tickets start from £3 and rage up to £5. There will be food, inflatables, stalls, fully stocked bar and so much more....
Toto the Ninja Cat
4th-9th August 2026
Venue: Curve Theatre
Website: www.curveonline.co.uk
Based on Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling children’s book, illustrated by Nick East, this purr-fectly thrilling tale is filled with original music, laugh-out-loud fun, and extraordinary puppetry, promising...
Puppets and Toys
5th August 2026
Venue: Newarke Houses
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Go to Newarke Houses Museum to see their gallery of toys and games from the past. Kids can make their own toys to take home with a fabulous craft pack that includes a sock puppet and a cup and ball game....
Space Cadets Online
5th August 2026
Venue: National Space Centre Online
Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk
Spark your child’s curiosity and love for space science with online Space Club sessions, hosted by the National Space Centre Discovery Team. Each 60-minute session is packed with exciting talks, fun...
Cops ‘n’ Robbers
6th August 2026
Venue: Leicester Guildhall
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
A fun day of crafts and activities at Leicester Guildhall which was once Leicester’s first Police station. Make a police dog glove puppet, a cops ‘n’ robbers game and a Guildhall police hat. Throw...
Leicester Food and Music Festival
8th-9th August 2026
Venue: Abbey Park
Website: www.theleicesterfestival.com
Includes a diverse range of cuisines from local traders and beyond, street food vendors and array of sweet treats. Enjoy live local music all weekend, entertainment, workshops, tastings, talks, children’s...
Pinocchio - Outdoor Theatre
8th August 2026
Venue: Rutland Water
Website: www.illyria.co.uk
A wooden puppet runs away, hoping to find fun and adventure, but instead finds demanding bosses, con-artists and peer-pressure. How can Pinocchio ever become a real boy when even lies told to cover up...
Treasure Island – Outdoor Theatre
8th August 2026
Venue: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park
Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk
Packed full of action, drama, sword fights and sea shanties, Michael Whitmore’s thrilling new adaptation will have you gripped as Jim manfully tries to outwit the pirates and get to the treasure first....
Locomotive Learning Week
11th-14th August 2026
Venue: Statfold Country Park
Website: www.statfold.com
There will be fun activities to get children moving, creative sessions that encourage children to express themselves, exclusive access to the award-winning railway, fun in the park grounds and much more....
Meet the Police
11th August 2026
Venue: Leicester Guildhall
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Free Family Fun Day. Meet local PCSO's at Leicester Guildhall. Explore the history of Leicester's first police headquarters, try out Victorian prison cells, put Mum and Dad in the stocks, play dress up...
Castles and Cannons
12th August 2026
Venue: Newarke Houses
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Take the kids to Newarke Houses Museum for a fun day of crafts, activities and facts about this historical area of the city. See their enormous cannons in front of the museum and make one of your own to...
Space Lates - Partial Solar Eclipse
12th August 2026
Venue: National Space Centre
Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk
Experience a rare partial solar eclipse safely with experts, a planetarium show, live astronomy, family activities and exclusive evening access at a special Space Lates style event. Eclipse glasses are...
Summer of Fun - Bike Spectacular 2026
12th August 2026
Venue: Argents Mead
Website: www.hinckleybid.co.uk
Cycling advice and entertainment for children of all ages. Free of charge. Bmxtras - bike events are coming back to provide stunt bike shows. It will be a mesmerising experience for all ages. This free...
K-Pop Summer Party
13th August 2026
Venue: Leicester Guildhall
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Get into the festival spirit with a fun day of crafts and activities at Leicester Guildhall. Kids can make a musical shaker, a flag and a hat and join in the musical parade around the courtyard. £4 Advance...
Pinocchio Outdoor Theatre
15th August 2026
Venue: Bradgate Park
Website: www.bradgatepark.org
Based on Carlo Collodi’s timeless tale, which has been translated into more than 260 languages since its publication in 1883, this magical coming-of-age story is brought to life in Illyria’s thrilling...
The Three Musketeers
16th August 2026
Venue: 1620s House and Garden
Website: www.illyria.co.uk
Set against a sweeping panorama of 17th century France at war, this production is a whirlwind of scheming, romance and broad comedy. The Play contains scenes of peril, politics and passion! Suitable for...
Arty Party
19th August 2026
Venue: Newarke Houses
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Take the kids for a fantastic creative day at Newarke Houses Museum. They will have lots of art and craft materials for you to choose from to make whatever you want to make. There will be a variety of...
Messy Play and Clay
20th August 2026
Venue: Leicester Guildhall
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Choose materials from the craft table and make whatever you want. Paper, card, lolly sticks, buttons, beads, chalks, pipe cleaners and lots more! They have lots of ideas available to help you and some...
Motor Show and Family Funday
22nd-23rd August 2026
Venue: Leicestershire Aero Club
Website: https://visitleicester.info/
Across the two-day event, a wide range of vehicles including supercars, new models, and classic cars will be showcased. Throughout the weekend, there will also be live wrestling, a large fun fair, and...
The Railway Children – Outdoor Theatre Experience
22nd August 2026
Venue: Abbey Pumping Station
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Paperback Theatre returns to Leicester with a delightful new adaptation of The Railway Children, bringing E. Nesbit’s timeless story to life in the beautiful open-air setting of Abbey Pumping Station....
The Big Statfold Weekender
28th-30th August 2026
Venue: Statfold Country Park
Website: www.statfold.com
Three days of music and entertainment, from incredible tribute acts and bands. Access to Statfold Country Park - including the vintage fairground, steam train rides, family activities and more. Turn your...
Wargaming Sessions – Drop-in
29th-30th August 2026
Venue: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park
Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk
Go along for themed wargaming sessions in the Heritage Room during Living History weekends. There will be a free figure for you to take home at the end of your visit. Free to attend – simply drop in!...
Family Fun Afternoon and Dog Show
30th August 2026
Venue: Huncote Sports and Social Club
Website: www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk
There's a full dog show, crafts and pet stalls, a dog agility competition, a raffle and tombola, food and drink and a full bar. There will be a small charge for adults and children are admitted free....
Proms on the Pitch
5th September 2026
Venue: Uptonsteel County Ground
Website: www.leicestershireccc.co.uk/event/whats-on/events
Get ready for an extraordinary afternoon filled with the magic of music plus an array of mesmerising circus performances including stilt walkers, jugglers, and even fire eaters. For younger guests, a fantastic...
Home Education Days
10th September 2026
Venue: National Space Centre
Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk
A day dedicated to home educated children age 6-14 and their families, with hands-on activities, expert-led talks, and inspiring planetarium shows.The day also includes time to explore the galleries and...