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!
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Wellness and Connection with Heart Centred Parenting
13th May 2026
Heart Centred Parenting offers nurturing wellbeing events, family gatherings and mentoring support in Colchester, Essex, focused on community connection, nature and emotional wellbeing. This summer, tweens and teens aged 10–16 can join a Wellness and Mindset Camp on 28 August at St Mary’s...
Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) welcomes endangered chimpanzee arrival
5th May 2026
Jessie, aged 26 years old, arrived from Welsh Mountain Zoo following an EEP (EAZA Ex Situ Programme) breeding recommendation, with the hope that she will form a bond with resident male, Napoleon, who recently became a father to baby Keira, on 17th January 2026. To ensure a calm and positive introduction...
Kai Widdrington’s Evolution Tour Comes to Basildon
2nd May 2026
APPEARING AT THE TOWNGATE THEATRE ON FRIDAY 17 JULY 2026 Following a triumphant run that dazzled audiences across the UK, KAI WIDDRINGTON is set to return to the stage with the smash-hit “KAI – EVOLUTION” tour in 2026 — and he’ll be performing at the Towngate Theatre,...
Thriftwood Scout Campsite and Outdoor Activity Centre
1st May 2026
Based within Brentwood, this great woodland venue provides the perfect opportunities for children to explore exhilarating activities, from archery to high ropes, kayaking to fishing and bushcraft and so much more! With Activity Days available during half term holidays and birthday parties each weekend,...
The Essex Year of Opportunity app: Building essential skills for children and young people
30th April 2026
The Essex Year of Opportunity app is a free digital platform that helps children and young people discover interests, build confidence and develop skills they can use in school and beyond. Parents and carers can explore the app with their child to find local activities, ideas and opportunities that...
Working Parent Funded Early Education Entitlement
29th April 2026
Eligible working parents of children from the term after a child is 9 months old to 4-years-old are able to access 30 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 weeks per year or 1,140 hours if your provider stretches the offer. To check whether you are eligible in the first instance visit www.beststartinlife.gov.uk...
Farm Fun Week & Bank Holiday Bash
24th April 2026
May half term at Stantons Farm offers a week packed full of adventure, animals and plenty of springtime excitement. Visitors can meet the adorable new arrivals, including some of their smallest lambs, a sweet donkey foal and playful goat kids. There’s lots to enjoy, from pony rides and alpaca...
Family fun with Shaun the Sheep and Bluewater this May
23rd April 2026
A new Shaun the Sheep augmented reality trail will visit Bluewater next month, alongside a line-up of fun half-term activities. Families are invited to embark on a free adventure with the Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock augmented reality trail at the shopping destination, bringing the much-loved...
Game On This May Half Term at RHS Garden Hyde Hall
21st April 2026
From giant garden games and veggie races, families are invited to let the good times grow at Hyde Hall’s Great Garden Game‑a‑thon Families looking for a fun-filled day out this May half‑term can head outdoors for The Great Garden Game‑a‑thon at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, taking place 23–31...
A Summer Of Creativity Comes To Brentwood
20th April 2026
This year’s annual Brentwood Art Trail from Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID), is set to be the biggest ever, and will take place from Saturday 30 May to Sunday 28 June, bringing a whole month of creativity to Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone. The annual art event,...
Discover Holmwood House
17th March 2026
Set within 25-acres near Colchester, Holmwood House is a co-educational nursery, prep, and senior school for children aged 6 months to 16 years. Holmwood places curiosity at the heart of learning. Its vision is to inspire individuality, spark curiosity, and ignite the future potential of every child....