What's On in Nottinghamshire

Steam into summer at Statfold!

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: www.statfold.com

Gain unlimited general opening visits with the brand-new Summer Membership until 30 September for just £20 per person! Statfold Country Park is home to a narrow-gauge steam railway and museum, three-tiered...

The Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge

Venue: Nationwide

Website: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

This summer Inspire libraries will be tapping into a world of imagination through reading. Produced by The Reading Agency, the Summer Reading Challenge is a brilliant way to maintain children’s reading...

Feel Good Activity Bag at Sherwood Pines

Venue: Sherwood Pines

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/sherwood-pines

Try a forest activity bag for children aged 4-13 years old and their adults to use to discover the wellbeing benefits of forests. Includes binoculars to help you spot butterflies and birds, a scavenger...

Go-Kan-Ryu Karate (GKR)

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...

Gruffalo Orienteering

Venue: Sherwood Pines

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/sherwood-pines

Enjoy a fun, navigational challenge at Sherwood Pines by following the easy to read map and finding twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood. Before you begin, head to the Visitor Centre to...

Hocus Pocus Soft Play

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...

Kids Club

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 £3.25 each....

Newark Junior Parkrun

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...

Nottinghamshire (HAF) Programme

Venue: Various locations across Nottingham

Website: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/holiday-activities-and-food

Children across the county will have access to engaging activities and nutritious meals during the school holiday. HAF provides fully funded holiday activities and meals to children ages 5-16 who receive...

Razzle Dazzle Pots

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...

Stick Man Adventure

Venue: Cannock Chase Forest

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/cannock-chase-forest

Discover colourful activity panels, hands-on experiences building with sticks and learning about forests, as families help Stick Man on his journey back to the family tree. On 8 August , Stick Man will...

Stick Man Trail

Venue: Hicks Lodge

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/hicks-lodge/the-stick-man-trail-hicks-lodge

Have some forest fun this summer, as young adventurers follow the Stick Man activity trail at Hicks Lodge. Discover colourful activity panels, hands-on experiences building with sticks and learning about...

The Attic Theatre School

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

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...

Bing's Birthday

Venue: Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/bings-birthday

Join Bing and his friends Sula, Pando, Coco, Amma and of course Flop as they get ready to celebrate his special day in the brand-new live stage show, Bing’s Birthday! Things won’t always go to plan...

Bookbench Storytime: Castles in the Air Bench

Venue: Inspire, Newark Buttermarket (upstairs)

Website: www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk

Join storyteller Nicky Rafferty (at 12pm and 1pm) and our festival’s Young Ambassadors (at 2pm) for some mythical, magical, made-up storytime fun at the Castle in the Air Bookbench found inside Buttermarket....

Captain Narwhal's Pirates vs French Dinosaurs

Venue: Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on

Captain Narwhal’s happy band are at it again, stealing treasure from the local town. Only this time, they’ve taken more than they bargained for… Join them in their quest to right their wrongs whilst...

Dragons and Fairytale Fun

Venue: Inspire, Newark Buttermarket (upstairs)

Website: www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk

Join the Inspire Learning and Music teams in a Dragons and Fairytale themed afternoon, with drop-in arts and crafts, have-a-go music sessions and meet Sapphire the Dragon and her friend Sparky. Make a...

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Venue: Titchfield Park

Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre/events

Performed in Oddsocks’ inimitable, irreverent, and knockabout style, the show features live music, laugh-out-loud comedy, and even some outrageous hunting dogs! This is an outdoor performance, so take...

En Plein Aire – Paint Club with Urban Canvas

Venue: Newark Market Place

Website: www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk

Pick up a brush and “have a go with a pro” in this fun, all-ages En Plein Aire art workshop with Urban Canvas. Paint what you see and explore the joy of creating art in the open air—just like the...

