On this page, you'll find activities and workshops from our arts, culture and heritage partners that take place during term time, from regular groups to one-off projects - as well as fun things to do over the summer holiday!
There’s also:
If you're aged 14-24, take a look at the Connecting Notts website as well!
NCT offers a Grouprider ticket which covers up to 5 people for £8. (There has to be at least 1 adult, aged 19 or over, and no more than two adults.)
NET also has a Group ticket for 1 or 2 adults and up to 3 children for £8.50, weekends and Monday to Friday, after 4pm. Check out all the ways you can get about in Nottingham.
Here's the latest Parents and Carers Newsletter.
Find out about events, workshops and classes for children and young people from Nottingham’s arts, cultural and heritage organisations straight to your inbox. Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter below.
Help Robin Hood find his merry friends who are hiding at venues across Nottingham city centre. From 5 August you'll be able to pick up a trail map from any of the participating venues listed below and venture around the city, visiting each marked location to uncover the whereabouts of a friend or foe.
Complete the trial and earn a special Robin Hood badge as a memento. The trail can be started from any location. Once you've located all the hidden characters in the city and provided the answers, head to the National Justice Museum on High Pavement to claim your well-deserved reward badge.
Maps are available from –
1 Aug - 8 Sept 2024
Djanogly Gallery
Lakeside Arts, University Park
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Sunday, 12noon-4pm
Closed Mondays
SEND-friendly sessions Wednesdays, 1pm-4pm
This family-friendly exhibition is a storybook come to life, where imagination reigns supreme. Come and meet friendly inflatable monsters in all shapes and sizes.
With plenty of free activities provided – including making your own monsters – this is a fun day out for all the family in the summer holidays.
Meet the artist…
If you’d like to learn more about this exhibition and the chance to meet the artist, Bruce Asbestos, go along to the Exhibition Launch event. A great opportunity for little and grown-up art lovers alike.
Thursday 1 August, 5pm-7pm
Djanogly Gallery & Angear Visitor Centre
Free entry, just drop in
From Sat 27 July, 11am-3pm
Wollaton Hall & Deer Park
Families
FREE
Spend the day at Wollaton Hall with all the activities on offer! Weather dependent, the Hall will be offering giant lawn games & deck chairs, as well as craft activities in the Hall.
Also, take part in optional activities, such as hidden history tours for £12 or the outdoor superbeasts trail in the gardens for £2.
Thurs 1, Tues 13 & Thurs 22 Aug, 11am-4pm, last entry 3pm
Newstead Abbey, Ravenshead
Families
Adults £15, kids FREE (with paying adult)
Trail map £2
Newstead Abbey are hosting pirate days, with dress up and craft activities. On top of
this, little swashbucklers can help Lord Byron find the ‘pieces of eight’ in the garden on an exciting pirate trail! The trail map is £2, with the price including a prize for the pirates! Trail maps are available in the House shop and other entry points.
Nottingham Castle and Grounds
Summer holiday activities
27 July - 1 Sept
Adults: £15, Kids Go Free (15 years & under, 3 children per paid adult)
Step inside the Castle and Grounds for a single-purchase ticket that allows you to re-visit unlimited for 12 months on the Pay once, visit all year round ticket.
Discover the Museum & Galleries with Fine Art, Lace, Robin Hood, Nottingham Castle’s History and more.
Street Dance and Hip Hop
Various dates in August
Bulwell, Bestwood and Hyson Green
7 - 11 yrs
FREE (via HAF vouchers)
Your children will be introduced to street dance and hip hop techniques, learning routines, having fun all whilst keeping fit and expressing themselves through movement.
These sessions are funded by the Holiday Activities and Food Programme making them completely free for families eligible for free school meals, vulnerable, SEND or who may come under the working poor category.
View the full programme of dates and venues in Bulwell, (Mellish Sports Centre), Bestwood (Bestwood Estate Community Centre) and Hyson Green (New Art Exchange) here: https://www.freedomfoundationuk.org/haf/
New Art Exchange, Gregory Boulevard
30 Jul - 2 Aug, 10am-3pm
Ages 8-11
FREE
13 Aug - 16 Aug, 10am-3pm
Ages 12-18
FREE
Participants will develop their creative skills through games, story-making, and drama exercises. At the end of 3 days, there will be an original show made by the children and young people themselves, after an experience where they will be sure to make friends and express themselves.
