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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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’...
Discover: Museum Wonders
3rd April-30th November 2026
Venue: Hollytrees Museum
Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/discover/
Step into a world of extraordinary discoveries as Colchester Museums unveils Discover: Museum Wonders, a major new exhibition featuring the first real dinosaur skeleton ever displayed in Colchester, offering...
BeWILDerFEST
12th October-22nd November 2026
Venue: Norfolk and Cheshire
Website: www.bewilderwood.co.uk
Watch stories brought to life with music at the stage, take part in an interactive Flower Power Trail and meet your favourite characters.
Colchester Leisure World – Leisure Pool
12th October-22nd November 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...
Engineering For Kids — Chelmsford
12th October-22nd November 2026
Venue: Various venues
Website: https://engineeringforkids-chelmsford.co.uk/
Engineering For Kids is a unique and dynamic program designed to inspire the next generation through hands-on activities such as launching rockets, battling robots, and even programming video games. Visit...
Home Education at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park
12th October-22nd November 2026
Venue: Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich
Website: www.jimmysfarm.com/home-education
Looking for different ways to educate your children in the great outdoors? Every month (excluding school holidays) Jimmy's Farm has four days dedicated to Home Education. Each session will begin at 11am...
Home Education Sessions
12th October-22nd November 2026
Venue: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Address: Kelvedon Park, Rivenhall
Website: www.essex-fire.gov.uk/home-education-sessions
Sessions are designed to help children build the knowledge, confidence and practical awareness they need to make safer choices in everyday life. Topics include home fire safety, cyber safety and other...
ParkPlay
12th October-22nd November 2026
Venue: Old Heath Recreation Ground
Website: https://park-play.com
Every Saturday, children and families can join in with free games, have fun, move more, and make friends.Everyone in your family must register before you first go along and you will get your unique ParkPlay...
SEN Friendly Days
12th October-22nd November 2026
Venue: Museum of Chelmsford
Website: www.museumofchelmsford.co.uk
This is an opportunity for visitors with additional or sensory needs to enjoy the museum in a more relaxed atmosphere. Sound effects around the galleries will be turned down or off and a large, quiet break...
Spooktacular October Half Term at Harlow Leisurezone
12th October-22nd November 2026
Venue: Second Avenue, Harlow
Website: www.harlowleisurezone.co.uk/kids-family
Harlow Leisurezone has put together a programme designed to keep children active, entertained and trying something new throughout the school break. Make a splash with Aqua Jets, the Intensive Swimming...
The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure
12th October-22nd November 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...
Forest School sessions for Home Ed
2nd November-7th December 2026
Venue: Danbury Country Park
Website: www.explore-essex.com
Aimed at home educated children, this series of six sessions at Danbury Country Park includes nature activities, forest crafts, imagination, physical play and building things. Children have the opportunity...
Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park
7th November 2026
Venue: Danbury Country Park
Website: www.explore-essex.com
Create lasting memories around the campfire, explore the native flora and fauna, swing in a hammock, challenge yourself to the rope ladder or just chill by the stream. These sessions run one Saturday each...
Out of the Box
7th November 2026
Venue: Queen's Theatre
Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk
Fresh from five-star success at the Edinburgh Fringe and being named Best Family Show at Brighton Fringe, Darryl J Carrington transforms everyday objects into extraordinary adventures. A toothbrush stars...
Swan Lake Performed by Crown Ballet
8th November 2026
Venue: Princes Theatre
Website: www.princestheatre.co.uk
Widely regarded as the most iconic ballet of all time, Swan Lake is a masterpiece of Tchaikovsky’s genius. Featuring some of the most memorable music and breathtaking choreography, this production brings...
A Christmas Carol
10th-11th November 2026
Venue: Towngate Theatre
Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk
A festive treat for all the family, Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption is brought to the stage at Towngate Theatre in an authentic and joyful adaptation from Operation Moonlight.
Robin Hood
18th November-2nd January 2027
Venue: Queen's Theatre
Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk
Perfect for the whole family, this action-packed adventure is bursting with catchy songs, dazzling sets and costumes, and side-splitting panto fun. You’ll find heroes to cheer, villains to boo, and more...
Jack and the Beanstalk
21st November-17th January 2027
Venue: Mercury Theatre
Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk
This Christmas, the Mercury Theatre present the pantomime spectacular you’ve all BEAN waiting for – Jack and the Beanstalk! Colchester panto legends Antony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville are back...
RHS Glow 2026
26th November-30th December 2026
Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Website: www.rhs.org.uk
Get ready to Glow this Christmas in an immersive spectacle of light and sound to delight all ages. Designed to amaze and delight, the special effects and illuminations showcase the beauty of nature, mimicking...
Cinderella
27th November 2026
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk
You shall go to the ball this Christmas as Cinderella and friends arrive by carriage for Chelmsford Theatre's pantomime spectacular! Expect magic, mayhem, royal balls, fairy godmothers, major glow ups...
Enchanted Trail of Light
27th November-28th December 2026
Venue: Colchester Zoo
Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com
Prepare to be amazed along the magical trail filled with wonder at every turn and all put together by the creative in-house team. Marvel at dancing fountains before enjoying a ride aboard the festive road...
Enlightened 2026
27th November-2nd January 2027
Venue: Hylands Estate
Website: www.hylandsestate.co.uk
Follow an illuminated route through Hylands Park as light, sound and interactive installations transform the landscape after dark. Designed for visitors of all ages, Enlightened offers a festive evening...
The Magical Adventures of Sleeping Beauty
5th-29th December 2026
Venue: Princes Theatre
Website: www.princestheatre.co.uk
This magical pantomime features Great Songs, Dazzling Dance Routines, Stunning Scenery, Beautiful Costumes and Incredible Circus Acts. It will be an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.Suitable...
‘Keep’ Festive Illuminations Trail
7th-20th December 2026
Venue: Hedingham Castle
Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Discover the extraordinary trees, admire the beautiful reflections on the lake and uncover the story of 'The Knight Before Christmas'. The independently designed and completely unique trail explores a...
Carols by Candlelight
10th December 2026
Venue: Hedingham Castle
Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
A rare opportunity to hear traditional carols in an enchanting and historic setting. Performed in every alcove of the Castle's minstrel gallery, enjoy a tranquil evening by candlelight in a 12th Century...
Puss in Boots
12th-13th December 2026
Venue: Hedingham Castle
Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Another festive pop-up panto from the team who brought you Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan and Goldilocks and the Three Bears! Enjoy this classic pantomime in the magical setting of the Castle grounds...
Snow White
12th December-3rd January 2027
Venue: Cliffs Pavilion
Website: www.trafalgartickets.com
Panto legend and beloved TV star Shane Richie will star as Muddles alongside Steps singer and musical theatre star Faye Tozer as the Wicked Queen. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be spectacularly...
The Wizard of Oz
12th December 2026
Venue: Charter Hall
Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk
A story loved for generations The Wizard of Oz remains one of the most iconic and treasured tales in entertainment history. Millions have grown up with Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion, characters...
'Keep' Christmastide Market
18th-20th December 2026
Venue: Hedingham Castle
Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
An exciting Christmas Market set against the magical Hedingham Castle Keep. Alongside access to the Keep Festive Illuminations Trail, the Christmas Market of gifts, food vendors, music and a special visit...
Father Christmas Experience
18th December 2026
Venue: Layer Marney Tower
Website: www.helenrollason.org.uk/event/father-christmas-experience-2026
Layer Marney Tower will be transformed into a winter wonderland for an enchanting Father Christmas Experience, all in support of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. It’s the perfect way to kick off the Christmas...