Summer Days Out

by Summer Days Out | 23 July 2026 | Community Event, Community Focus, Local Experiences, Mansfield

Kings Park

Retford DN22 6DF
www.bassetlaw.gov.uk

Panto in the Park

Performed by the fantastic Talegate Theatre

Monday 10th August, 2.00pm: The Wizard of Oz
Tuesday 18th August, 2.00pm: Rapunzel
Wednesday 26th August, 2.00pm: Sleeping Beauty

Free and no tickets needed

Bassetlaw Museum

Amcott House, 40 Grove Street, Retford DN22 6LD
01777 713749
www.bassetlawmuseum.org.uk

Summer Activities

Craft activities run from 10.00am-12.00pm then 1.00pm-3.00pm and days from 10.00am to 3.00pm unless otherwise stated. No booking required unless stated. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities are free but donations are always welcome!

Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th July: Roman / Viking / Anglo Saxon Shields
Wednesday 29th July: World Tiger Day – The Tiger Who Came to Tea – storytelling and tiger crafts
Thursday 30th July: World Friendship Day – friendship bracelets and Hama Beads
Friday 31st July: Lego Day (all day)
Monday 3rd August: Watermelon Day – Watermelon fans
Tuesday 4th August: Jewellery
Wednesday 5th August: Handmade Theatre Company – ‘Puppet Petting Farm’
Thursday 6th August: Rolls Royce STEM activities
Monday 10th August, 10.00am to 1.00pm: Wizard of Oz crafts and CAMHS
Tuesday 11th August: Retro Computer Games AND 1.30pm: Debutots
Wednesday 12th August: Badges and magnets
Thursday 13th August: Clay day
Friday 14th August: Lego Day (all day)
Monday 17h August: DIY Squishies and CAMHS
Tuesday 18th August, 10.00am to 1.00pm: Rapunzel Crafts
Wednesday 19th August: Family Centre – Forest school (11am) and Nature Crafts (1pm – 3pm)
Thursday 20th August: Pom Pom keychain with 3D printed initial
Friday 21st August: Lego Day (all day)
Monday 24th August: Papercraft toys
Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th August: Playmobil
Thursday 27th August: Lego
Friday 28th August: Lego and 1.30pm: Debutots

Retford Library

Churchgate, Retford DN22 6PE
retford.library@inspireculture.org.uk
01777 710020
www.inspireculture.org.uk/reading-information/find-a-library/retford-library/

Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat

Saturday 4th July to Sunday 6th September, library opening hours

This year’s music-themed challenge celebrates rhythm, creativity, self-expression and storytelling. With support from Universal Music Group UK, children will discover books about musicians, sound, cultural traditions, performance and following their dreams The challenge, aimed at children aged four to 11 years, is to keep reading over the summer. You can sign up at any time during the summer. For every book read, children will pick up rewards and every child who completes the challenge receives a medal and certificate. Individual libraries also run crafts activities for children signed up to the challenge.

Free

OFFBEAT: Author Family Workshop

Monday 3rd August, 10.00am to 11.30am

Join Author in Residence Ashley Thorpe for a creative writing workshop, using popular songs as a inspiration for your own piece of writing.
You’ll explore the thoughts and feelings the music evokes to plan your story, focusing on genre, setting and character development. Suitable for 7+, booking essential.

Free

Family Theatre – Kids to the Front

Friday 14th August, 3.30pm

An interactive, inclusive, live band experience – full of kindness, fun and electrifying punk vibes. Whilst on their tour across the universe, the aliens of The Boogie Woogie Space Junk Band crash-land in Nottinghamshire! They’re keen to discover where they are and to find their trusty supersonic space pig, Brian. Only the kids have the energy, uniqueness and magic to propel the Space Junk Band’s debut electro-punk album into the stratosphere! For children aged 3+.

