What's On in Leicestershire & Rutland

May The Toys Be With You

Venue: Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

From the Millennium Falcon to The Mandalorian, this amazing free-to-visit exhibition is a family-friendly journey through five decades of toy design. From Palitoy’s vintage era action figures through...

Ashby Arts Festival

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.ashbyartsfestival.co.uk

Ashby Arts Festival is shaping up to be a vibrant, town wide celebration of creativity, with outdoor art, live performances, handson workshops, film nights, and community events running throughout May...

Colour The Town and Trail 2026

Venue: Hinckley Town Centre

Website: www.hinckleybid.co.uk

This June, the town centre transforms into a vibrant outdoor gallery as Colour the Town Art Trail brings a burst of creativity, colour and imagination to every corner. Whether you’re planning a family...

Kumon Free Registration

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.kumon.co.uk

Now is the perfect time for your family to discover the benefits of Kumon, as the Kumon Study Centres are now offering Free Registration to new and returning students from 1-30 June. Take this opportunity...

Baby Sensory Classes

Venue: Exton Village Hall, Oakham Road

Address: Rutland

Website: www.babysensory.com

Baby Sensory is the UK’s original parent and baby development programme and has been supporting families for more than two decades. Designed by expert Dr Lin Day, the classes provides carefully planned...

Dance Central Leicester

Venue: Inglehurst Junior School

Website: www.dance-central.co.uk

Dance Central welcomes children from 2.5-18yrs offering classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Street Dance, Musical Theatre (singing and acting) and Acro (gymnastics). Children take part in performances and...

Family Monday Bushcraft Sessions

Venue: Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Website: www.lopc.co.uk

Fun, hands-on Bushcraft session designed for families. Whether you're a first-time fire-builder or a seasoned stick-whittler, these sessions are a great way to explore nature and learn new skills together....

Hilltop Outdoor Centre

Venue: Old Wood, Sheringham, Norfolk

Website: www.hilltopoutdoorcentre.co.uk

Give boredom the boot at Hilltop. Experience a fun filled Family Adventure Day or plan ahead and book an action packed children's Adventure Birthday Party. Hilltop offers a caring, family environment for...

Kumon Free Registration

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.kumon.co.uk

Now is the perfect time for your family to discover the benefits of Kumon, as the Kumon Study Centres are now offering Free Registration to new and returning students. Take this opportunity to save money...

Room on the Broom Trail

Venue: Hicks Lodge

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/hicks-lodge/room-on-the-broom

This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun. Once you’ve finished the trail, snap a photo with Witch and her...

Spin Pin

Venue: Ramdoot House, First Floor - 2/3 Navigation Street

Website: www.spinpin.uk

The ultimate destination in Leicester for fun and excitement! Whether you're looking to glide across the roller rink, strike big in ten pin bowling lanes, or challenge your friends to thrilling arcade...

Armed Forces Weekend

Venue: National Memorial Arboretum

Website: www.thenma.org.uk

Armed Forces Day is the Nation's chance to show support for the people who make up the Armed Forces community. There will be a whole host of free activities for the whole family to enjoy, including climbing...

Calipso’s Circus

Venue: Melton Mowbray

Website: www.stkyard.co.uk/events/calipsos-circus-2

Take the whole family along to Calipso’s Circus for a brand-new, death-defying spectacular. From world-class stunts and hilarious comedy to live vocals and your favourite cartoon characters, the circus...

Family Summer Steam Weekend

Venue: Abbey Pumping Station

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Recreating the atmosphere of a village gala day with a wide range of stalls, vintage vehicles on display and the chance to experience the majestic beam engines in steam. A fun family event with games to...

Midlands Fire and Rescue Show

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: www.statfold.com/midlands-fire-rescue-show

At this event, you will find plenty of amazing exhibits, traders and charities to see. Plus, you will be able to explore all of the Statfold offerings from unlimited train rides and entry into the museum...

