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!
September and October 2026
The kids may be back to school but there is still plenty going on at weekends and after-school between now and half term for families across Devon. See our featured local businesses below or see our frequently updated online listings guide here for more tips and ideas
Back to school visits at The Donkey Sanctuary
Become an intrepid Donkey Sanctuary Explorer on your weekends! Their Curious Coastal Quest will send you back in time to find lost pieces of the past hidden around the sanctuary. Bring the whole family to begin your adventure and combine exercise and brainpower, just £5 per trail. Plus, with their new miniature paddock, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, hedge maze and lots of friendly donkeys, there’s so much to explore! Open daily from 9am, general admission and parking are free. Dogs welcome on a lead.
Find out more at www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/sidmouth
Sidmouth Science Festival: 9th to 18th October 2026
Sidmouth Science Festival offers over a week of inspiring events in and around Sidmouth and at the Norman Lockyer Observatory. Enjoy serious talks, fun hands-on drop in activities and creative workshops for all ages and abilities. Explore art and STEM, gaze through telescopes and microscopes, learn about the Jurassic Coast and biodiversity, get close to owls, build robots, step inside a bubble and more. Most events are free and designed to educate, entertain, and inspire. Whether you're a budding scientist or just curious, there's something for everyone.
Find out more at www.sidmouthsciencefestival.org
Make a splash with Water Babies swimming lessons, across Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
“Designed for babies, toddlers and children up to early school years, our fun classes help little ones build confidence in the water while learning vital life-saving skills. With expert teachers, warm pools and magical moments to treasure, Water Babies is the perfect way to support your child’s development. From first kicks to independent swimming, every lesson is packed with smiles and splashes — giving parents and carers, precious bonding time too. Dive in and discover the joy of swimming with us!”
Call 01392 790100 or email pushtheduck@waterbabies.co.uk
Free adult education opportunities across Devon for 2026/27!
Learn Devon has launched a new programme of adult education courses, with around 200 opportunities to help people develop skills for work and progress in their careers.
The programme includes courses in English, Maths, Digital Skills, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and Skills and Development, all helping learners to gain qualifications and build confidence for employment.
With flexible options and friendly tutors, Learn Devon makes it easier for adults to gain the skills they need to move forward.
Find out more about our courses on their website: www.learndevon.co.uk/courses
Free adult education opportunities across Devon for 2026/27!
Learn Devon has launched a new programme of adult education courses, with around 200 opportunities to help people develop skills for work and progress in their careers.
The programme includes courses in English, Maths, Digital Skills, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and Skills and Development, all helping learners to gain qualifications and build confidence for employment.
With flexible options and friendly tutors, Learn Devon makes it easier for adults to gain the skills they need to move forward.
Find out more about the courses on their website: www.learndevon.co.uk/courses
Looking for a brilliant day out this September?
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival's family weekend is bursting with imagination, creativity and fun - and most events cost just £4 or less and some are absolutely free.
Children's Champion Maz Evans leads an extraordinary lineup including Rob Biddulph, Louie Stowell, Ramzee and Karl Nova, with storytelling, draw-alongs, poetry, workshops and more. There’s a weekend of bear-themed activities, including a teddy bears picnic to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Winnie the Pooh
Whether your child is a bookworm or reluctant reader, these events will spark a love of stories and send them home buzzing.
Budleigh Salterton, 23-27 September 2026.
Find out more at www.budlitfest.org.uk
Message from Young Vets Club
Here's a curiosity: research on children and pets throws up something called the "pet effect paradox" - simply having an animal in the house doesn't reliably make kids happier or calmer. What helps is something more specific: how closely they engage with it. Feeding, observing, learning to read behaviour, noticing what a nervous animal needs to feel safe. A quality relationship goes beyond ownership - it becomes a hobby. And a hobby can become a passion, a career, a direction in life. In the age of doom-scrolling, young people need hobbies more than ever. This is why we created Young Vets Club.
Visit www.youngvetsclub.com to find out more.
Created by Worldwide Veterinary Service.
Mini Athletics
Mini Athletics offers dynamic and fun, play-based athletic classes for children across Devon and Somerset. With options ranging from walking age all the way through to 8 years, they take what children love to do most (running super fast, jumping high and throwing far) and mix it with imaginative themes, creating a fun environment for children to make friends, gain confidence and develop core fundamental movement skills.
