What's On in Nottinghamshire

InspiRead 2026

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.inspireculture.org.uk/services-schools/els/book-awards/inspiread/inspiread-2026

Taking part in InspiRead is great way to encourage children to read for pleasure during the National Year of Reading, and to include parents, grandparents, carers, teachers. Readers have from Wednesday...

InspiRead 2026 Book Awards

Venue: Various libraries

Website: www.inspireculture.org.uk/services-schools/els/book-awards/inspiread/inspiread-2026

Taking part in InspiRead is great way to encourage children to read for pleasure during the National Year of Reading. Families can find and borrow the shortlist at their local Inspire library. Readers...

Family Guided Tour

Venue: RAF Museum Midlands

Website: www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Hear the fascinating tales behind the aircraft and exhibits, brought to life by expert guides. From a lucky penguin mascot to a pilot landing with a wing on fire, this tour uncovers the weird, wonderful,...

Foodbank Weekend

Venue: Gulliver's Valley

Website: https://www.gulliversvalleyresort.co.uk/foodbank-weekend

Book discounted theme park tickets from £14pp when you bring along a non-perishable food item to donate. In aid of New Hope Food Bank in Killamarsh, generous donations will help support people in crisis...

Nottinghamshire Police Family Fun Days

Website: https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk

Returning to communities across the county this year, Nottinghamshire Police Family Fun Days offer families a chance to discover more about policing through fun, hands-on activities. In addition,...

Police Family Fun Day

Venue: Forest Recreation Ground

Website: www.facebook.com/nottspolice/events

A family fun day giving local communities the chance to learn all about policing and the wealth of opportunities through interactive and engaging police demonstrations, activities and positive conversations....

Sock Puppet Sleuths

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Join this fun, hands-on family workshop inspired by The Detective Dog. Create your own sock puppet character — maybe a clever canine sleuth, a mischievous mouse sidekick, or a brand new member of Detective...

The Detective Dog

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Join this charming adventure of captivating puppetry, surprising smells, laughter and toe-tapping music, perfect for both Deaf and hearing family audiences. This engaging production celebrates books and...

Pirate Party

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

An after-hours Pirate Party celebrating 30 years of Muppet Treasure Island, featuring film screenings, live music performance, treasure hunts, access to the galleries, and pirate-themed fun.This special...

Boom Circus: Pirates of the Big Top

Venue: Belvoir Castle

Website: www.belvoircastle.com

Bringing their extraordinarily talented team of acrobats, jugglers and aerial athletes, Boom Circus promises to wow the crowds with astonishing routines in their brand-new Pirate-themed production. Spectacular...

Dino Weekend: May Bank Holiday

Venue: White Post Farm

Website: www.whitepostfarm.co.uk

Meet the dinosaurs, learn about fossils, partake in a dino dig, and so much more! Head to the Events Barn for some dino-based crafts and activities! All of this on top of our usual farm fun, with a full...

Heroes of the Air

Venue: RAF Museum Midlands

Website: www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Step into history with an exciting Hero Trail, an interactive activity booklet designed to guide you through the museum. Explore the exhibitions, uncover inspiring stories, and put your detective skills...

Luminarium: Timisien

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Step inside a monumental world of colour and light: an immersive inflatable structure lit entirely by daylight glowing through its fabric. Rising high above, the sweeping canopies of the luminarium’s...

May Half Term - Mission Space

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Launch into adventure this May half term with Mission Space! Enjoy family talks, hands-on workshops, and a thrilling trip on the Tharsis spacecraft at the National Space Centre. With the whole Centre to...

Medieval Legends

Venue: Nottingham Castle

Website: www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk

Home to the legendary Robin Hood and with a long-standing history of rebellion at Nottingham Castle, the three-day medieval weekend will showcase cave tours, a medieval encampment. The shop will even have...

Sing-a-Long-a-Wicked

Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk

Defy Gravity at Sing-a-Long-a Wicked…. Step into the magical land of Oz and unleash your inner Galinda or Elphaba… which side will you choose — green or pink? An immersive interactive screening where...

The Circus Workshops

Venue: Belvoir Castle

Website: www.belvoircastle.com

Get ready to unleash your inner performer with fun-filled circus workshops, available on selected days only. Perfect for kids and adults alike, these interactive sessions are designed to teach exciting...

The Pirate Adventure Trail

Venue: Belvoir Castle

Website: www.belvoircastle.com

Perfect for families looking to add a little extra adventure to their visit, the Pirate Adventure Playground Trail is a fun-filled quest that will have young buccaneers hunting for treasure and creating...

May Half-Term at Gullivers

Venue: Gulliver's Valley

Website: https://www.gulliversvalleyresort.co.uk/opening-times-and-prices

Enjoy fun-filled adventures at Gulliver’s every day during May half-term. Book early to save more on your theme park tickets or extend the fun with a magical short break!

