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 Nottinghamshire
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Workhouse Whodunit
3rd September-17th October 2025
Venue: The Workhouse and Infirmary
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Step back in time to 1851 where the rules have been broken at Southwell Workhouse. Did rebellious pauper Mary refuse to complete her morning chores? Did charming pauper Arthur break a workhouse window?...
Kumon Free Assessment
16th September-31st October 2025
Venue: Various venues
Website: www.kumon.co.uk
Now is the perfect time for your family to discover the benefits of Kumon as they are offering Free Registration to new and returning students from 16 September to 31 October.For more information and to...
Kumon Free Registration
16th September-31st October 2025
Venue: Various locations
Website: www.kumon.co.uk
Now is the perfect time for your family to discover the benefits of Kumon as it is offering Free Registration to new and returning students from 16 September to 31 October. Take this opportunity to save...
Family Forest Trail at Hicks Lodge
6th October-24th November 2025
Venue: Hick's Lodge
Website: www.forestryengland.uk
This trail takes you into the woodland around Hicks Lodge, there are stops along the way for you to relax with a picnic. The Zig-Zags take you down on to the long loop, or you can head back to the visitor...
Go-Kan-Ryu Karate (GKR)
6th October-24th November 2025
Venue: Various Venues
Website: www.gkrkarate.com
GKR Karate is taught in a non-contact environment and promotes both character and physical development. GKR is a club for all ages and promotes self-defence, fitness, coordination, discipline, confidence...
Hocus Pocus Soft Play
6th October-24th November 2025
Venue: 131 Queens Road Beeston
Website: www.hocuspocussoftplay.co.uk
Hocus Pocus is a wonderfully themed magical indoor play and party venue with a difference! They boast a huge four tier play frame with a separate toddler area, amazing party packages with themed private...
Kid's Cinema Club
6th October-24th November 2025
Venue: Savoy Cinema
Website: www.savoyonline.co.uk
Kid’s club screenings take place on Saturday and Sunday (every day in the school holidays) at 10am. Parents and Children can enjoy a movie at the cinema for the incredible low price of just £3 each....
Mansfield Palace Junior Youth Theatre
6th October-24th November 2025
Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre
Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk
Workshops are held during term time at Mansfield Palace Theatre, and each class is carefully designed to suit the age group, ensuring a supportive and age-appropriate environment. Free taster session available.Call...
Newark Junior Parkrun
6th October-24th November 2025
Venue: Sconce and Devon Park
Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/newark-juniors
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds), every Sunday at 9am. It's free to join but please register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun. Go along and join...
Razzamataz Mansfield
6th October-24th November 2025
Venue: Create Theatre - Vision West Notts College
Website: www.razzamataz.co.uk/school/23/Mansfield
Razzamataz unique curriculum offers classes in dance, singing and acting and covers the commercial elements of street dance, screen acting and pop singing as well as traditional Broadway and West End musical...
Razzle Dazzle Pots
6th October-24th November 2025
Venue: 852 Woodborough Road
Website: www.razzledazzlepots.co.uk
Looking for a fun, family-friendly activity this half term? Razzle Dazzle Pots in Mapperley, Nottingham, is the perfect place for children and parents to unleash their creativity. This charming pottery...
RBC Race for the Kids at School
6th-10th October 2025
Venue: Nationwide
Website: www.gosh.org/get-involved
Take part in the annual school charity fun run between 6-10 October and help build the new Children's Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Get the whole class - or even the whole school...
The Attic Theatre School
6th October-24th November 2025
Venue: 11 Radcliffe Rd (entrance on Pavilion Rd), West Bridgford
Website: www.attictheatreschool.co.uk
Attic Theatre School run mid week classes as well as Saturday classes in acting, musical theatre, Contemporary and choir alongside 1-2-1 singing lessons and acting coaching. Visit the website for more...
The Stick Man trail at Sherwood Pines
6th October-24th November 2025
Venue: Sherwood Pines
Website: www.forestryengland.uk/sherwood-pines
The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover...
Fright Fiesta
11th October-1st November 2025
Venue: Gulliver's Kingdom
Website: www.gulliverskingdomresort.co.uk/fright-fiesta
Enjoy a festival-style Halloween celebration that’s bursting with colour, costumes and music. Theme Park rides and attractions included. Showcase your fancy dress costume or delve deep into the theme...
Nottinghamshire ‘Pick Your Own’ Pumpkins
11th-31st October 2025
Venue: Oaks Lane, Oxton, Southwell,
Website: www.nottinghamshirepickyourownpumpkins.com
Pumpkin Picking opens in early October and runs until the 31st October. Thousands of pumpkins, squashes and gourds are grown, and there are loads of varieties and colours, so you will have loads of fun...
