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 Bedfordshire & Luton
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Kathak Dance Classes
16th January-9th December 2024
Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre
Address: 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton
Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/kathak-dance-classes
Learn the basics of Kathak dance through rhythm and storytelling with Amina Khayyam Dance Company. While learning new skills, the classes promise to be fun, insightful and exhilarating. Suitable for ages...
Swimming lessons with Everyone Active
1st January-31st December 2024
Venue: Your local leisure centre
Address: Bedfordshire
Website: https://www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons/
Award-winning swimming lessons at your local Everyone Active leisure centre, for children aged from just 4 months old. Available at The Dunstable Centre, Houghton Regis Leisure Centre, Tiddenfoot Leisure...
Shuttleworth in Lights 2024
15th November-15th December 2024
Venue: Shuttleworth
Address: Alder Drive, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire
Website: www.shuttleworth.org/product/sil24/
Explore the world-famous Shuttleworth Collection and Swiss Garden in a way you’ve never seen them before! Literally shining the light on their 200 year old Regency style Swiss Garden and world-famous...
Narnia at Wrest Park
23rd November-22nd December 2024
Venue: Wrest Park
Address: Silsoe, Bedfordshire
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/wrest-park-narnia-2024/
Experience the enchantment of C.S. Lewis’ 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe' as Wrest Park transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and scenes from the beloved...
Festive Lunch
25th November-20th December 2024
Venue: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Address: Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Get together with friends and family this holiday season and enjoy crackers, decorations, perfect winter views, and a warming festive lunch with all the trimmings. You can make your meal either one, two...
Breakfast with the Elves
30th November-23rd December 2024
Venue: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Address: Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Another magical Christmas season awaits as the elves return for breakfast at the View Café! As you are served a heartwarming breakfast, you'll have the chance to meet the elves and complete your Christmas...
Christmas at Mead Open Farm
30th November-24th December 2024
Venue: Mead Open Farm
Address: Stanbridge Road, Billington, Bedfordshire
Website: www.meadopenfarm.co.uk/events/view/christmas-at-mead-open-farm
Experience a magical festive adventure! Meet Father Christmas in his grotto, decorate gingerbread men with Mother Christmas, or journey through Christmas HQ. Wander through The Magical Forest and make...
Father Christmas at Wrest Park
30th November-22nd December 2024
Venue: Wrest Park
Address: Silsoe, Bedfordshire
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/wrest-park-father-christmas-2024/
Join Father Christmas at Wrest Park this December for a magical way to start the festive season. Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal...
Beauty and the Beast
6th December-5th January 2025
Venue: Grove Theatre
Address: Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/beauty-and-the-beast/
Don’t miss this year’s hilarious fun-filled family pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, starring TV legend Joe Swash! With more exciting casting news soon, hilarious comedy, and lavish sets and costumes,...
Christmas Market 2024
7th-8th December 2024
Venue: Shuttleworth
Address: Alder Drive, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire
Website: www.shuttleworth.org/product/cm24/
Explore the grand rooms and grounds of Shuttleworth House and Garden Suite and meander around a variety of local food, craft and gift stalls. Shuttleworth House was designed by the prominent Victorian...
Father Christmas Visits Wardown
7th-21st December 2024
Venue: Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
Address: Old Bedford Rd, Luton
Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/father-christmas-visits-wardown-0
A magical Christmas experience for the whole family. Children are invited to listen to a festive story from Miss Christmas, meet the whimsical elves, and receive a special gift from under the tree when...
The King's Polar Bear
7th-24th December 2024
Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre
Address: 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton
Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/kings-polar-bear
Join Luton’s favourites Full House Theatre for a timeless tale of hope and opportunity, told under the awesome shimmer of the Northern Lights. In this wintry new show, you will be carried away by the...
Christmas Market at Luton Hoo Estate
8th December 2024
Venue: Luton Hoo Estate
Address: Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 4LF
Website: lutonhooestate.co.uk/event/christmas-market-at-luton-hoo-estate-2/
Stalls at the stunning conservatory will put you in the Christmas mood with gifts, edible treats and seasonal fayre galore. The Woodyard Cafe & Brasserie will be serving delicious seasonal offerings too....
Krigar's Christmas Magic Show
8th December 2024
Venue: The Forest Centre
Address: Station Road, Marston Moretaine
Website: www.marstonvale.org/Event/krigars-christmas-magic-show-8th-dec-2024
Krisgar’s back with his popular magic and puppet show for the whole family. Join award-winning Krisgar and his sidekick Tricky Teddy for a magical morning with interactive tricks, hilarious comedy, and...
