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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Guess How Much I Love You - A Garden Adventure
15th February-31st December 2025
Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall
The Guess How Much I Love You Garden Adventure is a trail inspired by the book of the same name. The trail contains a series of activities that encourage children to learn through play, using the senses...
Epping Ongar Lights Express
15th November-4th January 2026
Venue: Epping Ongar Railway
Website: www.eorailway.co.uk
An interactive journey for the whole family like never before! Featuring "Voiceover Man" (as heard on Britain's Got Talent and X-Factor) and stunning neon views. A fully immersive lightshow to music with...
Jack and the Beanstalk
19th November-3rd January 2026
Venue: Queen's Theatre
Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk
The panto we've all BEAN waiting for! Join Jack and his mum in their family-run farm-shop, where business is down, the rent’s overdue, and there’s nothing left to do but sell Pat the Cow at Romford...
Glow at RHS Hyde Hall
21st November-27th December 2025
Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Website: www.rhs.org.uk
In a truly enchanting experience, discover wonderful new installations of colour, music and light, along with festive food and Christmas shopping. Perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to add...
Mother Goose
22nd November-18th January 2026
Venue: Mercury Theatre
Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk
Expect breath-taking sets, dazzling costumes, side-splitting comedy and plenty of Mercury magic in this eggs-traordinary festive treat for the whole family. So flock to the box office, grab your golden...
Jigsaw Performing Arts Brentford
24th November-1st February 2026
Venue: Becket Keys Secondary School, Sawyers Hall Ln
Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk
From babies as young as 6 months to teens of 18, Jigsaw's wide range of classes offers something for every budding performer. Join them this term and let your child take centre stage. Their journey in...
Mythical Creatures
24th November-1st February 2026
Venue: Colchester Castle
Website: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle
Embark on a magical story quest through folklore and legend, where you’ll meet a Dragon, Unicorn, Griffin, and Mermaid brought to life through curious, enchanted objects. Inspired by medieval tales,...
Sleeping Beauty
27th November-4th January 2026
Venue: Towngate Theatre
Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk
Basildon favourites, Sophie Ladds and Ian Hallard, will return to the stage as everyone’s favourite panto villain and dame. With stunning scenery, colourful costumes, dazzling dancers and a fantastic...
Aladdin
28th November-4th January 2026
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk
Expect magic lamps, a flying carpet, exceptional disguises, pure hearts, spectacular costumes, sing along songs, laughter and whole world full of fantastic adventure in a dazzling new ride through a classic...
Enchanted Trail of Light
28th November-29th December 2025
Venue: Colchester Zoo
Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com
Enjoy a magical journey along a 1 mile route, featuring a BRAND NEW 40m light tunnel with over 20,000 lights, and NEW animal sculptures, all put together by our creative in-house events team! Plus appearances...
Enlightened
28th November-3rd January 2026
Venue: Hylands Estate
Website: https://hylandsestate.co.uk
From twinkling tunnels of light to dazzling laser projections, every step along the trail is designed to captivate and amaze. Whether it’s your first time or a returning favourite, Enlightened at Hylands...
Havering Christmas Land 2025
28th November-2nd January 2026
Venue: Harrow Lodge Park
Website: www.haveringmind.org.uk
Visit the historic Harrow Lodge House building beautifully illuminated with twinkling lights with a spectacular Christmas Lights Walk Way in the ‘Secret Garden’ next to the building with 000s of stunning...
Sleeping Beauty
28th November-4th January 2026
Venue: Harlow Playhouse
Website: www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk
Let the magic unfold this Christmas with the enchanting pantomime ‘Sleeping Beauty”. With spectacular costumes and scenery, toe-tapping tunes, and plenty of surprises along the way, this is one pantomime...
Skate in the Snow at Riverside
6th December-2nd January 2026
Venue: Riverside Leisure Centre
Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/leisure-centres/what/ice-skating
Experience the magic of Christmas at Riverside Ice Rink! This enchanting winter wonderland is the perfect spot for festive fun.Sing along to Christmas classics, meet Pops the penguin, and warm up with...
