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!
May half term in Cornwall 2024
The weather is getting warmer as summer quickly approaches and there is more and more to do for families in Cornwall. Check out our details below of things to do this May half term and beyond.
Don’t forget that you can also see our frequently updated general listings here
Heligan Wild Week – 25th May – 2nd June
Wild Week returns to The Lost Gardens of Heligan this May half term and you’re invited to rediscover the wild, its importance, its beauty, and our place within it.
The team at Heligan are Wild about Wildlife and even wilder about Wild Week! This much-loved event will return to Heligan this May half term where you’ll be able to run free, connect with nature, leave the modern world at home, and give in to your wild sides.
Find out more at www.heligan.com/events/events-at-heligan/heligan-wild-week/
Puffin Island at Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Visit ‘Puffin Island’ at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary this spring and meet ten adorable Icelandic rescue puffins! Watch in the underwater viewing area as these sweet little sea birds swoop and dive through the water. The new exhibit gives guests the rare opportunity to be able to watch these brilliant birds up close and learn all about their journey from Iceland to Cornwall.
Alongside meeting seal pups, join in with ‘Puffin Patrol’ activities this May half term, with a fun puffin trail, puffin arts and crafts and educational talks. A perfect day out for little puffin lovers.
Book your tickets online two days in advance to save 20%. Find out more at https://sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/
Week of Wizardry at Camel Creek! 27th – 31st May.jpg)
Join in at Camel Creek this May Half Term for an extraordinary journey through the realms of Myths and Legends! We’re calling all Wizards, Witches and Mythical Dragons! Have the chance to meet a REAL Smoke-Breathing Dragon (he’s very friendly!), make your own special Magical Potions, complete the wonderous Merlin's Journal of Wizardry and more!
And of course, don’t miss all the usual magic and adventure of Camel Creek! Check out the three brand new attractions for 2024, including Merlin’s Magical Playground and Shipwreck Shores Adventure Golf!
Tredinnick, Wadebridge, PL27 7RA.
Find out more at www.camelcreek.co.uk/may-half-term
Amazing flying shows and close encounters at Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary.
SPECIAL OFFER: Book online and use code ‘PRIMARY’ to SAVE £1.50 pp during Half Term 25th May to 2nd June on all single tickets. Enjoy Free flying Scarlet Macaws, the amazing Eagles of Paradise Display, close encounters, the indoor JungleBarn Play Centre, daily feeding of cute otters and penguins, help feed the little parrots or ride on Zebedee the Jungle Express Train and lots more. Great value Return Tickets for just £6pp are available if one day is not enough! (SAT NAV reference TR27 4HY)
Find out more at www.paradisepark.org.uk
For the ultimate family day out head to the Oasis Fun Pools at Hendra Holiday Park. Home to the largest fun pool in the South West and a whole host of activities!
Embark on a mini 4x4 adventure, navigating the course on a little adventure. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you glide across the water on mini sea scooters, or glide underwater with the aqua cruisers! For little ones, check out Henrys Playloft soft play area, explore, climb, and slide or head to the outdoor play parks.
After all that fun, join in for a bite to eat in The Terrace Restaurant or visit after school for pizza at Marios Pizzeria or why not try their classic fish and chips at the fish and chip shop.
Plus, for all Cornish residents, purchase a £5 Locals Loyalty Card and you and your family can take advantage of huge discounts on all these activities, plus 20% off swimming and 10% off in all of 3 eateries, including discounts on their brand new for 2024 ice cream and sundae shop, Always Sundae. Head to the Oasis website now to purchase your locals card and use it all season until 3rd November 2024!
Find out more at www.hendra-holidays.com
University Centre Truro & Penwith
Discover a range of .jpg)
flexible, career-focused courses with the University Centre Truro and Penwith that help you learn new skills, qualify, and enhance your career.
With campuses in Truro, Penzance and Bodmin and a range of courses including Teaching qualifications, Access to Higher Education diplomas, Engineering courses and Nursing degrees, there is something for everyone.
Supported by outstanding resources and purpose-built facilities, courses are designed with employers and industry professionals to make sure that upon graduation, students have the skills and experience needed to begin a career in their chosen field in Cornwall, or further afield.
Studying at the University Centre means classes are condensed into two days per week so you can fit life around your lectures. You will also receive personalised support from lecturers and support staff, helping you make a smooth transition into Higher Education.
Applications are open for September 2024! Learn what you love, where you love, and embark on your journey to a fulfilling career.
Apply today at www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/uni
Children’s Day in Truro City Centre
Truro BID will be bringing Children’s Day back to Truro City Centre for the seventh year, with lots of mostly free entertainment and activities for families to enjoy.
Go along for spectacular mountain bike stunt shows and family fun on Lemon Quay.
Walking and cycling charity Sustrans will be back with their free scooter, balance and pedal bike obstacle course for children, plus their exciting static cycle activity for young people to improve their off-road skills.
There will be have-a-go sessions in circus skills with Swamp Circus, and this year dance performances from Cornwall Dance School, Jason Thomas Performing Arts InspirAsian Dance and Stagecoach Truro.
Children can enjoy inflatables and swing boat rides, along with family-friendly crazy golf, craft activities and stalls.
Some street entertainment will be popping up across the city, plus shops and eateries will have special in-store activities and offers for families on the day.
Many activities are free although there will be a charge for some activities.
Stalls open from 9am, with activities such as with circus skills and mountain bike stunt shows starting from 10am.
Children’s Day is brought to the city by Truro BID and sponsored by Coodes Solicitors.
For more info see: https://www.visittruro.org.uk/whats-on/childrens-day
Message from NHS Cornwall
“Whooping cough rates have risen sharply recently - and babies who are too young to start their vaccinations are at risk. Young babies with whooping cough are often very unwell and most will be admitted to hospital because of their illness. When whooping cough is particularly severe, they can potentially die. Getting vaccinated while you're pregnant protects your baby from developing whooping cough in the first few weeks of their life. The immunity you get from the vaccine will pass to your baby through the placenta and provide protection for them until they are old enough to be vaccinated against whooping cough at eight weeks old.”
Timbo The Magic Man
With a 2hr party Timbo can be with you from start to finish applying his experience to ensure a stress free, unforgettable party.
Entertainment includes a mini disco, party game, fabulous magic show, balloon modelling and party dancing for gold medals. The party game and a special magic trick can also be tailored to match any theme you are planning
There is no limit to the number of children you can invite and joint parties are always welcome.
More info is available on their website thepartypeoplecornwall.com and you can follow them on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/timbothemagicman
Please email info@thepartypeoplecornwall.com for availability and queries
Enjoy the freedom of working from home (or outdoors), enrich[GF1] children's lives, and earn money!
If you have early years education knowledge and want to work in your own home at times that suit you, childminding could be your perfect career. You can train on the job, share your enthusiasm for learning, and help children to develop and grow. You choose what to do each day, whether it's going to the park, reading, or craft activities. Childminding is rewarding, fun, and flexible.
You could receive a start-up grant of £600 or more.
Join Cornwall’s supportive childminders network www.cornwall.gov.uk/childminding
Introducing Kids Crafty Parties at Bedruthan Hotel
Join in at Bedruthan Hotel for an unforgettable kids party featuring crafts, playtime, and a special party tea. The skilled Create team will guide children through exciting activities like painting, working with clay, or candle making. Each child will create a unique keepsake to take home. The fun continues with a party tea in the vibrant café and energetic play in the Jungle Tumble soft play area. It's the perfect way to celebrate while learning and having fun. Book now at events@bedruthan.com.