Primary Times Northamptonshire - February Half Term 2026
Hello Readers
Welcome to our very first issue of 2026! It feels like we are only just back into the school routine and we already have February half term just around the corner!
We have lots going on in the area so take a look at our February Fun pages to help plan the week off school. There are a variety of indoor and outdoor activities so that you have some ideas up your sleeve whatever the weather!
Our annual Party Guide on pages 12 and 13 will provide inspiration for your all-important parties this year! Why not pull out those pages to keep or take a photo so that you can refer to them when it comes to planning.
Lastly, don’t forget to enter our competitions on page 11 where we have some fantastic prizes up for grabs.
We will be back in March when the daffodils are out, bringing lots of springtime events and days out to add to your calendars.
Best Wishes,
Louise
CHANCE TO WIN PARTY GUIDE WOW BOX OFFICE
Local NEWS
This is our first issue of 2026 and we have plenty of news to share! Find out how you can help to raise funds for a local charity, discover a new hobby with lots of classes to choose from, or take advantage of the Free Registration offer from Kumon.
Unleash their creativity at an NMPAT
Saturday Centre
Are you looking for a place where your child can play an instrument, join a band/ orchestra, or take part in a drama production?
FREE TASTER SESSION
NMPAT Saturday Centres offer a wide range of music and artistic opportunities for children aged three and up. Taking place on Saturday mornings, children can enjoy handson sessions exploring music, drama and the arts.
With options for beginners through to grade 3 standard, there’s plenty of room for progression.
Locations include Brackley and Cheney, Daventry, Kettering, Nene Valley (Oundle), Wellingborough and Northampton. New to NMPAT? Give your local Saturday Centre a try with a free taster session. Financial support is also available. Find your nearest centre and sign up at www.nmpat.co.uk/centres
Zozimus Drama is where children step into stories and grow in confidence
These imaginative drama sessions for ages 4-14 use storytelling, role play and creative play to help children build confidence, communication skills and emotional awareness in a fun, pressurefree environment.
Dreaming of your next family getaway?
Hays Travel has teamed up with easyJet holidays to give Primary Times readers the chance to win an incredible £3,000 holiday voucher to spend on a holiday of your choice, plus £3,000 for your school to support learning, equipment or unforgettable experiences for pupils.
Whether you’re planning sunshine in Spain, island hopping in Greece or a city break packed with culture and adventure, this prize could turn your holiday plans into reality. Even better, there is great availability for July and August this year as well as free child places with a wide choice of family-friendly destinations and flights available from your region, making it easy to travel during the school holidays.
With Hays Travel’s expert, friendly service, this means you can book with confidence and make the most of your prize. From beach resorts to action-packed escapes, the choice is yours and while your family is making memories, your school will also be celebrating a fantastic £3,000 boost.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to reward your family and your school at the same time. Enter now and start planning a holiday everyone will be talking about!
W: www.haystravel.co.uk/primary-times
Each week, children are transported into exciting adventures inspired by much-loved stories, becoming heroes, explorers and problem-solvers together. There are no auditions, no scripts and no expectation to perform – just inclusive drama where every child is encouraged to take part and be themselves.
Zozimus Drama runs weekly community classes across Northamptonshire, with sessions on Tuesdays in Kettering, Thursdays in Grendon (Northampton), Fridays in Holcot (Northampton) and Fridays in Finedon (Wellingborough), as well as school clubs and holiday workshops. Check online to find out more.
W: www.zozimusdrama.com
ExperienceWinchesterHouse by booking a taster day
This spring, Winchester House Prep School is inviting families with children ready to start Nursery or Reception to experience its Pre-Prep through a series of taster days. Set in the heart of the market town of Brackley and part of The Stowe Group, Winchester House offers a dedicated Pre-Prep and thriving Nursery. The Pre-Prep experience brings together specialist music and sport, outdoor learning in the Secret Garden and a busy wraparound care programme of activities, including everything from tennis to baking. Families will be welcomed by Mrs Vicki Berrie, Deputy Head (Head of Pre-Prep), who was affectionately described in The Good Schools Guide as “pure Miss Honey”. “Winchester House is a really special place to begin a child’s learning journey,” she says. “From their first day, our children are encouraged to explore, make friends and try new things, whether that is in the classroom, the Secret Garden or during Music and Sport. Our Pre-Prep feels like a big family, and we’d be delighted to welcome you for a visit.”
