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 Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes
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The Jolly Postman
14th February-1st January 2027
Venue: The Postal Museum
Website: www.postalmuseum.org
Step inside the story in an immersive exhibition celebrating 40 years of the much-loved children’s book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Meet the Jolly Postman – off on his rounds with letters for some...
The Saxons
28th March-1st November 2026
Venue: Discover Bucks Museum
Website: www.discoverbucksmuseum.org
Step back into an age of warriors, treasures, and village life. Meet the Saxons through engaging films, sounds, and immersive experiences. Hands-on interactives and digital storytelling bring history vividly...
NFTS 1930s Circus Themed Exhibition
2nd May-31st August 2026
Venue: Bekonscot Model Village and Railway
Website: www.bekonscot.co.uk
The National Film and Television School students return this year, proudly displaying some of their models. If you saw the exhibition last year then you will have an idea of what to expect. This year will...
Foodie Family Fridays
8th May-25th September 2026
Venue: Cogges Manor Farm
Website: www.cogges.org.uk
Cogges are opening their spacious Café courtyard, putting on some chilled out beats, inviting a festival style food truck courtesy of Uggy's Pizza and The Crock Pot and opening the Cogges Summer Bar.This...
Annie
21st June-26th July 2026
Venue: Milton Keynes Theatre
Website: www.atgtickets.com
Set in 1930s New York, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she's chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire,...
Summer Orienteering Butterfly Trail
11th July-6th September 2026
Venue: Waterperry Gardens
Website: www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Using the compass and instructions on the trail map provided, look carefully around the gardens to find the Butterflies. When you find one, mark it off with a sticker. £5.25 per child, including a prize....
As You Like It
16th July 2026
Venue: Stowe Gardens
Website: www.illyria.co.uk
Throughout the summer Shakespeare’s iconic comedy will be performed where its action is set – in the great outdoors, by a 5-strong cast of classically trained professional actors. Take your own seating/rug...
Bluey's Big Play
16th-19th July 2026
Venue: Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Website: www.atgtickets.com
Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli are heading to Aylesbury in the live stage show, Bluey’s Big Play. Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s...
Brickworks
18th July-1st November 2026
Venue: Banbury Museum and Gallery
Website: www.banburymuseum.org
Get imaginative with brick building stations, dive into thousands of LEGO® bricks and discover incredible models created by local LEGO® enthusiasts. From freestyle building and creative experiments to...
Classic Vehicles Show
18th-19th July 2026
Venue: Chiltern Open Air Museum
Website: www.coam.org.uk
Go and see a stunning collection of classic cars and motorcycles. Chat to vehicle owners who share their stories and knowledge, listen to live music from the Rock Bottom Band and the JJ Cale Band played...
Meet the Beekeepers
18th July 2026
Venue: Hughenden
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Discover what goes on in the apiary and learn about the life of the honey bee. Find out why bees are important in the garden, park and woodland at Hughenden and how you can create your own bee friendly...
Pokémon joins Cliveden’s Summer of Play
18th July-6th September 2026
Venue: Cliveden
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
On top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play, discover all-new Pokémon zones. Get stuck into the Pokémon trading, take part in mega games, flex your skills and collect stickers! Plus, join the Pokémon...
Race the light at Wendover Woods
18th July 2026
Venue: Wendover Woods
Website: www.forestryengland.uk/forest-event/events-wendover-woods/race-the-light-wendover-woods
The Chilterns Neuro Centre supports people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s & stroke survivors - All proceeds from this event will be donated directly to the Centre. Everyone is welcome...
Summer of Play
18th July-6th September 2026
Venue: Hughenden
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Try your hand at classic garden games in the Orchard, perfect for a bit of friendly competition or relaxed fun. Wander into the parkland and woodland for nature-inspired play.Keep an eye on the website...
Marcel Lucont: Les Enfants Terribles – A Gameshow for Awful Children
19th July 2026
Venue: The Stables
Website: www.stables.org
A big hit at Edinburgh Fringe and many other festivals, the multi-award-winning comic channels his acerbic humour and quickfire wit into a series of tasks for the younger generation, which is every bit...
Annie
21st-26th July 2026
Venue: Milton Keynes Theatre
Website: www.atgtickets.com
Set in 1930s New York, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she's chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire,...
Fantastic Foxy Summer
21st July-2nd September 2027
Venue: Roald Dahl Museum
Website: www.roalddahlmuseum.org
Families can enjoy clay feasts, junk-model excavators, daily storytelling, and an Animation Day inspired by an original Wes Anderson set on display. The programme also includes guided walks and an outdoor...