Summer Fete

Venue: King George V Playing Field

Website: www.visitleicester.info

Enderby Parish Council is hosting a Free 'Summer Fete'. There will be a variety of Market Stalls, Food and Drink Vendors, Singers and a DJ performing. Amy Petts will provide face painting at a small fee....

Blaston Show

Venue: Blaston Showground

Website: www.blastonshow.co.uk

A vibrant celebration of the countryside and community. From magnificent machines and livestock to enchanting rural crafts, the Blaston Show promises an unforgettable day for families, farmers, and outdoors...

Family Film Club Secret Screening

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Family Film Club Secret Screening is a brand-new Saturday morning cinema treat where the film is a total surprise — and discovering what it is together is all part of the excitement. The film will be...

Leicester Sympthony Orchestra: Peter And The Wolf

Venue: The Little Theatre

Website: https://thelittletheatre.co.uk

Join the Leicester Symphony Orchestra for a relaxed family concert. Arrive early to make your own toy instrument to join in with Haydn’s Toy Symphony and a mask to wear for your favourite character in...

Plant Sale and Family Day

Venue: The University of Leicester

Website: www.le.ac.uk/botanic-garden/events

Plant and craft stalls, stalls from local groups, children’s activities, entertainment and storytelling at the Botanic Garden. £6 children and students with ID cards free. Refreshments in Beaumont Hall....

Galactic Gathering - Festival of the Force

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Head to a galaxy not so far, far away for a weekend of intergalactic fun for all the family.Meet iconic Star Wars characters in person, step into the universe with real props and sets, try lightsaber training,...

Railway Day, Teddy Bears and Meccano

Venue: Abbey Pumping Station

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Visit Abbey Pumping Station for a fun filled day and enjoy a ride on the "Leonard" the Steam Locomotive. Take your teddy along for the ride and be inspired by a huge collection of Meccano with modellers...

Rapunzel

Venue: Curve Theatre

Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

Golden-haired Rapunzel is trapped in her lofty tower by a wicked witch, who lops off the locks of her beautiful hair and sells them for a tidy profit. It’s time for Rapunzel to take charge of her own...

Read to the Beat - Summer Reading Challenge

Venue: Participating Libraries

Website: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge theme inspires children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music both ignite imagination and creativity. The Challenge will...

Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles

Venue: Osgathorpe Hall

Website: https://thepantaloons.co.uk

The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present a brand-new riff on the fiendishly famous case. Will detective duo Holmes and Watson discover the deadly secret of the Baskerville family curse...

Romeo and Juliet

Venue: Botanic Garden

Address: University of Leicester

Website: www.attenborougharts.com

The Duke’s Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a bold reimagining of the iconic tragedy directed by Joseph Pitcher.Viewer discretion is advised, and it is recommended for ticket...

Cirquoise

Venue: Gates Garden Centre

Address: Hinckley

Website: www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk

This summer, Cirquoise returns to Gates with a thrilling, high-energy family circus that will amaze and astound audiences of all ages. Following two hugely successful years at Gates Oakham, Cirquoise is...

Magical Honey

Venue: Curve Theatre

Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

Young Maya loves to draw and read and harnesses her own magic with the help of the celestial being Saraswati. Together they explore the mystical world around them where they discover dancing peacocks,...

Accessible Afternoon

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

An afternoon to support children, young adults and families with additional needs and disabilities, designed for SEND visitors who would benefit from a quieter experience. Tickets include full access to...

Cultural Quarter Earlies

Venue: Phoenix, Two Queens, Leicester Print Workshop, LCB Depot, Curve + and Central Library

Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

Free drop-in activities for ages 0-10 across Leicester's Cultural Quarter on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Every venue explores different type of creativity and LCB Depot we have a different creative...

Summer Holidays Craft Activities

Venue: Leicester Cathedral

Website: www.leicestercathedral.org/children-families

Join Leicester Cathedral for some free (donations welcomed) craft and family fun. No need to book, just drop in. All children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times Tuesday and Thursdays...

