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 Cumbria
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Microworld
10th February-31st December 2024
Venue: Windermere Jetty Museum
Address: Rayrigg Road, Bowness on Windermere, LA23 1BN
Website: https://lakelandarts.org.uk/whats-on/
10am to 4pm daily. A playful environment filled with vibrant colours, ambient sounds, and digital creatures, inspired by ecosystems found in nature. Immerse yourself in the Microworld and discover a space...
Pet Encounter
1st June-25th August 2024
Venue: Brockhole on Windermere
Address: Windermere, LA23 1FF
Website: https://www.brockhole.co.uk/whats-on/pet-encounter/#main
Welcome to our Pet Encounter Experience in the stunning Lake District! Dive into a world of wonder as you interact with a delightful array of animals, including playful meerkats and intriguing snakes....
Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit
5th July-1st September 2024
Venue: Old Laundry Theatre
Address: Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BX
Website: https://oldlaundrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873656404/events/129525747
Peter Rabbit’s friends are planning a secret party, but Peter is unhappy… has no one remembered his birthday? Come and celebrate Peter’s birthday with Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-duck and friends...
Gruffalo party trail at Grizedale Forest
8th July-8th September 2024
Venue: Grizedale Forest
Address: Hawkshead, LA22 0QJ
Website: https://www.forestryengland.uk/grizedale/gruffalo-party-trail-grizedale
2024 is The Gruffalo’s 25th birthday year and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure. The interactive family trail features all sorts of party-themed activities...
Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit
8th July-1st September 2024
Venue: Old Laundry Theatre
Address: Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BX
Website: https://oldlaundrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873656404/events/129525747
Peter Rabbit’s friends are planning a secret party, but Peter is unhappy… has no one remembered his birthday? Come and celebrate Peter’s birthday with Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-duck and friends...
Letters from London
8th July-8th September 2024
Venue: Townend
Address: Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LB
10am to 3pm daily. A display offering a glimpse into the life of “young” Ben Browne through letters written home in the 1700s. For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk.
Lost Spells, Lost Words: Beyond & Before
8th July-1st September 2024
Venue: Rheged
Address: Redhills, Penrith, CA11 0DQ
Website: https://rheged.com/
A magical exhibition celebrating over 30 years of work from award-winning author, wildlife artist and illustrator, Jackie Morris. £5 entry but free for under 3’s available to book at Rheged.com.
Summer of Play
8th July-3rd September 2024
Venue: Allan Bank
Address: Grasmere, LA22 9QB
Make the most of summer with fun outdoor and indoor creative activities at Allan Bank. The gardens and woodland grounds offer space for children to play and get close to nature. The woodland with its rugged...
Animal Arts and Crafts
21st July-1st September 2024
Venue: Wordsworth House and Garden
Address: Main Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9RX
10.30am to 3.30pm daily drop in sessions, excluding Thursdays & Fridays. Get crafty and creative with inspiration from our exhibition on British wildlife! This event is free, but normal admission charges...
Talkin Adventures Adventure Days
26th July-26th August 2024
Venue: Talkin Adventures
Address: Tarn Road Brampton, Carlisle CA8 1HN
Website: https://www.independentadventure.co.uk/clubs/adventure-days?start=5
These days are suitable for children aged 9 to14. Your child will enjoy a day in the outdoors, with a mix of water and land-based activities. We may be forced to adapt to the conditions on the day and...
Leo Lion’s Summer Circus
27th July 2024
Venue: Theatre Royal
Address: Washington Street, Workington, CA14 3AW
Website: https://www.theatre-royal-workington.co.uk/2024-july-leo-lions-summer-circus-show/
1pm & 4pm. A Show for all the Family. Roll-up for a colourful summer circus show! Join Ringmistress Betty Barnum and clown Silly Billy in a Big Top Adventure for all the family. This larger-than-life stage...
The Pantaloons: Robin Hood
27th July 2024
Venue: Talkin Tarn Country Park
Address: Tarn Rd, Brampton CA8 1HN
Website: https://thepantaloons.co.uk/robin-hood/
7pm. Join utter legends Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone’s favourite archer. Pernicious Prince John and the shifty...
Westmorland Dales Festival
27th-28th July 2024
Venue: Kirkby Stephen
Website: https://www.westmorlanddalesfestival.org/
Experience our annual celebration of the landscape, heritage and people of the wonderful Westmorland Dales. Nestled amidst rolling hills, this event welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in rural life....
Ford Park Bounce Fest
28th July 2024
Venue: Ford Park
Address: Ulverston, Ford Park Cres, Ulverston LA12 7JP
Website: https://www.ford-park.org.uk/event-details-registration/ford-park-bounce-fest-1
9.30am to 4.30pm. This summer, Ford Park is teaming up with Hardy's Soft Play to bring a fun filled day of inflatables to the park! There will be bouncy castles and inflatable assault courses for children...