£4.00 per person. Pre-booking highly advised

OFFBEAT: Artist Family Workshop

Saturday 15th August, 10.00am to 11.30am

Join Artist in Residence Sian Watson for a playful workshop exploring how music can inspire movement and drawing. Work together to create a large collaborative dance drawing, using rhythm and sound to guide your marks, then transform your artwork into split-pin puppets that can move and dance along with the music. Suitable for 7+, booking essential.

Clumber Park

Worksop S80 3AZ
01909 511070
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park/events

Summer of Play supported by Pokemon

Saturday 18th July to Sunday 6th September

Clumber Park’s Summer of Play features six play zones to suit every age and every interest. From sports, nature, drama, creating and toddler activities, there are loads of opportunities. Plus, discover all-new Pokémon zone. Get stuck into the Pokémon Trading Card Game, flex your skills and collect Mega Evolution stickers! With storytelling every Monday and free ukulele taster sessions every Sunday (except for 16th August), and a variety of paid for creative workshops, there are activities for all.

Free event, no booking required, admission into the park applies.

Panto in the Park

TaleGate Theatre return with songs, slapstick and silliness, to present traditional, family-friendly pantomimes:

The Wizard of Oz: Thursday 13th August, 3.00pm
Rapunzel: Wednesday 19th August,3.00pm
Sleeping Beauty: Thursday 27th August, 3.00pm

All tickets £13.01 (including booking fee). Book through www.ticketsource.co.uk/talegate

Sherwood Forest Country Park

Edwinstowe NG21 9HN
01623 823202
www.visitsherwood.co.uk

Robin Hood Festival

Weekends in August

This year is the 40th Robin Hood Festival, with another sensational summer of spectacular arena shows and performances and displays to delight visitors of all ages. Since its beginnings in the early 1980s, the Festival has become established as the world’s premier celebration of the world’s favourite outlaw, Robin Hood, and the only one that can truly claim to be held in the home of the Legend – Sherwood Forest. The agenda is:

Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August: Jousting Weekend
Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August: Fantasy in the Greenwood
Saturday 29th to Monday 31st August: Grand Finale

Across the Festival weekends there is a jam-packed programme of performances including The Sherwood Outlaws, Medieval Maniax, Point Blank Danger Show, Bill Brookman and Robert of Wentbridge and the trader village.

Admission to the reserve and the performances is free, although parking charges apply – £15 per vehicle per day. There will be a small charge for some activities, including archery.

Inspire Nottinghamshire Libraries

Including:
Worksop Library, Memorial Avenue S80 2BP
Carlton in Lindrick Library, Long Lane, Carlton in Lindrick S81 9AR
Langold Library, Doncaster Road, Langold S81 9AL
www.inspireculture.co.uk

Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat

Saturday 4th July to Sunday 6th September, library opening hours

Worksop Library

Memorial Avenue S80 2BP
worksop.library@inspireculture.org.uk
01623 677200
www.inspireculture.org.uk/reading-information/find-a-library/worksop-library/

OFFBEAT: Author Family Workshop

Monday 3rd August, 2.00pm to 3.30pm

Free

Family Theatre – Kids to the Front

Friday 14th August, 10.30am

£4.00 per person. Pre-booking highly advised

OFFBEAT: Artist Family Workshop

Saturday 15th August, 2.00pm to 3.30pm

Free

Creswell Crags

Welbeck S80 3LH
01909 720378
www.creswell-crags.org.uk/events-listings/

Sound of the Stone Age

Mondays and Fridays each week of the school holidays

How did our ancestors make music? Journey to the deepest part of Robin Hood Cave to learn about the prehistoric instruments archaeologists have unearthed from sites around the world, and become a Stone Age drummer!

£8.00 per participant, booking required

Campfire Tales

Tuesdays and Thursdays each week of the school holidays

Journey into the deepest chamber of Robin Hood Cave to hear stories of Stone Age adventures! Our Ice Age ancestors would have gathered around the campfire to keep warm and tell tales. Our campfire might not be real, but our guide will use tricks of the light to bring the cave alive.

