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 Avon
To search the listings, enter a keyword, location and/or date in the boxes below.
When entering a location, select the best location match from the list that appears, then click Go.
Click here to clear your search.
Team Bath Netball Super League
1st March-31st May 2024
Venue: University of Bath
Website: www.visitbath.co.uk
The UK's top level netball league is back and fans will have a chance to cheer on the new-look Team Bath Netball squad during their home games of the 2024 season at the Team Bath Arena. Last season, the...
Bing's Nature Explorers
23rd March-2nd June 2024
Venue: WWT Slimbridge
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge
Join Bing and Flop to become a Nature Explorer with activity trails, storytelling, character appearances and much more. All activities are included in admission ticket or free for WWT members. Just turn...
Closer To History
23rd March-31st May 2024
Venue: The Roman Baths
Website: www.romanbaths.co.uk
Visit the Roman Baths this spring and make memories as a family. Come face to face with characters from the past and discover the treasures of the Roman Baths in an unforgettable family day out. Meet...
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
23rd March-1st September 2024
Venue: Bristol Zoo Project
Website: www.bristolzoo.org.uk
The award-winning animation, based on the much-loved picture book, will be brought to life through a series of interactive installations — follow in the characters’ footsteps to brave the elements....
Theatre School (Age 7-9) Summer Term 2024
13th May-22nd June 2024
Venue: Theatre Royal Bath
Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
A group for anyone wanting to take their next steps into theatre in a fun, inclusive and thought- provoking environment. Led by industry professionals, participants will be guided through exciting games...
Cressida Cowell: Dragons and Magic
14th May 2024
Venue: The Wardrobe Theatre
Website: www.thewardrobetheatre.com
Meet multi-million-copy selling, award-winning author Cressida Cowell, creator of the How to Train Your Dragon and The Wizards of Once series. Cressida will introduce her newest book, Which Way Round The...
Sensory Sensitive Sessions
16th May 2024
Venue: Wake the Tiger Amazement Park
Website: www.wakethetiger.com/sensory-sensitive-sessions
For anyone who could find a visitor attraction overwhelming when open to the general public, perhaps preferring less people and where any sensory-stimulation is managed, including the lights and sounds....
Bristol Aquarium - Even Calmer Days
17th May 2024
Venue: Bristol Aquarium
Website: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk
The dedicated Even Calmer days create a more relaxing sensory experience for any customers who may need it. They turn off the music, and children’s rides as well as increasing the lighting levels for...
Life of Pi
22nd-25th May 2024
Venue: Theatre Royal Bath
Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
After an epic storm in the Pacific Ocean, Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger. Based on the best-selling book by Yann Martel,...
May Half-Term Animal Antics
24th May-2nd June 2024
Venue: Dyrham Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Crawl like a caterpillar, wriggle like a worm, hop like a bunny and leap like a frog this May half term at Dyrham Park. Activities to get families out and active in the great outdoors will run from Fri...
Yates Summer of Free Fun
24th May-31st August 2024
Venue: Yate Shopping Centre
Website: www.yateshoppingcentre.co.uk
The beach will open on 24th May in the Central Square and the summer holidays will be packed with Party Peeps beach parties, Caribbean steel band, Olympic-themed events, crafting days, Punch and Judy shows...
Craft a colourful bird
25th May-2nd June 2024
Venue: Tyntesfield
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Inspired by ‘Echoes from the Aviary’; a sound and collage installation filling Tyntesfield’s aviary this spring, have a go at creating your own colourful collaged birds in this free family drop in....
Dinosaur Valley: Live!
25th May-2nd June 2024
Venue: Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
Website: www.avonvalley.co.uk/events/dinosaur-valley-live
Visit the South West’s largest collection of animatronic dinosaurs, including a 15m T-Rex in their beautiful riverside home, Dinosaur Valley. The Dinosaur Research Lab is open with a theatrical and interactive...
Half Term Fun at Wookey Hole
25th May-2nd June 2024
Venue: Wookey Hole
Website: www.wookey.co.uk
Start your adventure with a journey a million years into the past. Explore the vast underground chambers that are at the heart of Wookey Hole and learn about their fascinating geology, history and the...
Kids Rule! at Wrest Park
25th May-2nd June 2024
Venue: Wrest Park
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrest
Visit the grounds of Wrest Park for hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun. 10am-5pm. Book online and save 15%.
May half term - Endangered Animal Trail
25th May-2nd June 2024
Venue: Prior Park Landscape Garden
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Find the endangered species that are spread around the garden, read the clue and see if you can workout what they are. You'll also be able to read a bit about the work that's been happening at other National...
May half term - Music and Fashion Crafts
25th May-2nd June 2024
Venue: Bath Assembly Rooms
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Have a go at some new craft activities this May. The theme is fashion and music so expect paper fans, create a Georgian lady paper doll and you can even practice fan language used in the18th Century. Available...
National Children's Gardening Week
25th May-2nd June 2024
Venue: Nationwide
Website: www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk
An annual celebration of the fun that gardens hold for kids, supporting Greenfingers charity which is dedicated to providing magical gardens for children in hospices suffering from life limiting illnesses....
