What's On in Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent

Swimming lessons with Everyone Active

Venue: Your local leisure centre

Address: Derbyshire & Staffordshire

Website: https://www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons/

Award-winning swimming lessons at your local Everyone Active leisure centre, for children aged from just 4 months old. Available at Moorways Sports Village and Water Park (Derby), Etwall Leisure Centre,...

School Holidays at Statfold Country Park

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: www.statfold.com/schoolholidays

Enjoy a train ride on a scenic route around the fields at Statfold Country Park. Visit the world-renowned locomotive museum - great for all the enthusiasts plus the vintage carousel, arts and crafts zone,...

Displaced: From the Nile to the Derwent

Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.derbymuseums.org/museum-and-art-gallery

Derby Museums are showing its collections from ancient Egypt together in a special exhibition. Featuring over 80 objects and the remains of three mummified humans. Suitable for all, trail sheets for children...

Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/library-zone

This year’s Challenge is called Marvellous Makers and it’s all about creativity! From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, there’s something for everyone. Regional variations may apply, so...

Apple Tree Town

Venue: Unit 6, Loomer Road Industrial Estate

Website: www.appletreetown.co.uk

Your children will have lots of time to discover what this little town has to offer, the themed role play areas have been built to with little imaginations in mind, offering a full immersive experience...

Maize Maze Mania

Venue: Maize 52

Website: www.maze52.com

Jump into the newly-designed Mega Maze and hunt for some hidden 'Corny Clues' to crack the code. Play your way around the exciting new Musical Mini-Maze, enter the enchanting flower garden where you can...

Summer of Fun

Venue: Gulliver's Theme Parks

Website: www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Enjoy fabulous family entertainment each day this summer with new rides, attractions and shows! Running until 2 September.

Summer of Play at Shugborough Estate

Venue: Shugborough Estate

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Explore Shugborough's Play Hub, join the summer trail, or try your hand at active and creative activities around the estate.

Farmarama

Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm

Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk

Enjoy the ultimate beach party with gigantic paddling pools and a huge sand area to make the farm the best beach going! Each day there will be fun seaside shows, super sand art, the huge maize maze and...

Summer of Play

Venue: Hardwick Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick

Enjoy some Elizabethan themed entertainment activities, including a chance to don a costume and showcase your favourite stories or moves on one of the stages, make a tune on the music station, write a...

Chatsworth Young Farmers

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org

Children and adults can spend a summer afternoon mucking in with the daily jobs in the Chatsworth Farmyard.This event is suitable for children aged between 7 and 16. Children must be accompanied by an...

Dragon Tails - A Summer of Dragons!

Venue: Tamworth Castle

Website: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk

As you explore the Castle, you will meet experienced dragon charmers, undertake dragon challenges and encounter baby dragons. Throughout the summer holidays, you will be able to discover the Elemental...

Chatsworth County Fair

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org

Enjoy three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, inspirational cooking masterclasses, food, shopping and plenty of have-a-go activities, including a vintage fun fair, children's climbing...

The Darley Park Concert

Venue: Darley Park

Website: www.inderby.org.uk

Enjoy one of the highlights of the summer as The Darley Park Concert returns for another spectacular evening of classical music and fireworks.Sinfonia Viva will provide the stunning music making it the...

Apple Tree Town Role Play Centre

Venue: Unit 6, Loomer Road Industrial Estate

Website: www.appletreetown.co.uk

Take your children and discover what this little town has to offer, the themed role play areas have been built to with little imaginations in mind, offering a full immersive experience that fully encourages...

Displaced: From the Nile to the Derwent – Exhibition Trail

Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk

Follow the trail and explore the current exhibition, Displaced: From the Nile to the Derwent. Make connections between objects, people and place and link life alongside the Nile to life in Derby close...

Kip McGrath Education Centre

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/book-assessment

Kip McGrath help children of all ages and abilities realise their true potential. It doesn’t matter whether they’re struggling with reading/handwriting/maths, or looking to succeed in school tests...

National Forest Adventure Farm

Venue: Tatenhill, Burton Upon Trent

Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk

Encounter adorable farm animals, dive into thrilling outdoor activities, and immerse yourself in fantastic seasonal events! As Autumn approaches, visit the ‘Adventure Farm Pumpkin Village’! Lose yourself...

Children’s Free Guided Tours

Venue: Haddon Hall

Website: www.haddonhall.co.uk

Children’s free guided tours are a fun activity focussing on some of the fascinating and quirky aspects of Haddon’s history and the lives of the people – both family and staff – who have lived...

Heritage Open Days

Venue: Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Discover cosy homes carved into the rock of an imposing sandstone ridge. The famous Holy Austin Rock Houses are cosily restored to help you soak up the atmosphere of these unusual homes. Everyday objects,...

