What's On: May Half-Term 2025

There's so much going on this half-term and, with this lovely sunny weather (fingers crossed it continues!), we hope you can all make the most of it! There are plenty of trails and outdoor attractions to enjoy but we've also found loads of crafts, theatre and other children's activities on offer. Whatever you get up to, have a great time!

ATTRACTIONS

CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

CRAFTS & WORKSHOPS

FESTIVALS, FAIRS & FUN DAYS MUSEUMS

OUTDOORS

THEATRE & FILM

ATTRACTIONS (by place)

Bluebells Dairy

Highland Cow Week

Sat 24 May to Sun 01 Jun – 10am to 5pm

Say hello to the fluffy, friendly young Highland calves. They can wait to meet you, sniff your hands and maybe even give you a friendly lick. Get up close and learn all about their unique breed. Bottle feeding available too.

Book here

Crich Tramway Village

Seaside at Crich

Sat 24 May to Fri 30 May – 10am to 4.30pm

Enjoy the fun of the seaside with a fun fair, mini-beach, bingo, crafts, Punch and Judy, etc. Traditional British seaside fun for all the family.

More information here

Cromford Mills FREE

Cromford Builds

Sat 31 May & Sun 01 Jun

Derbyshire’s newest LEGO fan event. Incredible displays by LEGO Masterbuilders, light up models, huge machines, stalls, competitions and more.

Book here

Great British Car Journey, Ambergate

Carry On Classic Campers

Sat 31 May – 9.30am to 6pm

We are calling all owners of classic Campers and Caravans to join us for a fantastic display at the Great British Car Journey.

Find out more here

Matlock Farm Park

The BIG Bubbleman

Mon 26 May & Sat 21 Jun – 10.30am to 4.30pm

Unmissable bubble spectacular! The Big Bubbleman makes monster bubbles the size of a car and swirling clouds of smaller bubbles with his wands and special potions. Children can participate too!

Find out more here

National Forest Adventure Farm

Bubble Bonanza

Sat 24 May to Sun 01 Jun

Fun with SamSam the Bubbleman – a world-famous bubble performer who’s guaranteed to blow you away!

Book here

Octagon Hall, Buxton

Children’s Inflatable Fun

Tue 27 to Fri 30 May – 9.30am to 4.30pm

A room full of inflatables! £6 per child. Suitable for ages 2-10. Buy tickets online a week in advance.

Book here

Peak Wildlife Park

All Around the World

Sat 24 May to Sun 01 Jun – 10am to 6pm

Embark on an epic trail around the world, travelling continents and meeting amazing creatives to become a Wildlife Explorer.

Book here

CLASSES & ACTIVITIES (by date)

Baby Sparks Sensory Classes for 0-3s

Strutts Centre, Belper

Tue 27 May

10 - 11am (8m-3y) & 11.15am - 12.15pm (6m-12m)

Darley Abbey Village Hall

Wed 28 May

10 - 11am (8m-3y) & 11.15am - 12.15pm (6w-8m)

Mickleover Methodist Church

Fri 30 May

10 - 11am (12m-3y), 11.15am - 12.15pm (6m-12m) & 12.30 - 1.30pm (6w- 8m)

Book here 

Inclusive Swim Sessions

Moorways Waterpark

Sun 25 May – 3.30 to 5pm SEND

Wed 28 May – 5.30 to 7pm Autism-Friendly

Sun 22 Jun – 3.30 to 5pm SEND

Featuring reduced music levels (autism friendly), reduced capacity (autism friendly),  large separate group changes, wrist bands unnecessary, increased time in changing areas before the session, ear defenders ok to be used and carers admission is free.

More information here 

Biscuit Day

Hero Town & Titchy Town

Thu 29 May

Come along and decorate a biscuit with us to celebrate National Biscuit Day, during your 90 minutes of magical role-play.

Book here for Titchy Town and here for Hero Town

Not Just a Family Choir

The Lime Tree, Matlock

Thu 29 May – 9.30am to 12pm

Sing simple songs as a family, learning by ear and repetition. Join with other families to have fun making a beautiful noise! £10 per family.

Book here 

Sports Mania

Ashbourne Leisure Centre

Fri 30 May – 9am to 4pm

A day of sports, games and endless energy. Bring a packed lunch, water and your swimming kit. Suitable for ages 6 – 13. £20.

Call 01335 343712 to book

CRAFTS & WORKSHOPS (by date)

Half Term Crafts

Denby Pottery Village

Sat 24 to Sun 01 Jun Visit the Denby Craft Studio for fun farmyard-themed clay, paint and craft activities.

