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 Leicestershire & Rutland
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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
1st-5th July 2025
Venue: Curve Theatre
Website: www.curveonline.co.uk
Featuring much loved pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph. Book your dream ticket today! Suitable for...
Spot's Birthday Party
1st-2nd July 2025
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Join Spot and his friends for this engaging and interactive show for everyone 2+ and their grownups. With integrated Makaton, catchy songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to...
An Indian Summer
2nd-6th July 2025
Venue: Various venues
Website: www.indiansummer.org.uk/an-indian-summer-2025
Inspirate’s flagship festival, An Indian Summer, is back and bringing a bold and unique programme of contemporary South Asian arts and culture to Leicester! This year’s theme is ‘The Stories We Bring,...
Pride and Prejudice Outdoor Theatre
4th July 2025
Venue: Bradgate Park
Website: www.bradgatepark.org
If you think Jane Austen is all stuffy costume dramas, think again! This lively, fast-paced adaptation will change your mind. So bring a picnic, bring your friends, and prepare for a night of laughter,...
An Indian Summer at the Botanic Garden
5th July 2025
Venue: Botanic Garden, University of Leicester
Website: www.attenborougharts.com
An Indian Summer comes to the beautiful grounds of Botanic Gardens in collaboration with Attenborough Arts, with circus, music, walkabout theatre and dance animating the grounds, brought to the festival...
Birds of Prey Weekend
5th-6th July 2025
Venue: Manor Farm Park and Woodlands
Website: www.manorfarm.info
Enjoy a fun family day on the farm with birds of prey as the stars of the show. Hold an owl, experience a bird flying to your hand, watch a falconry demonstration and join the meet and greet sessions to...
Bosworth Beasts Hunt
5th-31st July 2025
Venue: Bosworth Battlefield
Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk
Rabbit wants to play a game of football with the other animals found on the Bosworth site. Can you help her assemble her team? £2 per sheet, pick one up from the Ticket Office or Shop.
Eclipse Performing Arts: The Wizard of Oz - Youth Edition
5th July 2025
Venue: Century Theatre
Website: www.centurytheatre.co.uk
Full of colour, dancing and pizazz! Complete with the songs that we all know and love. Follow us over the rainbow this July! Eclipse Performance Arts is an inclusive and professional dance and theatre...
Fantastic Fossils Hunt
5th-31st July 2025
Venue: 1620s House and Garden
Website: www.1620shouse.org.uk
The garden team want to write a book about fossils.Can you find ten fossils hidden around site to help them get started? £2 per sheet, pick one up from the green hut. Thurs – Sun only.
Railway Day with Meccano
5th July 2025
Venue: Abbey Pumping Station
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Be inspired by a huge collection of Meccano with modellers of all ages, building models large and small.The Railway will be running for just 50p per ride on the day. Pay by cash at the station or by card...
The Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge
5th July 2025
Venue: Nationwide
Website: www.leicester.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge
Get reading with Leicester Libraries and the Story Garden this summer! Borrow books, grow your imagination, and collect fun rewards. Complete the six-book reading challenge for a chance to win £100 in...
Fairy Day
6th July 2025
Venue: Rockingham Castle
Website: www.rockinghamcastle.com
Embark on an adventure in the Wild Garden to find the Fairy Doors, meet the Rockingham Woodland Fairies and complete the Toadstool Trail. Fancy dress is welcome, the Fairies would love to see your favourite...
Natural History Museum Presents Dinosaurs Live!
6th July 2025
Venue: De Montfort Hall
Website: www.demontforthall.co.uk
Ever since they were first identified in the 1800s, dinosaurs have sparked the imagination of kids and adults alike and for the first time ever, the world- renowned Natural History Museum has teamed up...
Awesome Anglo Saxons
9th-12th July 2025
Venue: Melton Carnegie Museum
Website: www.meltonmuseum.org
A free craft activity, a free trail around the museum and a special activity for £2.50.
Clash of Kings: Understanding the military tactics of the Battle of Bosworth
13th July 2025
Venue: Bosworth Battlefield
Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk
Join Battlefield Guides, Nick and Harry, as they take on the roles of Richard III and Henry VII to talk you through the military strategies used during the Battle of Bosworth providing a unique insight...
Awesome Activities
14th-16th July 2025
Venue: 1620s House and Garden
Website: www.1620shouse.org.uk
An exciting two days of themed drop-in activities, games and crafts including Outdoor Games, Heraldry, Arts and Crafts, Bug Hunts, Den Making, Fossils and Painting with Nature. £3 per child per day,...
Bubbles in the Bandstand!
