What’s On This May Half Term in Nottinghamshire? | Updated for 2025
🦆 Published by Ey-Up Nottingham | Updated: May 25, 2025
It’s May half term again – the one that sneaks up right before summer but still packs a big punch when it comes to things to do. And we’ve done all the legwork for you! Whether you’re planning fun days out near Nottingham, hunting for budget-friendly adventures, or just looking for ways to keep the kids off screens for more than 10 minutes, we’ve rounded up everything happening across Nottinghamshire and near by Derbyshire this May half term (24th May – 1st June 2025).
As always, please check with the venue before setting off, as dates, times, and offers can change last minute.
Are you a local mum who loves days out with your little ones? If so we are looking for Ey-Up mums to review venues for us. In return, we will gift you tickets for your day out. Interested? Drop us an email on abbie@ey-up.co.uk
🎯 Bookmark this one – we’ll keep updating it as new events pop up!
🍃 Outdoor Adventures & Family-Friendly Trails
🧚 Fairy Tale Fun – Kedleston Hall (National Trust)
📍 DE22 5JH | 📅 24 May–1 June
£8 adults / £4 kids / £20 family
Expect trails, storytelling and magical woodland fun. Kedleston Hall (National Trust) website
🛡️ Nottingham Castle – Knights and Nobles Indoor Trail
📍 Nottingham NG1 6EL | 📅 24–26 May
💰 £15 for adults, kids go FREE with an adult
Local legend meets family fun. And you pay once, visit all year. Nottingham Castle Website
🌳 Stick Man Trail – Sherwood Pines
📍 NG21 9JL | Open all week
FREE trail, £7 parking. Activity packs extra
Kids can follow the famous Stick Man trail through the woods.
So much fun and the money goes to a fab cause. Lots more to do while there, why not take your bikes or a picnic?
Explore the trenches or play in the playground. Or why not book Go Ape for the Nets Adventure? We so need to do this next time.
🐝 Meet the Bees Trail – Calke Abbey
📍 DE73 7LE | 📅 24 May–1 June
Included in NT admission
Perfect for little bug-lovers! Clake Abbey Website
🏹 Medieval Merriment – Newstead Abbey
📍 NG15 8NA | 📅 30 May–1 June
FREE entry, £7 parking
Step into the past with characters, crafts, and costumed fun. Newstead Abbey website
🛡️ Gathering of the North – Sherwood Forest
📍 NG21 9RN | 📅 24–26 May
FREE entry, £10 parking
Expect reenactments, market stalls, and a dash of Robin Hood magic.
🐐 Farm Days & Animal Cuddles
🐓 White Post Farm – Dino Week
📍 NG22 8HL | 📅 26–30 May
£60 family / £15.95 adult / £15.50 child
Dinosaurs + farm animals = win-win. White Post Farm website
🐮 Bluebell Dairy – Highland Cow Week
📍 DE21 7BL | 📅 24 May–1 June
£13.95 kids / under 2s FREE
Don’t miss the cow-themed crafts and ice cream tasting. Bluebell Dairy Website
They always have fab events but the venue itself is great fun (Think a smaller Matlock Farm) and of course their is amazing ice cream that you must try! Go Karts are always the kids’ favourite go-to.
🐑 Floralands Farm Park – Lamb Feeding & Cuddles
📍 NG14 6EY | 📅 All week
£1 extra on top of £7 pp admission
Gentle, low-key and great for toddlers.
🎡 Theme Parks & Bigger Days Out
🎠 Wheelgate Park – Superhero & Princess Week
📍 NG22 8HX | 📅 24 May–1 June
From £16.08
Perfect mix of rides, splash zones and themed characters. Wheelgate Park website
🦖 Twin Lakes – Dino Week
📍 Melton Mowbray | 📅 24 May–1 June
From £14.55
Roarsome live dino shows, fossil digs and thrill rides. Twin Lakes Website
🎨 Crafts, Museums & Free Drop-Ins
🧶 Inspire Libraries – Crafts & VR Tours
📍 Across Notts | 📅 24–31 May
FREE (some bookable at £3)
Check your local library for Elmer Day, Where’s Wally hunts and even VR time travel.
🌈 Lakeside Arts – Luminarium + Workshops
📍 NG7 2RD | 📅 24 May–1 June
From £6.50
From fabric sculptures to needlepoint and immersive art bubbles – for creative kids aged 5–12.
🖍️ Nottingham Contemporary – Free Family Art Sessions
📍 NG1 2GB | 📅 27–29 May
FREE – booking recommended
Drop in for crafts and collaging in the stunning city centre gallery.
🎭 Theatre, Drama & Big Laughs
🎶 The Dinosaur That Pooped: A Rock Show (3+)
📍 Nottingham Playhouse | 📅 31 May
£18
A musical twist on the bestselling book – you’ll be singing about poo all the way home.
🕺 Toddler Disco & Drama Workshops
📍 Nottingham Playhouse | 📅 27–29 May
From £6
From “Play in a Day” to the famous toddler disco – book ahead!
🎭 Theatre Royal – A Squash and a Squeeze
📍 NG1 5ND | 📅 22–24 May
£19 – Half Price Code: OFFOUTSQUASH
Julia Donaldson live on stage – perfect for 2–7 year olds.
🛍️ In-Store Fun & Shopping Centre Events
🦋 IKEA – Build Your Own Butterfly + Carnival Day
📍 Giltbrook | 📅 26–30 May
FREE – booking recommended
Plus FREE games and giveaways on Bank Holiday Monday.
🧸 Smyths Toys – Stitch Giveaway + Face Painting
📍 Nottingham + Derby | 📅 24 May
Starts 9am – while stocks last!
🎨 Hobbycraft – Clay Safari & Canvas Painting Workshops
📍 Nottingham | 📅 26 & 29 May
£6–£10
Crafty, colourful and totally hands-on.
🧒 Baby, Toddler & Preschool Fun
🌳 Little Nature Tots – Forest Play & Campfires
📍 Rushcliffe & Surrounding | 📅 26, 29, 30 May
£9.50
S’mores, sensory bins, and wild play.
🐭 Totsville Mansfield – Daily Character Visits
📍 Mansfield | 📅 Mon–Fri
£10 (adult + child)
Every session features a different fave – from Bluey to Mr Mouse.
🎉 Messy Munchkins Bambino Rave
📍 Nottingham | 📅 27 May
Baby-safe rave fun with lights, bubbles and music.
🧗 Clubs, Workshops & Community Events
🧽 Boatyard Boulders – Graffiti Climbing Workshop (6–12s)
📍 Nottingham | 📅 26 May
£34.58
Let them climb and create – great for older kids!
🎈 Mellish Rugby Club – Inflatable Family Days
📍 Mapperley Plains | 📅 24–26 May
£10 per session
Two hours of giant inflatables, soft play, and toddler zones.
💃 Olivia Paige Dance – Musical Theatre Camp
📍 Nottingham | 📅 27–28 May
£16
Perfect for drama queens and kings aged 5–11.
Final Word from Ey-Up
🎙️ “We’re here to champion Notts mums who want more fun with less stress. All these listings are checked and updated with families like yours in mind – and we’re always on the lookout for more events, so give us a nudge if you’ve spotted one!”