Dino Adventure Day

Venue: Newarke Houses Museum

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Go on a dino adventure with Newarke Houses Museum. Kids can make their own explorer’s hat and a hatching dinosaur egg. Follow the trail around the gardens to find all the dinosaur pictures then take...

K9 Kids Workshop

Venue: Leicester Animal Aid

Website: www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

K9 Kids workshop is a fun, interactive way to help your child build confidence around dogs. The one-hour session, for 5–16-year-olds, is free and led by an experienced dog professional in a safe environment....

Dog Man the Musical

Venue: Curve Theatre

Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

Best friends George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re ten, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favourite character, Dog Man, the...

Farmarama

Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm

Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk

This year includes 5 gigantic paddling pools and over 250 tonnes of golden sand to make the farm the best beach going! Each day there will be fun seaside shows, super sand art, the huge maize maze and...

Pursued by a Bear! Kids Fun Craft Day

Venue: Leicester Guildhall

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Shakespeare's plays were performed at Leicester Guildhall. Now take the kids to join in this craft event, inspired by some of Shakespeare's famous characters. Make a donkey ears hat, a fairy wand and bear...

Kool Kites

Venue: The 1620s House and Garden

Website: www.1620shouse.org.uk

Let your imagination soar with kite themed crafts. Make and fly your own kite, take part in paper aeroplane competition (with prizes to be won), craft a DIY hot air balloon mobile, plus more. £7 per child....

Tales From Acorn Wood

Venue: Curve Theatre

Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved stories are brought to life on stage in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn...

Summer Games, Family Fun Day

Venue: Newarke Houses

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Celebrate this year’s Commonwealth Games at Newarke Houses Museum. Kids can make their own medal and flag, then take part in some games and races on the lawn. Explore the museum to find the pictures...

Summer of Fun - Emergency Services Day

Venue: The Crescent

Website: www.hinckleybid.co.uk

Go along and meet the Police and Fire Service, alongside other emergency services teams too. Vehicles and uniformed officers will be on display and available for photos and engagement on the vital services...

Awesome Archaeology

Venue: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park

Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk

Become an archaeologist for the day with this fun workshop. Dig into an exciting hoard of history themed activities and crafts and get the chance to see some real archaeological finds from the site. Recommended...

Archaeology Fun Day

Venue: Leicester Guildhall

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Take the Kids to Leicester Guildhall to become an archaeologist for the day. Make your own archaeologist’s hat, trowel and ID badge and have a go at digging up some pictures of treasure in the dig trays....

The Three Musketeers Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Bradgate Park

Website: www.bradgatepark.org

Prepare for a thrilling evening of adventure, comedy and daring swordplay as Illyria brings The Three Musketeers to life in a spectacular outdoor performance at Bradgate Park.Illyria’s acclaimed production...

K-Pop All Stars

Venue: Loughborough Town Hall

Website: www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk

From stadium-shaking anthems to breathtaking choreography, K-Pop All Stars celebrates the global phenomenon redefining pop culture.With a sea of light sticks glowing and the crowd moving as one, you’ll...

Fairy Day

Venue: Rockingham Castle

Website: www.rockinghamcastle.com

Embark on a magical adventure through the wild garden and seek out the tiny fairy doors and discover which Rockingham fairies, pixies, or elves make their home at Rockingham Castle.They will be available...

Summer Holiday Clubs

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

This summer, young explorers can take their curiosity to the next level with two unique National Space Centre clubs designed to spark imagination, build confidence, and fuel big ideas. Choose one adventure...

Teddy Bears Picnic

Venue: Newarke Houses

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Take the kids and a teddy for a fun day of teddy bear crafts and activities. Find the giant 6ft tall teddy in the museum and pictures of popular teddy bear story book characters in the garden trail, then...

Cirquoise

Venue: Gates Garden Centre

Address: Oakham

Website: www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk

Expect everything you love about the circus: Hilarious, laughter-filled clowning, Breath-taking, death-defying acrobatics plus exciting new acts, including the incredible Mexican juggler Roberto Carlos,...