Gymnastics & Dance Summer Camp (5 to7yrs)
30th-31st July 2024
Venue: Harraby 3G Sports Hall
Address: Edgehill Rd, Carlisle CA1 3SL
Website: https://officialsoccerschools.co.uk/carlisleunited/dance-and-gymnastics-summer-week1-8-12.html
9am to 2pm. Our qualified coaches will guide the children throughout the camps to help them use the correct technique, improve their musicality and flexibility, while also allowing them to be creative...
SumArt To Do - All Things Flying
31st July 2024
Venue: Rosehill Theatre
Address: Moresby, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 6SE
Website: https://www.rosehilltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/sumart-to-do-all-things-flying
1pm. Come fly with Handpicked Productions and create your very own windsocks and driftwood mobiles. The possibilities are endless. Will you make a crazy sock character? An amazing colourful creation to...
NaturesGems tours
3rd August 2024
Venue: Arnside and Silverdale
Address: near Arnside, Cumbria
9am to 1pm. Every experience in nature is unique. Join Gemma from NaturesGems for a half day nature tour exploring the natural history of Arnside Knott and enjoy stories of the land. Arnside Knott is host...
Roman Falconry
3rd-4th August 2024
Venue: Birdoswald Roman Fort
Address: Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7DD
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/birdoswald-roman-falconry-3-4-aug-24/
Join our time travelling falconers for awe–inspiring historical displays of Falconry and Hawking at Birdoswald Roman Fort. Look to the skies above the castle and hall to see flying displays throughout...
Dinosaur Adventure Live - Trouble on Adventure Island
4th August 2024
Venue: Carnegie Theatre
Address: Finkle Street, Workington, CA14 2BD
Website: https://carnegietheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873642867
BOX OFFICE: 01900 602122. Dinosaur Adventure Live is back and even more roarsome! Join our brave Rangers for another action-packed Dinosaur Adventure in the all new and exciting show: Trouble on Volcano...
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book
6th-8th August 2024
Venue: The Coro
Address: County Square, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7LZ
Website: https://www.thecoro.co.uk/event/charlie-cooks-favourite-book/
A Little Angel Theatre, The Lowry and Rose Theatre co-production, based on the original book Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book - written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Charlie loves...
Canoe taster sessions
8th August-7th September 2024
Venue: Borrowdale & Derewent Water
Address: near Keswick
Every Thurs, Fri & Sat, sessions at 9am, 11.30am & 2pm. Learn the skills you need to be confident paddling on the water in a Canadian open-boat canoe. Brought to you by National Trust and Mobile Adventure,...
Paddleboard taster sessions
8th August-7th September 2024
Venue: Borrowdale & Derewent Water
Address: near Keswick
Every Thurs, Fri & Sat, sessions at 9am, 11.30am & 2pm. Learn the skills you need to be confident paddling on the water. Brought to you by National Trust and Mobile Adventure, join a 2-hour session on...
Hells Fells Family Music Festival
9th-11th August 2024
Venue: Birks Farm Campsite
Address: Birks Lane, Sedbergh LA10 5HQ
Website: https://www.hellsfells.co.uk/event-info
Hells Fells is a family music festival to fundraise for the Rawthey Project and raise awareness of the issues that our homeless, disadvantaged, and vulnerable veterans face. We have live bands throughout...
Practical Nature Conservation Days
9th August 2024
Venue: Sandscale Haws
Address: Roanhead, Hawthwaite Lane, near Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 4QJ
10am to 3pm. Enjoy a practical nature conservation day with NaturesGems Tours and our rangers and see the work that goes into looking after this special National Nature Reserve. Suitable for children aged...
The Pop Party
11th August 2024
Venue: Carnegie Theatre
Address: Finkle Street, Workington, CA14 2BD
Website: https://carnegietheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873643059
BOX OFFICE: 01900 602122. Get ready for a dazzling explosion of music, dance, and excitement as Pop Party takes the stage! This exhilarating live concert, made especially for kids, brings the latest trending...
SCRUMPTIOUS Family Theatre
12th August 2024
Venue: Rheged
Address: Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ
Website: https://rheged.com/event/scrumptious-by-beggars-belief-family-theatre/?date=20240812
11am & 2pm. SCRUMPTIOUS! is a magical show about friendship and ice cream, with hilarious songs, dancing, storytelling and gentle audience participation — the perfect treat for families and anyone young...