The classes take inspiration from track and field activities to create a magical combination of imaginative play, sport and burning energy!
See the website to find your nearest location, as well as their birthday party pages, at www.miniathletics.com, or see the advert for direct contact details.
Ready to join us for a taster? Use code PRIMARYTIMES for 10% off a taster session.
Teaching Children to Think in a Digital World
Children don't need all the answers. They need the confidence to ask the right questions.
The D.O.G. (Dedicated Online Guardians) helps children aged 4–7 build critical thinking skills for today's digital world through engaging stories, creative activities and family conversations.
Meet Pixel, our lovable St Bernard puppy, as he helps children question what they see online, recognise misinformation and learn who they can trust.
The future won't belong to children who simply know more. It will belong to children who know how to think.
Scan the QR code now.
Powderham Castle
Just outside Exeter, Powderham Castle is one of Devon’s best loved historic family attractions, with centuries of stories waiting to be discovered.
Explore the Castle’s grand State Rooms, uncover hundreds of years of history, and enjoy plenty of space to roam across the beautiful grounds and gardens. Families can make a day of it with seasonal trails and activities, walks through the estate, and the chance to spot Powderham’s famous fallow deer.
With history, nature, and new things to discover throughout the year, Powderham offers a day out for curious minds of all ages.
Exeter Food Action Festival
Exeter Food Action collect surplus food which then gets re-distributed to 70 frontline organisations across Exeter and Devon.
Last year we saved an incredible 114 TONNES of food from going to waste!
- are holding their first ever Exeter Food Action Festival on Sunday 20th September in Princesshay, Exeter. 10.30 – 15.30
The aim of the Festival is to raise awareness of food waste.
There will be seed planting, vegetable printing on bunting, talks, cooking demonstrations and a smoothie bike!
Get involved! They are encouraging children to become Food Waste Heroes and to come along to the Festival to claim a 'Food Waste Hero' certificate, and be entered into a prize draw.
Find out more at www.exeterfoodaction.org.uk
Cinderella at Theatre Royal Plymouth
“Theatre Royal Plymouth and Crossroads Pantomimes have previously announced that pop icon and stage star Will Young and broadcaster, film and theatre star Ross King MBE will lead this year's spectacular production of Cinderella, running from Friday 04 December 2026 to Sunday 03 January 2027.
Joining the cast is musical theatre’s Eve Shanu-Wilson in the title role, Michael O’Reilly, who is returning to his roots for the festive season as Prince Charming, and Daniel Norford who will star as Dandini.
The cast met for the first time recently at Saltram House in Plymouth to give us a glimpse of the magic that awaits this festive season!”
Tubers Academy
This September, Tubers Academy is launching its After School clubs in Torquay to run alongside its popular clubs in Exeter. Designed to be a place where young people learn digital skills, make friends, and have fun.
Mini-Tubers (ages 7–11) spend time in the studios gaming and creating video projects with proper equipment and software. They work in teams, learn real skills, and find their people.
Academy members (ages 11–17) have their own dedicated club, taking on more ambitious projects and developing advanced creative skills in the same professional studios.
Both groups work through Progress Maps, learning video editing, game design, digital art and digital music. They celebrate progress with Achievement badges along the way, guided by our trained mentors.
For more info and to sign up: https://tubers.uk/mini-tubers/
Your first session is free so go along and try it out.
Finished the Summer Book Quest? Keep the adventure going!
Loved your summer reading adventure? You can keep exploring with The Secret Book Quest, available all year round! Pick up your free Quest Pack at your local library and set off on a reading adventure, with challenges, activities and more. You can also join in online with fun games and activities to keep the quest going wherever you are.
Whether you’re a bookworm, an adventurer or just looking for your next great story, there’s always another quest waiting for you at your library. Start your next adventure today!
Message from Les Petits Mousses de Plymouth
" Bilingualism is a gift for life.
Is your child growing up with French at home? Would you like them to feel confident speaking French, build lasting friendships with other bilingual children, and strengthen their connection with French and Francophone cultures?