You don’t need to have any experience in drama, dance or singing; just come along and give it a go!
A fun and exciting day of dance taking place during the summer holidays for young people aged 7-11 (6th August) and 12-16 (7th August)
9.15am-3.45pm
£20 / £3 concession*
FABRIC, iC4C Nottingham, NG3 2AR
Led by Next Door Dance, the day will consist of games to start the day followed by creative dance sessions.
A free lunch is provided as part of the day. You must first register for a place then complete payment after registration to secure your place.
The concession price is for those who live or attending school in Sneinton or St Anns or to those in receipt of free school meals.
Broadway, 14-18 Broad Street, Nottingham
6, 13 & 20 August (book one or all 3 workshop days)
7 - 11yrs
£35
This summer, Broadway are running three ‘film in a day’ workshops with teacher and filmmaker, Adam Pepper.
The children will spend their day researching their film’s genre before crafting their own greenscreen scenes, individually and with other actors in the group, which will then be edited into an exciting short film! The films will then be screened at Broadway at the end of the summer.
Each workshop will have a different theme, so your budding Oscar-winner could attend just one, or all three.
Lost in Space: Tues 6 Aug, 10am - 4pm
Time-Travel Terror: Tues 13 Aug, 10am - 4pm
Lost in the Amazon: Tues 20 Aug, 10am - 4pm
Lunch is not provided, please provide a packed lunch.
Squire Performing Arts Centre
Ages 8-12
Mon 5 to Fri 9 August 2024
£160
Discover yourself through drama this summer! Join the Open Space Theatre School for one week and create a unique experience of theatre based on your own ideas. You will learn about stagecraft (scenic design, sound, lighting, costumes and make up), physical theatre, voice projection and improvisation and hone these skills to tell your own stories.You will experience it all in the professional-grade facilities provided by The Squire Performing Arts Centre at Nottingham Girls’ High School. This incredible summer school is delivered by professional actor, director and speech and drama teacher David Purveur.
Nottingham Playhouse offers a variety of engaging groups and performances for young people to take part in and enjoy.
During the summer holidays, there are still places available for these summer schools:
Play in 3 days: Grimms Tales
Mon 12 - Wed 14 August 2024
Mon & Tue: 10am-6pm, Wed: 12pm-8:30pm
Ages 9-13, £135
Directed by Participation Producer Tia Elvidge, this 3-day programme is perfect for young people who love to perform and tell stories. Inspired by the tales of the Brothers Grimm, there will be lots of fun and games along the way too! Book Now
Acting for Screen Summer School
Thu 15 - Fri 16 Aug, 10am - 4pm
Ages 11-18, £120
Led by Tim Smith, learn all things acting for screen in this two-day experience. Jam packed with essential acting for screen tips, tricks and exercises; useful for the silver screen, TV or even TikTok! If you would prefer to pay in instalments, please contact participation@nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk and our team will be in touch. Book here
Tuesdays 10.15-11.30am
Free with promo code CIRCUSBABY
Sneinton Market
Come along to Circus Hub’s class for mums and babies. A sensory playful session for mum and baby to explore circus. The class includes gentle stretches, songs, aerial yoga and dance. Both babies and their grown ups can have a go in the aerial hammock.
National Literacy Trust
Tuesdays 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Southglade Access Centre, Bestwood
Ages 0-4
Five free sessions
Join these sessions to support your little one’s development through play, chat, stories and songs. There will be free books and toys to take home too!
Email nottingham@literacytrust.org.uk for more information and booking.
A free mini-festival for ages 0-4 in Hyson Green, Bulwell, Aspley and St Anns
Featuring Puppets, Music, Theatre and Play. Dates & Locations: 10am-2.30pm
Tues 30 July, Forest Rec, Behind Homemade Cafe (Mansfield Rd)
Thurs 1 Aug, Bulwell Hall Par, Behind the Toy Library, (Squires Avenue)
Tues 6 Aug, Melbourne Park, (Melbourne Rd)
Thurs 8 Aug, King Edward Park (Carlton Rd)
Book free online at city-arts.org.uk/hoopla text HOOPLA to 07537 416046 or turn up on the day.
Ages: 0-5. Free
Small Steps Big Changes offer lots of activities and groups for children who live in Aspley, Bulwell, Hyson Green and Arboretum and St Ann's. Filter based on your area and download the events calendar from their website.