£8.00 per participant, booking required

Relaxed Campfire Tales

Wednesdays each week of the school holidays

Designed for families with neurodivergent children who may appreciate fewer people in the cave, additional lighting, a more relaxed pace, and more detailed information on the cave and activity sent out in advance. Journey into Robin Hood Cave to hear stories of Stone Age adventures!

£8.00 per participant, booking required

Archaeology Adventure

Monday 27th to Friday 31st July, 11.00am and 1.00pm

Become an archaeologist! Excavate finds, piece them together and work out what has been left by people in the past. Suitable for ages 5+

£6.00 per participant – adults / accompanying carers free, booking required

Nature Crafts

Monday 3rd to Friday 7th August, 11.00am and 1.00pm

Create a variety of fantastic objects using natural materials gathered on site. Learn what things can be gathered safely and what to leave alone, and then get creative!

£6.00 per participant – adults / accompanying carers free, booking required

Stone Age Safari

Monday 10th to Friday 15th August, 11.00am and 1.00pm

Become a palaeontologist and have a go at reconstructing real animal skeletons!  Learn how scientists work out what animals the Ice Age remains we find are, and get hands-on experience of working with real bones.

£6.00 per participant – adults / accompanying carers free, booking required

Lantern Making

Monday 17th to Friday 21st August, 11.00am and 1.00pm

People have found ways to light up our caves since prehistoric times. Choose your design and use a range of materials to craft a lantern. Will you go for a Stone Age style clay lamp, a traditional Victorian-looking one, or come up with your own design?

£6.00 per participant – adults / accompanying carers free if not crafting, booking required

Stone Age Jewellery

Monday 24th to Friday 28th August, 11.00am and 1.00pm

Learn all about the clothes, jewellery and decorations that people may have worn at Creswell Crags during the last Ice Age. Have a go at making your own Stone Age shell bracelet, and even have your face painted, Stone Age style!

£6.00 per participant – adults / accompanying carers free if not crafting, booking required

The Harley Foundation

Welbeck S80 3LW
01909 501700
www.harleyfoundation.org.uk/whats-on/

Museum Makes

Wednesdays and Fridays during the school holidays, 11.00am to 3.00pm

Drop-in sessions for creative activities suitable for three- to 11-year-olds. The schedule is:

Wednesday 29th and Friday 31st July: Clay creations
Wednesday 5th and Friday 7th August: Spoon characters
Wednesday 12th and Friday 14th August: Miniature portraits
Wednesday 19th and Friday 21st August: Move and make
Wednesday 26th and Friday 28th August: Badge making

Free, no booking required

Family Workshops – Make With An Artist

Thursdays during the school holidays, various times

Learn a new skill in artist-led creative workshops for children and their grown-ups. The programme is:

30th July, 2.00pm to 4.00pm: Wet Felting. For ages 7+.
6th August, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm: Botanical Inks and Natural Brushes. For ages 7+.
13th August, 2.00pm to 4.00pm: Gelli Plate Printing. For ages 5+.
20th August, 2.00pm to 4.00pm: Japanese Patchwork Pictures. For ages 7+.
27th August, 2.00pm to 4.00pm: Mosaic Mirrors. For ages 7+.

£14.00 per child, booking required

Ollerton Town Football Club

Ollerton NG22 9UT
www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

Free outdoor cinema courtesy of Newark and Sherwood District Council

Wednesday 5th August

Bring your blankets, camping chairs and picnics, and settle in for fantastic open-air entertainment with family and friends.

2.00pm – GOAT
6.00pm – The Greatest Showman

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. See www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/news/2026/family-film-fun-arrives-outdoor-cinema-screenings-august

Rufford Abbey Country Park

Ollerton NG22 9DF
01623 821338
www.ruffordabbey.co.uk

The Summer Trail

Saturday 18th July to Sunday 6th September, 10.00am to 3.30pm

This summer, grab your pencils and lace up your walking shoes! Enjoy a brand new outdoor quest through Rufford’s beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect summer activity for curious minds and mini-explorers. Wander along the trail to discover eight stops hidden among the summer blooms. From practising your best frog leaps and bee waggle dances to sniffing fresh herbs, there is plenty to keep the whole family moving and laughing!

