School holiday top picks
Make the most of the school holiday with our top picks of events and activities taking place across the county.
On this page
- Creswell Crags
- Walk Notts Festival
- Holme Pierrepont Country Park and National Watersports Centre
- Inspire at Nottinghamshire Libraries
- Notts Help Yourself
- Rufford Abbey Country Park
- SEND activities
- Sherwood Forest
- Adventures
Creswell Crags
Location: Creswell Crags Museum and Heritage Centre, Crags Road, Welbeck, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3LH
Walk in the footsteps of early humans and woolly mammoths through a dramatic gorge. Marvel at the Ice Age rock art still visible in extraordinary caves. And enjoy exploring amongst the timeless beauty of the woodland, meadow, and reflective lake.
Find out what's on and book on the Creswell Crags website.
Walk Notts Festival
Walk Notts Festival is a month-long celebration of walking across Nottinghamshire, showcasing the benefits of getting outdoors, exploring local routes and connecting with others.
During May half-term, families, individuals and community groups can get involved by joining guided walks, trying themed or beginner-friendly routes, and taking part in special half-term activities designed to help people discover new places at a relaxed pace.
There are also opportunities to support the festival by volunteering, leading a walk, or simply sharing your favourite local routes and experiences to inspire others to get walking.
Find out more about Walk Notts Festival events
Holme Pierrepont County Park
Location: Adbolton Lane, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham NG12 2LU
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.
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.
First Spin DJ Workshop
This hands-on DJ workshop is designed for complete beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of mixing and using DJ equipment. The session will introduce the basics of beatmatching, track selection and how DJs build a set, with the chance to get behind the decks and try mixing for yourself.
- Mansfield Library
- Wednesday 27 May 2026
- 10am to 2pm
- Free - Booking is required
Take part in the InspiRead 2026 Book Awards!
Our librarians have shortlisted their favourite recently published books for this year’s InspiRead book awards, with brilliant books for readers of all ages.
Taking part in InspiRead is a great way to encourage children to read for pleasure during the National Year of Reading, and to include parents, grandparents, carers, teachers, and anyone who enjoys a good read to get involved. There’s no better time to #GoAllIn!
Start reading right now and vote one, two or all three categories -
Picture Books, Shorter Books and Longer Books.
Readers have until Friday 26 June to send us their votes!
Notts Help Yourself
Notts Help Yourself hosts a range of activities and ideas for all the family, including:
- baby groups
- parent and toddler groups
- local parks and pay areas
- family days out
- soft/indoor play areas
Find things to do with Notts Help Yourself
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.
See what's on at Rufford Abbey Country Park
White Post Wednesdays
Meet a variety of friendly and charming creatures including mice, guinea pigs, bunnies, snakes and lizards, plus some fascinating creepy crawlies.
Purchase your tickets on the day of your visit from the visitor information centre. There is no need to book in advance for this event.
- Wednesday 27 May 2026
- 10am to 3pm
- Rufford Abbey Country Park
- £3.50 per child
SEND activities
Location: Various locations
The SEND local offer website has listings for 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 Your Notts Directory 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.
For more information on your upcoming visit to Sherwood Forest, visit the Plan Your Visit page.
Forest Fun Activity Booklet
Full of family-friendly seasonal activities, our booklet will get you to look at your surroundings in a different way, get your brain working with some tricky trivia, and get the creative juices flowing.
- Daily until Friday 31 July
- 10am to 4pm
- Price: £3.50 per booklet - and includes a Sherwood Forest pencil as a souvenir of your visit.
Adventures
Location: Mill Waters, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 4PA
Adventures await at Mill Waters with fun for all ages.
Enjoy high-flying excitement by King’s Mill Reservoir, with High Trek Plus, the Net Park, a 100m zip line, and The Drop into an airbag. Take to the water with pedalos, kayaks, and paddleboards, perfect for all skill levels.
Find out more on the Adventures website.
Ready for an adventure?
Open weekends and every day during May half term (23 to 31 May).
Pick your adventure – or try them all!
- High Trek Plus – Climb, balance and zip your way around our high ropes course at 6m and 10m high. Packed with exciting obstacles and aerial thrills.
- Zip Line Experience – Take the leap and soar 100m through the air before landing with a bounce on our giant airbag.
- Net Park – Bounce, climb and explore our giant netted playground – perfect for younger adventurers (and the young at heart!).
Make it a bigger adventure! - book two or more activities and use code SAVE5 to get £5 off.