14th July 2025
Venue: Melton Carnegie Museum
Website: www.meltonmuseum.org
Visit the bandstand and help fill the park with big, beautiful bubbles. Everyone welcome. FREE
Stomp Round Leicester art trail
14th July-21st September 2025
Venue: Leicester city centre, various locations
Website: https://loros.co.uk/events/2025/07/14/stomp-round-leicester
Stomp Round Leicester is a public sculpture trail that will leave a BIG impression! For 10 weeks, 40 beautifully designed giant Elephant sculptures will stampede through Leicester’s streets to commemorate...
Summer Craft Activities
15th July-2nd August 2025
Venue: Melton Carnegie Museum
Website: www.meltonmuseum.org
Free craft activities, a free trail around the museum and a special activity for £2.50. (Selected dates).
Summer Holiday Railway Days
15th July 2025
Venue: Abbey Pumping Station
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Enjoy a ride on the diesel driven Narrow Gauge Railway this summer. The Railway will be running for just 50p per ride on the day. Pay by cash at the station or by card at reception/ café. Train Rides...
The Addams Family
15th July-10th August 2025
Venue: Curve Theatre
Website: www.curveonline.co.uk
Following two hugely successful UK tours, and sold-out concerts at The London Palladium last year, everyone’s favourite kooky family are back on stage this summer. Featuring a live orchestra and extraordinary...
K9 Kids workshop
16th July 2025
Venue: Leicester Animal Aid
Address: Huncote
Website: www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk
Free session for children to build confidence around dogs. Suitable both for children who like dogs and those who are wary and would like to practice meeting a dog in a safe, controlled environment. Also...
Toy Time fun!
17th July 2025
Venue: The Guildhall
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Bring the kids to the Guildhall to make some toys from the past. Your craft pack includes a cup and ball game, a Mr. Potato puzzle and lolly-stick puppets inspired by things you can see around the museum....
Ciquoise
18th July-10th August 2025
Venue: Gates Garden Centre
Website: www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk
The contemporary style Cirquoise family circus features all the acts we love – from laughter-filled clowns to death-defying acrobatics, breathtaking jugglers, and awesome contortionists. The dazzling...
Cirquoise Circus
18th July-10th August 2025
Venue: Gates Garden Centre
Website: www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk/cirquoise
Cirquoise returns to Gates Oakham with a spectacular summer show promising breathtaking acts, new for 2025, including the thrilling Wheel of Death and a mind-bending upside-down tightrope walker, performed...
Open Air Theatre - The Rivals
18th July 2025
Venue: Abbey Pumping Station
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
Sample the sparkling wit and whirlwind plot of The Rivals, a Restoration Comedy which has delighted audiences for over 250 years with its collection of comic characters, including the formidable Mrs Malaprop....
Farmarama
19th July-1st September 2025
Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm
Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk
During the summer Adventure Farm will be hosting the ultimate beach party with gigantic paddling pools and a huge sand area to make the farm a festival of fun! Each day they will be hosting seaside shows,...
Rails to victory 1940's weekend
19th-20th July 2025
Venue: Statfold Country Park
Website: www.statfold.com/rails-to-victory
Statfold Country Park is excited to announce the return of our popular 1940’s weekend. Step aboard and be transported back to a bygone era at Statfold on the Home Front, with living history, vintage...
Space Across the World: Summer
19th July-31st August 2025
Venue: National Space Centre
Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk
Enjoy live science talks, hands-on activities, space-themed crafts, and interactive family fun across the Centre – there's something to explore around every corner. Even better – all day passes are...
Wondrous Trees
19th July-31st August 2025
Venue: National Memorial Arboretum
Website: www.thenma.org.uk
Designed for visitors of all ages, the exciting, interactive free summer programme will spark curiosity in the great outdoors and unlock the tales behind the trees. In addition, every Wednesday throughout...
Castles of the Wars of the Roses
20th July 2025
Venue: Bosworth Battlefield
Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk
Join Michael, one of the Battlefield Guides, for a tour of the nine major castles – with a brief stop at the other twelve – of the Wars of the Roses. Discover the role these strongholds played in one...
Wistow Maze
21st July-31st August 2025
Venue: Wistow Rural Centre and Wistow Maze
Website: www.wistow.com
A giant eight acre maize maze with a fun quiz trail hidden amongst three miles of pathways, with high-level bridges and towers. Includes Activity Funyard with mini mazes and games for all the family.More...
Much Ado About Nothing
22nd July 2025
Venue: Belgrave Hall
Website: www.handlebards.com
Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally...
Splat!
22nd-23rd July 2025
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Splat! is a physical comedy about Art and Creativity for ages 3-6. Set in an artist's studio, the show follows two aspiring artists one dedicated and serious, the other erratic and messy. The two characters...
Teddy Bear’s Picnic
22nd July 2025
Venue: 1620s House and Garden
Website: www.1620shouse.org.uk
If you go down to the garden today you’re in for a big surprise…Take your best teddy and join in with all the activities, crafts and ‘best bear’ competition! £5 per child. Accompanying Adult Free....
Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs Live
23rd July 2025
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Ever since they were first identified in the 1800s, dinosaurs have sparked the imagination of kids and adults alike and for the first time ever, the world- renowned Natural History Museum has teamed up...
School Holiday Fun
23rd July-31st August 2025
Venue: Statfold Country Park
Website: www.statfold.com/rails-to-victory
Visit for an affordable day out with the Steam Into Summer pass for unlimited general opening visits this Summer! Enjoy unlimited train rides or visit Toby’s Barn Soft Play to let off some steam with...
Pirates Fun Day!
24th July 2025
Venue: The Guildhall
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
All aboard the good ship Guildhall for some pirate fun. Make a pirate hat and telescope, and a pop-up pirate toy. Follow the treasure trail around the museum to win a golden coin. Dressing up welcome!£4...
Pride and Prejudice - Outdoor Theatre
24th July 2025
Venue: Rockingham Castle
Website: www.rockinghamcastle.com
With stunning period costume, timeless wit, and a romantic original score, Chapterhouse’s Pride and Prejudice is a faithful telling of Austen’s greatest work. Join family and friends for an evening...
Barefoot Festival
25th-28th July 2025
Venue: Cattows Farm
Website: www.visitleicester.info/event/barefoot-festival
Expect a range of unique experiences, from capoeira and Bollywood dance routines to shamanic drumming circles and hula hooping. You can also take part in yoga, sound baths, and breathing ceremonies. The...
Discover a Real Roman Experience
26th July 2025
Venue: Jewry Hall
Website: www.jewrywall.com
Looking for a fantastic way to keep the kids entertained over the summer holidays? Jewry Wall Museum reopens on Saturday 26th July, offering families an exciting journey into Roman Leicester perfect for...
Roman Around – Living History Weekend
26th-27th July 2025
Venue: Bosworth Battlefield
Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk
The Batavi Re – Enactment group will be camped on site and covering a whole manner of everyday roman life experiences from home and family life aspects such as cooking and pottery to exploring the life...
Cirque: The Greatest Show - Reimagined
27th July 2025
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Cirque - The Greatest Show has been Reimagined and is back for 2025—bigger, bolder, and more electrifying than ever! Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts, taking...
Jemima Puddle-Duck – Open Air Theatre
29th July 2025
Venue: Bosworth Battlefield
Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk
Not being allowed to hatch her eggs at the farm, foolish Jemima goes in search of a nesting place in the forest, and soon she meets a charming ‘gentleman’ who offers her the perfect nesting place in...
Space Club LIVE
29th July-21st August 2025
Venue: National Space Centre
Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk
If your child is interested in science and looking for something to do over the school holiday period, book a session at Space Club. Sessions aim to support and enhance learning regarding space, science...
Foam Fest
1st-31st August 2025
Venue: Manor Farm Park and Woodlands
Website: www.manorfarm.info
If you're looking for things to do with kids during the school holidays, join Manor Farm Park and Woodlands for FoamFest! Expect lots of laughs and mountains of foam in this family-friendly foam zone,...
The Wind in the Willows – Open Air Theatre
1st August 2025
Venue: 1620s House and Garden
Website: www.1620shouse.org.uk
Multiple award-winning Illyria celebrates Kenneth Grahame’s timeless tale of friendship, laughter, the longing for home and the lure of adventure. Enjoy it all summer across the UK where the story is...
Extinct Express - Family Day
2nd-3rd August 2025
Venue: Great Central Railway
Website: www.gcrailway.co.uk
Step on-board for a terrific family journey, complete with pre-historic appearances by the wonderful mini-dinosaurs! Also 13-14 September.
Summer Fair
2nd-3rd August 2025
Venue: Beaumanor Hall
Address: Woodhouse, Loughborough
Website: www.beaumanorhall.co.uk
With an array of stalls from local makers alongside a sizzling BBQ and cooling refreshments, Beaumanor's Summer Fair is unmatched. As a hub of inspirationfor gifts, foodie treats and items for the home,...
Play in a Week Summer School
4th-15th August 2025
Venue: The Little Theatre
Website: www.thelittletheatre.co.uk
Two separate and self contained Play in a Week summer school weeks.Make new friends while making new theatre. Summer Schools give you the chance to brush up on your acting skills or learn new techniques...
Alice Through The Looking Glass - Outdoor Theatre
6th August 2025
Venue: Bradgate Park
Website: www.bradgatepark.org
Join Alice on her magical journey through the looking-glass world, where nothing is quite as it seems. With live music, comedy, and Carroll’s unforgettable characters, this lively production is a perfect...