WINCHESTER HOUSE ???
Winchester House is an independent day and boarding prep school for children aged 3 to 13 years. To book a taster day or find out more, email admissions@winchester-house.org
FOR SCHOOLS
Spencer’s Reading Challenge 2026
Cynthia Spencer Hospice provides specialist palliative care for people with life-limiting and terminal illnesses across West Northamptonshire, as well as vital support for their families. Every donation helps them deliver specialist medical care, emotional support, and dignity during life’s most vulnerable moments.
Spencer’s Reading Challenge comes at a very special time, as Cynthia Spencer Hospice celebrates an incredible 50 years of care and compassion. It’s the perfect year for schools to get involved and help raise vital funds and awareness for the hospice.
This fantastic challenge is an excellent opportunity for all students, no matter their reading level, to get involved and engaged this spring. Starting on World Book Day, Thursday 5th March, and running for four weeks, the team are inviting students to build a book tower taller than their head teacher. Every book they finish gets added to the tower, so the more they read, the higher it grows. How tall can your school build its tower?
It’s completely free to sign up, and any child who raises £25 or more will receive a special activity book and certificate. A brilliant way to celebrate reading, support a local charity in its milestone year, and bring your school community together.
For further information please visit www.cynthiaspencer.org.uk/spencers-reading-challenge
Watch their skills and confidence grow
With over 60 years of experience and more than 3.5 million students worldwide, it’s no surprise that Kumon is the world’s leading supplementary education provider. The Kumon Maths and English Programmes help children build confidence, improve focus, and develop independent study skills that last a lifetime.
Now is the perfect time for your family to discover the benefits of Kumon at one of the Kumon Study Centres who are now offering Free Registration to new and returning students from 1st February until 15th March. Take this opportunity to save money and help your child stand out from their peers!
For more information and to book your child’s Kumon free assessment, contact your local Instructor, via the website at www.kumon.co.uk
Where every child belongs on stage
Open Stage Performing Arts is Northampton’s friendliest professionally accredited theatre school, where imaginations soar and confidence blooms! Celebrating 25 years of nurturing talent, they welcome children from their very first dance steps through to accomplished performers – and classes for all ages beyond!
Little ones adore Butterfly Ballet and Early Years classes – magical introductions to movement and creativity. Older children thrive in traditional training including ballet and tap, alongside exciting classes in street dance, cheerleading, acrobatics, musical theatre, and more – with both weekday and weekend options to suit busy family schedules!
Championing lifelong learning in their stunning historic Queens Building with professional studios and their own theatre, the venue is easy to reach with bus stops right outside and a large private car park at the rear. To book a taster class, email openstageofficeteam@gmail.com T: 01604 435307 W: www.open-stage.co.uk
Four weeks of free training for new beginners at TISKA Karate
TISKA (Traditional International Shotokan Karate Association) heads up clubs nationally and internationally. TISKA was established by Gursharan Sahota, the Chief Instructor (9th Dan) and founder. Back in 2015 he was asked to accept the title of “Shihan” meaning Master Instructor. This title is given as a sign of respect for the person named. Shihan currently teaches over 40 classes per week to students in Beaconsfield, Chalfont St Peter, Amersham, Chesham, Berkhamsted, Dunstable, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire and has bought many hundreds of students to Black belt standard and beyond. Karate is the ultimate self-defence and promotes fitness, self-awareness, confidence, etiquette, respect and self-discipline. Students at TISKA start from the age of four upwards, and as a family-based club, many families train together. Shihan offers all new beginners four weeks of free training upon joining TISKA. For all enquiries, please contact them directly. T: 07885 294418 E: office@tiska.com
Four weeks of FREE training for beginners
Empowering the fearless changemakers of tomorrow
Northampton High Junior School aim to ensure every girl knows she matters, her voice counts, and she has the power to make a difference. This ethos greets you the moment you arrive: “We believe in our girls. And they believe in themselves.” They nurture fearless changemakers not by moulding them, but by celebrating each girl as a unique individual. Prioritising voice and agency, the school encourages pupils to discover their authentic selves and speak with confidence. At Northampton High, girls don’t wait for instruction; they learn to question, reflect, and lead on their own terms. Experience this boundless energy firsthand. Book a personal tour or enquire about upcoming events to discover how they empower every girl to shine. W: www.northamptonhigh.co.uk/admissions/open-events
February FUN
With a week off school coming up it’s time to think of some fun things to do with the children! We have lots of family favourites here, with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities so that you can choose your next adventure.
