Summer Holiday Activities in Nottinghamshire

There's a peculiar feeling about the summer holidays - they can feel like they last forever, then blink and it's September again! Pry that iPad from your child's jammy hands, quell those cries of boredom and make the most of Nottinghamshire! For more fantastic events, don't forget you can browse our What's On listings too.

Click through the links for prices, dates, and more information!

F A M I L Y  F E S T I V A L S

• The annual Robin Hood Festival returns to Sherwood Forest for a whole week of entertainment and activities for all ages. Jousting, falconry displays, craft stalls and costumed characters are just a few of the features to entertain you and the family.
• The Gloworm Festival is a brilliant 2 day event especially created for "humans and their little people." Along with old school classics such as The Chuckle Brothers and stars of CBeebies to entertain the nippers, there is a great selection of bands, food stalls and interactive demonstrations for their grown ups too!
• The banks of the Trent buzz with activity once again this August at the Nottingham Riverside Festival. Expect  live music, funfair rides and street markets, along with the return of the Dragon Boat Race and a spectacular fireworks show on the Saturday night!

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O U T D O O R S

• Pack the kids off for a day of energetic adventuring on land and water at The National Water Sports Centre. Offering kayaking, E-Combat laser tag, raft building, climbing and lots more!
• Find out what's lurking in your local park by investigating the wetter world of wildlife or with mini beast hunting, at Rushcliffe Country Park. You can even learn how to build a den to keep out of their way!
• Clumber Park has some great year round cycle routes that are always worth a go. After a quick whizz round you could try your hand at cooking on a campfire & den building!
• If you fancy a go yourself, you can get the whole family involved at an Overnight Bushcraft adventure at Sherwood Pines Forest Park.
• For a truly a-maze-ing day, why not try to navigate The Maize at Kelham Hall!

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S T E P  B A C K  I N  T I M E

• A classic castle high on a hilltop, Bolsover Castle, will capture the imagination of children before they even set foot inside. Bringing history to life, this summer you can get involved in some Medieval Mayhem, become a Hero or Villain for a day, or Defend the Castle in a siege!
• Are you a fan of the Middle Ages? Kelham Hall are hosting a Jousting Weekend which will be enjoyed by kids and their Game Of Thrones obsessed parents!
• Not enough?! Even more Medieval Family Fun can be had at the Archbishop's Palace in Southwell where you can meet Robin Hood and get involved in crafts, games, trails and more.
• Moving a little forward in time, this is one to make your kids appreciate the modern age: Play Like A Victorian at The Workhouse in Southwell. Join the Pauper's Yarn Tour, make a kite and other crafts, or select fresh produce from the gardens.
• Finally, for some 20th century fun, take a visit to the 20s time capsule, that is Mr Straw's House, to discover 50 Things To Do Before You Are 11 ¾!

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C O O K I N G

Whether you want to introduce your children to healthy eating, or just get them making your dinner for once, a cooking course can feed their understanding and interest in food and preparing meals at home.

• The School of Artisan Food is a deluxe cooking school, deep in the magical Welbeck Estate. Not wanting to limit their excellent courses just to adults, they also run various children’s cooking sessions! Get the little 'uns learning Baking, Dairy (including ice-cream!) or Sausage & Burger Making.
• There will be a vast selection of goodies whipped up at Green's Windmill cooking sessions, including cookies, cupcakes, pizza and bread!

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G E T   S C I E N T I F I C

• After a few millennia under the ground a collection of Dinosaurs have sprung up at Wollaton Hall! Dinosaurs of China runs until October with some amazing exhibits, while Lakeside Arts have a great programme of dino-themed workshops and activities to accompany the exhibition.
• Mad Science takes over at Twinlakes Family Theme Park in August where you can learn to make candy floss or slime, watch shows and performances, or just enjoy the rides, slides and animal farm activities!

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T H E A T R E 

• Oh no! It's Gruffalo! And it has a child! Find out what happens next at The Gruffalo’s Child an interactive story session at Lakeside Arts.
• He's the UK's favourite pup from Nick Jr, and he's coming to Motorpoint Arena! Catch Paw Patrol come to life on stage in this musical adventure.
• A dose of nostalgia for the parents and fun for the kids at Conkers this summer with The Sooty Show, featuring Sooty and his friends Sweep and Soo! Don't forget to book your show - and stick around for the magic show after too!
• Check out the great selection of Outdoor Film & Theatre happening throughout Nottinghamshire this summer - various performances and films will be suitable for children!