£3.00 per trail

Owl Babies

Tuesdays 4th and 18th August, 11.00am to 2.00pm

The Owl Babies Interactive Sessions, presented by Go Active Falconry, are a gentle, magical experience designed especially for families and young animal lovers. Combining the charm of storytelling with the thrill of live wildlife, this event is the perfect, heart-warming way to inspire a love of nature.

£5.00 per person

Summer White Post Wednesdays

Wednesdays 29th July, 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th August, 10.00am to 3.00pm

Enjoy a delightful encounter with some of nature’s most charming and curious creatures! From fluffy guinea pigs and bunnies to slithering snakes, quirky lizards, and even a few fascinating creepy crawlies — there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

£3.50 per child

Thoresby Park

Thoresby NG22 9EP
01623 822009
www.thoresby.com

Summer Holiday Trail

Friday 24th July to Tuesday 1st September, 10.00am to 5.00pm

Follow the trail, find the clues and discover things you would take to the beach.

£3.00 per trail

Inspire Nottinghamshire Libraries

Including:
Edwinstowe Library, High Street, Edwinstowe NG21 9QS
www.inspireculture.org.uk/reading-information/find-a-library/edwinstowe-library/
Ollerton Library, Forest Road, New Ollerton NG22 9PL
www.inspireculture.org.uk/reading-information/find-a-library/ollerton-library/

Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat

Saturday 4th July to Sunday 6th September, library opening hours

Free

Mansfield Museum

Leeming Street, Mansfield NG18 1NG
01623 463133
www.mansfield.gov.uk

Free Craft Sessions

No need to book – just drop by and get creative. All take place 10.00am to 1.00pm

Carnival Crafts Weeks

Tuesday 28th July: Paper Cup Noise Makers
Wednesday 29th July: Carnival Masks
Thursday 30th July: Carnival Crowns / Head Dress
Friday 31st July: Carnival Flags

Puppet Crafts Week

Tuesday 4th August: Paper Hand Puppets
Wednesday 5th August: Finger Puppets
Thursday 6th August: Stick Puppets
Things to Make with Ladybird Books Week
Tuesday 11th August: A Colourful Whirr
Wednesday 12th August: An Indian Head-dress
Thursday 13th August: A False Face
Friday 14th August: A Necklace of Paper Beads

Board Games and Jigsaw Week

Tuesday 18th August: Jigsaw Day
Wednesday 19th August: Make Your Own Jigsaw
Thursday 20th August: Board Game Day
Friday 21st August: Make Your Own Board Game

The Sand Dragon

Friday 7th August, 11.00am and 2.00pm

Join Theatrix Arts for a magical family storytelling adventure filled with songs, puppets, music and a touch of magic, followed by a hands-on workshop where children can create their very own Sand Dragon puppet to take home

£6.00

Crompton Road Park

Bilsthorpe
www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

Bilsthorpe Skate Jam and Community Fun Day!

Saturday 25th July, 11.00am to 3.00pm

Enjoy ‘have a go’ skatepark sessions and exciting skate demos from Extreme Wheels! Children aged 9+ can have a go! Bring your own BMX, scooter, skateboard and helmet. There will also be refreshment stalls and local community group stands.

Free

Church Road

Clipstone NG21 9DQ
www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

Free outdoor cinema courtesy of Newark and Sherwood District Council

Wednesday 5th August

Bring your blankets, camping chairs and picnics, and settle in for fantastic open-air entertainment with family and friends.