FeatheredFriendsthemedweekatStanwickLakes
Spread your wings at Stanwick Lakes this February half term with Feathered Friends – an exciting programme running from Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February, celebrating birdlife and National Bird Box Week.
Drop in anytime for the Fantastic Feathers trail, origami crafts, or pottery painting, or book online in advance for ranger-led adventures including Build a Bird Box, and Owl Pellet Dissection, as well as the Big Birdy Craft Club!
With winter walks, bird-themed café treats, and activities blending adventure and education, it’s the perfect half term escape. Check online for details and bookings.
W: www.stanwicklakes.org.uk
Don’t miss Northampton’s Comic Con
Sunday22ndFebruaryatBenham
SportsCentre
Meet your favourite characters, spot the Jurassic Park Jeep, take selfies with super fun props including a Monsters Inc Door, and browse lots of stalls with amazing merchandise. Plus, take part in free activities including retro gaming, face painting, costume competition, workshops, green screen and more! Tickets are available now – please visit the website and use code Primary10 at the checkout for 10% OFF your tickets! W: www.bolt-events.com/northampton-comic-con
Forestry
England invites families to step into a magical forest adventure with new
Room on the Broom Trail
Visitors can join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding adventure through Salcey Forest and Fineshade Wood. Help Witch find her hat, wand and bow along the way and collect magical ingredients to complete the spell. Each stop on the trail is packed with fun activities, fascinating forest facts and a sprinkling of woodland magic. Perfect for those with young explorers looking for a great day out! Accompanied by a £4 trail pack, available to buy at sites, collect your own themed lanyard, magic spell cards and pop-out crafts to make your very own keepsake witchy wand. Plan your visit today!
W: www.forestryengland.uk/room-on-the-broom
Crawl into fun at Wicksteed Park
Visit Wicksteed Park from Saturday 14th February until Sunday 22nd February for Go Wild at Wicksteed with ZooLab, open 10.30am-4pm! Experience a day of family fun and unforgettable encounters as you explore the Adventure and Heritage Zones as well as amazing Animal Encounter Shows by ZooLab!
Meet fascinating creatures and discover incredible facts along the way. Wristbands are £12 per person, with children under 0.9m able to experience the fun for FREE with an accompanying adult. Attractions open for Go Wild at Wicksteed include: Indoor Animal Encounter Shows, Astroslide, Treetop Walk, Rockin’ Tug, Clown Coaster, Meerkat Manor, Wicky’s Mini Farmyard, Pig N’ Putt, Lighthouse, Cups & Saucers, Mini Roundabout, Carousel, Sway Rider, and the Wicksteed Park Railway. Head online to find out more!
W: www.wicksteedpark.org
Love Takes Flight in Weston Favell
Love Takes Flight is coming to Weston Favell Shopping Centre this February half term, bringing fun for the whole family! Celebrate Valentine’s Day on Saturday 14th February by taking a photo in front of the special Valentine’s display and sharing it on social media. Tag Weston Favell to receive a family Valentine’s bundle to take home. On Wednesday 18th February, get crafty and make heart-themed gifts. Plus, join the Favell Fun Club from 15th21st February for daily games, activities, and big smiles. Take your family, enjoy the festivities, and create happy half term memories at Weston Favell Shopping Centre!