Stockwood Illuminated
13th-24th December 2024
Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre
Address: London Road, Luton
Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/stockwood-illuminated-2
This December, visit for the winter light celebration set against the backdrop of the beautiful gardens at Stockwood Discovery Centre. Discover Stockwood like you've never seen it before, as you weave...
The Snowman
14th December 2024
Venue: The Quarry Theatre at St Luke's
Address: 26 St Peters St, Bedford
Website: quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873646726
A young boy can’t believe his eyes one winter’s night when a snowman comes to life and an unforgettable adventure begins… Enjoy a special screening of the timeless classic animated film, The Snowman,...
Comedy Club 4 Kids Christmas Cracker!
15th December 2024
Venue: The Quarry Theatre at St Luke's
Address: 26 St Peters St, Bedford
Website: quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873635923
All the fun of Comedy Club 4 Kids with a Christmas twist. Expect the finest Christmas cracker jokes, tinsel tomfoolery, festive funnies and maybe even Santa doing stand-up! Line-up TBA. For 6yrs+.
Taleshakers: December
16th December 2024
Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre
Address: 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton
Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/taleshakers-december
A fun-filled family focused session for children and their parents and carers. The experienced Taleshakers team will take you on a 45-minute journey that combines storytelling, games and movement. Taleshakers...
Exploring with Kaye Leidoskope – Exploring Weather
20th December 2024
Venue: The Place Theatre
Address: Bradgate Road, Bedford
Website: www.theplacebedford.org.uk/shows/exploring-with-kaye-leidoskope-exploring-weather/
Join Kaye Leidoskope for these lively and lovely interactive storytelling sessions for under 5s and their grown-ups. Expect songs, games, crafts and dancing... perfect for little ones to creatively learn...
The Merry Little Party - Kids' Disco
20th December 2024
Venue: The Forest Centre
Address: Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine
Website: www.marstonvale.org/Event/xmas-kids-disco-20th-dec-2024
A not-so-silent night! The DJ will be playing Christmas party tunes and leading the party games. There will be prizes for the best dancers, jumpers and more, so don’t be shy! Don’t forget to say hello...
Snow White
21st-31st December 2024
Venue: Bedford Corn Exchange
Address: St Paul’s Square, Bedford
Website: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/snow-white/
The kingdom buzzes with excitement as Princess Snow White’s birthday approaches. However, the festivities are marred by the jealousy of her stepmother, the evil queen, who longs to be the fairest in...
Jolly Christmas Crafts
23rd December 2024
Venue: The Forest Centre
Address: Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine
Website: www.marstonvale.org/Event/kids-christmas-crafts-23rd-dec-2024
Visit for a festive and fun-filled craft session at the Forest Centre, where you can decorate your own ceramic Christmas tea light holders to take home and enjoy. There are two time slots to choose from,...
Creation - The Bubble Show
8th February 2025
Venue: The Quarry Theatre at St Luke's
Address: 26 St Peters St, Bedford
Website: quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873635786
Journey through an awe-inspiring story, brought to life in a dazzling display of soap and water. Immerse yourself in this spectacular adventure as the creator breathes life into: light, water, plants,...
Half Term History Makers at Wrest Park
15th-23rd February 2025
Venue: Wrest Park
Address: Silsoe, Bedfordshire
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/wrest-park-half-term-history-makers/
Join characters from the past for heritage-inspired hijinks and hands-on shenanigans at Wrest Park this half term. Book online and save 15%. 10am - 4pm.
Fireman Sam The Great Camping Adventure
18th February 2025
Venue: Bedford Corn Exchange
Address: St Paul’s Square, Bedford
Website: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/fireman-sam-live/
Norman wants to go on an adventure, so when two famous animal explorers arrive in Pontypandy, he decides to follow them into the mountains. But when Norman discovers a rare red squirrel, one of the explorers...
RARE Productions presents Annie
20th-22nd February 2025
Venue: Grove Theatre
Address: Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Website: everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/rare-productions-presents-annie/
A community amateur children’s show, presented by RARE Productions. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s...
Ampthill Charter Market
Venue: Town Centre Car Park
Address: Ampthill, Bedford, MK45 2EH
Website: www.ampthill-tc.gov.uk/history-and-tourism/market
Every Thursday from 8.00am. There is plenty on offer from household wares, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, eggs, olives, dried fruit, nuts, award winning baked bread, cakes, pies and pastries, children's...
Bedford Junior Parkrun
Venue: Jubilee Park
Address: Moulton Avenue, Bedford, MK42 0JD
Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/bedford-juniors/
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9:00am. Free to attend but please register before you first come along. Join in whatever your pace!
