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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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...
Summer of Fun
6th July-2nd September 2024
Venue: Gulliver’s Theme Parks
Address: Resorts in Matlock Bath, Warrington, Milton Keynes and Rother Valley
Website: www.gulliversfun.co.uk
Enjoy fabulous family entertainment each day this summer with new rides, attractions and shows! Running until 2nd September.
Shaggy’s Summer Spectacular
20th July-1st September 2024
Venue: Mead Open Farm
Address: Stanbridge Rd, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9JH
Website: www.meadopenfarm.co.uk/special-events/summer-day-out/
Enjoy Water Zorbing, boogie at the Silent Disco, and get ready for lots of foamy fun this summer as their end of day Foam Party returns. As well as an action-packed timetable of events throughout the summer,...
Summer Games Activity Trail
20th July-1st September 2024
Venue: Jordans Mill
Address: Southill Rod, Broom, Biggleswade
Website: jordansmill.com/events
Get ready to unleash your inner athlete and join in the fun! Sprint, balance, limbo, jump and sail your way through the 10 mini challenges at each trail point, noting your score on the trail sheet as you...
Summer of Play: The Dunstable Downs Sports Village
22nd July-1st September 2024
Venue: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Address: Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2GY
Visit and inspire a spirit of play that can be continued throughout the season and beyond. This year, see the Estate transform into a Sports Village with free, outdoor activities like football, cricket,...
ROARsome Crafts
23rd July 2024
Venue: The Forest Centre
Address: Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine
Website: www.marstonvale.org/Event/dinosaur-crafts-23rd-july-2024
Become a prehistoric painter this summer holidays and try your hand at some dinosaur themed craft activities at the Forest Centre! They provide the art and craft supplies and a dino decoration - you just...
Olympic Sports Have a Go Day
26th July 2024
Venue: Houghton Hall Park
Address: Park Rd N, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, LU5 5FU
Website: www.houghtonhallpark.org/events/olympic-sports-have-a-go
Are you ready to have a go at some Olympic sports this summer holidays? On Friday 26th July, to coincide with the opening ceremony of the Olympic games, they will have some sports in the park that you...
The Bug Hunt at the Walled Garden
26th July 2024
Venue: Luton Hoo Walled Garden
Address: Luton Hoo Estate, Luton
Website: lutonhooestate.co.uk/event/the-bug-hunt-at-the-walled-garden-3/
Children of all ages are invited to the garden for crafts, quizzes and fun on the hunt for the bugs of an English country garden. The Woodyard Coffee shop is just a short stroll through the Woodland Walk....
Summer Fete 2024
27th July 2024
Venue: Shuttleworth
Address: Alder Drive, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire
Website: www.shuttleworth.org/product/sf24/
Get ready for a sizzling summer day filled with vibrant festivities at the historic Shuttleworth House! Enjoy their brand-new Summer Fete where they’ll transform the picturesque grounds into a lively...
Farmers' Craft Market Fun Day
28th July 2024
Venue: Cheddington Village Hall
Address: Church Lane, Cheddington, Leighton Buzzard, Buckinghamshire
The Market will host an array of growers, farmers, home produce and artisan crafts. There is something for everybody including a bouncy castle, face painting, games, tombola, crazy golf, arts and crafts,...
LDN Wrestling
28th July 2024
Venue: Bedford Corn Exchange
Address: St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SL
Website: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/ldn-wrestling-2/
The superstars of LDN Wrestling are coming for an afternoon of rip-roaring action! It promises to be an evening of non-stop action. It’s every man for himself. Friend against friend and foe against foe. Anything...
Weston Turville Farmers' Craft Market Aylesbury
28th July 2024
Venue: Weston Turville Village Hall
Address: 40a Main Street, Weston Turville, Aylesbury
Website: www.experiencebedfordshire.co.uk/whats-on/weston-turville-farmers-craft-markets-aylesbury-p2154161
Enjoy a day filled with local crafts, delicious food, and a great community atmosphere, showcasing all the talented artisans have to offer. From handmade jewellery to fresh produce, there's something for...
Milkshake! Live on Holiday!
31st July 2024
Venue: Grove Theatre
Address: Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 4GP
Website: www.grovetheatre.co.uk/milkshake!-live-on-holiday!-i4674
Milkshake! Live is back with a brand-new show! Pack your bags and jump aboard the Milkshake! train as you go on an all-singing, all-dancing holiday together! It's a family show not to be missed.