Rufford’s Halloween Trail
11th October-2nd November 2025
Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park
Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk
The ancient woods of Rufford Abbey Country Park will be transformed into a haunted playground for brave explorers of all ages. Venture along the eerie forest trails, where twisting paths and shadowy corners...
West Nottinghamshire College Open Event
11th October 2025
Venue: Derby Road
Website: www.wnc.ac.uk
Book today and come along to find out for yourself how West Notts College is a great place to learn, make friends and start the next chapter in your exciting future. Learn from current students about their...
Workhouse Stories (Puppet Show)
11th-12th October 2025
Venue: The Workhouse and Infirmary
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Leeds based performer, Belinda May, performs her much acclaimed puppet show 'Workhouse Stories'. Based on the lives of people who lived and worked in Leeds Union Workhouse, Workhouse Stories is a puppet...
Brunch with Glinda
12th October 2025
Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park
Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk
Indulge in a delicious meal, complete with tea, coffee, and juice, while Glinda adds a touch of magic to your morning. She’ll visit each table for a personal meet-and-greet before delighting you with...
Interactive Family Workshop
12th October 2025
Venue: Lakeside Arts
Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk
Explore the fascinating properties of plastic through movement-based play and experiment with unconventional ways to upcycle. Learn Mudra, expressive hand gestures used in classical South Asian dance forms,...
Plastic Drastic Fantastic
12th October 2025
Venue: Djanogly Theatre
Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk
This dance theatre show for children and their families explores our complex relationship with plastic. Is it friend or foe? Remarkable or rubbish? Helpful or harmful? The artists investigate plastics...
Pushabout
13th October 2025
Venue: Clumber Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Find a community of people in Pushabout; a walking group created for anyone who has or looks after pushchair-aged children. During these accessible and beautiful walks, you can meet other adults, find...
Northern Ballet - Merlin
15th-18th October 2025
Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
Website: www.trch.co.uk
The man, the myth and the legend are brought to life through spectacular sets and costumes, mind-boggling special effects and Northern Ballet’s signature blend of world-class dance and storytelling....
Apple Celebrations
17th-18th October 2025
Venue: Clumber Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Visit the walled kitchen garden for two days of celebrations full of apple-themed activities, demos and displays including Apple pressing and tasting, a self-led Apple Trail around the garden plus Heritage...
Halloween at the Farm
18th-31st October 2025
Venue: White Post Farm
Website: www.whitepostfarm.co.uk/event/halloween-at-the-farm
Pick your pumpkin and get lost in the haunted maze. Join the team at the Witch and Wizards school for potion making, find out which Halloween house you belong to and get involved in some spooky crafts....
Halloween Trail at Thoresby Park
18th October-2nd November 2025
Venue: Thoresby Park
Website: https://thoresby.com/events/halloween-trail-18th-october-2nd-november
Visit Thoresby Park for a Spooktacular day out and have a go at the Halloween trail! Get your sheet from the Visitor Centre. Available 18 October - 2nd November, 10am – 4pm. £3 per trail sheet and includes...
Halloween Trick or Treat Trail
18th October-2nd November 2025
Venue: Clumber Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Pick up a trail pack for £3 from the Discovery Centre and take the family on a Halloween Trick or Treat Trail adventure around Clumber Park. Solve riddles using clues and spooky stories to make your way...
Hocus Pocus Spooktacular (PG)
18th October 2025
Venue: Wollaton Hall
Website: www.adventurecinema.co.uk/venues/wollaton-hall
Say his name three times and step into a spooky outdoor screening of Tim Burton's cult classic, Beetlejuice! Take a blanket or camping chair, wrap up warm, and watch Beetlejuice on a giant cinema screen...
Museum Explorers
18th October 2025
Venue: Lakeside Arts
Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk
Join Lakeside as they explore the Viking Age by looking at the longboats that they built and travelled across the sea in, on their many voyages. Have a go at making your own model longboat to take home....
Pups and Pumpkins
18th October 2025
Venue: White Post Farm
Website: www.whitepostfarm.co.uk/event/pups-pumpkins
Due to popular demand, ‘Pups and Pumpkins’ is back this Halloween. Bring your pooches along on Saturday, 18th October, for some Halloween fun! There will be a free bag of dog treats for every pooch...
Rufford’s Fun Size Halloween Trail
18th October 2025
Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park
Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk
Wander through the spooky indoor exhibit in the Stables Courtyard at Rufford and discover surprises waiting around every corner. With twists, turns, and eerie details at every step, this trail is the perfect...
Pumpkinfest 2025
20th-31st October 2025
Venue: Castle Hill, East Leake
Website: www.manorfarm.info/events/view/pumpkinfest-2025
Enter the pumpkin carving championships for a chance to win a spellbinding prize, or guess how many pumpkins were grown this year for another chance to win. Take aim with their Pumpkin Cannon and join...