Bedford Roller Disco
Venue: Bunyan Sports Centre
Address: Mile Rd, Bedford, MK42 9TS
Website: rollbackworld.com/shop/bedford-roller-disco/#product-reviews
The kind of fun you can have on eight wheels. Come along with friends and family to enjoy and laugh your way into the afternoon at a family session. Every Saturday 3pm - 4:30pm. Entry is £4, skate hire...
Biggleswade Charter Market
Venue: Market Square
Address: Market Square, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8AS
Website: biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk/services/markets/
The Charter Market runs on Saturdays, with an array of stalls to have a browse through, ranging from varying fresh food stalls, cards and gift wrap, haberdashery, plants and shrubs, gifts and ornaments,...
Houghton Hall Junior Parkrun
Venue: Houghton Hall Park
Address: Park Road North, Houghton Regis, Beds, LU5 5FU
Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/houghtonhall-juniors/
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9:00am. Free to attend but please register before you first come along. Join in whatever your pace!
Lego Club
Venue: Bedford Central Library
Address: Central Library, Harpur St, Bedford MK40 1PG
Come along and get creative! See what you can make! Held every Saturday, 11am - 3pm.
Leighton Buzzard Junior Parkrun
Venue: Parson’s Close Recreation Ground Pulford Rd
Address: Leighton Buzzard LU7 1AB
Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/leightonbuzzard-juniors/
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9:00am. Free to attend but please register before you first come along. Join in whatever your pace!
Luton Sports Village
Venue: Luton Sports Village
Address: Butterfield Green Rd, Luton, LU2 8DD
Website: letsgowiththechildren.co.uk/places-to-go/luton-sports-village/
Head over with the family to have fun and keep fit. This multi-purpose facility has a sports hall, two pools, one a 50m eight lane pool with a diving facility, sometimes mats and balls, family fun sessions,...
Open Wednesdays at the Walled Garden
Venue: Luton Hoo Walled Garden
Address: Luton Hoo Estate, Luton, LU1 4LF
Website: lutonhooestate.co.uk/event/open-wednesdays-at-the-walled-garden/
See how far the garden has come since the Walled Garden Project began over 21 years ago. Entry includes a tour of the garden and historic service buildings. Take your time to explore or visit the garden...
Rushmere Country Park
Venue: Rushmere Country Park
Address: Linslade Rd, Heath and Reach, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 0EB
Website: www.greensandtrust.org/rushmere-country-park
A great place to discover nature with over 400 acres of woodland, heathland and meadows to enjoy. Go and view herons nesting in spring from the outdoor café terrace, discover fairy doors and the Giant’s...
Russell Park
Venue: The Embankment
Address: Bedford, MK40 3RH
Website: www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/parks-and-open-spaces/parks-bedford-borough/russell-park
Located off Bedford Embankment and provides a range of sports facilities, recreation space, a community café and herbaceous gardens for all the family. With a play area, football pitches, putting green,...
Saturday Papercraft Club
Venue: Flitwick Library
Address: 15 Coniston Rd, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1QL
Fun sessions involving designing, colouring, folding and cutting to make your own paper creations to take home. Suitable for ages 8-12 years. 10.30am - 11.30am. Next dates: 24th June and 8th July. Please...
Sunday Funday
Venue: Bedford Central Library
Address: Central Library, Harpur St, Bedford, MK40 1PG
Sunday is fun day! Lots of fun for all the family with giant Lego, board games and puzzles available to enjoy. No need to book, just turn up. Every Sunday, 11.30am - 1.30pm.
Swimming lessons with Everyone Active
Venue: Various locations in Bedfordshire
Website: www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons/
Award-winning swimming lessons at your local Everyone Active leisure centre, for children aged from just 4 months old. Available at The Dunstable Centre, Houghton Regis Leisure Centre, Tiddenfoot Leisure...
Wardown Junior Parkrun
Venue: Wardown Park
Address: Old Bedford Road, Luton, LU2 7HA
Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/wardown-juniors/
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9:00am. Free to attend but please register before you first come along. Join in whatever your pace!
Wild Church
Venue: The Leslie Sell Activity Centre
Address: Molivers Ln, Bromham, Bedford, MK43 8LD
Website: ccbedford.churchinsight.com/Articles/552833/Regular_Childrens_activities.aspx
Meets on the third Sunday of the month, 4:30-6pm. Wild Church is an interactive outdoor session with woodland activities, a toasty fire, food and fellowship. Spend time together in God's creation and pray,...
Woodside Animal Farm
Venue: Woodside Animal Farm
Address: Woodside Road, Slip End, Beds, LU1 4DG
Website: www.woodsidefarm.co.uk
A great family day out. Get up close and cuddly with the animals. Lots of outdoor adventure play for all ages! Crazy golf suitable for adults and children is open daily. For rainy days and when the kids...