Book your space and then choose from one of the following activities: paint a farmyard-themed plate, make a farmyard-themed clay animal, craft a farmyard scene or tractor or paint a Father's Day mug. Various prices and an option for additional farmyard-themed trail.

Book here

Lush’s 30th Birthday

Lush, Derbion

Sat 24 to Sat 31 May – 12pm & 2pm

Make your own exclusive bath bomb, explore Lush favourites through a scavenger hunt, play Lush party games and receive an exclusive gift bag. Arrive 10 minutes beforehand. Places are limited. £16.

Book here

Donut Squad

Waterstones, Derby

Sat 24 May to Sun 01 Jun – 9am

Donut-themed activities and colouring plus a donut hunt, inspired by Neill Cameron’s new series.

More info here

Half Term Fun

Derbion

Mon 26 to Fri 30 May – 10am to 4pm

Fun, spring-themed crafts each day for £3 per child:

Mon: Bird Box Decorating

Tue: Kite Decorating

Wed: Flower Crown/Cap Decorating

Thu: Bracelet Making

Fri: Flower Pot Decorating and Seed Planting

Book here

Origami Workshop FREE

Derby Market Hall

Mon 26 May – 10am to 2pm

Join Esther Thorpe, the ‘origami ninja’, for an engaging paper folding workshop.

May Half Term Activities FREE

Cromford Mills

Mon 26 May to Sun 01 Jun – 11am to 3pm

Create your own customisable folded paper character or create a marble maze. All ages welcome.

Find out more here

Furthest from the Sea Craft Workshops FREE

Derby Market Hall

Tue 27 & Wed 28 May – 10am to 3pm

Join in with a swashbuckling celebration of making and a treasure chest full of free artist-led activities for all ages.

Make a Clay Ram Workshop FREE

Derby Market Hall

Thu 29 May 11.30am to 1.30pm

Join local ceramic artist Elaine Lim-Newton to use simple techniques and tools to create a Derby Ram.

Storytelling FREE

Derbion

Thu 29 & Fri 30 May – 10am to 4pm

As part of the Derby Book Festival’s Children’s Book Appeal, drop off your pre-loved children’s books at the Customer Service desk (Level 1 outside Boots)

Book to join a storytelling session. Hear a minimum of 2 books read in each slot including: The Tiger who Came to Tea, Little Bear’s Picnic, Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Elmer, Cat in the Hat and The Gruffalo.

Book here

Spice Painting Art Workshop FREE

Derby Market Hall

Fri 30 May – 1.30 to 3.30pm

Step back in time and experience the art of early humans as you paint with spices, ignite your senses and create unique masterpieces. A hands-on sensory adventure for all the family.

FESTIVALS, FAIRS & FUN DAYS (by date)

Bearded Theory Festival

Catton Hall & Park

Wed 21 May to Sun 25 May – 12pm start

Multi-award winning creative and performing arts festival set in the beautiful grounds of Catton Hall in the heart of the National Forest. Adult tickets from £250 for the weekend; children aged 0-7 go free.

Book here

Bustler Street Food Market

The Chocolate Factory, Derby

Fri 23 to Sat 25 May

Celebrate Bustler’s 7th birthday with a weekend of street food, live DJs, silent disco, karaoke, kids’ crafts and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Book here

Winsterfest 2025

Green View Farm, Pikehall, Near Matlock

Fri 23 to Mon 26 May

Small, friendly festival in the Peak District. Live music, real ale and good food. Under 11s free. Camping available.

Book here

Derby Book Festival Summer Edition

Various locations around Derby

Fri 23 May to Sun 01 Jun

The 10-year anniversary of the Derby Book Festival. There are free events for families including joining our Shared Reading volunteers, an interactive family performance by ‘Wrongsemble’ Theatre Company and Ruth Amos and her book ‘The Inventor’s Workshop’.

Find out more here

Derby Market Hall Grand Opening FREE

Derby City Centre

Sat 24 May – 11am to 10pm

Ribbon cutting ceremony, live music throughout the day, a range of creative and interactive workshps for all ages, hilarious walkabout performances and a virtual reality exhibition called Immersive Ancestories.

Artist and Artisan Fair

Masson Mills, Matlock Bath

Sat 24 to Mon 26 May – 10.30am to 4.30pm

25 local artists and makers in a heritage venue. Café and parking on site.

Find out more here

Wirksworth Carnival FREE

Various

Sat 24 to Wed 28 May

To coincide with the well dressings, join a weekend of fun, street food, music, fairground rides, markets, entertainment and much more.