Barnum - The Circus Musical

Venue: Nottingham Playhouse

Website: www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams...

Nature in Monochrome

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Explore Lakeside Arts’ beautiful outdoor spaces to translate natural structures into expressive black-and-white designs. Discover how to create striking monochrome prints inspired by artist Paul Morrison’s...

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre

Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Join the tea-guzzling tiger...

Space Cadets Online

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...

White Post Wednesdays

Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park

Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk

Prepare to be captivated by an array of charming creatures including mice, guinea pigs, bunnies, snakes, lizards, and even some fascinating creepy crawlies. Purchase your tickets on the day of your visit...

The Sooty Show

Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre

Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk

Izzy Wizzy Let's Get Busy - it’s The Sooty Show! Sooty heads into town in a spectacular new show to delight the whole family. There's also a chance to meet Sooty in person after the show! A real treat...

Fun with Drawing

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Get inspired by the exhibitions and the landscape around us whilst you experiment with new and unexpected techniques of drawing what you see, such as close-up intricate details, simple lines, layering...

Medieval Merriment

Venue: Newstead Abey

Website: https://newsteadabbey.org.uk

Visit Newstead and enjoy Medieval Merriment with The Knights of Skirbeck Medieval Village, ‘Medieval Detective’ Outdoor Trail, Medieval dress up rail, Knights of Newstead – Children’s Outdoor Trail...

Seed Sculptures

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Bring your family to play together with clay and create temporary sculptures for your garden that will dissolve into the soil and transform into flowers to feed the bees.This workshop is designed for parents...

Taylor Fever

Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre

Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk

Taylor Fever is the electrifying tribute production dedicated to bringing the magic of megastar Taylor Swift's music to life on stage. Led by a talented ensemble of dancers alongside breathtaking lighting...

Clumber Park Great Big Tree Climbing

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Using ropes and harnesses, ascend into the canopy of one of Clumber Park's majestic trees and enjoy an exhilarating adventure at new heights.This activity is suitable for ages 6 years and over, and each...

Boxed In

Venue: Djanogly Theatre

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Through movement, visual storytelling and gentle humour, Boxed In explores the hidden rules of behaviour and unspoken attitudes – inviting us all to imagine a world where everyone belongs, in this brilliantly...

Family Fun Raceday

Venue: Nottingham Racecourse

Website: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Pack a picnic and relax on the lawn as you watch the horses race down the track to the winning post. Plus loads of free entertainment lined up for the little one and kids Go Free!

Kumon Free Registration

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.kumon.co.uk

Kumon Study Centres are now offering Free Registration to new and returning students from 1-30th June. For more information and to book your child’s Kumon free assessment, contact your local Instructor,...

A Midsummer Nights Dream

Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre

Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk

Enter a world where love is unpredictable, fairies rule the night, and chaos reigns supreme.Whether you are a seasoned Shakespeare fan or discovering his magic for the first time, A Midsummer Night’s...

Ms Rachel Tribute

Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre

Website: www.mansfield.gov.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 just for little ones and their...

Family Concerts: Roots of Music at Mansfield Central Library

Venue: Mansfield Central Library

Website: www.inspireculture.org.uk

This interactive concert will have you clapping, tapping, and maybe even dancing along as you discover how different cultures have influenced everything from pop and jazz to hip hop and classical music....

National Youth Choir Free Singing Workshops

Venue: Mansfield

Website: www.nationalyouthchoir.org.uk/sing-east-mids

Does your child love to sing? The National Youth Choir are bringing their fun-filled, free singing workshops to the East Midlands in 2026 and all young people in Year 5 - Year 8 are invited to join them!...

The Great Big Green Week

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.greatbiggreenweek.com

Children and young people are our best advocates for climate and nature and there are plenty of ways to get your school involved. Visit the website for free resource packs available for primary and secondary...

Roar-some Costume Making Workshop

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Step into a world of creativity and build your very own dinosaur-inspired costumes using simple paper materials. From towering T Rex tails to fluttering pterosaur wings, you’ll learn fun, hands-on techniques...

The Dinosaurs are Back!

Venue: Djanogly Theatre

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Join Proto, the smallest and quietest dino, as he meets wildly different prehistoric personalities: Cheeky T-rex, Gentle Argentinosaurus and Mysterious Spinosaurus. When some troublesome allosaurus stir...

Pushabout

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Join the Pushabout team for a friendly walk with your pushchair-aged child through the beautiful parkland.These walks are held on the second Monday of every month. Children must remain in the pushchair...

AstroSnores Sleepover

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Join the Space Lates team for their 25th birthday special public sleepover in the heart of the exhibition. As night falls, enjoy a special screening of Night at the Museum in the UK’s largest planetarium,...

Beanbag Music Club

Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk

Join the Limelight Orchestra for a family-friendly concert. Pull up a beanbag and have heaps of fun, with opportunities to sing, dance and interact with the music. This engaging performance is a great...