Wizard School

Venue: Leicester Guildhall

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Make a wizard wand, hat and magical “rabbit in a hat” toy. Find the pictures around the museum in the wizard world trail and join the broomstick game in the courtyard (broomsticks provided).£4 Advance...

Family Sea Glass Workshop

Venue: Leicester Guildhall

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Curious about sea glass? Love getting creative? Visit Leicester Guildhall for a magical Children’s and Family Sea Glass Workshop where you’ll turn these ocean treasures into something truly beautiful....

Pinocchio Outdoor Theatre

Venue: The 1620s House and Garden

Website: www.1620shouse.org.uk

Childless toymaker Geppetto buys a piece of wood to make a puppet – little realising the chaos he is about to unleash. The puppet yearns for adventure and runs away, but instead of excitement only finds...

Day Out With Thomas™: Let's Rock, Let's Roll

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: www.statfold.com/day-out-with-thomas

There will be so much to do from rides behind steam engines Thomas, James and Percy to live shows with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty and Dusty, and keep the beat going with music-inspired activities in...

Leicester Caribbean Carnival

Venue: Victoria Park

Website: www.leicestercarnival.com

The Carnival Village will be open from 10am to 8pm, filled with vibrant performances, cultural displays, music, food, arts, and the joyful spirit that makes this event so unique. Everyone is welcome, this...

Sky Glow Music Festival

Venue: Belvoir Castle Parkland

Website: www.skyglowmusicfestival.co.uk

SkyGlow Music Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of music, lights, and entertainment. As the sun sets, the festival transforms with breathtaking tethered hot air balloon night glow displays,...

Family Fun Day

Venue: Loughborough Rugby Club 

Website: www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Leicester/Loughborough-Rugby-Club/Family-Fun-Day---LRFC/42375427/

Bring the family along for a fantastic day full of food, games, stalls and much more!Tickets start from £3 and rage up to £5. There will be food, inflatables, stalls, fully stocked bar and so much more....

Toto the Ninja Cat

Venue: Curve Theatre

Website: www.curveonline.co.uk

Based on Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling children’s book, illustrated by Nick East, this purr-fectly thrilling tale is filled with original music, laugh-out-loud fun, and extraordinary puppetry, promising...

Puppets and Toys

Venue: Newarke Houses

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Go to Newarke Houses Museum to see their gallery of toys and games from the past. Kids can make their own toys to take home with a fabulous craft pack that includes a sock puppet and a cup and ball game....

Space Cadets Online

Venue: National Space Centre Online

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Spark your child’s curiosity and love for space science with online Space Club sessions, hosted by the National Space Centre Discovery Team. Each 60-minute session is packed with exciting talks, fun...

Cops ‘n’ Robbers

Venue: Leicester Guildhall

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

A fun day of crafts and activities at Leicester Guildhall which was once Leicester’s first Police station. Make a police dog glove puppet, a cops ‘n’ robbers game and a Guildhall police hat. Throw...

Leicester Food and Music Festival

Venue: Abbey Park

Website: www.theleicesterfestival.com

Includes a diverse range of cuisines from local traders and beyond, street food vendors and array of sweet treats. Enjoy live local music all weekend, entertainment, workshops, tastings, talks, children’s...

Pinocchio - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Rutland Water

Website: www.illyria.co.uk

A wooden puppet runs away, hoping to find fun and adventure, but instead finds demanding bosses, con-artists and peer-pressure. How can Pinocchio ever become a real boy when even lies told to cover up...

Treasure Island – Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park

Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk

Packed full of action, drama, sword fights and sea shanties, Michael Whitmore’s thrilling new adaptation will have you gripped as Jim manfully tries to outwit the pirates and get to the treasure first....

Locomotive Learning Week

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: www.statfold.com

There will be fun activities to get children moving, creative sessions that encourage children to express themselves, exclusive access to the award-winning railway, fun in the park grounds and much more....

