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:
If you're aged 14-24, take a look at the Connecting Notts website as well!
The October 2024 Parents and Carers Newsletter is full of creative opportunities over the autumn half term holidays.
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.
Young Creatives Nottingham (11-24 yrs)
Entries for the Young Creative Awards 2025 have now opened, entries need to be received by 24 March 2025. There are 10 categories of awards to choose from;
Some of the category criteria have been updated and there is new guidance about the use of AI. Take a look at the website below.
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.
The next meeting is Saturday 23 November 1-4pm at Lakeside Arts. This is open to anyone who wants to find more, it would be good opportunity to come along a give the group a try!
Sign up: Saturday 23 November 2024, 1pm-4pm
The childrens' Robin Hood trail can be started from any location. Find all the hidden Robin Hood characters in the city!
Maps are available from –
Download the It’s in Nottingham app
Get social, follow @itsinnottingham and use #robinhoodnottingham
Lakeside Arts
A perfect day for the whole family - with a boat lake, playground, adventure golf, gallery and theatre - Lakeside Arts offers a varied programrme for all ages.
This autumn there's an amazing new exhibition in the Djanogly Gallery - Paula Rego and Grayson Perry - and check out the family arts programme on their website.
Wollaton Hall & Deer Park
Spend the day at Wollaton Hall with all the activities on offer!
With amazing natural history exhibits and a beautiful park and lake to explore, Wollaton Hall is a much-loved place for many famillies and children in Nottingham.
Newstead Abbey
Bryon 200
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.
Nottingham Castle and Grounds
Adults: £15.60, 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. Buy tickets
Nottingham Contemporary
Early Years - sensory workshops
Free, Oct - Dec 2024
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.
Tuesdays 10.30-11.30am
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 - 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Suitable for ages 4-7 (0-10 WELCOME)
Contact michael@nae.org.uk
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'.
Fortnightly - Saturdays, 10am-12noon
11 - 17yr olds
£50 for all 4 sessions or £14 per session (*please enquire if cost is a barrier.)
Artists Jane Stockley and Elaine Winter will lead these sessions to help develop techniques, skills and creative confidence. Great to support the skills needed for GCSE (and A level) art but equally can be attended just for enjoyment and a creative outlet.
You can either block book all sessions for £50 or book onto individual sessions for £14 per session.
28 September: Drawing
12 October: Painting with Watercolours
9 November: Printmaking
23 November: Mixed Media
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, iC4C, 2 Dakeyne St
Jump Start: 7-11 yrs
Mondays, 4.15pm – 5.15pm
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.
.
Fabric: iC4C, 2 Dakeyne St
Little Movers: 0-5 yrs
Fridays, 10am-11am
27th Sept - Fri 6th Dec 2024
£5/ or £3 (community offer for those living in or attending primary schools in Sneinton or St Anns.)
Fun and creative movement sessions for 0 to 5 yr olds and their adults. Slip, slide and hide and explore sensory experiences with objects, textures, sounds, stories, and more. Each Friday brings a new adventure; a safe space for you and your children’s imaginations to run wild.
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.
Young Hustlers is a vibrant music and arts festival held annually since 2017 in the heart of Nottingham's Sneinton Market. Young people and families immerse themselves in a world of creativity, offering a platform to enjoy and create music and art alongside talented local artists.
Taking place across multiple indoor and outdoor venues, the festival features a mix of live performances, interactive workshops, and energetic parties.
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.
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 trams also have 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.
Copyright © 2024 ChalleNGe Nottingham - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy
We use cookies to analyse website traffic and optimise your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. Privacy Policy