Creative opportunities for Children and Young People

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 during weekends and holidays!

There’s also:

The ChalleNGe Creative Activities Pack

If you're aged 14-24, take a look at the Connecting Notts website as well!

Parents and Carers Newsletter

October 2025 Parent & 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.

Family days out

Green's Windmill & Science Centre

What is Green's Windmill?

Green's Windmill and Science Centre is a 19 Century restored windmill, museum and science learning centre. Entry to the grounds is free.

The interactive Science Centre tells the story of George Green, a mathematical genius whose work led to many modern day inventions.

Find out what's on all year round

How to Find Green's Windmill & Science Centre

Lakeside Arts at Highfields Park

Green's Windmill & Science Centre

A perfect day for the whole family - with a boating lake, playground, adventure golf, gallery and theatre.

Exhibitions change regularly and until Sunday 4 January 2026 you can see the wonderful Quiver exhibition with works from Kate MccGwire. She uses ethically sourced birds’ feathers to create extraordinary and beautiful sculptures.

Find out what's on at Lakeside Arts

Lakeside Arts website

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Green's Windmill & Science Centre

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Spend the day at Wollaton Hall & Deer Park with all the activities on offer! There are walks around the Lake and playgrounds to explore.

Visit the ‘Discovering Dinosaurs’ Gallery exhibiting three dinosaurs: a full-sized Tyrannosaurus rex that is 12 meters in length, a Lufengosaurus,and an Oviraptor, plus three non-dinosaur specimens:

Plesiosaur, Ichthyosaur and Pteranodon, and many other specimens that help visitors understand the evolution of the Dinosaurs.

There is now a new Rover Ticket

covering Wollaton Hall, Nottingham Castle and Newstead Abbey.

Wollaton Hall website

Newstead Abbey, Bryon 200

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Byron 200 is a varied programme of exhibitions, events and activities that celebrate the sensational life and legacy of Lord Byron through the year, focussed at Newstead Abbey, his inspirational home.

There is now a new Rover Ticket

covering Wollaton Hall, Nottingham Castle and Newstead Abbey.

Newstead Abbey WEBSITE

Nottingham Castle

Newstead Abbey, Bryon 200

National Justice Museum

Adults: £15.60, Kids Go Free (15 yrs & under, 3 children per paid adult) Buy tickets

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.

There is now a new Rover Ticket

covering Wollaton Hall, Nottingham Castle and Newstead Abbey.

Nottingham Castle website

National Justice Museum

Newstead Abbey, Bryon 200

National Justice Museum

Adults, £12.05 Children £9..65 (U5s free)

Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children £39.60

The National Justice Museum is a former Victorian courtroom, prison and police station. Visitors can explore the cells, exhibits and take part in immersive workshops and installations. It gives an insight into the history of crime and the law and helps visitors engage with contemporary issues of social justice. There are activities for families during holiday periods.

National Justice Museum website

Pre-school - under 5s

Nottingham Contemporary: We are Wonderlings

Nottingham Contemporary

Early Years - sensory workshops

Free, booking required

Mon 6 Oct, 10 Nov & 15 Dec 2025

You and your little one can explore the world through sensory free play, in a safe and stimulating environment. Each session is themed to make every visit special.

From babes in arms, to bum shufflers, snoozers and movers, there are workshops for different age categories, just so we can focus on those important developmental stages.

Find out more and book

National Literacy Trust

Nottingham Contemporary: We are Wonderlings

National Literacy Trust - Nottingham Hub

Find out more about the activities and resources available from the National Literacy Trusts's Nottingham hub.

Their city-wide initiative is supported by Nottingham City Council and Small Steps Big Changes, and is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Nottingham Hub Website

Circus Hub: Circus Tiddlers

Nottingham Contemporary: We are Wonderlings

Circus Hub: Circus Tiddlers

Carers & babies, 6 weeks – 4 years (£10)

Occasional sessions, check the website for future dates.

Join circus, ariel play and exploration sessions with the Circus Hub & Rainbow Stripes. A sensory experience for babies and toddlers, using an ariel hammock and bright, colourful circus toys. Music, movement and songs, yoga and gentle ariel play for carers and under 5’s.