W: www.westonfavellshopping.com
FindadventureatBeanzBarnSoftplayandCafé
Set within a converted grain store on a small farm in a quiet village location, Beanz Barn is a forest and treehouse-themed softplay and café designed to spark imaginations and bring families together. The space invites children up to the age of 10 to explore, climb, and play in a safe and engaging environment.
Their playframe is built with active and adventurous play in mind, offering older children a chance to challenge themselves with slides, ladders, swings, nets, and a variety of exciting obstacles. For younger visitors, a dedicated under 3s area ensures safe and stimulating play away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger kids. Planning a party? They have a private party room which is ideal for birthdays and special celebrations. With free private parking on site, your visit is easy from start to finish.
Go and discover Beanz Barn – where little explorers grow, big imaginations thrive, and families feel right at home.
W: www.beanzbarn.co.uk
Dino Tales is coming to Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering
Friday20thFebruary
Dino Tales is an unforgettable family adventure starring some of the largest walking dinosaurs ever to roam the stage, a captivating story where you’ll meet Freya the dancing Raptor, Dylan the cheeky Dilophosaurus, Angie the Ankylosaurus, Scar the fearsome Spinosaurus and Roxy the mighty T-Rex. You and the kids will be jumping for Jurassic joy, so get ready for the ultimate Jurassic rescue adventure!
W: www.dinotales.co.uk
Say you saw it in Primary Times
Chance To WIN
To enter these competitions please email competitions@primarytimesmag.com When you enter make sure you give us your name, address, email, child’s age and school. Closing date is Monday 30th March. Good Luck! Please note: Primary Times will only use your details to contact the competition winner.
WIN A CHILDREN’S KARTING PARTY AT WHILTON MILL
The buzzing atmosphere at Whilton Mill, just outside Daventry, combined with such an exciting activity, makes for a truly memorable party!
For the chance to win a children’s karting party for six drivers (worth £234) simply email your entry titled Wilton Mill Karting, along with your entry information, and you will be placed into our prize draw!
Drivers must be aged between 6-11 years and be a minimum height of 1m. Each child will receive two 10-minute karting sessions on their 450m circuit, followed by a children’s meal in their restaurant.
T&C’s
Win big with Hays Travel and easyJet holidays! One lucky family will receive £3,000 towards a holiday of their choice, plus £3,000 for their school. There’s great availability for July and August this year, with flights from your regional airport – the perfect reason to start dreaming! For full terms and conditions visit www.haystravel.co.uk/primary-times
For a chance to win simply answer... What standard luggage allowance do you get with easyJet holidays?
To enter this competition please visit www.primarytimes.co.uk/competitions
WIN A FULL TERM OF CLASSES AT OPEN STAGE PERFORMING ARTS
Celebrating 25 years in Northampton! Open Stage Performing Arts is based in a beautiful historic building, offering classes for ages 3 months to adults in ballet, tap, modern, musical theatre, acrobatics, street dance, and singing. With a bespoke theatre and state-of-the-art studios, Open Stage welcomes everyone from complete beginners to aspiring professionals. We are giving one lucky new student the chance to win a full term (12 weeks) of classes in two age-appropriate classes and genre of their choice*!
For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: What is the name of Open Stage’s beautiful historic building? A) Kings Building B) Queens Building C) Princess Building Email your entry titled Open Stage to be place in the prize draw. *New students only. T: 01604 435307 W: www.open-stage.co.uk Open Stage Performing Arts Queens Building, Leicester Parade, Northampton NN2 6AQ
Party GUIDE
Here is our annual Party Guide, bringing you inspiration for your birthday parties and events throughout the year! Don’t forget to mention that you saw it in Primary Times when booking your party.
Beanz Barn Softplay and Café
WWW.BEANZBARN.CO.UK
Celebrate your little adventurer’s birthday in this treehouse themed family-friendly venue! Beanz Barn have a dedicated private party space and can accommodate parties for up to 20 children. They are open seven days a week with three sessions per day; 10am-12noon, 12.30-2.30pm and 3.305.30pm, all of which can accommodate party bookings for 0-10yr olds. There’s a dedicated under 3s area and a challenging playframe for the bigger kids. Full party package information is available online.