Rap School Poetic Flow with Rob Bradley

Venue: Newark Town Hall

Website: www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk

Get ready to rhyme, write, and perform in the high-energy creative workshop with freestyle rapper and poet Rob Bradley at The Rap School at Newark Book Festival. No experience needed—just take your energy...

Writing The World – Walk and Workshop

Venue: Newark Castle

Website: www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk

Get ready to Write the World, in this family-friendly walk and writing workshop around Newark, with author and University lecturer Amy Lilwall.Expect fresh air, creative flow, and plenty of moments that...

Nottingham Beach

Venue: Old Market Square

Website: www.nottinghambeach.co.uk

Get ready for a summer of sun, sand, and non-stop entertainment as Nottingham Beach officially returns! Located in the heart of the city at Old Market Square, this much-loved attraction brings all the...

Sweet and Sour - The Ultimate Tribute to Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo

Venue: Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall

Website: www.trch.co.uk/whats-on

Get ready for an electrifying night of pop anthems, heartbreak hits, and fierce rival vibes at Sweet and Sour. Featuring a powerhouse live band and dynamic dancers, this show brings every beat and lyric...

Farmarama

Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm

Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk

During the summer Adventure Farm will be hosting the ultimate beach party with gigantic paddling pools and a huge sand area to make the farm a festival of fun! Each day they will be hosting seaside shows,...

Space Across the World: Summer

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Enjoy live science talks, hands-on activities, space-themed crafts, and interactive family fun across the Centre – there's something to explore around every corner. Even better – all day passes are...

Splendour Festival

Venue: Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Website: www.splendourfestival.com

The two-day festival will be back at its Wollaton home with a brand-new line-up to appeal across the generations, from long-term regulars to families and youngsters.Nottingham city residents can receive...

Summer of Play at Clumber Park

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park

The whole family will want to spend the day on the Front Field this summer with 9 exciting play zones, jam-packed with activities to suit every age and every interest.To ensure every member of the family...

Country Fair and Pawsby Dog Show

Venue: Thoresby Park

Website: www.thoresby.com

Don’t miss out on this fun filled day out for all the family! Includes Market stalls, Demonstrations, Duck Race Farm Machinery, Face Painter, Inflatables, Food and Drink and much more. 10am-4pm. £3...

Wistow Maze

Venue: Wistow Rural Centre and Wistow Maze

Website: www.wistow.com

A giant eight acre maize maze with a fun quiz trail hidden amongst three miles of pathways, with high-level bridges and towers. Includes Activity Funyard with mini mazes and games for all the family.More...

Summer White Post Wednesdays

Venue: Rufford Abbey County Park

Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk

Enjoy a delightful encounter with some of nature’s most charming and curious creatures! From fluffy guinea pigs and bunnies to slithering snakes, quirky lizards, and even a few fascinating creepy crawlies...

Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland

Venue: Nottingham Castle

Website: www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk

Filled to the brim with magic, music, and not-so-organised chaos, Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s sparkling adaptation is perfect for all the family! Booking in advance is recommended.

Films in the Forest

Venue: Sherwood Forest

Website: www.visitsherwood.co.uk/home/robin-hood-festival-2025

The Robin Hood Festival begins with another weekend of outdoor cinema. This summer’s selection is:The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Tangled, Jumanji, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Disney’s Robin...

Robin Hood Festival 2025

Venue: Sherwood Forest

Website: www.visitsherwood.co.uk

Join Sherwood Forest to celebrate the legend that makes Sherwood famous across the globe. Includes spectacular displays of jousting on horseback, medieval hand-to-hand combat, archery, historical re-enactment,...

The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I

Venue: Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Website: www.wollatonhall.org.uk

The stage is set for regicidal rivalries, devious dramatics, and plotting playwrights. Beset by misunderstandings and a script that…let’s just say…needs some work, this production promises to be...

‘Little Rebels’ Indoor Trail

Venue: Nottingham Castle

Website: www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk

Become an outlaw in Medieval Nottingham this summer! Search through the galleries for Robin Hood and his Merry Men to join the rebel band. Children’s trail sheets available from the Visitor Centre –...