Passenger Takeover
25th May-2nd June 2024
Venue: Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Website: www.ssgreatbritain.org
This half term Victorian passengers will take over the SS Great Britain, bringing the historic dockyard to life as never before! From 25th May to 2nd June, visitors can meet those who travelled on Brunel’s...
Spring Fest
25th May-2nd June 2024
Venue: Bristol Zoo Project
Website: www.bristolzoo.org.uk
Highlights include den building with drop in sessions from 11-12noon daily. Seed bomb craft - make seed bombs, take them home and watch the wildflowers grow. Unwind in the shade of the tipi while listening...
A Strange New Space
26th-28th May 2024
Venue: The Wardrobe Theatre
Website: www.thewardrobetheatre.com
A completely original one woman show without words, Melding physical theatre with stunning puppetry and original music. Travel on an imagined voyage into space, paralleled with Amira’s real-life journey...
Andy and the Odd Socks
26th May 2024
Venue: Good Times Festival at Yate Town Football Club
Website: www.andyandtheoddsocks.com/tour
Straight off the TV and onto the live stage, Andy and the Odd Socks bring their brilliant madcap mix of songs, slapstick and silliness to life with a show to entertain families of all ages. Andy and the...
Andy and the Odd Socks, Hacker The Dog + more!
26th May 2024
Venue: Yate Town Football Club
Website: www.andyandtheoddsocks.com/tour
Straight off the TV and onto the live stage, Andy and the Odd Socks bring their brilliant madcap mix of songs, slapstick and silliness to life with a show to entertain families of all ages. Tickets include...
The Great Stink
27th-28th May 2024
Venue: Theatre Royal Bath
Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
Join English Touring Opera in Victorian London for The Great Stink, a hilarious, fun-filled family show about poo… lots of it! Brought to life with singers, musicians, puppets, and interactive moments...
Nature Art Family Sessions
28th-29th May 2024
Venue: Weston Museum
Website: www.westonmuseum.org
Drop in to the museum to take part in some art based family time. You can drop in any time during the session timeslots and just pay a small suggested donation to cover the materials you use. They’ll...
Les Miserables School Edition
29th May-1st June 2024
Venue: Redgrave Theatre
Website: www.redgravetheatre.com
Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries and in 22 languages, and now returning to the Redgrave Theatre in May 2024. BAOS Youth bring you the school edition of Les Misérables, undisputedly...
Shelf: The Kid Show
29th May 2024
Venue: The Wardrobe Theatre
Website: www.thewardrobetheatre.com
Join best friends Rachel and Ruby for a comedy show that's fun for all the family! Full of sketches, songs, pranks and silliness. Rachel and Ruby use physical comedy and silly characters to bring sketch...
Skydiver
30th-31st May 2024
Venue: Theatre Royal Bath
Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
Prepare to soar through the fluffy clouds where flocks of birds and butterflies flutter.Greek dance artist, dramaturg and director Xenia Aidonopoulou makes visually compelling dance-theatre works filled...
Brick Express
1st-2nd June 2024
Venue: Avon Valley Railway
Website: www.avonvalleyrailway.org
Jump onboard the Brick Express train and enjoy building workshops with the world’s most popular construction toy whilst you travel the line. Back at Bitton, admire models from Bristol’s GertLug Adult...
Festival of Nature
1st-9th June 2024
Venue: Various venues
Website: www.bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature/
The UK’s largest celebration of the natural world, running for over 20 years. This year’s nine day programme offers more than 70 in-person and online events, giving everyone the opportunity to learn...
Outdoor Theatre: Alice in Wonderland
1st June 2024
Venue: Dyrham Park
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Go along and make some of the strangest and most peculiar friends, including the mysterious Cheshire Cat, the Wacky Mad Hatter, the bizarre blue Caterpillar and the foul-tempered Queen of Hearts. Take...
Family Walk
5th June 2024
Venue: Tyntesfield
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Guided by friendly volunteers, stretch your legs and socialise with other families as you uncover nature’s hidden treasures. Along the way, there will be exciting activities for you to take part in,...
Kevin Quantum: Momentum
5th June 2024
Venue: Redgrave Theatre
Website: www.redgravetheatre.com
Fizzing with energy and moving moments (scientifically and emotionally) Kevin swings effortlessly from edge-of-your-seat astonishment to belly laughs – culminating with the ‘flaming cannonball’ illusion;...
Foodies Festival
7th-9th June 2024
Venue: Royal Victoria Park
Website: www.foodiesfestival.com
Sample new wines, champagnes and cocktails in The Drinks Theatre. Eat delicious street food from around the world. Taste new flavours. Meet artisan producers. Have fun all day with chilli eating competitions...
The Big Help Out
7th-9th June 2024
Venue: Nationwide
Website: www.thebighelpout.org.uk
Early involvement in volunteering and social action increases a child’s likelihood of taking part in the future. Working together, teachers have the power to instil the values of compassion and community...