Family Painting Workshops
22nd July 2026
Venue: Hughenden
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Join Easely Does It for a fun-filled, family-friendly acrylic painting session packed with creativity and colour. No painting experience is needed and all materials are included — just take your imagination....
Six The Musical
22nd-26th July 2026
Venue: Wycombe Swan
Website: www.trafalgartickets.com
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century...
Summer of Play
22nd July-30th August 2026
Venue: Waddesdon Manor
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/waddesdon-manor
Take the whole family to enjoy the summer holidays with a range of fun activities at Waddesdon Summer of Play, included with admission. Until 31 August, children get free admission to the house and grounds...
Summer Sizzler at Odds Farm Park
23rd July-1st September 2026
Venue: Odds Farm Park
Website: www.oddsfarm.co.uk
Enjoy endless summer adventures with the Summer Sizzler Pass! The six-week Summer Sizzler event features over 300 rare breed animals, crafts, foam parties, tractor rides, and the 500m² H2Odds water play...
Family Festival
25th July 2026
Venue: Didcot Railway Centre
Website: www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway and savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 21-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to...
Heritage Crafts Weekend
25th-26th July 2026
Venue: Chiltern Open Air Museum
Website: www.coam.org.uk
Enjoy live demonstrations from skilled artisans, including lace-making, thatching, blacksmithing, woodturning, natural dyeing, chair making on a pole lathe, rope making, spinning, prehistoric amber jewellery...
Our Circus – Theatre Shed
25th-26th July 2026
Venue: The Elgiva
Website: https://elgiva.com
Theatre Shed comprises a diverse group of performers representing the rich diversity that exists in Chesham and the surrounding villages. Enjoy an exciting, innovative and inspiring production that is...
Polish Codebreaking Festival
25th-26th July 2026
Venue: Bletchley Park
Website: www.bletchleypark.org.uk
Explore hands-on codebreaking challenges, meet experts from the Enigma Cipher Centre in Poland, hear from experts and watch codebreaking techniques brought to life. Drop into creative workshops, decipher...
Emergency Services Day
26th July 2026
Venue: Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Website: www.bucksrailcentre.org
26th July will see this special community day celebrating our Emergency Services and raising awareness for local charities, clubs and societies from our local community. The whole heritage railway will...
Family Fun Day
26th July 2026
Venue: The Stables
Website: www.stables.org
Help create a colourful walkway covered in pavement art, try out musical instruments from West Africa and get creative with one of the drawing, colouring or craft and making activities. 11am-4pm, before...
Olaf Falafel's Stupidest Super Stupid Show So Far
26th July 2026
Venue: The Stables
Website: www.stables.org
Enjoy a performance by the award-winning comedian and children's author Olaf Falafel who'll be dishing up a frying pan full of a great family-friendly comedy show. Expect jokes, sausage birds, radioactive...
Secrets and Spies Trail
26th July-6th September 2026
Venue: Wycombe Museum
Website: www.wycombemuseum.org.uk
Decode hidden messages, reveal the secrets of invisible ink, and see if you can navigate the garden ‘laser’ maze! This trail has parts both inside and outside. Recommended for ages 4 – 11. Smaller...
The Tales of Peter Rabbit, with Quantum Theatre
26th July 2026
Venue: Ascott House and Gardens
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ascott
Quantum Theatre are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. Take a blanket and a picnic and join Peter and Benjamin...
Discover and Make - Miniature Chair Making
28th-29th July 2026
Venue: Wycombe Museum
Website: www.wycombemuseum.org.uk
Learn all about Wycombe’s chair making history and build your own perfect miniature Windsor chair Recommended for ages 4–11. Smaller ones are welcome but will need help. Tickets £4.50 per child. Pre-booking...
Teriffic Tuesdays - Themed Family Crafts and Activities
28th July-25th August 2026
Venue: Chiltern Open Air Museum
Website: www.coam.org.uk
Every Tuesday in the Bucks school holidays, COAM run special themed family activities that keep little ones entertained and spark big imaginations. All Terrific Tuesday activities are included in your...
Bat Walks
29th July 2026
Venue: Waddesdon Manor
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
With so many old trees, open spaces, roosting places on the Manor’s roof and down in the old Ice House, bats have found many places to roost, forage and feed at Waddesdon. Discover the places they feed...