The Smeds and The Smoos
21st-22nd October 2025
Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre
Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk
On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Music, laughs and interplanetary...
Dino Tales - Jurassic Rescue
22nd October 2025
Venue: Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall
Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/dino-tales-jurassic-rescue
With a captivating story and an immersive finale that will bring the house down, Dino Tales is a family adventure starring Europe’s largest walking dinosaurs to ever roam the stage. You and the kids...
Pirates Love Underpants
22nd October 2025
Venue: Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall
Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/pirates-love-underpants
Dodge hungry crocs beneath Long-John Bridge, bob upon the waves of Big Knickers Bay, spot sharks in fancy underpants and trek across Three Pants Ridge. Filled with music, puppetry and glittering pants...
Wicked White Post Wednesdays
22nd October 2025
Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park
Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk
Get ready for a spooky and fun-filled time with some creepy (and irresistibly cute) creatures from White Post Farm! Meet their expert handlers, who will be on hand to answer all your questions and share...
Kids' Ghost Hunter Tours
23rd-31st October 2025
Venue: National Justice Museum
Website: www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk
Around Halloween, the Museum becomes a hive of paranormal activity. Are you brave enough to help the over-worked Ghost Hunter catch the pesky ghosts which are causing mayhem throughout the museum? Kids...
Rude Science
23rd October 2025
Venue: Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall
Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/rude-science
Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts. On the surface it’s a riot of disgusting experiments built...
Egg Box Theatre Workshop
24th October 2025
Venue: Lakeside Arts
Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk
Half-term workshop for creative kids, bringing a world of imagination alive. Bring a magical story to life using puppets, light and text. They provide the materials and you can take your theatre home.Never...
Flowers and Friendship Bracelets
24th October 2025
Venue: Palace Theatre Newark
Website: www.palacenewark.com
Get ready for a dazzling explosion of music, dance, and excitement as Flowers and Friendship Bracelets takes the stage! Celebrate the biggest hits from today's hottest artists: Taylor Swift - "Shake it...
Halloween Spooktacular
25th October-1st November 2025
Venue: Statfold Country Park
Website: https://statfold.com
Get ready to follow spooky trick-or-treat trails, climb aboard the Halloween party train, get hands-on with creepy crawlies, and carve your very own spooktacular pumpkins. With themed activities, friendly...
Kidz Bop
25th October 2025
Venue: Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall
Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/kidz-bop
The Kidz Bop Kids – Aleah, Cliff, Matty and Shila – will take the Royal Concert Hall Nottingham stage to perform the biggest BOPs from the album including, “Espresso” and “Hot to Go!” as well...
The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk - Kids and Families Edition
25th October 2025
Venue: 1 Brewhouse Yard
Website: www.thenottinghamghostwalk.co.uk/childrens-walks
Based on the popular Saturday night ghost walk, the specially created Children's Walks include extra stories, as well as 'Horrible Histories' inspired educational content and are ideal for younger customers....
Creepy-crawly Craft Workshop
29th October 2025
Venue: Lakeside Arts
Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk
Learn fun facts about the incredible insects that roam our world. In this workshop create your own mini-beasts using a mix of colourful materials, glitter, googly eyes, and a sprinkle of imagination. Suitable...
Nottingham Operatic Society: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
29th October-1st November 2025
Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
Website: www.trch.co.uk
Here is the story of young Charlie Bucket who joins four other children on a marvellous life-changing journey through chocolate waterfalls, dancing squirrels and of course the Oompa-Loompas who run the...
Robin Hood Day
29th October 2025
Venue: Various Venues in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Website: www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk
Celebrate Nottingham’s famous outlaw Robin Hood, with a day dedicated to him! Nottinghamshire is the home of Robin Hood and you’ll find plenty of places to visit in the city and county if you’re...
Slava's Snowshow
29th October-2nd November 2025
Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
Website: www.trch.co.uk
Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Slava’s Snowshow, a spellbinding spectacle where laughter and wonder collide. It’s a celebration that knows no bounds, uniting people of all walks of life...
Taylormania
29th October 2025
Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre
Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk
An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis a self obsessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises...
Top Secret - The Magic Of Science
29th October 2025
Venue: Palace Theatre Newark
Website: www.palacenewark.com
Fusing the mystery of magic with wondrous and miraculous feats of science. Hang on to your seats and experience a non-stop action packed interactive magical science show with experiments and magic that...
Circus for Beginners Workshop
30th October 2025
Venue: Lakeside Arts
Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk
Go along to a bespoke Circus Hub workshop where you’ll learn acro-balance and ground based circus skills from leading circus professionals. Suitable for ages 6-10.
Fireside - Outdoor Theatre
30th October 2025
Venue: Highfields Park
Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk
The award-winning circus company Nikki & JD in collaboration with Lost Dog have created an outdoor show that combines circus, dance, theatre and live music to re-enact the original horror story. Suitable...