Sundown Cinema Kids: The Super Mario Bros: The Movie
31st July 2024
Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre
Address: London Road, Luton
Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/sundown-cinema-kids-super-mario-bros-movie
Visit for a fun-filled day of outdoor cinema at the Super Mario Bros movie screening! Gather the whole family and get ready to be transported to the magical world of the Mushroom Kingdom. Sundown Cinema's...
Sundown Cinema Kids: Wonka
31st July 2024
Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre
Address: London Road, Luton
Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/sundown-cinema-kids-wonka
Experience the enchantment of Wonka at Sundown Cinema. Visit for a unique daytime screening of this brilliant take on the early life of Willy Wonka. The daytime screenings are perfect for all the family...
The Unusual Adventures of Robin Hood - Outdoor Theatre
31st July 2024
Venue: Houghton Hall Park
Address: Park Rd N, Houghton Regis, Dunstable
Website: www.houghtonhallpark.org/events/robin-hood-outside-theatre
This musical show is full of audience interaction, physical comedy and truly touching moments. The hilarious characters, fast-paced plotting and brilliant songs will have the audience singing all the way...
Children’s Workshops at the Walled Garden
1st-15th August 2024
Venue: Luton Hoo Walled Garden
Address: Luton Hoo Estate, Luton
Website: lutonhooestate.co.uk/event/childrens-workshops-at-the-walled-garden-flowers-and-seeds-3/
The Walled Garden welcomes 4–7 years and 8–11 years for a morning of craft and activities exploring the wonderful world of herbs, fruit and vegetables, and flowers and seeds. All activities will take...
TLCM Presents Hamlet At Wrest Park
2nd August 2024
Venue: Wrest Park
Address: Silsoe, Bedfordshire
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/wrest-park-TLCM-presents-hamlet-02-aug-24/
This summer, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men invite you to join them for a performance of Hamlet. One of the UK’s finest touring theatre companies present this great play as Shakespeare first saw it and...
Big Camp
3rd August 2024
Venue: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Address: Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2GY
Big Camp is the perfect family adventure, offering you the rare opportunity to pitch your tent and camp overnight at the highest point in Bedfordshire. Spend the weekend exploring the Downs in a new light...
The Tale Of Jemima Puddle-Duck
3rd August 2024
Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre
Address: London Road, Luton
Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/tale-jemima-puddle-duck
New for 2024, Quantum presents a delightful new adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s much-loved tale. Prevented from hatching her eggs at the farm, foolish Jemima goes in search of a nesting place in the forest...
Stockwood Garden Party
6th-8th August 2024
Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre
Address: London Road, Luton
Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/stockwood-garden-party-1
Embark on an enchanting journey through the hidden corners of Stockwood Discovery Centre. Stroll through lush lawns and meander among the trees to find a whimsical garden party that promises joy for the...
Mama G: The Magic Bookmark
8th August 2024
Venue: The Place Theatre
Address: Bradgate Road, Bedford
Website: www.theplacebedford.org.uk/shows/mama-g-the-magic-bookmark/
Audiences are invited to join Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mama G on a brand-new panto adventure. Families are sure to love this storytelling show full of panto fun, interaction, song and dance,...
Family Weekend 2024
10th-11th August 2024
Venue: Shuttleworth
Address: Alder Drive, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire
Website: www.shuttleworth.org/product/family-weekend-2024/
Interactive ground activities on Saturday 10th, followed by a stunning air show on Sunday 11th. Enjoy a weekend of activities for the whole family including a thrilling air display, outdoor cinema, flight...
Summer Crafts for Kids 2024
13th-29th August 2024
Venue: Monitorial Schoolroom, British Schools Museum
Address: 41-42 Queen St, Hitchin
Visit for a wonderful children's craft session to celebrate all things summer and crafty! From puppet dogs and waddling to chickens, to chomping whales and curious sock puppets - there’s something for...
Bits & Bobs Kids' Crafts
14th August 2024
Venue: The Forest Centre
Address: Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine
Website: www.marstonvale.org/Event/kids-crafts-14th-aug-2024
Let's get crafty this summer holidays... All paints and utensils are provided to create your own unique masterpiece. The craft session is suitable for children ages 3-9. There is no right or wrong way...
Minny Stynker
15th August 2024
Venue: Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
Address: Old Bedford Rd, Luton
Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/minny-stynker
A new family show and Augmented Reality Experience, inspired by an original story by Artistic Director Tomasin Cuthbert. A story about the magic of creativity, how we reach out to each other in the darkness...