2.00pm – GOAT
6.00pm – The Greatest Showman

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. See www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/news/2026/family-film-fun-arrives-outdoor-cinema-screenings-august

Inspire Nottinghamshire Libraries

Including:
Mansfield Woodhouse Library, Church Street, Mansfield Woodhouse NG19 8AH
www.inspireculture.org.uk/reading-information/find-a-library/mansfield-woodhouse-library/
Bilsthorpe Library, The Crescent, Bilsthorpe NG22 8QX
www.inspireculture.org.uk/reading-information/find-a-library/bilsthorpe-library/

Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat

Saturday 4th July to Sunday 6th September, library opening hours

Free

Market Rasen Festival Hall

Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT
01427 676655
www.trinityarts.co.uk

Trinity On Tour: The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

Wednesday 26th August, 2.00pm

Quantum Theatre are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, but they cannot resist and soon they find themselves in all sorts of scrapes, caught In a net, trapped by a snarling cat and face to face with Mr McGregor himself! How will they ever escape? Can Old Mr Bunny come to the rescue in time? And whatever will Mr McGregor make of all those footprints in the flower beds?

£12.00 standard, £10.00 concession, £36.00 quad ticket

Gainsborough Old Hall

Parnell Street Gainsborough DN21 2NB

Games by the Hall

Thursday 6th August, 11.00am to 3.00pm

Birds of prey, traditional games, crafts, activities, refreshments and some creative fun with the Together Green Team!

Gainsborough Model Railway

Florence Terrace, DN21 1BE

Open Day

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August 1.30pm to 5.30pm

See one of the largest model railways in ‘O’ gauge, depicting The East Coast Main Line from Kings Cross to Leeds Central. The building of the present railway commenced in 1953 and covers 2500 square feet, has over 1200 feet of main line track and needs ten operators.

Adults £5.00, children £4.00, family ticket £15.00 – cash only

Lincoln Castle

Castle Square, Lincoln LN1 3AA
www.lincolncastle.com

Medieval Joust

www.lincolncastle.com

Feel the thunder of hooves and the clash of steel as Lincoln Castle brings you the Sport of Kings! Witness brave knights in shining armour and cheer them on as they compete against each other. Featuring some of the best international jousters, you won’t want to miss this thrilling competition!
Meet the knights, choose your champion, and cheer them on. With a cast of medieval characters, step back in time and experience the excitement within the Medieval walls of Lincoln Castle.

www.lincolncastle.com

Castle Characters – King William Returns

Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August, 10.00am to 5.00pm

Join King William as he returns to Lincoln Castle to see how work to fortify our city is progressing. His stepbrother commissioned a tapestry to show his most famous victory at Hastings, and it seems to be very popular. Now William is wondering if he should do the same! He’ll be explaining about his life and asking you to recreate his finest hour!

Usual admission fees apply

Castle Characters – The Lady of the Castle

Saturday 15th and Sunday 16h August, 10.00am to 5.00pm

Join Lady Nicola de la Haye, saviour of not just the Castle, but the Crown and the Kingdom of England. She is back with a local monk to persuade him to create a new Chronicle, outlining her incredible life and the pivotal role she played in saving England from becoming a French conquest.She will talk you through just why she ended up as the chatelaine of Lincoln Castle, what she achieved and what happened next. She will be asking her loyal followers to recreate the Battle to show just how vital castles were to defend England from invasion!

Usual admission fees apply

Castle Characters – The Greatest Knight

Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August, 10.00am to 5.00pm

Step back in time to the era of chivalry and valour!
Find out more about Sir William Marshal, one of history’s greatest knights. Learn about his early life through to the role he played at the dramatic siege of Lincoln. Discover tales of courage and bravery and learn the skills you need to become the Greatest Knight!

Usual admission fees apply

Clifton Park Museum

Clifton Lane, Rotherham S65 2AA
01709 336633
www.rotherham.gov.uk/events

Collection Craft

Tuesday 28th July, 10.00am to 11.30am

Join author and illustrator Bethan Woollvin for a fun, interactive workshop inspired by her book These Are My Rocks, a joyful celebration of collecting. Discover strange and surprising collections from around the world and learn about Clifton Park Museum’s own rock collection, before enjoying a special story time. Set off on a lively scavenger hunt to gather a collection of your very own and bring your discoveries to life in a creative craft activity to make something special to take home.