The Magical Adventures of Peter Pan
6th-29th December 2025
Venue: Princes Theatre
Address: Clacton Town Hall
Website: www.princestheatre.co.uk
Join Peter Pan, the mischievous boy who refuses to grow up, and his loyal fairy sidekick, Tink as they return to Neverland, where pirates, fairies, mermaids, and lost children await. This magical pantomime...
Enlightened 2025
12th-28th December 2025
Venue: Castle Park
Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk
Step into a world of wonder at Enlightened at Colchester Castle Park. Wander through dazzling light trails, soak in the magic, and create unforgettable memories.This epic event is the perfect opportunity...
Cinderella
13th December-4th January 2026
Venue: Cliffs Pavilion
Website: www.trafalgartickets.com
Go to the ball this Christmas with television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster and number one best-selling author Rylan, who returns for another year to play the Fairy Godfather! Cinderella features laugh-out-loud...
Shrek the Musical
13th December-4th January 2026
Venue: Charter Hall
Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/shrek-the-musical
This award-winning musical brings to life the world of Shrek live on stage in an unforgettable production to melt hearts of all ages. Dreamwork’s spectacular musical is based on their much-loved Oscar...
The Snow Queen
13th-28th December 2025
Venue: Palace Theatre Southend
Website: https://trafalgartickets.com
This classic adventure story is being reimagined and brought to life with lovable characters making a journey through a snowy land, full of hidden mysteries and winter magic. The whole experience will...
Dick Whittington
21st-29th December 2025
Venue: Saffron Hall
Website: www.saffronhall.com
Step into a world of fun, laughter, and adventure as Dick Whittington sets out to seek his fortune and make the streets "paved with gold" a reality! Packed with spectacular sets, dazzling costumes, show-stopping...
Family Christmas Show! Theatre of Widdershins - Snow White Rose Red Bear Brown
23rd December-2nd January 2026
Venue: Colchester Arts Centre
Website: www.colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com
Snow White and Rose Red – sisters, twins, best friends – have lived in the forest since they were Babes in the Wood. Brought up by their hardworking Mother to be kind, caring and forest fluent... if...
Sweet and Sour: The Ultimate Tribute to Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo
17th January 2026
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk
Get ready for a night of pop anthems, heartbreak hits, and fierce rival vibes at Sweet and Sour – the ultimate Olivia Rodrigo vs. Sabrina Carpenter tribute show! Featuring a powerhouse live band and...
Creative Education: Technical Theatre (8-12)
29th January 2026
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk
Workshop designed for creative 8–12-year-olds, explore how lighting and sound can bring stories to life on stage. Through hands-on activities and discussions, learn how technical theatre elements help...
Sing-A-Long-A The Greatest Showman
31st January 2026
Venue: Palace Theatre Southend
Website: https://trafalgartickets.com
From the producers of Singalonga Sound of Music it's the smash hit film musical that everyone can’t stop singing! Cheer on Hugh Jackman, lust after Zac Efron as you experience The Greatest Showman in...
Taylormania
1st February 2026
Venue: Charter Hall
Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk
An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis, a talented ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises...
Crafty Fools: Adventures In Science
7th February 2026
Venue: Colchester Arts Centre
Website: www.colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com
Join ‘The Magical Mr West’ on an incredible adventure into the world of science! Aided by his corvid companion Crowbert Mr West demonstrates the fundamental principles of scientific enquiry and tackles...
SPACE Ilford: Free Exhibitions, Workshops and School Visits
17th June 2026
Website: spacestudios.org.uk/family-activities/
Free gallery exhibitions, workshops and school visits Free exhibitions / performances Robert Cervera: Hiddenware – free exhibition, on now until 15 April 2026 Alan Abrahams: Transitions –...