Tape That
15th August 2024
Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre
Address: London Road, Luton
Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/tape
Tape That! is a charming, light-hearted, non-verbal acrobatic duet. Two performers construct a visual world using colourful tape, object manipulation and partner acrobatics. Acrobatics, juggling, physical...
Wrest At War
17th-18th August 2024
Venue: Wrest Park
Address: Silsoe, Bedfordshire
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/wrest-park-wrest-at-war-17-aug-18-aug-24/
Head to Wrest Park for an action-packed weekend as you're propelled into wartime Britain. Experience WWI and WWII through the grounds of Wrest Park, train like a soldier and hear stories of the battlefield...
Krisgar's Magic Show
21st August 2024
Venue: The Forest Centre
Address: Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine
Website: www.marstonvale.org/Event/magic-show-21st-aug-2024
Krisgar’s back again with his popular magic and puppet show for the whole family. Join award-winning Krisgar and sidekick Tricky Teddy for a magical morning at the Forest Centre. Krisgar's fast-paced...
Little City
22nd August 2024
Venue: The Forest Centre
Address: Station Road, Marston Moretaine
Website: www.marstonvale.org/Event/little-city-22nd-aug-2024
Little City is an entirely mobile role play city for the under 6s to explore and enjoy. Utilising bespoke backdrops and specially selected high-quality toys and equipment, your child can fully immerse...
Claytime
24th August 2024
Venue: The Quarry Theatre at St Luke's
Address: 26 St Peters St, Bedford, MK40 2NN
Website: quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873651686
The award-winning Indefinite Articles present their work for the very young: Claytime, a play with clay, where the audience are invited to participate. Each Claytime is totally unique - creating its own...
Jurassic Trail
24th August-1st September 2024
Venue: The Forest Centre
Address: Station Road, Marston Moretaine
Website: www.marstonvale.org/Event/dinosaur-trail-24th-august-2024
Join in with this dinosaur safari! The dinosaurs have escaped in the park, can you find them all before they cause any damage? All kinds of different dinos have been stomping and flying around the Sensory...
Farmers' Craft Market Fun Day
25th August 2024
Venue: Cheddington Village Hall
Address: Church Lane, Leighton Buzzard
The Market will host an array of growers, farmers, home produce and artisan crafts. There is something for everybody including a bouncy castle, face painting, games, tombola, crazy golf, arts and crafts,...
Weston Turville Farmers' Craft Market Aylesbury
25th August 2024
Venue: Weston Turville Village Hall
Address: 40a Main Street, Weston Turville, Aylesbury
Website: www.experiencebedfordshire.co.uk/whats-on/weston-turville-farmers-craft-markets-aylesbury-p2154161
Enjoy a day filled with local crafts, delicious food, and a great community atmosphere, showcasing all the talented artisans have to offer. From handmade jewellery to fresh produce, there's something for...
The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck - Open Air Theatre
27th August 2024
Venue: Houghton Hall Park
Address: Park Rd N, Houghton Regis, Dunstable
Website: www.houghtonhallpark.org/events/jemima-puddle-duck
New for 2024, Quantum Theatre presents a delightful new adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s much-loved tale. Prevented from hatching her eggs at the farm, foolish Jemima goes in search of a nesting place...
Day Dreamers
29th August 2024
Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre
Address: London Road, Luton
Website: www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/day-dreamers
Day Dreamers is a hilarious interactive audio experience for children and their families, inspired by the dreams and imaginations of primary aged school children. Suitable for ages 5+.
Summer Sparks Spectacular
31st August 2024
Venue: Gulliver’s Theme Parks
Address: Resorts in Matlock Bath, Warrington, Milton Keynes and Rother Valley
Website: www.gulliversfun.co.uk
Celebrate another magical summer season at Gulliver's with a Fireworks Spectacular! Enjoy extra ride time, extended opening hours and a fantastic fireworks display.
Milkshake! Live on Holiday
1st September 2024
Venue: Bedford Corn Exchange
Address: St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SL
Website: www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/milkshake-live-on-holiday/
Milkshake! Live is back with a brand-new show! Pack your bags and jump aboard the Milkshake! train as you go on an all-singing, all-dancing holiday together! It’s a family show not to be missed!
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,...
Woburn Farmers' Market
Venue: Market Place
Address: Woburn, Bedfordshire, MK17 9PZ
Website: www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/south-bedfordshire/listing/woburn-farmers-market
Held on the third Sunday of every month from 10.00am - 2.00pm. This market sells a range of goods from pet accessories to fresh fruit, breads and chutney. A craft fair is also held in the village hall,...
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...