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.
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.
Nottingham Castle
Lakeside Arts at Highfields Park
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.
Lakeside Arts at Highfields Park
Lakeside Arts at Highfields Park
Lakeside Arts at Highfields Park
A perfect day for the whole family - with a boating lake, playground, adventure golf, gallery and theatre.
Newstead Abbey
Lakeside Arts at Highfields Park
National Justice Museum
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.
National Justice Museum
Lakeside Arts at Highfields Park
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.
Pre-school - under 5s
Fabric: Making Moves - Regular Sessions
Thursdays, 10-11am
Restarts September 2026!
Fabric, Space 2, 2 Dakeyne St. NG3 2AR
£5 per family
Making Moves is a fun early years dance and movement sessions for 0-5 year olds and their grown-ups. An interactive creative space to nurture curiosity and imagination using music, stories, and sensory props to inspire movement and play.
These themed sessions are SEND-friendly and inclusive of all abilities. Feel the music, express yourself, and have fun in a welcoming space! Classes are led by Dance Artist, Tina Carter.
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
National Literacy Trust
National Literacy Trust
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.
Theatre
Nottingham Playhouse: Theatre Groups
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.
Open Air Theatre
July - September
Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Park & Newstead Abbey
For ages 5+
£14 - £60
Enjoy a summer of outdoor theatre at three of Nottingham's most iconic heritage venues. From Shakespeare and family favourites to comedy adventures and classic tales, there's something for all ages to enjoy under the open sky.
Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or chair, and experience live theatre in beautiful surroundings throughout the summer.
Find out more about events at Wollaton Hall, Nottingham Castle, and Newstead Abbey
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.
Circle of Light 6
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.
Art
After School Play Sessions with the Toy Library at Primary
After School Play Sessions with the Toy Library at Primary
After School Play Sessions with the Toy Library at Primary
Wednesdays, 3.30–5.30pm (during term-time)
Primary Playground
Free. Sign up to join the Toy Library on arrival.
Free weekly drop-in play sessions running on Wednesdays after school in term time. Join play workers for adventurous outdoor play, art, crafts, games and forest school activities.
These sessions are open to children and young people aged 5–13 years old. Younger children should be accompanied by a carer. Membership forms for the Toy Library must be completed for young people to stay and play. For more information, contact The Toy Library: 0115 9753898
Access Information
These sessions will take place outdoors, all areas have level access. See the Visit Us page and AccessAble for more information. In the event of rain, the sheltered area will be used - but sessions may be cancelled in extreme bad weather. Please contact admin@weareprimary.org with any questions or access needs.
Sherwood Young Artists
After School Play Sessions with the Toy Library at Primary
After School Play Sessions with the Toy Library at Primary
Times and days vary depending on age range, Ages 5 - 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'.
Summer Holiday Family Activities: Wonder Worlds
Summer Holiday Family Activities: Wonder Worlds
Summer Holiday Family Activities: Wonder Worlds
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm
Tuesday 28 July - Thursday 20 August
Nottingham Contemporary
Suitable for ages 4-12 (all ages welcome)
Free (booking required)
Get creative this summer at Nottingham Contemporary's Family Holiday Activities: Wonder Worlds. Families are invited to make, play and explore together through imaginative, artist-led activities inspired by the gallery's exhibitions. The drop-in sessions encourage creativity, curiosity and hands-on discovery!
Lower-stimulation Sensory SEND sessions take place on Wednesday afternoons from 1pm – 3pm for children with SEND and their families. Spaces are limited, so advance booking is recommended
Free Family Drawing Workshops
Summer Holiday Family Activities: Wonder Worlds
Summer Holiday Family Activities: Wonder Worlds
Lakeside Arts, Angear Visitor Centre
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
50 minute sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.15pm, 2.15pm
Tuesday 4 - Thursday 20 August
Suitable for all ages
Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or love to draw regularly, everyone is welcome at these fun, creative sessions, designed for families to enjoy together, with guidance and inspiration from Lakeside's experienced artists.
The Wednesday workshops are designed as SEND-friendly sessions, offering a calmer and more relaxed environment for children and families who may benefit from additional support.
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.
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.
Writing East Midlands: Nottingham Young Writers
Writing East Midlands: Nottingham Young Writers
Ages 9-17 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.
Read to the Beat - Summer Reading Challenge 2026
Read to the Beat - Summer Reading Challenge 2026
Saturday 4th July - Saturday 5th September
Nottingham City Libraries
All ages
Free
The Summer Reading Challenge returns this year with the theme Read to the Beat, encouraging children to discover the links between stories and music!
Children can sign up at their local library, complete six reading goals and collect rewards as they go. Everyone who completes the challenge receives a medal and certificate, making it a fantastic way to keep reading over the summer holidays.