Children's Author Event: Ged Adamson at West Bridgford Library

Venue: West Bridgford Library

Website: www.inspireculture.org.uk

Hear Ged read from his new picture book That Bird Can Draw! Join in with a fun art and bird activity, followed by an opportunity to buy a signed copy of one (or more!) of his books. £3 for Children /...

Em-Con 2026 Day Tickets

Venue: Motorpoint Arena Nottingham

Website: www.motorpointarenanottingham.com

EM Con is Nottingham’s biggest pop culture event, offering a perfect blend of celebrity access, cosplay, film sets, and community energy, all under one roof. From iconic sci-fi stars to beloved fantasy...

Police Family Fun Day

Venue: Broadgates Park

Website: www.facebook.com/nottspolice/events

A family fun day giving local communities the chance to learn all about policing and the wealth of opportunities through interactive and engaging police demonstrations, activities and positive conversations....

Relaxed Family Film Screening: Dog Man at Eastwood Library

Venue: Eastwood Library

Website: www.inspireculture.org.uk

When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together and Dog Man is born. Relaxed family screenings...

Open Air Theatre:King Arthur

Venue: Wollaton Hall & Deer Park

Website: www.wollatonhall.org.uk

In a land of daring quests, dashing knights, and endless jousting, there lived a would-be hero – waiting in the wings – who went by the name of Arthur. Destiny awaits, chivalry calls, and the quest...

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians

Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for two amazing shows with Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and eye-popping...

Nottingham Pretty Muddy Kids

Venue: Holme Pierrepont, Adbolton Lane

Website: https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/

Pretty Muddy® Kids is a fun-packed muddy obstacle course for children aged 6-12 (over 1.2m tall). The young fundraisers climb, crawl and slide their way around the course at their own pace, accompanied...

Wildwood Arts Weekend

Venue: Sherwood Forest

Website: www.visitsherwood.co.uk/event/wildwood-arts-weekend

Join this weekend celebration of art, music, dance and crafts, all in the shadow of Sherwood Forest during the Summer Solstice. Includes workshops and have-a-go crafts, with opportunities for all ages....

Father’s Day - Supercars, Air Display and Family Day Out

Venue: Belvoir Castle

Website: www.belvoircastle.com

Celebrate Father’s Day with an unforgettable experience at Belvoir Castle. This much-loved annual event is the perfect Father’s Day day out in the UK, combining supercars, live entertainment, great...

Open Air Theatre: Romeo and Juliet

Venue: Newstead Abbey

Website: www.newsteadabbey.org.uk

A family feud divides the community! Violence stalks the streets. Who can see beyond the hate and dare to follow their heart? A pair of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet! Oddsocks return with their...

Rural and Wildlife Crime Showcase

Venue: Rufford Abbey Country Park

Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk

There’ll be plenty to see and do for all ages — whether you’re interested in rural policing, wildlife protection, or just looking for a great family event in the park. This is a free event, no booking...

Family Film Club Secret Screening

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Family Film Club Secret Screening is a brand-new Saturday morning cinema treat where the film is a total surprise — and discovering what it is together is all part of the excitement. The film will be...

Flyaway Katie

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Flyaway Katie is about the power of imagination, bursting with beautiful hand stitched puppets, colour, humour and surprises galore! Katie is all alone and feeling grey. The birds in the picture on her...

The Enormous Crocodile

Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk

The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees… Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks,...

Galactic Gathering - Festival of the Force

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Head to a galaxy not so far, far away for a weekend of intergalactic fun for all the family.Meet iconic Star Wars characters in person, step into the universe with real props and sets, try lightsaber training,...

At Sea

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

A fantastical puppet adventure, At Sea is an uplifting tale of a sailor’s triumph over darkness. Our Sailor is lost without their Heart Compass. Journeying through coral reefs, a siren’s lair and to...

Peppa Pig's Big Family Show

Venue: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk

With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done, it’s an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig & George all need...

Community Kicks

Venue: David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham

Website: www.facebook.com/nottspolice/events

Join this free seven-a-side Community Kicks football tournament and fun day, brought to you by Nottinghamshire Police. Sign up your team (boys and girls, U11s, U12s, U13s and U14s) before 31 May for your...

Open Air Theatre: Treasure Island

Venue: Newstead Abbey

Website: www.newsteadabbey.org.uk

It’s pirate ships, pieces of eight and salty old sea dogs in Quantum Theatre’s new adaptation of the classic pirate adventure, Treasure Island. Bursting with buccaneers, brouhaha and dastardly double...

Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet

Venue: Motorpoint Arena Nottingham

Website: www.motorpointarenanottingham.com

An experience which brings the works of Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh to life. The immersive spectaculars are staged on different days throughout the three-week run and there are a range of entry...