Find out more here

Derbyshire Open Arts

Various Locations

Sat 24 to Mon 26 May

245 artists exhibiting at 68 venues throughout Derbyshire.

Find out more here

Mr Blobby’s Annual Tractor Road Run & Family Fun Day FREE

The Railway Inn, Shottle

Sat 24 May – from 10am

Raising vital funds to keep the ambulance service flying. Bake sale, raffle and food provided by The Railway Inn.

Find out more here

Vintage Fun Fair

Elvaston Castle Country Park

Sat 24 May to Sun 01 Jun – 10.30am to 6.30pm

Normal car park charges apply.

More information here

Classic Car Show FREE

Hurt Arms, Ambergate

Sun 25 May – 12 to 5pm

A day of horsepower and pure fun showcasing antique, classic and super cars. Wood-fired pizzas and street BBQ.

More information here

Family Fun Day FREE

Belper Mills

Wed 28 May – 10am to 3pm

Come along Strutt’s North Mill and discover the rich history of Belper and the Mills on an interactive fun-filled tour.

Book here

Chatsworth Family Festival

Chatsworth House

Fri 30 May to Sun 15 Jun

Chatsworth’s family festival in the garden returns for a second year offering a host of entertainment and activities. Entry is included with all 'house and garden' and 'garden' tickets.

Find out more here

Alfreton Artisan Market FREE

Alfreton House

Sat 31 May – 10am to 3pm

Food, drink, arts, crafts and entertainment.

Festivity Artist Showcase

Bolsover Castle

Sat 31 May & Sun 01 Jun

Festivity is a vibrant family-friendly countywide tour celebrating the incredible talents of Derbyshire’s musicians, poets, dancers, visual artists, screen-based installations and storytellers. Arts Derbyshire has teamed up with the Tent People to create a magical mini-tented village to showcase the best of Derbyshire.

Find out more here

Bustler Market FREE

Cromford Wharf

Sat 31 May & Sun 01 Jun

Street food event featuring food stalls, cocktail bars, DJs, and family fun

Find out more here

Big Day Out

Tansley DE4 5GF

Sat 31 May & Sun 01 Jun – 11am to 5pm

Family fun, stalls, food and drink, dog show, live wrestling and live tribute acts.

Book here

Belper Food Festival FREE

Throughout town

Sun 01 Jun – 10am to 4pm

With live music, family-friendly activities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the Belper Food Festival is the perfect opportunity for everybody to come together and savour the unique flavours that make the town so special.

The Big 1 2025 FREE

Chaddesden Park, Derby

Sun 01 Jun – opens at 11am

Chaddesden's annual summer family fun day for all to enjoy! A great selection of stalls, food, dance displays, live entertainment, and the return of the fantastic dog show plus a Fun Fair!

MUSEUMS

Inventions from Derby Trail

Museum of Making

Mon 26 May to Sun 01 Jun

Inspired by The Inventors Workshop by Ruth Amos, the Inventions from Derby trail will help you explore the collections at the Museum of Making and discover all the amazing innovation that has taken place in the city. £1 trail sheet.

Find out more here

Open Day FREE

The LEVEL Centre

Wed 28 May – 11am to 3pm

Clay-tastic creations with artist Verity; make your own mini LED sculptures; explore myths and monsters with artist and poet, Sophie; design your ideal garden; and see yourself as a cartoon character with visual notetaker, Kelly. Plus the last chance to book into the free Celestial Sound Cloud interactive installation.

Book here for the Celestial Sound Cloud

The World of Transportation FREE?

Erewash Museum

Wed 28 to Fri 30 May

Paper plane race, build your own brick/block car and model railway every day plus East Midlands Aeropark display Thu and Fri.

Sometimes these events are free and other times they’re a few pounds – we couldn’t work it out this time.

Make a Balance Machine FREE

Museum of Making

Wed 28 May – 10.30am & 1.30pm

Drop-in sessions for families. Design and make your own balancing machine, inspired by artists Alexander Calder and Bruno Munari. Donations welcomed.

Find out more here

OUTDOORS (by date)

Well Dressings

Various

Discover the unique tradition of Well Dressings throughout the Peak District and Derbyshire from May to September. They are handmade from petals and seeds to celebrate water and life. (See many more locations listed in issue 39)

Chester Green – Fri 23 to Mon 26 May

Brackenfield – Sat 24 to Mon 26 May

Wirksworth – Sat 24 to Wed 28 May

Middleton by Youlgreave – Sat 24 to Sat 31 May

Monyash – Sat 24 to Sat 31 May

Tissington – Thu 29 May to Thu 04 Jun

Derby Riverboat Trips

Museum of Making, Derby

Until Sat 31 May – 12.30pm, 1.45pm & 3pm

Hop aboard Outram, Derby’s solar-powered electric boat, for a relaxing 45-minute return cruise from Causey Bridge to Darley Abbey.