Summer Steamings - Children go for £1
29th July-30th August 2026
Venue: Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Website: www.bucksrailcentre.org
Expect a full-size steam train in action, ready to take you for a ride up and down the track! Plus miniature ride-on trains which are run by sister society VAMES, (there is a small £1.50 charge for this...
The Pirates of Penzance
29th July 2026
Venue: Stowe Gardens
Website: www.illyria.co.uk
Frederick was born in a leap year on 29th February and is contracted to the Pirate King until his 21st Birthday, not his 21st year. Can the inept Penzance constabulary protect him? Packed with hilarious...
Stowaway Festival
31st July-2nd August 2026
Venue: Blackpit Farm
Website: www.stowawayfestival.co.uk
For families across Buckinghamshire, the summer holidays begin with a festival on their doorstep. Stowaway is a small, independent music and arts festival set on a working farm. Highlights include wild...
Summer Open Weekend
1st-2nd August 2026
Venue: Stowe Gardens
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Stowe House (not National Trust) will be offering visitors a special £3 admission (usually adult prices £9.50 - NT Members £7.50) and running a selection of events including crafts, workshops and storytelling....
Treasure Island – Quantum Theatre
1st August 2026
Venue: Waterperry Gardens
Website: www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
It’s pirate ships, pieces of eight and salty old sea dogs in Quantum Theatre’s swashbuckling new adaptation of the classic pirate adventure, Treasure Island. Join Long John Silver and his motley crew...
WhizzFizz Family Fun Days
1st August 2026
Venue: Friar’s Square Shopping Centre, Aylesbury
Website: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/campaign/whizzfizz-2026
Taking place over the summer in Aylesbury, Chesham and High Wycombe, you’ll find a vibrant line-up of free cultural events and activities including a children’s art competition, immersive storytelling,...
Outdoor Theatre: King Arthur and the Holy Fail
2nd August 2026
Venue: Stowe Gardens
The Three Inch Fools present an epic tale of Arthurian adventure and medieval mayhem. In a land of daring quests, dashing knights, and endless jousting, there lived a would-be hero - waiting in the wings...
Discover and Make - Clay Creations
4th-5th August 2026
Venue: Wycombe Museum
Website: www.wycombemuseum.org.uk
Discover and Make are Wycombe Museum’s regular children’s holiday activity workshops. They combine a learning ‘discover’ activity – often a trail worksheet around the museum’s galleries –...
Children's Summer Crafts
5th August 2026
Venue: Stowe Gardens
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Get artistic this summer at Stowe Gardens, join one of the team of volunteers and get crafty! There will be two one hour sessions per day, 10-11am and 11-12pm. Pre-booking required - £2 per child. Also...
K-Pop Icons
6th August 2026
Venue: The Elgiva
Website: https://elgiva.com
Get ready to sing, dance and party like never before with the K-Pop Icons – the ultimate concert starring the UK’s first virtual K-Pop band and a sensational live dance crew delivering a world-exclusive...
Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles
6th August 2026
Venue: Waddesdon
Website: https://thepantaloons.co.uk
The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present a brand-new riff on the fiendishly famous case. Will detective duo Holmes and Watson discover the deadly secret of the Baskerville family curse...
Summer evenings at Cliveden
7th-29th August 2026
Venue: Cliveden
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Make the most of long summer evenings at Cliveden, whether you’re out for a twilight walk, gliding along the river on a boat or listening to live a music performance whilst you soak up the atmosphere...
Waterperry Opera Festival: Craft Workshops
8th-9th August 2026
Venue: Waterperry Gardens
Website: www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Dive into a world of imagination with our Peter Rabbit themed children’s workshops in the orangery. Perfect for little ones, these fun-filled sessions feature arts and crafts inspired by the characters...
Waterperry Opera Festival: Peter Rabbit’s Musical Adventures
8th-9th August 2026
Venue: Waterperry Gardens
Website: www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Join Peter Rabbit on a garden adventure, guided by a magical storyteller, in this charming retelling of Beatrix Potter’s beloved tale, brought to life with Haydn’s string quartets. A perfect introduction...
Museum Day Kids for £1
9th August 2026
Venue: Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Website: www.bucksrailcentre.org
Spend a day exploring 25 acres of fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and historic locomotives. Browse the gift shop and second-hand bookshop, enjoy a coffee or snack in the cafe, and soak up the...