Book through Circus Hub website

Regular Youth Theatre groups

New Art Exchange: YARD Young People's Theatre

a group of young actors pose for the camera

Younger Yard Ages 8-12 yrs. Term time. Free.

Weds 5, 12, 19 & 26 Nov, 3 & 10 Dec 2025 and 7, 14, 21 and 28 Jan 2026

Older Yard Ages 13-18 yrs. Term time. Free.

Thurs 6, 13, 20 & 27 Nov, 4 & 11 Dec 2025 , 8, 15, 22 & 29 Jan 2026

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.

Open to all. Email yard@nae.org.uk to find out more.

Nottingham Playhouse: Theatre Groups

New Art Exchange: YARD Young People's Theatre

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.

Music

Nottingham Music Hub: Ensembles

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.

Find out more

Circle of Light 5

Nottingham Music Hub: Ensembles

Find out more about Circle of Light - an award winning grassroots creative community of young people who are using their skills and personal experiences to reimagine the future of the music industry. Funded by Youth Music, they bring together musicians and creatives to collaborate and make cool music, put on awesome events and support each other. With the support of industry professionals, Circle of Light are carving pathways that will make the music industry more accessible and more inclusive.

Circle of Light website

Art

New Art Exchange: Saturday Arts Club

All Souls Community Centre: Build Create Play

Suitable for ages 4-7 (0-10 welcome)

Sat 18, 1 & 22 Nov (all 10-1pm) 6 Dec 2025 (9-1pm) Free

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.

Contact: Ismail Khokon

Book now

All Souls Community Centre: Build Create Play

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.

Sherwood Young Artists

All Souls Community Centre: Build Create Play

Sherwood Young Artists

Times and days vary depending on age range, Ages 7 - 18

£6 per class

Sherwood Young Artists is an art school that runs weekly classes in Sherwood, Nottingham. The classes develop skills in a full range of different artistic materials and techniques, to complete Explore, Bronze, Silver and Gold Arts Awards.

Plus there are lots of opportunities for young people to become Arts leaders, creating exhibitions for 'Sherwood Art Week', 'Nottingham Light Night', and 'The Hartley Creatives'.

Find out more

Creative Writing, Reading and Literature

My Storytelling Scrapbook

Writing East Midlands: Nottingham Young Writers

Nottingham City Libraries for Families

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.

Find out more

Nottingham City Libraries for Families

Writing East Midlands: Nottingham Young Writers

Nottingham City Libraries for Families

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 website

Writing East Midlands: Nottingham Young Writers

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.

Find out more

Dance

Jump Start

Circus Hub - Youth Aerial Classes

Fabric, iC4C, 2 Dakeyne St

Jump Start: 7-11 yrs

Mondays, 4.15pm – 5.15pm (Term-time)

Sessions £3/ or £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.

Find out more

Circus Hub - Youth Aerial Classes

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.

Find out more

Wellbeing

Empowering Your Young People

young men stand to attention military style

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.

Base 51: Outburst

Ages 11-21 yrs, Wednesdays 4-7pm

The Lounge, Broadway Cinema, Free

Whether it’s with help understanding your new feelings or learning about LGBTQIA+ equality and sexual health OutBurst is 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.

Base 51: Young Leaders

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.

Base 51: Art in Mind

Base 51: Young Leaders

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

Find out more

The Wolfpack Project

Base 51: Art in Mind

The Wolfpack Project

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.

Find out more

Young Creative Awards and Connecting Notts

Young Creative Awards 2025

ENTRIES for 2025 have now closed. The Awards ceremony will take place on 4th June at Nottingham Playhouse!

There are 10 categories of awards and 3 age groups, 11-15; 16 - 18 and 19-24.

Check out the online Masterclasses, brought to you by past Winners!

YCA Website

Connecting Notts - Youth Cultural Partnership

Connecting Notts (16-25 yrs)

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.

Find out more at www.connectingnotts.co.uk

Connecting Notts website