Book here

Half-Term Fun

The Children’s Country House at Sudbury

Fri 23 May to Sun 01 Jun – 10am to 5pm

Outdoor games in the Stableyard, a Blossom Trail throughout the Hall and all the usual fun at in the Hall and the Museum of Childhood.

Find out more here

Move with Nature Trail FREE

Carsington Water and Tittesworth Water

Sat 24 May to Mon 02 Jun – 10am to 6pm

Exciting nature quiz and movement trail. No need for a trail sheet – just follow the markers.

Find out more here and here

May-Bee Half Term

Thornbridge Hall

Sat 24 May to Sun 01 Jun – 10am to 4pm

Join the buzz! Become a bee-tective on a bee-inspired trail through the gardens. Normal admission charges apply but book online to save 20%.

Book here

May Half Term Nature Journalling

Ilam Park, Longshaw Estate and Dovedale

Sat 24 May to Sun 01 Jun

Sketch, colour, collect, explore and create your way closer to nature this May half term. We'll provide everything you need to create a beautiful nature journal. All you need to bring is your imagination and love of nature. £3 per journal.

May Half-Term Fun & Games

Bolsover Castle

Sat 24 May to Sun 01 Jun – 10am to 5pm

Challenge your family and friends to giant lawn games, bounce around on space hoppers, and splash about in our sand and water pits.

Book early here and save 15%

Movie Trail

Rosliston Forestry Centre

Sat 24 May to Sun 01 Jun – 10am to 4pm

Follow our Movie themed Trail at Rosliston during half term and win a prize!  Pop into the Shop/Reception in the Main Visitor Centre and pick up a map trail – £3 per child.  Use the map to walk the trail in search of movie props.  Identify the movies as you go. Last admission 3pm.

Book here

Blaze Trails Parents Club FREE

Dovestones & Trinnacles

Sun 25 May

Get outdoors with these baby-carrying, pushchair and toddler group walks across Derbyshire and the surrounding area. Join the Mighty Networks app to find out the meeting point and register attendance. More info on Facebook and Instagram.

More information here

THEATRE & FILM (by date)

Moana 2 Outdoor Cinema

Hurt Arms, Ambergate

Sat 24 May – 6 to 10pm

Book here

Top Secret: The Magic of Science

Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton

Sat 24 May – 2pm

A fast-moving colourful magical science show filled with mystery, suspense and lots and lots of mess.

Book here

Bluey at the Cinema: Let’s Play Chef Collection

The Ritz, Belper

Sat 24, Wed 28 & Thu 29 May Book here

Storybook Puppet Show FREE

Derby Market Hall

Sun 25 & Sat 31 May – 12.30pm to 1.15pm

A family-friendly show from AVP Theatre, suitable for everyone, retelling some famous fairy and folktales including Jack and the Beanstalk, The Frog Prince and The Princess and the Pea.

More information here

The Curing Chemists FREE

Derby Market Hall

Mon 26 to Wed 28 May – 10am to 3pm

Keep an eye out for the one-stop, pop-up-shop for outrageous cures and ridiculous remedies, wandering the Market Hall! Making a splash of this and a dash of that, they prescribe nothing but fun. There’s also the chance to craft your own tickle stick!

Hansel and Gretel

Buxton Opera House

Tue 27 May – 11am, 1pm & 3pm

Northern Ballet bring this much-loved fairy tale to life with bold sets, bright costumes and brilliant live music and dance – the perfect way for you and your child to experience the wonder of ballet together.

Book here

The Lost Property Library

Derby Theatre’s Studio

Tue 27 May – 11am, 1pm & 3pm

The smoke clears on the once crowded platform, the outline of the Station Master is all that’s left as the train pulls away. All around you, trunks and suitcases brim with exciting tales and adventures to discover. An interactive story-telling performance where the smallest object can spark an epic adventure. Best suited to ages 3-9. Plus activities in the foyer for 1 hour before each performance.

Book here

Peppa Meets the Baby Cinema Experience

The Ritz, Belper

Fri 30 & Sat 31 May & Sun 01 Jun Book here

The Pram Walkabout Show FREE

Derby Market Hall

Sat 31 May – 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm

An Edwardian pram has been up-cycles and is now a roving musical delight for your amusement. It has brass horns, trumpets and a drum and emits a cacophony of wonderful sounds as it perambulates about with its friendly operator.