FREE Online Halloween Drawing Workshop
31st October 2025
Venue: Online
Website: https://royaldrawingschool.org
Join the Royal Drawing School this Halloween for a two-hour live online drawing session. Artist Elizabeth McCarten guides 10–18 year-olds in drawing skulls, symbolism and atmosphere to create hauntingly...
Papplewick and Linby Fireworks 2025
31st October 2025
Venue: Papplewick and Linby Village Hall
Website: www.ticketsource.co.uk
This Fireworks Display is the biggest and best yet to date! Attractions on the night include a spectacular Firework Display, glow stall, fully stocked licensed bars, hot food and drinks and small children's...
Cinema in the Sky at Nottingham Racecourse
1st November 2025
Venue: Nottingham Racecourse
Website: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/nottingham/events-tickets/fireworks-night
Enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars with a spectacular firework display, set to the magic of cinema! Includes traditional funfair rides and delicious food stalls. On-site parking available...
Firework Extravaganza
1st November 2025
Venue: Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd
Website: www.gcrn.co.uk/fireworks2025
Features all the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional firework night, take a ride on the miniature railway and heritage fairground, feast on a selection of hot foods plus a live band and licensed...
Fireworks and Street Food
1st-2nd November 2025
Venue: Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Website: www.trentbridge.co.uk
Trent Bridge will once again be graced with fireworks displays set to music this Autumn, including a Halloween-themed extravaganza on 1 November. Street food favourites will return to the Trent Bridge...
Bonfire Night
2nd November 2025
Venue: Norwood Park
Website: www.norwoodpark.co.uk
Soak up the festive atmosphere as you warm up by the bonfire with a seasonal hot drink. Be amazed by a breathtaking fire dancer performance before watching the night sky light up with a spectacular fireworks...
Hare and Tortoise
2nd November 2025
Venue: Djanogly Theatre
Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk
Enjoy this charming adaptation of Aesop’s fable about friendship, opposites, and the passing of time – a story brimming with fun, live music, unforgettable songs, and delightful characters. Suitable...
Newark Family Firework Show
2nd November 2025
Venue: Renaissance at Kelham Hall
Website: www.renaissance-kelham.com
Marvel at the Firework display by Dynamite Fireworks Ltd, enjoy a variety of food stalls, fairground rides and traditional firework night treats! Gates open at 4pm / Firework display will start at approx....
The Big Christmas Assembly
2nd November 2025
Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
Website: www.trch.co.uk
The Big Christmas Assembly 2025 takes audiences on a nostalgic journey through Christmas classics and throwback mashups. From school assembly favourites to timeless festive tunes, James captures the spirit...
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
4th-8th November 2025
Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
Website: www.trch.co.uk
Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage,...
Brunch with Elphaba
8th-9th November 2025
Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park
Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk
Adding a touch of magic to your morning, the green witch herself, Elphaba, will visit your table for a personal meet-and-greet. Later, she’ll captivate you with a live performance of her iconic songs....
A Christmas Carol
13th November 2025
Venue: Palace Theatre
Website: www.palacenewark.com
Join Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey through a Victorian Christmas, brought to life with stunning choreography, festive carols, and dazzling costumes. Directed by Christopher Moore, this heartwarming...
Arrival of Santa
15th-16th November 2025
Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park
Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk
Join the festive parade led by local voluntary groups, including the Rother Valley Working Newfoundlands and Santa’s cheerful team of elves. Includes vintage fairground rides, Sing along show, live music,...
Stories in the Dust
15th-16th November 2025
Venue: Lakeside Arts
Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk
The sun beats down on two travellers, journeying across a mysterious land in a contraption they’ve built themselves. They sing, play games, and tell stories inspired by a collection of things they’ve...
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
22nd November-31st December 2025
Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre
Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk
Bursting with great songs, stunning dance routines and plenty of laughter, this is a truly magical treat for all the family. Katrina Bryan, CBeebies star of Nina and the Neurons and Molly and Mack—will...
Cinderella
28th November-4th January 2026
Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall
Website: www.trch.co.uk
This Christmas Craig Revel Horwood will lead the Theatre Royal Nottingham panto cast as the Wicked Stepmother in a production packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and...
Beauty and The Beast
5th-21st December 2025
Venue: Palace Theatre
Website: www.palacenewark.com
The Palace Theatre brings you a tale as old as time… Beauty and the Beast! Delight in live music, stunning sets, sensational costumes and oodles of panto fun that’ll leave you howling with delight!...
Christmas at Lakeside: The Littlest Yak
13th December-4th January 2026
Venue: Djanogly Theatre
Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk
LAStheatre’s adaptation of the award-winning book by Lu Fraser and Kate Hindley, will delight with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance. A gorgeous story celebrating...