Les Petits Mousses de Plymouth is a friendly Saturday French school created especially for children who already have French as part of their lives, whether through one or both parents, another family member, or time spent in a French-speaking country.
Our sessions are conducted entirely in French and are designed to help children use the language naturally through games, stories, songs, creative activities and play. Rather than traditional classroom lessons, we create an enjoyable and supportive environment where children develop confidence while having fun.
Children are grouped according to their French language confidence and ability, allowing everyone to progress at their own pace.
More than a school, Les Petits Mousses is a welcoming community where French-speaking families from Plymouth and the surrounding area come together, helping children maintain their bilingual identity while creating friendships that extend beyond the classroom.
Join us on Saturday mornings at King's School & Nursery, Mannamead.
Apprendre le français en s'amusant ! "
It may be time to go back to school, but there’s still plenty to discover at The Box!
Start your visit by collecting a free family trail from their Welcome Desk, then explore the galleries together. Get hands-on at their ‘Explore More’ tables which are full of creative activities inspired by their exhibitions and collections. Little ones will love their ‘I Wonder’ sensory sessions on Tuesdays during term time, while Friday mornings bring lively storytelling adventures. Don’t forget to say hello to Mildred, the much-loved woolly mammoth too. You’ll find her in the natural history gallery and she’s always ready to greet visitors of all ages.
Find out more at www.theboxplymouth.com
Message from Young Vets Club
“Here's a curiosity: research on children and pets throws up something called the "pet effect paradox" - simply having an animal in the house doesn't reliably make kids happier or calmer. What helps is something more specific: how closely they engage with it. Feeding, observing, learning to read behaviour, noticing what a nervous animal needs to feel safe. A quality relationship goes beyond ownership - it becomes a hobby. And a hobby can become a passion, a career, a direction in life. In the age of doom-scrolling, young people need hobbies more than ever. This is why we created Young Vets Club.”
Visit www.youngvetsclub.com to find out more.
Created by Worldwide Veterinary Service.
Make this autumn a season to remember with On Course South West’s FREE Family Fun!
As the leaves begin to fall and Halloween approaches, join in for a range of hands-on activities designed to bring families together while discovering something new.
Get creative with seasonal inspired crafts, Jewellery making, Stop Motion animation, or put your problem-solving skills to the test with a Halloween-themed Maths treasure hunt.
Events are taking place at:
• Cobourg House
• St Budeaux Library
• Jan Cutting Centre
For more information, visit: www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk
The Cornish Maize Maze Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Maze is open every weekend in October – and every day during Half Term!
Get ready for a spook-tacular day out for the whole family! Wander through the fang-tastic Halloween Maze, explore the magical Pumpkin Patch bursting with thousands of pumpkins, and pick your perfect one – big, small, weird or wonderful. There will be incredible photo opportunities throughout the maze and patch – don’t forget your camera. You will meet friendly farm animals and enjoy a true countryside adventure.
Book your tickets now at www.cornishmaze.co.uk
Go for the pumpkins, stay for the fun!
Cinderella at Theatre Royal Plymouth
“Theatre Royal Plymouth and Crossroads Pantomimes have previously announced that pop icon and stage star Will Young and broadcaster, film and theatre star Ross King MBE will lead this year's spectacular production of Cinderella, running from Friday 04 December 2026 to Sunday 03 January 2027.
Joining the cast is musical theatre’s Eve Shanu-Wilson in the title role, Michael O’Reilly, who is returning to his roots for the festive season as Prince Charming, and Daniel Norford who will star as Dandini.
The cast met for the first time recently at Saltram House in Plymouth to give us a glimpse of the magic that awaits this festive season!”
Stagecoach Performing Arts, Plymouth
In an era dominated by screens, giving young people a chance to step away from digital noise is vital. At Stagecoach Performing Arts Plymouth, children swap smartphones and social media for spot-lit stages, immersing themselves in singing, dancing, and acting. Under expert guidance, students unlock their imagination, express their unique voices, and build genuine, real-world connections.
Beyond mastering performance skills, Stagecoach nurtures self-esteem and resilience, helping young people develop true "Creative Courage for Life." By ditching screen time for creative expression, Plymouth’s youth discover the confidence, poise, and social skills needed to shine both on and off the stage.