Find Baby Massage, Story and Rhyme Time, Messy Play, Free Play, Busy Bodies, Twigglets, BAME Dads Project, Cook & Play, Learning to Love Books, New Shoots and free Language classes.
Ages: 0-5. Free.
Download the EasyPeasy app today and get thousands of tips and activities to try with your 0-5 year old! Parents can enter the age of their child and topics of interest to get content tailored to their needs and tackle specific problem areas. For more information and to download, visit the Small Steps Big Changes (SSBC) website.
YARD
Ages 8-12 yrs Tuesdays 4.15-6.15pm. Term Time.
Free
Ages 12-18 yrs Wednesdays 5pm-7pm. Term Time. Free. (spaces available)
YARD is a creative and supportive hub for young people to come together, develop their skills in theatre and performance, devise their own work and explore new ideas and approaches working with professional artists.
FREE and open to all. Email yard@nae.org.uk to find out more.
Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Groups
Infant Young Company Ages 5-7 yrs, Saturdays term time, 10am-11.15am
Junior Young Company Ages 8-11 yrs,
Saturdays term time, 11.45-1.15pm
Senior Young Company 12-16 yrs,
Mondays term time, 6pm-8pm
There are plenty of free bursary places available for each of these programmes. Email to find out more.
PLUS!
The Phoenix Theatre Company 13-19 yrs
Fridays term time, 6pm-8pm
Lit Young Company:
Ages 13-16, Thursdays, 4.30-6pm
Term time, at Bilborough Library.
Free
Regular group helping young people with training as an actor, guiding them in the making of performances in Theatre and offering performance opportunities in a safe space. Designed to give members the opportunity to experience the excitement, creativity and enjoyment of making theatre happen!
To take part, email info@littheatre.org
Nottingham Music Hub
Various days and times
All year round
Nottingham Music Hub has a wide array of different clubs and groups for young people to join.
With over a dozen different ensembles on offer, Nottingham Music Hub is the perfect place for an aspiring young musician to hone their craft, meet like minded people and nurture their creativity.
OFFSHOOTS East Midlands CIC - The Album Project is back!
Ages 16-25 (up to 30yrs if d/Deaf, disabled neurodivergent or facing long term illness)
August Weekdays, 10am - 4pm
The Old Bus Depot, Free
Circle of Light is inviting 30 young people to work together to collaborate and help create the 5th Studio album in one month.
The Creation Period: August 5th - August 16th
Collaborate and create new music across the whole 10 days.
Flexible Studio Sessions: August 19th - August 30th
Groups and individuals will be given the opportunity to get in the studio and record or refine music made in the creation period. You will be able to book studio sessions based on your individual availability and recording requirements.
This project is a FREE opportunity and no previous experience is required.
Thu 3 Oct 2024, 11am - 12pm
Online Event, Free and open to all
13+
Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI) is a global non-profit network promoting youth development through music across all genres and in 100 countries. For 75 years, JMI has been 'Making a Difference through Music', using the power of music to bridge across social, geographical, racial, and economic divides and creating a platform for intercultural dialogue. Join Matt and Giulia to hear more about their work and programmes, and opportunities for international partnership working. There will be time for Q&As at the end.
Join in with fun sensory soundscapes to make and play. Explore analogue and digital techniques to find the beat and create the rhythm. Bring all your bruhaha, hullabaloo, and rumpus to add to the mix.
Sessions take place on Tue, Wed & Thu, at the following times: 10-12 noon and 1–3pm.
Please book one ticket per person, including adults and children. Tel 0115 948 9750.
Free. Limited Capacity. Booking is required.
Kickstart your Saturday with these free drop-in creative workshops, which make space for creative learning and lots of fun.
Artist-led activities change each session;
It is a perfect chance to get creative as a family.
Sessions will take place on the following dates:
27 July
10, 17 & 31 August
7 & 21 September
From 10:30am–12:30pm
Suitable for ages 4-7 (0-10 WELCOME)
Contact michael@nae.org.uk
Primary, 33 Seely Road
Fri 2 Aug, 11am-12:30pm
All ages (all children need to be accompanied by an adult)
FREE
Work in Common artist in residence Madi Acharya-Baskerville is hosting a free drop-in workshop exploring how everyday packaging can be repurposed for artistic purposes. Participants will be encouraged and supported to make their own sculptures that they will be able to take home with them. This workshop will take place alongside Primary’s drop in gardening session on the same day. (Gardening sessions take place every Friday in August, 11 - 12noon)
Wednesdays, 3.30-5.30pm (term time)
Ages 5 -13
(younger children must be accompanied)
FREE
Free weekly drop-in creative arts and play sessions running every Wednesday after school during term time. Join play workers and artists for adventurous indoor play, art, crafts and games. Membership forms for the Toy Library must be completed for young people to stay and play.
