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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Businesses Bring Christmas To Brentwood, Shenfield And Ingatestone High Streets
21st October 2025
Three free festive events will take place in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone High Streets this November and December, from Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID), funded by town centre businesses in the three town centres, and supported by Brentwood Borough Council. On Saturday...
Foxes Farm turns pink for 10 year anniversary
20th October 2025
This October, families across Essex are set to experience something truly unique as Foxes Farm marks ten years of its pumpkin patch with a bold new twist. To celebrate a decade of autumn traditions, the fields have turned pink for the first time ever, creating one of the most Instagrammable pumpkin...
Triple The Spooky Fun This Halloween With Brentwood Connected
14th October 2025
Three free Halloween events will take place in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone High Streets this half term, courtesy of Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID) which is funded by town centre businesses. On Thursday 30 October from 10am-4pm, a Trick or Treat Trail will take...
For festive fun, hold a Reindeer Run!
11th October 2025
1 November - 22 December The Reindeer Run is a sponsored run, jog or walk for nurseries, schools and youth groups, that raises money for Farleigh Hospice. Getting involved couldn’t be easier: you pick the date, distance and location and Farleigh will provide everything else to make your event...
Enjoy over 24,000 courses for free with Essex Library Service!
7th October 2025
Did you know an Essex library card unlocks career growth, creative skills, new hobbies and personal wellness? With a library card, members can enjoy access to over 24,000 expert-led courses on a fantastic range of topics through LinkedIn Learning, completely free of charge. Boasting around 60 new...
Discover a hidden history this Halloween
6th October 2025
Step into the shadows of history this Halloween and discover stories that have shaped Markshall for over 1,000 years. From the powerful Honywood family to the legacy of Thomas Phillips Price and tales of the Second World War, the estate is alive with echoes of the past. The much-loved Halloween Trail...
Shrek The Musical – This Christmas at Charter Hall!
1st October 2025
Make this Christmas one to remember as Shrek The Musical takes to the stage at Charter Hall, Colchester! Starring television favourite Danny John-Jules (Red Dwarf, Death in Paradise) as the hilarious Donkey, alongside the hugely talented Joseph Rawlings as the mighty Shrek, this festive family spectacular...
WORDS FOR A GREENER WORLD SCHOOLS SHORT STORY COMPETITION
30th September 2025
Essex Book Festival has teamed up with Essex Year of Opportunity to launch its inaugural Words for a Greener World Short Story Competition, which is open to all schools in Essex. It’s simple. Students aged 7-16 years (there are two categories: 7-11yrs and 12- 16yrs) are invited to write...
Sleeping Beauty at Harlow Playhouse
30th September 2025
Let the magic unfold this Christmas with the enchanting pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty'. In the kingdom of ‘Harlowtopia’ far, far away, a beautiful princess awaits her true love's kiss to awaken her. But beware! The wicked fairy Carabosse has cast a spell, and only the bravest...
Learn to Swim with Leisure World!
26th September 2025
Swimming is a vital life skill and a fun way for children to stay active and build confidence. At Leisure World Colchester, our Swim England certified instructors offer lessons for all ages, from babies to teens, focusing on technique, water safety, and personal progress. Each weekly session helps...
Catch Peppa Pig’s Big Family live on stage at the Mercury
25th September 2025
Peppa Pig and friends are back with a brand-new stage show, heading to Colchester this October half term! With a new arrival on the way, the whole family are busy getting ready for the arrival of baby Evie with an oinktastic makeover. Question is, will they get everything finished in time? Packed...
October half-term with Essex Wildlife Trust!
24th September 2025
Multiple locations with Essex Wildlife Trust This October half-term, Essex Wildlife Trust invites families to step into nature for a week of fun-filled adventures. From pumpkin decorating and potion making to crafting your own woodland wand, there’s something to spark every child’s imagination....
Fang-tastic fun at Colchester Castle this October Half Term
23rd September 2025
Looking for something thrilling to do with the kids this October half term? Colchester Castle has you covered with a week of fang-tastic fun from 25 October to 2 November! Families can dive into a packed programme of spooky activities that blend history, creativity, and fun. For those who dare,...
Sleeping Beauty – The Pantomime of Your Dreams!
16th September 2025
Towngate Theatre and Evolution Productions are thrilled to bring you this year’s magical pantomime – Sleeping Beauty! Following the ★★★★★ success of Jack and the Beanstalk, our 2025–26 panto promises sparkling fun, side-splitting laughter and plenty of audience participation...
October Half Term at RHS Garden Hyde Hall
28th August 2025
Get ready for a pumpkin-packed adventure with The Secret Life of Pumpkins, running from 25th October – 2nd November! Dive into the weird and wonderful world of pumpkins, uncover spooky secrets, and explore curious Halloween traditions. Watch live carving demos as fabulous characters come to...