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
To search the listings, enter a keyword, location and/or date in the boxes below.
When entering a location, select the best location match from the list that appears, then click Go.
Click here to clear your search.
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...
Jigsaw Performing Arts Brentford
13th October-23rd November 2025
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
13th October-23rd November 2025
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,...
Reindeer Run 2025
1st November-22nd December 2025
Venue: Farleigh Hospice
Website: www.farleighhospice.org/events/reindeer-run-2025
The Reindeer Run is a sponsored run or walk for nurseries, schools and youth groups in mid Essex. It's your Reindeer Run - you set the date, distance and location. If you have any questions call the friendly...
Nativity! The Musical
5th-8th November 2025
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk
Feel-good, funny and full of yuletide joy, Nativity! The Musical features all of the favourite sing-along hits from the films including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment, She’s the Brightest...
Backstage Tour: Nativity! The Musical
8th November 2025
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk
Experience the magic of going behind the scenes at the theatre. You’ll learn about our theatre’s history and how various departments from the box office to theatre technicians come together to make...
Free Fireworks – Guy Fawkes Celebration
8th November 2025
Venue: Clacton Pier
Website: www.clactonpier.co.uk
Clacton Pier lights up the skies with free fireworks displays throughout 2025. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting for the first time, these dazzling shows offer an unmissable evening of entertainment.The...
The Nutcracker
8th November 2025
Venue: Towngate Theatre
Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to your local theatre for a dazzling production of the most famous ballet in the world – The Nutcracker. Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic and love...
The Big Christmas Assembly
14th November 2025
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk
It’s time to crack out the Christmas jingles and join James B Partridge for an evening of pure nostalgia, stepping back in time for some joyous singalong tunes from Christmases past. Full of festive...
Pirates Love Underpants
15th-16th November 2025
Venue: Palace Theatre Southend
Website: https://trafalgartickets.com
Dodge hungry crocs beneath Long-John Bridge, bob upon the waves of Big Knickers Bay, spot sharks in fancy underpants and trek across Three Pants Ridge. Filled with music, puppetry and glittering pants...
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...
Magic of Christmas
22nd November-24th December 2025
Venue: Colchester Zoo
Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com
Immerse yourself in the wonderful Christmas atmosphere with festive activities taking place throughout the day! Visit the website for more details coming soon....
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...
The Santa Experience
22nd November-24th December 2025
Venue: Colchester Zoo
Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com
Take a break at Mrs Claus’ Kitchen where you can enjoy a tasty treat on your journey to meet the big man himself.
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...
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...
Let's All Dance: The Nutcracker
6th December 2025
Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk
The Let’s All Dance Ballet Company is delighted to present their dazzling festive favourite for the whole family. With stunning dancers, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, beautiful costumes and crystal...
The Great Christmas Snow Patrol
6th-24th December 2025
Venue: Harlow Playhouse
Website: www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk
Harlow Playhouse are proud to present this year’s festive adventure for younger theatregoers. The Great Christmas Snow Patrol is a fun-filled, sing-along, interactive show for 2-6 year olds, their families,...
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...
Santa's On His Sleigh!
8th-24th December 2025
Venue: Palace Theatre Southend
Website: https://trafalgartickets.com
Santa’s on His Sleigh! is an exciting and interactive Christmas show starring Santa, the elves Snowdrop and Mistletoe, Rudolph and featuring on screen Santa’s virtual little helper Head Elf Justy,...
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...
Pop-up Panto: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
22nd-23rd December 2025
Venue: Hedingham Castle
Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Escape on another festive pop-up panto from the team who brought you Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan! Then meet Father and Mother Christmas! Expect circus tricks, silliness, songs and singalongs in...