Iron Pit Woods Adventure
WWW.IRONPITWOODSADVENTURE.CO.UK
Want to celebrate your child’s birthday a different way? Then look no further. At Iron Pit Woods Adventure, they have you covered. Their party packages will keep the children entertained with a thrill of adventure from the moment they arrive! Packages include the 18-hole adventure golf course, aerial assault course and zip wire, or let them challenge their inner Viking with an hour of axe throwing. Along with this you have access to your own private party room where you can recharge their batteries with a well-deserved bite to eat. The birthday child goes free with a minimum of 10 participants!
Laser Maze
01933 441 300 WWW.LASERMAZE.CO.UK
Laser Maze is Northamptonshire’s go-to destination for action-packed laser tag fun the whole family can enjoy! Step inside the interactive arena and dive into the exciting, friendly competition of laser tag.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, family day out, school holiday activity, or corporate team-building event, Laser Maze has something for everyone. They also offer accessibility options for SEND groups, ensuring every visit is enjoyable for all players.
On-site, you’ll find a cafe, private party rooms, and an arcade area, so there’s plenty to enjoy before and after the action. Located in Wellingborough with an onsite car park, Laser Maze is the perfect place to play, relax, and enjoy a great day out or party! Visit their website or give them a call today for more information.
Activity only party packages from only £5 per person! *subject to terms and conditions.
Why not keep these pages or take a photo so that you can refer back to them when you are party planning throughout the year!
Stanwick Lakes
INFO@RFTRUST.ORG.UK
WWW.STANWICKLAKES.ORG.UK
Looking for the perfect birthday party venue? Consider The Discovery Zone at Stanwick Lakes! A private room at the visitor centre, with a naturethemed wall mural, ample room for play, coat-hooks and its own entrance, all just steps from the outdoor play areas. Choose a free-play booking which is a room hire only option, or a Pottery Painting package, from just £12 per child. Enjoy a stress-free experience with space for up to 24 children (and 10 adult helpers) and even two parking spaces included. With room-hire only, you can arrange your own entertainment, or simply use it as a base to play outside. Extras such as personalised welcome boards and gift bags are available. Email to book your child’s adventure at Stanwick Lakes, or download a party leaflet from the website.
Tigers Indoor Play
WWW.TIGERSPLAY.CO.UK
Tigers have just completed a major upgrade to the party rooms at their Kettering site, completely revamping the designs with all new artwork, with the same changes planned to hit their Daventry site soon!
Offering Go-karts, a thrilling drop slide, massive play frame to a dedicated under 5’s section with its own roleplay village, Tigers Indoor Play is suited for children of all ages.
Tigers offers a great venue for children’s parties with different themed party rooms to choose from. You will also receive a delicious buffet platter for the kids, unlimited cordial drinks and a party host team to enhance your experience.
The centres are open from Wednesday to Sunday with three time sessions per day.
See website for full terms and conditions. What are you waiting for? Get in touch to book this year’s party!
Whilton Mill Karting and Outdoor Activities
01327 843822
WWW.WHILTONMILL.CO.UK
In children’s party top trumps, a visit to Whilton Mill is a winner! As the UK’s most raced at outdoor go-kart circuit, the buzzing atmosphere combined with such an exciting activity, makes for a truly memorable day out. But it’s safety first – all children’s parties start with a safety briefing from their instructors, who are on-hand throughout the event to provide coaching and encouragement. Party packages are suitable for children aged from 6-13, and young racers need to be a minimum of 1.22m tall to take part in go-karting sessions. Whilton Mill, located just outside Daventry in Northamptonshire, has three packages to choose from: archery, off-road buggies, and of course, go-karting. Prices start from just £32 and there is a minimum booking of six children. Food is included, along with medals for all and a trophy for the birthday girl or boy!
Wicky’s Play Factory at Wicksteed Park
WWW.WICKSTEEDPARK.ORG
PLAYFACTORY@WICKSTEEDPARK.ORG
Planning your little one’s birthday celebrations? Wicksteed Park’s indoor soft play is the venue for you! Wicky’s Play Factory has a range of parties available, including the option to hire for exclusive use in the evening from 5.30pm until 7.30pm. Party Packages are available starting from £210 for up to 20 children and it will include a dedicated seating area, jugs of orange and blackcurrant squash and a yummy hot buffet served on platters for the children!