Festival of Nature
9th-18th June 2024
Venue: Millenium Square
Website: www.visitbristol.co.uk
This summer, join the celebration for the festival’s 20th anniversary with its unmissable programme of vibrant city-centre events, family nature parties, wildlife workshops, walks and talks, film screenings,...
Seska: Don't Wee Your Pants
9th June 2024
Venue: The Wardrobe Theatre
Website: www.thewardrobetheatre.com
Turbo-charged Seska is loved by familes throughout the UK and Europe. His fast-paced super interactive magic show sells out at festivals and arts centres leaving audiences with a huge grin on their faces....
Weston-super-Mare 5k
12th June 2024
Venue: The Seafront Beach
Website: www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
The Weston-super-Mare route includes the beach, the Promenade and the Grand Pier. The course is fairly flat over a mixture of terrain and features lovely views of the sea and across Somerset. A great atmosphere...
Great Expectations - Outdoor Theatre
13th June 2024
Venue: Yeo Valley Organic Garden
Website: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk/greatexpectations
Join Pip’s journey through adversity to discover the true nature of his ‘Great Expectations’ in this exciting new production of this much-loved family classic, packed full of high drama, mysterious...
Down at the Beach Sand Art Workshop
15th June 2024
Venue: Weston Museum
Website: www.westonmuseum.org
Prepare for a colourful and sand-filled time and dive into a variety of beach-themed activities. Join this fun-filled workshop where you’ll get the chance to take part in 4 separate activities that ignite...
Father’s Day Weekend
15th June-16th May 2024
Venue: Aerospace Bristol
Website: www.aerospacebristol.org/whats-on
Aerospace Bristol's annual car show is back and bigger than ever! Visit the museum during Father’s Day weekend and discover a range of Bristol cars, BMWs, Aston Martins, and more.
National School Sports Week 2024
17th-23rd June 2024
Venue: Nationwide
Website: www.youthsporttrust.org
This year's theme brings a special one-off Euro 2024 event that emphasises football as a means to engage young people in 60 minutes a day of PE, sport and play. By registering, schools will receive free...
Bristol Pretty Muddy Kids
22nd June 2024
Venue: The Downs, Stoke Road
Website: www.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...
History in the Park at Wrest Park
22nd-23rd June 2024
Venue: Wrest Park
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrest
Experience life in a Victorian Kitchen with talks, displays and interactive opportunities and take part in hands-on Medieval events. Learn about Regency crime and punishment and early 20th Century movie...
An-Ki
26th-29th June 2024
Venue: Holburne Museum Gardens
Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
An-ki is an immersive theatrical experience, in a living space that invites you to discover every nook and corner, every secret, where you not only listen and watch but also move, touch and feel. Free,...
Matilda Jr
29th June 2024
Venue: Redgrave Theatre
Website: www.redgravetheatre.com
Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an...
Teddy Bears Picnic
29th-30th June 2024
Venue: Avon Valley Railway
Website: www.avonvalleyrailway.org
All children will travel for FREE on this special weekend if they bring their Teddy Bear! Enjoy a 50 minute train ride. Then, back at Bitton Station enjoy magic shows, balloon modelling and face painting...
Calm Sensory Sessions
30th June 2024
Venue: Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Website: www.ssgreatbritain.org/things-to-do/calm-sensory-sessions
The sessions have been designed for neurodivergent children and families who benefit from visiting at a time when there is a calmer background sensory environment. These sessions will vary throughout the...
The Comedy of Errors
30th June 2024
Venue: The Hall, Kingston Road
Website: www.handlebards.com
Join the troupe for a bicycle-powered production like you’ve never seen before. When two sets of estranged twins are brought together on the same island, this classic comedy takes hold, with mistaken...
Relaxed Opening Sessions
3rd July 2024
Venue: Bristol Zoo Project
Website: www.bristolzoo.org.uk
These relaxed events are the perfect opportunity for individuals with additional sensory needs and their carers to visit in a much quieter and supportive environment. Ticket numbers are limited and will...
Kid Carpet and the Noisy Garden Centre
6th-7th July 2024
Venue: Theatre Royal Bath
Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk
A brand new Kid Carpet & The Noisy Animals show for early years and family audiences. Featuring their signature relaxed performance style of catchy songs, lofi puppetry, video magic and audience participation!...
Bath 5K
7th July 2024
Venue: Royal Victoria Park
Website: www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
The 5k is an achievable distance and a good first challenge for most people. At just over 3 miles it can take about an hour to walk on average, but there's no pressure to finish in a certain time. Go at...
Ham Farm Music Festival
25th-28th July 2024
Venue: Ham Farm Cottage
Website: www.hamfarmfestival.com
An annual, family-friendly music festival held outdoors in private gardens in Emersons Green. This year's workshops include a Kids Choir aimed at ages 7-11, a beginner ukulele workshop (aimed at adults...
Drawn to Water
14th December-24th February 2024
Venue: WWT Slimbridge
Website: www.wwt.org.uk
While other parts of the natural world hibernate, WWT Slimbridge comes to life as over-wintering species move in for the colder months. So grab your best bobble hat, pick up a Quentin Blake ‘Drawn to...