Summer Book Giveaway
Read to the Beat - Summer Reading Challenge 2026
Summer Book Giveaway
Throughout Summer Holidays
Nottingham City Libraries
All ages
Free
Throughout the summer holidays, Literacy Champions will be hiding special postcards in everyday places across the city - from bus stops and playgrounds to community centres and local landmarks. Each postcard is a golden ticket!
If your family finds one, take it to any participating Nottingham City library and choose a free book to take home and keep. It couldn't be simpler!
And to celebrate the National Year of Reading, this year they'll have books for adults to take home too!
Dance
Fabric Dance Sessions
Fabric, iC4C, 2 Dakeyne St
Fabric offers fun, inclusive dance sessions for children and young people:
Making Moves, Ages 0–5 – Creative movement and play using music, stories and sensory props. SEND-friendly and for children and their grown-ups.
Jump Start, Ages 7–11 – Fun, creative sessions to explore movement, build confidence and develop dance skills.
Get Set, Ages 11–16 – Creative dance sessions for young people to develop their skills, express themselves and connect with others.
Visit Fabric’s website for dates, times and booking information.
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.
Workshops
Free Skateboarding Coaching Sessions
Free Skateboarding Coaching Sessions
Free Skateboarding Coaching Sessions
Every Sunday from 2nd August - 30th August - 11:30-1:30pm
Pasture Road Skatepark, Stapleford, NG9 8GS
7+ years old
We’re pleased to announce the spring/summer programme of skateboard coaching events at Stapleford skatepark, in partnership with Broxtowe Borough Council.
Come along and drop in, whether you’ve never stepped on a skateboard before, or whether you’d like to learn new tricks with a team of talented skateboard coaches! Skateboards & helmets available to borrow.
A Very Victorian Summer
Free Skateboarding Coaching Sessions
Free Skateboarding Coaching Sessions
Saturday 25th July - Sunday 30th August
National Justice Museum
All ages
Free
Get ready for a very Victorian summer at The National Justice Museum, with a range of family-friendly and exciting creative workshops!
There’ll be different activities every day, all free and open to all ages.
All free activities are included with your museum ticket.
Brierley’s Dark Museum: Monday – Sunday (10am-4:30pm)
Victorian Forensic Science: Monday – Sunday (10am-4:30pm)
Narrow Marsh Trail: Monday – Sunday (10am-4:30pm)
Work in Prison craft sessions: Tuesdays from 28/07/26 – 25/08/26 (11am-3:30pm)
Object Handling: Thursdays from 30/07/26 – 27/08/26 (11am-1pm)
Wellbeing
Empowering Your Young People
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
Different locations, 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.
Contact: outburst@base51.org.uk
Festivals
Clifton Arts Festival
Monday 21st September - Saturday 26th September
All ages
We're excited to be working in partnership with local schools and groups in Clifton on this year's Clifton Arts Festival!
Dates have been decided and plans are underway - so please get in touch with cathy.mahmood@ntu.ac.uk if you'd like to get involved! All ideas for intergenerational projects or school projects welcome.
Young Creative Awards and Connecting Notts
Young Creative Awards 2027
ENTRIES for 2026 have now CLOSED
But don't worry, you can get involved next year!
There are 10 categories of awards and 3 age groups, 11-15; 16 - 18 and 19-24.
- Animation & Digital Media
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Design & Architecture
- Fashion & Textiles
- Film
- Graphic Design
- Music
- Photography
- Visual Arts
Check out the online Masterclasses, brought to you by past Winners!
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 with Nature
Nottingham Parks & Open Spaces
Outdoor Activity
There are lots of exciting events from mini-beast hunts to well-being walks this Spring to enjoy Nottingham’s beautiful parks. Many of them are free. There are green spaces across the city with activities and events over the year.
Get back to nature and feel better in the sunshine.
Find out about all Parks events
Drop-in Gardening Sessions
Fridays from 17th April - 24th September, 12-2pm
All ages
Primary Playground (33 Seely Road, Nottingham, NG7 1NU)
Free weekly gardening sessions are back every Friday!
Get involved in gardening activities and relax in a friendly, informal social space. Learn more about growing vegetables, fruit, flowers and dye plants and gardening in urban areas.
All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Refreshments provided.
Everything Else
Community Recording Studio: Youth Sessions
Ages 12-17 Fridays, 5-7pm. Ages 8-11 Wednesdays, 5-7pm
Lowdham Street, NG3 2DP
Join in with Football, Table Tennis, Basketball, Pool, Music and Board Games.
Find out more on the CRS website!
Travel info
Plan your journey
NCT offers a Grouprider ticket which covers up to 5 people for £9. (There has to be at least 1 adult, aged 19 or over, and no more than two adults.)
NET trams also have a Group ticket for 1 or 2 adults and up to 3 children for £12.00, weekends and Monday to Friday, after 4pm. Check out all the ways you can get about in Nottingham.