These sessions are delivered in partnership with The Toy Library, with support from Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges.
Ages 7 - 18
Times and days vary depending on age range
£6 per class
Sherwood Young Artists is an art school that runs weekly classes for 7 - 18 year olds, in Sherwood, Nottingham. The classes offer children and young people the opportunity to develop skills in a full range of different artistic materials and techniques, to complete their Explore, Bronze, Silver and Gold Arts Awards.
They also develop opportunities for young people to become Arts leaders, creating exhibitions for 'Sherwood Art Week', 'Nottingham Light Night', and 'The Hartley Creatives'.
Ages 12-16 yrs
Saturdays in term time, 10am-12pm
Taking inspiration from current exhibitions in and around Nottingham, participants will explore a wide range of art techniques, discover new artists and gain confidence in their work all whilst making new friends. With guidance from artist leaders, Jane Stockley and Elaine Winter, this 5-week course is perfect for those just starting to explore their passion for art and design or for a more experienced young artist. Find out more
Ages 13-16.
Saturdays 10am-1pm, term-time. Free
Members will try their hand at a variety of different art forms in our free weekly workshops and masterclasses with professional artists. With access to Nottingham Trent University’s excellent Art and Design facilities, they’ll make new friends, and have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork nationally! The club also looks great on their CV if they decide to apply to college or university later on. The club is run in partnership with Nottingham Trent University and the National Saturday Club. To find out more please email.
Ages 15-25. Nottingham Contemporary
1525 Collective are looking for new members to join them. 1525, are a group of young creatives who gather regularly at Nottingham Contemporary. They strive to be a proactive collective sharing resources, discussing ideas, and mutually supporting each other’s creative interests. More information can be found on the website.
Nursery/Primary
Sit with your child and explore your culture and experiences together with My Storytelling Scrapbook. Encourage your child to draw pictures, stick in photos and write about the special people in their life. This resource is a perfect opportunity to get them thinking about who they are, reflecting on the world around them while developing their speaking, reading and writing skills. My Storytelling Scrapbook encourages you to share stories, memories, and experiences with your children, and promotes a love of reading and regional voices.
All ages.
Nottingham City Libraries have a wealth ofresources and activities for children and their families. The Libraries website makes it easy to find information about libraries, resources, book recommendations, events and more. Whether you are looking for stories and rhymes for little ones, code clubs, after school home work sessions or holiday activities, it’s all covered. You can find out more by signing up to our e-newsletter on the webpage.
City Libraries
All ages
Join the reading challenge this summer! Children can join in the challenge at their local library. All they need is their library card and if they haven’t got one they can get one from the library. There are no time restrictions to sign up, but the first children to read 6 books by September will receive a prize!
Nottingham City of Literature’s Big City Reads campaign returns from 1st July to 11th August 2024! 2000 books will be given away for FREE across the city, and in communities where young people have limited access to books of their own.
Now in its third year, the free book giveaway campaign will feature four compelling Young Adult titles.
Centred on the theme of Belonging, this year’s books delve into themes of acceptance, inclusion, and identity, giving readers the opportunity to engage in a city-wide shared reading experience.
Big City Reads hopes to empower and inspire young minds with feel-good, upbeat stories, alongside promoting reading as a practice that enhances wellbeing.
Ages 10-17 years
Free, action-packed monthly creative writing workshops for budding young authors and poets aged 10-17.
Writing East Midlands young writers’ groups are fun, friendly and full of like-minded writers. They meet monthly, receive support and guidance, enter (and win) competitions, take part in literary events, and make friends with lots of other writerly types.
Fabric
Ages 7-11
Mondays during term-time
4.15 – 5.15pm
Sessions £3/£1.50 (community offer ticket for those living in or attending primary schools in Sneinton or St Anns)
Jump Start provides creative dance experiences for children aged 7 to 11 (Key Stage 2) living in Nottingham and nurtures young people who have potential and ambition in dance.
