Summer holiday top picks

Summer holiday top picks!

Make the most of the summer holiday with our top picks of events and activities taking place!

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Adventures at Mill Waters

Location: Mill Waters, King’s Mill Reservoir, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 4PA

Unforgettable experiences for all ages high above Mill Waters! Adventures await on the shore of King's Mill Reservoir, Sutton-in-Ashfield with fun activities for all the family.

Find out more on the Adventures website

Holme Pierrepont County Park

At Holme Pierrepont Country Park you can enjoy an exciting day out or short break for all the family, from adrenaline-pumping activities through to family-friendly fun, nestled amongst 270 acres of beautiful parkland. 

There are activities for everyone to enjoy, from thrill-seekers to those looking for a family adventure outdoors, both on and off the water. Check out the Outdoor Adventure Zone and the Lagoon hosting various water sport activities including White Water Rapids.

Find out more on the Holme Pierrepont Country Park website.

Inspire at Nottinghamshire Libraries

Location: Various libraries across Nottinghamshire

Our libraries have a wide range of activities to help you have a fun filled break. Take a look at what's taking place over the holidays, including FREE fabulous family activities suitable for all.

See what's happening across Inspire or find regular events at your local library.

Summer Reading Challenge: Story Garden

All Inspire Libraries.

FREE. 

5 July 2025 to 7 September 2025

This summer, Nottinghamshire libraries are tapping into a world of imagination through reading, fantasy and the magical world of storytelling to celebrate nature and the great outdoors.

The challenge invites children aged 4 to 11, to read six or more library books over the summer.  There are stickers to collect along the way and a medal and certificate for every child who completes the challenge.   

Find your nearest library and more information about the challenge.

The Quest for Planet P

Presented by Knotted Hawk Productions.

11 Inspire Libraries.

22 August 2025 to 17 August 2025.

£4 library members. £7 non-library members.

A brand new, interactive dance theatre show for children aged 4 to 9 and their grown-ups.

Follow Ozmo & Orbi, two brave little aliens, as they set off on an amazing journey to find the perfect planet! A heartfelt, dynamic and inspiring story about fighting for the planet we love.

Find out dates and book online.

Create your own comic with Allen Fatimaharan

£3. FREE for accompanying adults.

Join Allen Fatimaharan, award winning illustrator, for a fun visual storytelling and character design workshop.

Allen will share top tips to help you draw your own characters, before using those characters to create your own one-page action packed comic! For ages 7 to 10.

Snails of the Unexpected with Terrie Chilvers

Join children’s author Terrie Chilvers for a chapter reading of her book about shapeshifting snails, followed by a bug quiz, storytelling mission and papercrafts. Suitable for ages 5+ and their families.

Seed Family Workshops

12 Inspire Libraries.

9 August 2025 to 6 September 2025

FREE but booking is essential.

Join sculptor Michelle Reader and poet Leanne Moden, Inspire’s Artist and Author in Residence, to draw, create and write about bizarre and fantastical plants.

Grow your imagination to create a magical seed packet, recycled sculpture or story to take home with you! For ages 7+ and their families.

Find out dates and more information.

Mrs Armitage on Wheels

Presented by Scoot Theatre and Farnham Maltings.

Mansfield Central Library.

Sunday 10 August, 11:30am and 1:30pm.

£4 library members. £7 non-library members.

Adapted from Quentin Blake’s classic tale, Scoot Theatre present a 40-minute interactive, energetic show. Featuring live music, puppetry and physical comedy.

Find out more and book your tickets.

LNRS photo competition

FREE.

Closing date for entries is 29 August 2025.

Take part in a nature photography competition this summer, in support of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

Capture your favourite habitats and wildlife in Nottinghamshire and you could win a luxury stay for three at Holme Pierrepont Country Park and the winning photograph will be featured on the front cover of the LNRS! 

Find out more about the competition and the LNRS.

Notts Outdoors

Location: Various locations

Notts Outdoors is our outdoor and environmental education service all about discovering the great outdoors, having fun and making memories to last a lifetime. Centres are located around Nottinghamshire and in the beautiful Peak District, each offering something unique and different.

Find more details and booking information on the Notts Outdoors website

The Mill Adventure Base holiday club

Looking for a holiday club with a difference? At The Mill Adventure Base, your child will get to try exciting new activities, learn new skills, and make new friends, all while having fun!

Suitable for school years 3 to 8, weekdays (not including Bank holidays) during half term.

Find out more and book.