Free but booking required

Mighty Collector

Tuesday 28th July, 1.00pm to 2.30pm

Join author and illustrator Bethan Woollvin for a fun, hands-on workshop inspired by her book These Are My Rocks. Families are invited to bring along their own collections, anything from dolls and stamps to Pokémon cards or rocks, for a relaxed show-and-tell as we explore what makes collecting so special. We’ll look at unusual collections from around the world and take a peek at Clifton Park Museum’s own rock collection before getting creative with colourful cut-paper shapes to design and collage our own imagined or real collections.

Free but booking required

Our Collection Curtain

Tuesday 11th August, 10.00am to 12.00pm or 1.00pm to 3.00pm

Be part of creating a collection curtain by gathering nature’s treasures in and around Clifton Park. Explore, collect, and then weave, wrap, or bind your finds to add your own piece to this growing artwork. A summer fun activity suitable for all the family- connect, make, and feel part of nature.

Free, no booking required

Magic Museum

Tuesday 18th August, 10.00am to 12.00pm or 1.00pm to 3.00pm

Join Spiltmilk for this playful session, designed to spark your curiosity and inspire you to find the magic in everyday objects. Using a colourful assortment of treasures big and small, make, move, write and draw to make your very own magical museum.

Free, no booking required

Industry Play

Tuesday 25th August, 10.00am to 12.00pm or 1.00pm to 3.00pm

Join artist Dan Jones for a fun-filled day of building and industry-inspired play in Clifton Park. Help create a big build to celebrate Rotherham’s industrial heritage, working together to build, create, and play with hands-on activities suitable for all the family.

Free, no booking required

Rotherham Libraries

Including:
Brinsworth Community Library, Field View, Brinsworth S60 5DG, 01709 255050
Riverside Library and Neighbourhood Hub, Riverside House, Main Street, Rotherham S60 1AE, 01709 823606

Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat

Saturday 4th July to Sunday 6th September, library opening hours

Free

Magna Science Adventure Centre

S60 1FD
01709 720002
www.visitmagna.co.uk

Dig, Dino, Discover

Saturday 18th July to Friday 4th September

Magna will be buzzing with activities, shows, and explosive fun for curious minds of all ages. With something happening every single day, families can dive into hands-on science, jaw-dropping demonstrations, interactive exhibitions and, of course, Magna’s outdoor splash park Aqua-Tek. Throughout the summer holidays, Ferocious Fridays are back with the live interactive show ‘How to Train Your Dinosaur’ shows.

Standard admission required and small extra charges for some of the activities

Wentworth Woodhouse

Wentworth, S62 7TQ
www.wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk

Summer Holidays at The Craft Cabin

Friday to Sunday from Saturday 18th July, 11.00am to 3.00pm

Get creative this summer holidays at the Craft Cabin at Wentworth Woodhouse! From seasonal crafts to hands-on activities for all ages, this is the perfect way to spend a relaxed summer afternoon. Drop-in Friday to Sunday, get creative, and take home something special you’ve made yourself!

General Admission must be purchased and a small extra charge applies for the crafts

Keppel’s Column

Admirals Crest, Rotherham S61 2SW
www.rotherham.gov.uk

Big Build at Keppel’s Column

Saturday 29th August, 11.00am to 3.00pm

An end of summer family event on the field at Keppel’s column. Pack a picnic and a blanket, meet friends and neighbours, and enjoy chatting, chilling and playing under the shadow of the column.

Free, drop in

Rotherham Libraries

Including:
Wickersley Library, 286 Bawtry Road, Wickersley, S66 1JJ
01709 544134
Maltby Library and Neighbourhood Hub, Braithwell Road, Maltby, Rotherham S66 8JE

Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat

Saturday 4th July to Sunday 6th September, library opening hours

Free