Be Informed About Bees
14th August 2024
Venue: Sizergh
Address: near Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8DZ
2 to 3pm. Find out about these powerful pollinators, their social structure and the different components of a Hive. Our volunteer beekeeper will be holding talks in the Orchard this summer. This event...
Summer Make and Play
15th August 2024
Venue: Wordsworth Grasmere
Address: Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH
Website: https://wordsworth.org.uk/event-directory/
Drop into our Learning Space for summer holiday Make and Play activities. William and Dorothy Wordsworth loved exploring nature during their walks and summer is the best time to do so! Join us to create...
Barrow Soapbox Derby 2024
17th August 2024
Venue: Barrow Town Centre
Website: https://barrowbid.co.uk/soapbox/
The racing will start at around 10am as Soapbox Kart number 1 sets off racing down the town centre course using only gravity to set the first time of the day. This time will set the benchmark for teams...
Megacon
17th August 2024
Venue: Richard Rose Central Academy
Address: Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1LY
Website: https://carlisle-gamers.com/megacon/
Megacon is a geek institution, taking place at Richard Rose Central Academy in Carlisle. Having humble beginnings starting in the Anime section of a book shop, it has now grown to become one of the biggest...
Wigton Summer Soccer School (5 to 13yrs)
20th-22nd August 2024
Venue: Wigton Rugby Club
Address: Lowmoor Road, Wigton CA7 9QT
Website: https://officialsoccerschools.co.uk/carlisleunited/wigton-soccer-school-24.html
9am to 2pm. Qualified FA licenced coaches will guide players throughout the camps to help them use the correct technique, improve their decision-making and overall enhancement of their game. The sessions...
Summer International Market
22nd-26th August 2024
Venue: Carlisle City Centre
Website: https://www.discovercarlisle.co.uk/whats-on/summer-international-market-36
A popular international market is set to return to Carlisle city centre this summer. Organised by Market Place Europe, the award-winning International Market is supported by Cumberland Council. Shoppers...
The Pantaloons: The Merry Wives Of Windsor
29th August 2024
Venue: Talkin Tarn Country Park
Address: Tarn Rd, Brampton CA8 1HN
Website: https://thepantaloons.co.uk/merry-wives/
7pm. Sir John Falstaff, everyone’s favourite Shakespearean sleazeball, has fallen on hard times. In order to fix his finances, he plans to seduce the wives of two wealthy merchants. But, wise to his...
Pop Princesses
31st August 2024
Venue: The Forum
Address: 28 Duke Street, Barrow in Furness, LA14 1HH
Website: https://www.theforumbarrow.co.uk/event/pop-princesses/
BOX OFFICE 01229 820000. A Magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars! This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. The four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses are back with their...
Treasure Island
9th-12th October 2024
Venue: Theatre Royal
Address: Washington Street, Workington, CA14 3AW
Website: https://thelittleboxoffice.com/workingtonplaygoers/book/event/193736
Treasure Island, adapted for stage by Millie Hardy-Sims, is based on the 1883 timeless adventure novel of the same name, written by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is the late 18th century. Piracy is rife amongst...
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
15th-19th October 2024
Venue: Carnegie Theatre
Address: Finkle Street, Workington, CA14 2BD
Website: https://carnegietheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873645357
From the society that brought you The Phantom of the Opera and Disney's The Little Mermaid, WAOS are proud to present The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo and with the beautiful...
Orchestra of Objects
27th-28th October 2024
Venue: Old Laundry Theatre
Address: Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BX
Website: https://www.oldlaundrytheatre.co.uk/event/orchestra-of-objects/
Shows at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Come and join Captain Bongo and the crew from the Orchestra of Objects and help build a musical spaceship. Flying around the solar system and beyond with the use...
Nick Cope’s Family Show
30th October 2024
Venue: Brewery Arts
Address: 122a Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4HE
Website: https://www.breweryarts.co.uk/event/nick-copes-family-show-2/
11am & 2pm. Nick Cope has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years, he performs with his guitar and stunning animations to sell-out...
Mr Sleepybum
8th-9th November 2024
Venue: Brewery Arts
Address: 122a Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4HE
Website: https://www.breweryarts.co.uk/event/mr-sleepybum/
Do you have stupid and silly dreams at night? Well, Mr. Sleepybum does, and he’s going to reenact them all for you in this high-energy, silly comedy show for the whole family. Mr Sleepybum awakes in...
The Man Who Wanted To Be A Penguin
14th-24th December 2024
Venue: Brewery Arts
Address: 122a Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4HE
Website: https://www.breweryarts.co.uk/event/the-man-who-wanted-to-be-a-penguin/
The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin is a lively show packed with puppets, acting, movement, songs, and audience engagement. With its blend of humour, catchy tunes, and captivating characters, it promises...