Teens Holiday Club

4 August 2025 to 8 August 2025.

Brand new for summer 2025, the Teens Holiday Club has been specially designed for young adventurers aged 13 to 16. Your teen can enjoy an unforgettable week of outdoor exploration, confidence-building, and friendship-making in the breath-taking Peak District and on our reservoir.

This is a fantastic opportunity for your teen to get outdoors and try something new in a safe, supportive environment.

Find out more and book now.

Rufford Abbey Country Park

Location: Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9DF

Set in beautiful parkland, Rufford Abbey offers over 870 years of history, from its origins as a 12th-century Cistercian monastery to its period as a Jacobean-era family home. There is plenty to explore; with walks through the native woodlands, a lake and gardens plus events to enjoy. 

Time Travel Trail

19 July 2025 to 2 September 2025, 10am to 3pm.

£3 per trail sheet.

Travel through the centuries as you explore the park, meeting characters from different eras along the way. Each stop on the trail brings a new surprise as history comes to life before your eyes.

It’s a playful, interactive way to learn about the past while enjoying a great day out.

Simply pick up your trail sheet and prize from the Courtyard Gift Shop.

Professor Temple’s Punch and Judy

Every Tuesday, 22 July 2025 to 26 August 2025, 12pm to 4pm.

FREE.

This much-loved traditional puppet show returns with fresh touches that will delight children and families alike. The show will take place on the lawn near the Abbey Kitchen Restaurant.

Summer White Post Wednesday

Every Wednesday, 23 July 2025 to 27 August 2025, 10am to 3pm.

£3.50 per child.

Visit Rufford for an enchanting experience with White Post Farm!

Meet lots of charming creatures including mice, guinea pigs, bunnies, snakes, lizards, and even some fascinating creepy crawlies. The knowledgeable animal handlers from White Post Farm will be on hand to answer any questions, and make sure that visitors and animals are having a great time!

Purchase your tickets on the day of your visit from Visitor Information.

For more information on all these events, visit the Rufford Abbey Country Park website.

SEND activities

Location: Various locations

The SEND local offer website has a number of SEND activities in and around Nottinghamshire. From arts and crafts to days out and support groups, there is plenty on offer for all ages.

To find things to do, visit the Notts Help yourself website 

Sherwood Forest

Location: Sherwood Forest NNR, Edwinstowe, NG21 9RN

Sherwood Forest is bursting with things for all the family to enjoy. Find out more about events and how to book on the Sherwood Forest website.

Archery Adventures with Robin and Marian

Outlaw Medieval Archery Range, Sherwood Forest.

Join Robin Hood and Lady Marian for an archery adventure in the heart of Sherwood Forest. This exciting family activity is an opportunity to learn all about Medieval archery and receive private tuition from this legendary couple.

A session includes a 1-hour private lesson using an assortment of bows and plenty of photo opportunities with Robin and Marian. Children under 13 will also receive a small gift as part of the experience.

Look at available dates and find out about all events in Sherwood Forest.

Robin Hood Festival

Now in its 39th year, the annual festival celebrating Robin Hood, Maid Marian and their merry band is back! Each weekend throughout the summer, enjoy exciting activities at Sherwood Forest, the home of our legendary outlaw.

Films in the Forest

25 July 2025 to 27 July 2025

Sherwood Forest’s outdoor cinema returns for an exciting weekend with six films to choose from. Showings of Disney’s Robin Hood, Tangled and a Knight’s Tale plus others are on all weekend.

The Knights Ride in Once More

2 August 2025 to 3 August 2025

The fabulous knights of Nottingham Medieval Jousting Display team headline the show, with twice daily performances in the main arena. There are plenty of things to watch and do including the Medieval Maniax, falconry, the Danger Show, magic shows, and much more.

Fantasy in the Greenwood

9 August 2025 to 10 August 2025

Mystical and mythical witchers and fearsome orcs are back in Sherwood for a wonderful weekend this summer.

Enjoy the Academy of the Wolf to learn combat, monster theory, and potion making; take part in an orc bootcamp; watch a fire-breathing show and lots more.

Grand Finale

23 August 2025 – 25 August 2025

The Grand Finale Weekend is three days of fun, concluding on Bank Holiday Monday! 

There are plenty of performances including the Sherwood Outlaws, Medieval Maniax, Go Active Falconry, and lots more!

Find out more about all the events happening part of the Robin Hood Festival.

Backpack hire

If you have a budding young explorer who loves nature but needs the gear to go in search of wildlife, Sherwood Forest offer backpacks for hire for just £4 a day.