‘Superbeasts’ Outdoor Trail

Venue: Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Website: www.wollatonhall.org.uk

Supersized creepy-crawlies are running around the park! Find each Superbeast to solve the puzzle…Children’s trail sheets are £2 per trail and can be purchased from cafés and shops across the site.

Festival of Archaeology

Venue: University of Nottingham Museum

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Visit the University of Nottingham Museum for the Roman themed Festival of Archaeology to celebrate the opening of their new exhibition The Norton Disney Dodecahedron: its discovery and excavation.Drop...

Mini Police Community Fun Day

Venue: Carr Bank Park, Windmill Lane, Mansfield

Website: www.nottinghamshire.police.uk

An exciting community event, packed with activities and demonstrations to promote safety and crime prevention.Demonstrations include police dogs showcase their skills, learn about traffic safety with the...

Much Ado About Nothing

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park

Join the troupe for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ like you’ve never seen before. In usual HandleBards style, expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old...

The Magical Major Oak: Summer in Bloom

Venue: Nottingham Playhouse

Website: www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Skip through the forest in the summer breeze and join Marian and her friends on an exciting adventure in the forest, guided by the wisdom of the Magical Major Oak. An enchanting interactive show for anyone...

Cirque – The Greatest Show Reimagined

Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre

Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre/events

Experience iconic West End showstoppers paired with awe-inspiring circus acts showcasing their breathtaking feats of agility. This all-new production promises to transport you on a vibrant, kaleidoscopic...

Science Museum Live

Venue: Nottingham Playhouse

Website: www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

This year join London’s world-renowned Science Museum as they bring you this brand-new stage production aimed at igniting your curiosity, fuelling your imagination, and inspiring you in new and exciting...

Under the Apple Tree

Venue: Nottingham Castle

Website: www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk

Visit Nottingham Castle at the Bandstand for this family friendly workshop and storytelling event. Create your own paper and yarn apple to show the Green Man. Awaken him from his snooze to tell you a tale…Free,...

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Venue: Newstead Abbey

Website: www.newsteadabbey.org.uk

It’s Midsummer’s eve and deep in an enchanted forest mischief is stirring. The Fairy King and Queen are feuding, four runaway lovers are tying themselves in knots, and a troupe of quite appalling actors...

Space Club LIVE

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

If your child is interested in science and looking for something to do over the school holiday period, book a session at Space Club. Sessions aim to support and enhance learning regarding space, science...

In the Night Garden

Venue: Mansfield Palace Theatre

Website: www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre/events

Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all! You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size...

Professor Temple’s Punch and Judy Show

Venue: Rufford Abbey County Park

Website: www.ruffordabbey.co.uk

Professor Paul Temple returns to Rufford this summer with his delightful Punch and Judy show! Admission is completely free, making it a perfect summer outing for all.The show will take place on the lawn...

Robin Hood Open Air Theatre

Venue: Nottingham Castle

Website: www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk

Join utter legends Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone’s favourite archer. Gates open one hour before the performance...

Summer of Play at The Workhouse and Infirmary

Venue: The Workhouse and Infirmary

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Stack ‘em high and watch ‘em fly as you enjoy a game of Tin Can Alley, roll them dice and have a go at workhouse yaztzee or keep it simple with a game of classic dominoes. There’s fun for the whole...

Foam Fest

Venue: Manor Farm Park and Woodlands

Website: www.manorfarm.info

If you're looking for things to do with kids during the school holidays, join Manor Farm Park and Woodlands for FoamFest! Expect lots of laughs and mountains of foam in this family-friendly foam zone,...

Summer Family Workshops

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

In the workshop, you’ll explore the endless possibilities of textiles – experimenting with textures, patterns, and bold, beautiful colours. These workshops are designed for parents or carers to stay...