.
A fun and exciting day of dance taking place during the summer holidays for young people aged 7-11.
Tues 6 August
9.15am-3.45pm
£20 / £3 concession*
FABRIC, iC4C Nottingham, NG3 2AR
Led by Next Door Dance, the morning is filled with exciting warm up games and tasks to their minds and bodys ready for a creative day of dance.
The main part of the day will consist of creative dance exercises and tasks opening up new ideas and ways to dance.
A free lunch is provided as part of the day. You must first register for a place then complete payment after registration to secure your place.
The concession price is for those who live or attending school in Sneinton or St Anns or to those in receipt of free school meals.
Saturdays
Ages 7-11, 10am-11am
Ages 11-18, 11.15am- 12.15pm
£8
Sneinton Market
Learn aerial circus skills, such as trapeze, silks and aerial hoop. Suitable for beginners, open to everyone. Instructors are professional, trained aerial performers.
The Pythian Club
Monday-Friday after school, across Nottinghamshire.
The Pythian Club (TPC) offer a comprehensive timetable of after school activities taking place at venues across Nottinghamshire. TPC aspire to support the development of our young people by progressing them onto further initiatives such as a coaching opportunities, young leader’s academy, vocational courses and/or employment opportunities. For more details visit the website or email.
Ages 11-15 yrs, Tuesdays 5-7pm
Ages 16-21 yrs, Wednesdays 5-7pm
Whether it’s with help understanding your new feelings as an 11-15 year old, or learning about LGBTQIA+ equality and sexual health as a 16-21 year old, OutBurst has it all! Base 51 provide a safe space to express yourself,
make friends and join in with a wide range of activities, as well as getting access to 1-2-1 support and signposting to a wider range of LGBTQIA+ focused services. Read more
Ages 16-24, Mondays 4-5.30pm
Base 51 has recently moved to new premises (41 Peachy St) and created a safe and welcoming space.
Young Leaders is Base 51's programme to ensure young people have a chance to run activities and have a say in the decisions made at Base 51, as well as getting workshops from industry professionals about CV writing, interviewing etc.
Want to know more? Email volunteering@base51.org.uk or call 0115 952 5040 and ask to speak to Amy.
Ages 11-18
Every Thursday, 4-7pm
Starting 1st August 2024
The Art in Mind project combines art and nature, where you will be learning various art techniques whilst exploring the outdoors and capturing it's innate beauty. The goal of the sessions is to improve mental health and prevent self harm and suicidal thoughts. For more information, contact Jamie, Art in Mind Coordinator, j.burnett@base51.org.uk 0115 952 5040
Ages 16-24
Group meetings and activity times vary
Founded in 2019 by Damien Reynolds; The Wolfpack Project was established to combat the substantial, growing issue of youth loneliness as a serious public-health problem of our time. As a result of his own experience of loneliness, Damien set up the charity in his hometown of Nottingham.
The Change Makers Initiative in partnership with The Burns Price Foundation supports young people under the age of 19 from across the UK, with grants of £100 each to work on grass roots level ideas with art and science at the core of the social action project. Find out more on the website.
Ages 12-17 Fridays, 5-7pm. Ages 8-11 Wednesdays, 5-7pm.
Join in with Football, Table Tennis, Basketball, Pool, Music and Board Games. Find out more on the CRS website.
BFI Future Film Festival 2025: Submissions are open - Are you a filmmaker aged 16 to 25? Would you like one of your short films to be considered for inclusion in the 18th BFI Future Film Festival, in February 2025? The BFI and their partners (us) are inviting filmmakers to submit their work to the BFI Future Film Festival, the UK's largest film festival for young people. This year we have a number of cash prizes up for grabs to support your next film and your career. Details on how to submit here. Deadline is Friday 2nd August.
Young Creatives Nottingham (11-24 yrs)
Entries for the Young Creative Awards 2025 will open on 11th November 2024. There are 10 categories of awards to choose from;
Check out the online Masterclasses, brought to you by past Winners!
Connecting Notts (16-25 yrs)
Free
Connecting Notts is Nottingham's Youth Cultural Partnership– a monthly networking group for young people age 16-25 involved in arts organisations and community groups across the city. Connecting Notts aims to increase opportunities for all young people (aged 16-25) to connect, create and find support.
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