Lord of the Dance - A Lifetime of Standing Ovations

Venue: Regent Theatre

Website: www.atgtickets.com

After celebrating the 25th anniversary in 2022, Lord of the Dance is back with a dazzling revival of this iconic dance extravaganza. The 2024 tour promises to be an extraordinary journey that will captivate...

Michael Starring Ben

Venue: Lyceum Theatre Crewe

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/lyceum-theatre-crewe

The show features a live band, dazzling costumes and the performer's iconic dance routines. It also showcases the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and also of The Jackson 5 including Beat It, Billie Jean,...

Moonlight Walk

Venue: Bustler Derby

Website: www.treetopshospice.org.uk

Choose from a 5K or 10K route, both starting from Bustler Derby, the Moonlight Walk is the perfect event to take part in by yourself or as part of a team, it’s set to be a night full of fun, laughter...

Wirksworth Festival

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.wirksworthfestival.co.uk

Wirksworth invites you to join them for a 10 day celebration of the arts with a mix of music, performance and visual arts. Includes events for all the family, a programme of live music, drama and film...

Children’s Art Window Trail

Venue: Various venues around the town

Website: www.wirksworthfestival.co.uk

Wild Roots Creative CIC have been working with various local school and community groups to create some wonderful art for this years Children’s Art Window Trail. Each window display is based on a different...

Free coracle rides at The Hub

Venue: Tamworth Castle

Website: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk

Tamworth are offering free, coracle rides for adults and children (age 4+), in a small pool that will be located opposite The Old Swimming Baths. To book your free ride coracle ride, please select the...

Matlock Bath Illuminations

Venue: Derwent Gardens

Address: Matlock Bath

Website: www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/leisure/matlock-bath-illuminations

This fun-packed family event features a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent. There are fantastic firework displays every Saturday in October and the final night,...

West Side Story - School Edition

Venue: New Mills Art Theatre

Website: www.newmillsarttheatre.co.uk

Inspired by the timeless story of Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story takes Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, and places them in the vibrant battleground of New York City’s West Side in the 1950s.West...

Messy Cathedral – Creation Season

Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk

Take the children along to enjoy stories, prayer, crafts and songs. Messy Cathedral is church, but not as you might imagine it! Messy Cathedral is free, there will be drinks provided and you’re welcome...

Seedlings Gardening Club

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org

Join this after-school gardening club where children will explore the Kitchen and Cutting Garden, learn how to grow different flowers, fruits and vegetables, and discover the abundance of wildlife at Chatsworth....

Ancestories & Animate VR (Virtual Reality) Exhibition

Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.derbymuseums.org

Showcasing the work of young people and their families who participated in a series of creative workshops using different artistic techniques from Pointillism to mask making. Please note this is a 30 minute...

Derby Pride 2024

Venue: Derby, Markeaton Ln

Website: www.derbypride.co.uk

Derby Pride's annual event celebrates the culture of the LGBT+ community and brings together the diverse communities in and around Derby. This event is suitable for families, open to everyone and is free...

Road, Rail and Ale Steam Festival

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: www.statfold.com/roadrailale

From vintage trucks, tractors and cars to steam traction engines, a whole host of visiting exhibitors will be joining this steam-tastic weekend! Why not turn your visit into a staycation and book camping...

Cinderella Pantomime: Junior Dance Auditions

Venue: Winding Wheel Theatre

Website: www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk

Paul Holman Associates are seeking junior dancers for the ensemble for this year’s pantomime Cinderella at the Winding Wheel Theatre. Registration from 2pm. Rehearsals 18-20 Nov, performances 29 Nov-31...

Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out

Venue: Regent Theatre

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Peppa Pig is back in her oinktastic brand new live show, Fun Day Out! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans, and a perfect...

Autumnal Fun at Vicar Lane

Venue: Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Website: www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk

From 10am-4pm, the centre will be running a harvest competition with different categories to enter, from fruit and vegetables to arts and crafts. The centre would love to see produce grown from the seeds...

Mamma Mia! Outdoor Cinema Extrabbaganza

Venue: Shugborough Estate

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

An all singing, all dancing ABBA day where you'll watch Mamma Mia! and Mamma Mia Here We Go Again on a huge open-air screen and singalong with ABBA's greatest hits! Plus ABBA disco before the movies, Street...

The McDougalls in Toyland: A Singalong Adventure

Venue: Gatehouse Theatre

Website: www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk

Packed with singalong songs such as If You’re Happy and You Know it, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Miss Polly Had a Dolly, this five-star family show is the perfect day out with the kids – filled...

Sing - Open air cinema with Adventure Cinema

Venue: Shugborough Estate

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton and Matthew McConaughey all star in this animated musical movie about a singing competition, put together for animals in an attempt to save a theater.Five contestants...

