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 Essex
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Mythical Castle Creatures: Family Tour
16th February-20th June 2026
Venue: Colchester Castle
Website: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle
Join this 45-minute tour at 11am and 2.30pm and experience Colchester Castle like never before on this family-friendly tour that brings folklore and mythical creatures to life and embark on a quest to...
Discover Exhibition
3rd April-1st November 2027
Venue: Hollytrees Museum
Website: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events
A major new exhibition launches at Hollytrees Museum with fascinating objects and stories from the past to discover, including a BIG surprise arriving over Easter weekend—keep an eye on Colchester Museums’...
Colchester Leisure World – Leisure Pool
11th May-6th July 2026
Venue: Leisure World Colchester
Website: www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk
Splash into fun at Leisure World's Leisure Pool. Perfect for families, the pool features thrilling flumes, the exhilarating Crazy River, and bubbling jacuzzis. With shallow areas for little ones and deeper...
Discover Exhibition
11th May-6th July 2026
Venue: Hollytrees Museum
Website: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events
A major new exhibition launches at Hollytrees Museum with fascinating objects and stories from the past to discover, keep an eye on Colchester Museums’ website for details coming very soon. Included...
Essex Outdoors
11th May-6th July 2026
Venue: Bradwell (from May half term) Danbury, Harlow or Mersea
Website: www.essexoutdoors.com/school-holiday-activities
Keep 8 to 16-year-olds active and entertained and make memorable experiences in the outdoors. They'll sleep well at night and want to come back for more. Thrilling fun and all while you work. Sessions...
Family Activities at Colchester Sports Park
11th May-6th July 2026
Venue: Cuckoo Farm Way
Website: https://colchestersportspark.co.uk
Explore 76 acres of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure activities at Colchester Sports Park! Enjoy cycling on the floodlit track, play cricket, badminton, football, and more in our sports hall, or relax...
Kumon Southend
11th May-6th July 2026
Venue: Christchurch Centre, 56 Colbert Avenue
Website: www.kumon.co.uk/southend
The Kumon Southend Study Centre has been part of the local community for over 25 years, and is proudly recognised as an Elite Kumon centre and has been ranked in the top 10 of all UK and Ireland centres....
Laser Mayhem
11th May-6th July 2026
Venue: Laser Mayhem, Pryors Farm
Website: www.lasermayhem.co.uk
With over 20 Call of Duty Style playing areas, you will be amazed by our laser tag arenas, with Forts, Real Russian Battle Tanks, Planes, Helicopters and much more. Laser Mayhem is completely unique, they...
Swimming Lessons at Leisure World
11th May-6th July 2026
Venue: Leisure World Colchester
Website: www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk
Boost your child's confidence and swimming skills with our Swim England qualified instructors at Leisure World. They offer lessons for all ages and abilities, from 4 months to adults. Monitor progress...
The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure
11th May-6th July 2026
Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Website: www.rhs.org.uk
Join Mr Toad, Mole, Ratty and Badger for a fun, interactive family garden trail, inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s classic story. Running until December 2026, explore the garden in a new way‚ by discovering...
Circus Zyair
20th May-25th June 2026
Venue: Priory Park
Website: www.circus-zyair.co.uk
Join Circus Zyair for an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling performances and breathtaking stunts.Featuring over thirty world-class artistes, including fearless acrobats and daring stuntmen,...
Zog
16th-17th June 2026
Venue: Harlow Playhouse
Website: www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk
This charming smash-hit show, from the producers of Stick Man and Zog and the Flying Doctors and featuring joyful songs by Joe Stilgoe and beautiful puppets by Little Angel, is a treat for children and...
Shrek the Musical
25th-27th June 2026
Venue: Princes Theatre
Website: www.princestheatre.co.uk
"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…" And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess...
Miss Americana - A Tribute to Taylor Swift
26th June 2026
Venue: Charter Hall
Website: https://colchester-events.co.uk/event/miss-americana
Step into the unparalleled world of Taylor Swift in this enchanted tribute show featuring the incredible Xenna as Taylor. Xenna embodies every essence of Taylor Swift, capturing her voice, signature looks,...
Dino Discovery Day
27th June 2026
Venue: Colchester Zoo
Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com
Discover extinct species from millions of years ago, from gigantic carnivores to the graceful herbivores, as well as the chance to meet and greet the dinosaur friends along with their keeper.
Stow Maries: Back to WW2
27th June 2026
Venue: Stowe Maries
Website: www.stowmaries.org.uk
With a range of Living Historians and vehicles, get a real taste of life in the county during wartime.Children can take part in the Evacuees Experience. Booked in advance, they will get a chance to feel...
Langford and Ulting Country Fayre and Classic Car
5th July 2026
Venue: Museum of Power
Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk
Going back to the good old days of country fayres and celebrating ‘Everything Local’. Includes exhibits of agriculture and horticulture, arts and crafts by local crafters and artists, classic cars,...
Exotic Animal Weekends
6th July-7th June 2026
Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
Website: www.hopefield.org.uk
Due to licensing restrictions, Hopefield can only welcome visitors to their rescued “exotic” animals for just six days per year – which means once these dates are gone, they’re gone. If you’ve...
Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles
9th July 2026
Venue: Hedingham Castle
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...
Essex Summer Fest
11th-12th July 2026
Venue: Harrow Lodge Park
Website: www.essexsummerfest.com
From iconic adult tribute acts on day one to kid friendly tribute artists on the family fun day, Essex Summer Fest offers one of the most varied tribute act lineups in Essex, attracting music fans and...
The Gruffalo
11th-12th July 2026
Venue: Palace Theatre
Website: https://trafalgartickets.com/
A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood.... Songs, laughs and mischievous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, from Tall Stories, creators of imaginative storytelling theatre, where...
Helen Rollason Charity Event: Timeless at the Castle
12th July 2026
Venue: Hedingham Castle
Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Join Hedingham Castle for this much-loved annual event filled with nostalgia, entertainment and a fantastic community atmosphere all in support of an incredible cause. With live entertainment, unique gift...
Mission: Mud
12th July 2026
Venue: Nuclear Wild Forest
Address: Brentwood
Website: www.ehaat.org/events
Strap in for 60 or 90 minutes of pure, muddy mayhem — climbing walls, epic slides, cargo nets and watery obstacles await! Whether you’re taking part with friends, family or colleagues, it’s a fun,...
Motorcycle Run 2026
6th September 2026
Venue: North Weald Airfield
Website: www.ehaat.org/events
Rev up for the Motorcycle Run 2026 — a spectacular 25-mile charity ride from North Weald Airfield, finishing at the Whirly Birds Family Festival in Chelmsford. Hundreds of bikers come together for a...