Discover and Make - Arty Animals
11th-12th August 2026
Venue: Wycombe Museum
Website: www.wycombemuseum.org.uk
Create playful, colourful prints of your favourite local wildlife and animals in this child-friendly ‘lino’ printing workshop. You’ll be using a ‘no cut’ lino substitute, suitable for little...
Fantastic Family Animation Day: Make a Fox Film
11th August 2026
Venue: Roald Dahl Museum
Website: www.roalddahlmuseum.org
A unique chance to work with an experienced animator to create your own family stop-motion animation.Perfect for adults and children alike, this workshop invites families to roll up their sleeves, get...
Open Weekends: Roots, Rhythms and Rituals
14th-30th August 2026
Venue: Buckinghamshire
Website: www.buckinghamshireculture.org
Open Weekends return this August with three long weekends of family-friendly events across Buckinghamshire. There’s something for all ages—from discovering local history and trying new creative activities...
Day Out With Thomas
15th-16th August 2026
Venue: Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Website: www.quaytickets.com/dayoutwiththomas
Hop onboard a train ride with Thomas, a REAL steam engine, also ride with either Percy or Mavis and say hi to Trevor the Traction Engine! Meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy storytime and singalongs with him...
5K Bee Run
16th August 2026
Venue: Stowe Gardens
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Dress-up as your favourite pollinator and run, walk or toddle for nature. Entry fees go towards conservation at Stowe. Ticket price also includes all day access to the gardens. Children are welcome and...
Discover and Make - Music Mayhem
18th-19th August 2026
Venue: Wycombe Museum
Website: www.wycombemuseum.org.uk
Make musical instruments from household items. Choose from maracas, guitars, monkey drums, rain sticks and harmonicas. Recommended for ages 4–11. Smaller ones are welcome but will need help.
In The Night Garden Live
20th August 2026
Venue: Wycombe Swan
Website: www.trafalgartickets.com
You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed...
Brick Adventures at Didcot Railway Centre
22nd-23rd August 2026
Venue: Didcot Railway Centre
Website: www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
If you love the brick, join Brick Adventures and celebrate the world's most popular building brick, delight in the displays on show, which this year include the amazing Block Party Robot League, and Didcot...
The Dinosaur That Pooped A Rock Show!
22nd August 2026
Venue: Wycombe Swan
Website: www.trafalgartickets.com
Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie,...
As You Like It
27th August 2026
Venue: Cogges Manor Farm, Manor Lawn
Website: www.cogges.org.uk
Multi international award-winning Illyria has an unmatched reputation for excellence, forged over three decades, that dominates the outdoor touring theatre sector. Join them this summer for a memorable...
Bucks County Show
27th August 2026
Venue: New Road, Weedon
Website: www.buckscountyshow.co.uk
The Show is one of Buckinghamshire’s main summer attractions. They are excited to welcome The Bolddog Lings FMX Motocycle Team and once again for this year, the exciting Scurry Driving experience. They...
The Sword In The Stone
27th August 2026
Venue: Bletchley Park
Website: www.bletchleypark.org.uk
This retelling of this classic legend is for every generation – for the kids joining in the singing and dancing, the grandparents who know the tale by heart, and everyone in between. It’s the kind...
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – Matinee
29th August 2026
Venue: Waterperry Gardens
Website: www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Join Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they encounter munchkins, witches, winged monkeys, enchanted slippers and a Wonderful Wizard! Expect the unexpected in this comedy...
WhizzFizz Family Fun Days
29th-30th August 2026
Venue: Eden Shopping Centre
Website: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/campaign/whizzfizz-2026
Taking place over the summer in Aylesbury, Chesham and High Wycombe, you’ll find a vibrant line-up of free cultural events and activities including a children’s art competition, immersive storytelling,...
Family Fun Day: The Mysteries of Wycombe
30th August 2026
Venue: Wycombe Museum
Website: www.wycombemuseum.org.uk
Uncover local mysteries, find out the secrets of the town and capture them in art.This event is planned to take place both inside the museum and in our gardens. Best for families with primary school aged...
Auto Fest
31st August 2026
Venue: Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Website: www.bucksrailcentre.org
Cars, motorbikes, vans, buses, fire engines, bicycles… any vehicle will be welcome! Steam train rides and all the fun of the heritage railway will be on offer as well. A suggested (but not obligatory)...
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
5th September 2026
Venue: Waterperry Gardens
Website: www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
What You Will return to Waterperry Gardens with Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Featuring live music, feats of aerial acrobatics and the county’s best-loved thespian canine. Go and see this...