Statbus

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: www.statfold.com/warleymodelrailwayshow

In addition to the wonderful display vehicles, guests will have the opportunity to visit the World-renowned museum and take a train ride or two. Little ones can let off some steam in Toby's Barn Soft Play...

The Gruffalo/ Stick Man (U) Open air cinema with Adventure Cinema

Venue: Shugborough Estate

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

An amazing family outdoor cinema experience with a double bill of brilliant Julia Donaldsdon & Axel Scheffler animations. Both films are included in the ticket price. This event is outdoor and will go...

Wargames

Venue: Tamworth Castle

Website: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk

Join Tamworth Wargames Club for a day of tabletop battle tactics and wits. All played out against the backdrop of our beautiful medieval Great Hall. This is a second chance for visitors to experience Saxon...

500 Words

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.bbc.co.uk/teach/500-words

The UK's biggest children's story writing competition will be open for entries on Tuesday 24 September. There will be two age categories: 5-7 and 8-11 year-olds. The winners will be revealed on World Book...

The Gruffalo

Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler - celebrating 25 years in 2024!...

Squirrels Nature Club

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org

Children with additional needs and their carer can explore the Kitchen and Cutting Garden and Stand Wood at the monthly Squirrels nature club. You can enjoy a different activity at each session, from bird...

Autumn Leaf Challenge at Kedleston Hall

Venue: Kedleston Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Pick up a free leaf identification sheet and pencil when you arrive then see how many of the different leaves you can spot on your walk around the parkland. A fun activity for all ages, particularly families....

Coming To England

Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Floella Benjamin’s award-winning and iconic book Coming to England comes to life in this joyful stage adaptation with music, storytelling and song. Much loved by children and families, Coming to England...

Awful Auntie

Venue: Regent Theatre

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Following their acclaimed productions of Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy and Demon Dentist, Birmingham Stage Company are proud to present a fabulous new production of David Walliams’ amazing adventure,...

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Venue: Pavilion Arts Centre

Website: www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Expect silly slapstick, abundant anachronisms and memorable music nestled amongst Shakespeare’s poignant poetry as the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons put their own innovative and interactive spin on...

Swan Lake

Venue: Buxton Opera House

Website: www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

A timeless ballet with exquisite dancing featuring a live orchestra with over 30 musicians. Swan Lake is the compelling legend of a tragic romance in which a princess, Odette, is turned into a swan by...

Disconnect

Venue: Regent Theatre

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Disconnect is a high energy, vibrant dance show for all ages, blending dynamic movements with vivid storytelling to explore human connections and solitude. Through a fusion of contemporary dance, acrobatics,...

Seedlings Gardening Club

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org

Join this after-school gardening club where children will explore the Kitchen and Cutting Garden, learn how to grow different flowers, fruits and vegetables, and discover the abundance of wildlife at Chatsworth....

Derby Folk Weekend 2024

Venue: The Old Bell Hotel

Website: www.derbylive.co.uk

Enjoy a mix of concerts and lively entertainment in the heart of the city all weekend. All concerts will be held in the Old Bell Hotel, and there is a great line up of familiar and new faces – all bringing...

Adventure Cinema: Hocus Pocus Spooktacular (PG)

Venue: Hardwick Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick

Take a blanket or camping chair, wrap up warm, and watch Hocus Pocus on a giant cinema screen under the stars! Plus a spooky soundtrack to enjoy before the movie with specially curated songs for witches,...

Sing-a-long-a Frozen

Venue: Duchess Theatre and Chatsworth Arts Centre

Website: www.duchess-theatre.com/whats-on

It's the most popular Disney comedy-adventure to hit the big screen and, with the fairy dust of Sing-a-long added, you are guaranteed a great time. Go on an epic journey to find Anna's sister Elsa, the...

Fireman Sam

Venue: Lyceum Theatre Crewe

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/lyceum-theatre-crewe

Join Sam, Ellie, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in this UK premier, as you become a Pontypandy Pioneer and explore the mountains. With fire engines, helicopters and brand new songs this is one...

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Venue: Regent Theatre

Website: www.atgtickets.com

The most fantasmagorical musical of all time flies into Regent Theatre, Stoke for one week only! This brand-new production of this much-loved family favourite stars Adam Garcia as Caractacus Potts, Liam...

Pumpkins and Potions

Venue: Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Website: www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk

On Saturday 26th October, families are invited to Vicar Lane for a day of pumpkins and potions! From 10am–3pm, visitors can take their pick of a free pumpkin from the patch, and make their own spellbinding...

Dinosaur World Live

Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Website: www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Grab your compass and join the intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures,...

Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink 2024

Venue: Cathedral Green

Website: www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/cathedral-quarter-ice-rink-2024

Get your skates on and glide onto this year’s ice rink at Cathedral Green, with views of the river, and a twinkling backdrop of trees.Adults and children of all abilities can enjoy whizzing around on...