Summer holidays in Nottingham — top family-friendly events, plus activities across the county
Theatre, festivals, walks, and more...
Looking for things to do with the kids over the summer holidays in Nottingham? There are so many fun events happening around the county.
The Morris Girls’ Gemma Morris has hand-picked her top five. She has two daughters and picks family-friendly events out for her own social pages and website, so she knows what to look for in terms of entertainment and value for money. We have also put together a list of activities happening in different areas.
If you’re looking for days out with the kids and summer events in Nottingham, there are plenty of options here. For more guides and features, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
5 of the best summer holiday events around Nottingham
By Gemma Morris from The Morris Girls
1. Robin Hood Festival
When: July 25-August 25
Where: Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe
How much: Free entry, films and some activities ticketed, £15 per car special event parking
Introduce the family to the rebellious spirit of our county’s famous outlaw by taking them to this festival. It kicks off with Films in the Forest, which includes family-friendly favourites Tangled (July 26) and Disney’s Robin Hood (July 27). After this, most August weekends hold a different event, with The Knights Ride In Once More from August 2-3, Fantasy in the Greenwood from August 9-10, and the Grand Finale with the Sherwood Outlaws and Knight School from August 23-25.
Do if: You’re looking to fill a summer holiday weekend or two with a thrilling adventure.
2. Summer Holiday Trail
When: July 28-August 31
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: £3 per trail sheet, £3 parking
This is always a hit with my girls on a sunny day. We find this to be a low-cost day out, as parking is only £3 all day and trail sheets cost £3 each. Children can select a toy prize at the end — I’d even go as far as saying the trail prizes at Thoresby have been the best we’ve received with any trail we’ve done! There are refreshment options in the courtyard, or you can pack a picnic. If it’s warm, we always take swimwear for a paddle in the stream. Plus, you can buy fishing nets in the shop or take along your own.
Do if: You’d like to get some steps in.
3. Panto in the Park
When: August 12, 18, and 28
Where: Kings Park, Retford
How much: Free entry
I absolutely love to share free events, and this has been one of my favourite summer freebies previously. There are three performances to choose from by TaleGate Theatre: The Snow Queen on August 12, The Frog Prince on August 18, and Beauty and the Beast on August 29. Grab a picnic blanket, pack a picnic and make a day out of it. There’s a play area, a skate park, and a splash park at Kings Park too, so there is plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Do if: You’re looking for theatre fun that won’t break the bank.
4. Nottingham Baby and Toddler Festival
When: August 16
Where: Haydn Road Pavilion and Sports Ground, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
This is a new and exciting event for 2025! In March, I was delighted to win the Community Champion award at the Nottingham Baby and Toddler Community Awards, and I really believe in connecting families around the county. At this event, the little ones will be able to enjoy rides, inflatables, arts and crafts, stalls, meet-and-greets, plus much more. For grown-ups, there will be parent talks, well-being sessions and a pop-up photographer capturing special family moments. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance.
Do if: You’d like to meet more local families outside of school.
nottinghambabytoddlerevent.co.uk
5. Gloworm Festival
When: August 8-10
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: Day tickets £66pp adult, £55pp child, £231 family ticket, weekend and camping options available
We love Gloworm — we’ve been going there since our nine-year-old was nine-months-old! This year Gloworm is back at Thoresby Park, and you can expect a weekend of pure family fun. We love that once inside all activities are free, including the fairground rides (up until 5pm), meaning that you can budget your spending without compromising on the fun. Expect to see TV faves like Justin Fletcher and Andy and the Oddsocks, plus meet and greets with your little one’s favourite characters like Bing, Bluey and Hey Duggee.
Do if: You want to give your family a special treat.
@the.morris.girls
facebook.com/the-morris-girls-family-friendly-events-in-and-around-Notts
More summer holiday events around Nottingham
Ashfield: Ashfield Show 2025, August 8-10, Sutton Lawn, free entry ashfield.gov.uk
Beeston: Beeston Music Festival, August 9, Beeston Football Club, from £27.20 adult, from £17.30pp child skiddle.com
Farnsfield: What’s the Buzz, July 26-August 31, White Post Farm, included in admission from £14.45pp adult, from £14pp child whitepostfarm.co.uk
Mansfield: The Full Shebang Festival, September 6, Mansfield Town Centre, free entry firstart.org.uk
Newstead: Midsummer Medieval Madness Fun Days, August 6, 14, and 21, Newstead Abbey, walkers £2, car £7 newsteadabbey.org.uk
Nottingham: Summer Family Activities, July 29-August 21, Nottingham Contemporary, free entry but booking essential nottinghamcontemporary.org
Southwell: Summer of Sherwood, July 24-September 4, Southwell Minster, suggested donations from £2 southwellminster.org
Sneinton: Games Day, August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, Green’s Windmill, free entry greensmill.org.uk
West Bridgford: Lark in the Park, August 6, Bridgford Park, free entry rushcliffe.gov.uk
Worksop: Summer of Play, July 19-September 7, Clumber Park, included in admission £6pp adult £3pp child nationaltrust.org.uk
🤳 Keep up with us on socials on Instagram and TikTok
✉️ Send stories such as press releases and feature ideas to editor@thenottsedit.com
💰 Want to feature your business in The Notts Edit? Email Eve Smallman at editor@thenottsedit.com for a chat
☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words