Little Wickets Holiday Camp

Venue: Keyworth Cricket Club

Website: https://www.littlewickets.com/holiday-activities/

Softball Cricket Fun for Boys and Girls in Reception - Year 6. The qualified and experienced coaching team ensure fun and teamwork are at the heart of all the activities and games. All welcome. All kit...

Puppet Play in a Week

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Help create the original performance Tiny Planet, which will be written, devised, and built by the participants, with a performance at the end of the week. Expect drama, games, puppetry, and plenty of...

Summer Family Workshops – SEND Sessions

Venue: Lakeside Arts

Website: www.lakesidearts.org.uk

These SEND sessions are inspired the Material Worlds exhibition, where colour, space, pattern, and texture come together in exciting ways. These SEND friendly sessions will have additional resources to...

Gloworm Festival

Venue: Thoresby Park

Website: www.glowormfestival.co.uk

The Gloworm Festival is a brilliant 3 day Festival that has been especially created for grown ups and their little people.This event is aimed at families with Children aged 0-13, with plenty for teenagers...

CommuniTree Festival Music in the Park

Venue: Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Website: www.wollatonhall.org.uk

£2.35 per person (includes booking fee) – Pre-booked tickets in advance apply.On the day tickets: £5 (plus 50p booking fee) – subject to availability. This event will sell out quickly, any additional...

The Hundred

Venue: Trent Bridge

Website: www.thehundred.com

The Hundred combines high-energy cricket with live music, street food, and family entertainment. With dedicated family seating and tickets starting from just £5 for under 16s and £21 for adults, it’s...

Little Wickets Holiday Camp

Venue: Caythorpe Cricket Club (Notts)

Website: https://www.littlewickets.com/holiday-activities/

Softball Cricket Fun for Boys and Girls in Reception - Year 6. The qualified and experienced coaching team ensure fun and teamwork are at the heart of all the activities and games. All welcome. All kit...

The Snow Queen

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park

Jack Frost has convinced the Snow Queen to rule over Clumber Park causing Winter to last forever. The Summer Fairy, breaks the ice and saves the day along with our fabulous panto dame, Nancy Neapolitan...

Little Wickets Holiday Camp

Venue: Papplewick and Linby Cricket Club

Website: https://www.littlewickets.com/holiday-activities/

Softball Cricket Fun for Boys and Girls in Reception - Year 6. The qualified and experienced coaching team ensure fun and teamwork are at the heart of all the activities and games. All welcome. All kit...

The Frog Prince

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park

Kissing a frog has started a whole new kind of adventure for our heroic princess. Will they all live HOPPILY ever after? Join Clumber Park for this party of a pantomime to find out - you’d be HOPPING...

Outdoor Cinema

Venue: Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Website: www.wollatonhall.org.uk

From heart-warming family favourites to sing-a-long classics and adventure-packed blockbusters, there’s something for everyone from The Greatest Showman Sing-A-Long, Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza,The Gruffalo...

The Foolhardy Folk Festival 2025

Venue: Nottingham Arboretum

Website: www.alttickets.com/the-foolhardy-folk-festival-tickets

Join English folk singer Beans on Toast for the fifth annual Foolhardy Folk Festival. A day of music, trees and revelry in the beautiful city centre park. It’s a family friendly celebration of music...

Beauty and the Beast

Venue: Clumber Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park

Be our guest and follow the beautiful Belle as she is trapped in an enchanted castle by a fearsome beast. Book your tickets before the last petal falls! Secure your spot on the Parsonage Lawn by booking...

Summer Sparks Spectacular at Gulliver’s

Venue: Gulliver's Land Resort

Address: Matlock Bath, Derbyshire

Website: www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Celebrate another magical summer season at Gulliver’s with extra ride time on this date.

HMS Pinafore

Venue: Newstead Abbey

Website: www.illyria.co.uk

Josephine, the captain’s daughter, loves Ralph, a common sailor. But her father insists she marries Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty. With sharp dialogue and catchy tunes, this timeless...