You can make your party package extra special by adding on a Wicky Bear plush for £15, or by booking a meet and greet with the real Wicky Bear for £60. Find out more information and book online or email to chat with their dedicated team.
WOW
What’s on Where in Northamptonshire
Details of What’s on Where across the county, all in date order to help you plan your weeks ahead. Don’t forget to mention that you saw it in Primary Times!
ONGOING
Tigers Indoor Play
Daventry and Kettering Venues
www.tigersplaykettering.co.uk
Two local soft play venues with great facilities, including play zones and activities for all ages, plus refreshments are available too.
Whilton Mill Karting
www.whiltonmill.co.uk
As one of the UK’s most popular outdoor go-karting venues, there is more than just racing on offer. Kids aged 6 and up can enjoy the thrill of karting on the specially designed junior track or take the wheel in off-road buggies for a bumpy adventure. Fancy trying something different? Have a go at archery and test your aim!
Beanz Barn
www.beanzbarn.co.uk
A forest and treehouse-themed softplay and café designed to spark imagination and bring families together. Children up to the age of 10 can explore, climb, and play in a safe, engaging environment.
Room on the Broom Trail
Salcey Forest and Fineshade Wood
www.forestryengland.uk
Visitors can join Witch and her friends on a spellbinding adventure through Salcey Forest and Fineshade Wood. Each stop on the trail is packed with fun activities, fascinating forest facts and a sprinkling of woodland magic. Accompanied by a £4 trail pack, available to buy at sites, collect your own themed lanyard, magic spell cards and pop-out crafts to make your very own keepsake witchy wand.
Saturday 14th February
Love Takes Flight Weston Favell Shopping www.westonfavellshopping.com
Celebrate Valentine’s Day! Get camera ready with Valentine’s face painting, snap, tag and share your picture on social media to receive a family bundle… which includes keepsakes and a heart-shaped lolly! 11am-3pm.
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!
Saturday 14th-Sunday 22nd February
Go wild with Zoolab
Wicksteed Park www.wicksteedpark.org
Experience a day of family fun and unforgettable encounters as you explore the Adventure and Heritage Zones and the amazing Animal Encounter Shows brought by ZooLab! Wristbands are £12 per person, with children under 0.9m able to experience the fun for free with an accompanying adult.
Fantastic Feathers Trail
Stanwick Lakes www.stanwicklakes.org.uk
Stroll around the lake, spot the birds, match them to their feathers and win a lovely wooden bird prize. The trail is on an accessible circular path around Solstice Lake and is one mile long – perfect for explorers with little legs. No need to book, just drop in and buy your trail for £4 from the Visitor Centre, available 9.30am-4pm each day.
A fun-filled space where parents can go along with their children to enjoy games and activities, keeping everyone entertained.
Monday 16th-Friday 20th February
Play in a Week –Adventures in Oz Castle Theatre www.castletheatre.co.uk
Whether you’re an Elphaba or a Glinda, if you’re aged 6-16 years and love to sing, dance or act you can be a part of this five-day journey down the Yellow Brick Road, ending with a performance on Friday afternoon.
Tuesday 17th February
Feathery Forest Fun
Stanwick Lakes www.stanwicklakes.org.uk
Visit the woods with the Stanwick Lakes Ranger team for birdy themed forest fun. Families can connect with nature, listen to the birds, create natural birdy crafts and cook marshmallows on the campfire. Suitable for children aged 4-11. All children must be accompanied for the duration of the event. Booking essential. 10-11.30am. £6.
Prebook onto one of three crafting sessions, at which you’ll have the choice to create lots of brilliant birdy themed crafts, including: making your own bird book and cardboard binoculars ready to spot birds on the nature reserve, use the power of the winter sun to create a feather print bookmark, craft a bird that will become your pet, make a bird feeder using recycled materials, or fold an origami bird.
Thursday 19th February
The Utterly Revolting Science Show
Wicksteed Park www.wicksteedpark.org
Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team’s hilarious, high-tech, highly explosive journey through the human body, packed with burp biology, fart physics and revolting edible chemistry.