Leicester Food Festival 2025
9th-10th August 2025
Venue: Abbey Park
Website: www.leicesterfoodfestival.co.uk
With over 50 global food vendors offering everything from Greek street food to viral smashed burgers and Dubai chocolate ice cream, your taste buds are in for a treat. . Music lovers can see live bands...
Play in a Week
11th-22nd August 2025
Venue: MMC Venue
Website: www.mmcvenue.co.uk
These week-long workshops are led by working professional performers giving young people the chance to develop their skills in ensemble work, movement, script reading, monologues, puppetry and script analysis,...
The Wind in the Willows
15th August 2025
Venue: De Montfort Hall
Website: www.demontforthall.co.uk
Multiple award-winning Illyria celebrates Kenneth Grahame’s timeless tale of friendship, laughter, the longing for home and the lure of adventure. Enjoy it all summer across the UK where the story is...
Day Out With Thomas: The Party Tour
16th-17th August 2025
Venue: Statfold Country Park
Website: www.statfold.com/day-out-with-thomas-the-party-tour
Time to Party with Thomas the Tank Engine at Statfold! Spend the day creating family memories and celebrating 80 years of Thomas.There will be so much to do from rides behind steam engines Thomas, James...
DragonFest
16th-17th August 2025
Venue: Bosworth Battlefield
Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk
Dragon themed family event centred around the symbol of a Dragon found on Henry Tudor’s flag. There will be Re-enactments, Dragon themed crafts, Author talks and lots more! More details coming soon,...
Pride and Prejudice
16th August 2025
Venue: De Montfort Hall
Website: www.demontforthall.co.uk
Following seven sell-out seasons of this sparkling adaptation, award-winning Illyria returns to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in style. Take a picnic and enjoy her at her vibrant, forthright,...
Summer Family Fun Day
17th August 2025
Venue: Abbey Pumping Station
Website: www.leicestermuseums.org
A fun family event with games to play, plenty to see with more exciting activities to be announced! An array of historic vehicles will be on display in the grounds including Leicester Museum’s collection...
The Merry Wives of Windsor
17th August 2025
Venue: De Montfort Hall
Website: www.demontforthall.co.uk
Performed in the great outdoors by five phenomenal professional actors, this fast-paced production has been created using only the First Folio text - the most authoritative edition of Shakespeare’s plays....
Pirate Day!
21st August 2025
Venue: 1620s House and Garden
Website: www.1620shouse.org.uk
Join in with the best dressed pirate competition, sea shanty singing, cutlass training, treasure hunt, join a captain’s crew and man the guns for a great pirate battle! Normal admission applies, plus...
Zippos Circus
21st-26th August 2025
Venue: Victoria Park
Website: www.zippos.co.uk
Zippos Circus is back with an all-new 2025 show and have no price increases so you pay the same as in 2024! The show is packed with edge-of-your-seat thrills. From Italy, we have the very funny Mr Lorenz...
The Big Statfold Weekender
22nd-24th August 2025
Venue: Statfold Country Park
Website: www.bigweekender.statfold.com
With performances starting at noon each day and tribute acts playing into the night, The Big Statfold Weekender offers non-stop entertainment. Your ticket also includes access to the facilities at Statfold...
The Ferrers Household – Living History Weekend
23rd-25th August 2025
Venue: Bosworth Battlefield
Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk
Visit the 15th Century campsite of the Household of Sir Walter Devereux, The Lord Ferrers, loyal supporters of the House of York. They’ll be portraying military and civilian life through out the period...
Meet The Gruffalo
24th August 2025
Venue: Great Central Railway
Website: www.gcrailway.co.uk
Steam trains and the chance to see The Gruffalo at intervals and much more!
The Koala Who Could
28th-30th August 2025
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com
An empowering and chuckle-out-loud story about embracing change — whether we like it or not. Join Kevin, King of the staying-still-kings, and his friends kangaroo and wombat in an Australian Outback...
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Open Air Theatre
30th August 2025
Venue: 1620s House and Garden
Website: www.1620shouse.org.uk
Quantum Theatre presents a brand new production of Shakespeare’s most enduringly popular play of love and intrigue, magic and celebration set on that most dangerous of nights when fairies are abroad...
Balloons and Tunes
5th-7th September 2025
Venue: Market Harborough Showground
Website: www.balloonsandtunesuk.com/events/market-harborough
Get ready for an unforgettable day of family fun and excitement! The event features a fantastic lineup of activities and entertainment, including Tribute Acts performing all your favourite hits, The dazzling,...
Leicester High School for Girls Open Morning
27th September 2025
Venue: Leicester High School for Girls
Website: www.leicesterhigh.co.uk
As an all-girls school for ages 3-18, Leicester High offers a unique environment where girls are free to be themselves, take the lead, and grow in confidence. Visitors can tour the school, meet staff and...