Meet the Police

Venue: Leicester Guildhall

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Free Family Fun Day. Meet local PCSO's at Leicester Guildhall. Explore the history of Leicester's first police headquarters, try out Victorian prison cells, put Mum and Dad in the stocks, play dress up...

Castles and Cannons

Venue: Newarke Houses

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Take the kids to Newarke Houses Museum for a fun day of crafts, activities and facts about this historical area of the city. See their enormous cannons in front of the museum and make one of your own to...

Space Lates - Partial Solar Eclipse

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

Experience a rare partial solar eclipse safely with experts, a planetarium show, live astronomy, family activities and exclusive evening access at a special Space Lates style event. Eclipse glasses are...

Summer of Fun - Bike Spectacular 2026

Venue: Argents Mead

Website: www.hinckleybid.co.uk

Cycling advice and entertainment for children of all ages. Free of charge. Bmxtras - bike events are coming back to provide stunt bike shows. It will be a mesmerising experience for all ages. This free...

K-Pop Summer Party

Venue: Leicester Guildhall

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Get into the festival spirit with a fun day of crafts and activities at Leicester Guildhall. Kids can make a musical shaker, a flag and a hat and join in the musical parade around the courtyard. £4 Advance...

Pinocchio Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Bradgate Park

Website: www.bradgatepark.org

Based on Carlo Collodi’s timeless tale, which has been translated into more than 260 languages since its publication in 1883, this magical coming-of-age story is brought to life in Illyria’s thrilling...

The Three Musketeers

Venue: 1620s House and Garden

Website: www.illyria.co.uk

Set against a sweeping panorama of 17th century France at war, this production is a whirlwind of scheming, romance and broad comedy. The Play contains scenes of peril, politics and passion! Suitable for...

Arty Party

Venue: Newarke Houses

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Take the kids for a fantastic creative day at Newarke Houses Museum. They will have lots of art and craft materials for you to choose from to make whatever you want to make. There will be a variety of...

Messy Play and Clay

Venue: Leicester Guildhall

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Choose materials from the craft table and make whatever you want. Paper, card, lolly sticks, buttons, beads, chalks, pipe cleaners and lots more! They have lots of ideas available to help you and some...

Motor Show and Family Funday

Venue: Leicestershire Aero Club

Website: https://visitleicester.info/

Across the two-day event, a wide range of vehicles including supercars, new models, and classic cars will be showcased. Throughout the weekend, there will also be live wrestling, a large fun fair, and...

The Railway Children – Outdoor Theatre Experience

Venue: Abbey Pumping Station

Website: www.leicestermuseums.org

Paperback Theatre returns to Leicester with a delightful new adaptation of The Railway Children, bringing E. Nesbit’s timeless story to life in the beautiful open-air setting of Abbey Pumping Station....

The Big Statfold Weekender

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: www.statfold.com

Three days of music and entertainment, from incredible tribute acts and bands. Access to Statfold Country Park - including the vintage fairground, steam train rides, family activities and more. Turn your...

Wargaming Sessions – Drop-in

Venue: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park

Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk

Go along for themed wargaming sessions in the Heritage Room during Living History weekends. There will be a free figure for you to take home at the end of your visit. Free to attend – simply drop in!...

Family Fun Afternoon and Dog Show

Venue: Huncote Sports and Social Club

Website: www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

There's a full dog show, crafts and pet stalls, a dog agility competition, a raffle and tombola, food and drink and a full bar. There will be a small charge for adults and children are admitted free....

Proms on the Pitch

Venue: Uptonsteel County Ground

Website: www.leicestershireccc.co.uk/event/whats-on/events

Get ready for an extraordinary afternoon filled with the magic of music plus an array of mesmerising circus performances including stilt walkers, jugglers, and even fire eaters. For younger guests, a fantastic...

Home Education Days

Venue: National Space Centre

Website: www.spacecentre.co.uk

A day dedicated to home educated children age 6-14 and their families, with hands-on activities, expert-led talks, and inspiring planetarium shows.The day also includes time to explore the galleries and...