Build a Bird Box
Stanwick Lakes www.stanwicklakes.org.uk
The Stanwick Lakes Ranger team will guide you, helping you put your box together and use the tools to make it the perfect home for baby birds.
Friday 20th February
Showdown in the Park Wicksteed Park www.wicksteedpark.org
Elevation Wrestling is for everyone! Enjoy these exciting shows as a family, as a first timer or as a lifelong wrestling fan.
Owl Pellet Dissection Workshop
Stanwick Lakes www.stanwicklakes.org.uk
Fancy becoming an owl detective?
Find out what owls have been eating by dissecting their pellets. Will you find a mouse, a vole or maybe a shrew skeleton? This event is perfect for young budding scientists aged 7 and over.
Sunday 22nd February
Northampton Comic Con Benham Sports Centre www.bolt-events.com/northampton-comic-con
Meet your favourite characters, spot the Jurassic Park Jeep, take selfies with super fun props including a Monsters Inc Door, and browse lots of stalls with amazing merchandise. Plus, take part in free activities including retro gaming, face painting, costume competition, workshops, green screen and more!
Use code Primary10 at the checkout for 10% OFF tickets!
Starting on World Book Day and running for four weeks, you are challenged to build a book tower as tall as your head teacher. As a student finishes a book it is added to their tower and the school’s tower. Free to sign up to and students are encouraged to get sponsorship. The funds raised go to Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
Sunday 15th March
Mum’s Travel FREE
Northampton and Lamport Railway www.nlr.org.uk
Enjoy a return train journey through the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, hauled by a classic steam locomotive while you enjoy your specially prepared cream tea. Mums have the train ride portion of the fare free if accompanied by a full fare paying customer.
Box OFFICE
Lots of lovely family shows to fill your half term time off and beyond. From dinosaurs to Tom Gates, there is something to delight all theatre fans.
DINOSAURS LIVE! | CASTLE THEATRE
Castle Theatre www.castletheatre.co.uk
Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th February
ZOOTROPOLIS 2
Detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootropolis and turns the mammal metropolis upside down.
Wednesday 18th February
THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE: THE SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS
Desperate to be a big guy, SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs by following The Flying Dutchman, a mysterious swashbuckling ghost pirate, on a seafaring comedy adventure that takes him to the deepest depths of the deep sea, where no Sponge has gone before.
Thursday 19th & Friday 20th February
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW
The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Say you saw it in Primary Times
The Lighthouse Theatre www.dinotales.co.uk
Friday 20th February
DINO TALES
An unforgettable family adventure starring some of the largest walking dinosaurs ever to roam the stage, a captivating story where you’ll meet Freya the dancing Raptor, Dylan the cheeky Dilophosaurus, Angie the Ankylosaurus, Scar the fearsome Spinosaurus and Roxy the mighty T-Rex. Get ready for the ultimate Jurassic rescue adventure!
Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th February
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos.
Sunday 8th March
DINOSAURS LIVE!
For the first time since 1881, the home of dinosaurs, London’s Natural History Museum, is going on tour.
The Core www.thecorecorby.com
Tuesday 17th February
DINOSAUR ADVENTURE
Join the intrepid rangers on a quest to recover the data crystal, restore power to the island and save the Dinosaurs! Stomp, Roar and Swish your tail as you are introduced to some of the most incredible species ever to have lived on planet Earth.
Saturday 21st February
TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE BY XENNA
Step into the unparalleled world of Taylor Swift in this enchanted tribute show featuring the incredible: Xenna as Taylor. A celebration of the iconic pop sensation’s music, style, and unrivalled stage presence.
We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!
Royal & Derngate www.royalandderngate.co.uk
Friday 6th-Sunday 8th February
THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
The Old Savoy www.theoldsavoy.co.uk
Sunday 22nd February
TOM GATES EPIC STAGE SHOW 2026
Tom Gates is back for 2026! Based on the bestselling books by Liz Pichon, Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show brings alive the illustrations and music that makes Tom Gates hugely popular around the world.
