Pink background with a wildflower pattern and two bees flying into the graphic. Text is white on a pink background and says May half term top picks.

Half term holiday top picks!

Make the most of half term with our top picks of events and activities taking place!

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

At Adventures, you can discover high-flying excitement for all ages! Take on High Trek or High Trek Plus, or bounce your way through the half term on the Net Park!

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.

Virtual Reality Library

Worksop, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and Beeston Libraries.

FREE. Just drop in.

Come and experience mind blowing virtual reality content at your local library this May. Drop in, pop on a headset, and embark on some immersive experiences. Suitable for ages 10+.

For dates and more information, visit the Inspire website.

Children's author visit: Tom McLaughlin

Mansfield Central Library - Tuesday 27 May, 10:30am.
Worksop Library - Tuesday 27 May, 2pm.

£3. FREE for accompanying adults.

Hear Tom McLaughlin talk all things comic book related. The author of Alan, King of the Universe will be reading from his new book as well as doing live drawing and talking about his experiences of being a dyslexic author. Suitable for ages 6+.

Visit the Inspire website to book now.

Ollerton Then and Now artist workshop

Newark Library - Wednesday 28 May, 10am.

FREE. Drop in.

Drop in and join a fun, interactive artist workshop with Edwina Kung. Collaboratively create art maps inspired by historical local maps exploring mark-making, layering, colour and pattern.

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

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 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.

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.

The Stalls Market

Sunday 25 May, 10am to 3pm.

Visit Rufford Abbey and explore "The Stalls" - an exclusive street food and makers market, held monthly from March until September.

Browse an array of stalls including skilled makers, bakers, street food chefs, brewers, illustrators, designers, and creators. The market is thoughtfully curated to present a diverse selection of artisans and culinary experts, so there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Free entry, regular car parking charges apply.

Spring White Post Wednesday

Wednesday 28 May, 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 and 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.

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.

Gathering of the North

Saturday 24 May to Monday 26 May, 10am to 4pm.

Step back to the time of Robin Hood for a thrilling weekend of jousts, hand to hand combat, and so much more. Try your hand at archery or axe-throwing, take part in craft workshops to learn Medieval techniques, and visit the trader village, which could have been transported straight out of the Middle Ages.

Free event. Special event £10 parking charge applies.