Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Family Holidays in and around Dorset
Families living in the South West are ideally located to take a mini-break, or longer holiday, to a choice of unique and often stunning destinations, within an approximate 2-hour drive from home.
If a road trip is not possible, the train links are particularly good across the region, and indeed, on many routes, the views from the carriages are some of the most picturesque in the country.
Look at www.thetrainline.com and www.redspottedhanky.com to find some of the best deals around.
For even greater flexibility, the bus and coach network is extensive, giving families the choice of leaving the car at home.
Visit www.stagecoachbus.com for times, routes and prices. So, if access to all corners of the region is an option – where do you want to go?
Cornwall
Cornwall is such a great destination for the kids. Holidaying on or around Bodmin Moor is perfect for outdoor adventures, stream dipping and mini treks; whilst around every cove there will be a new beach to explore, giving access to thrilling surf, watersports, rockpools and bucket and spade moments. Plan your trip away - look here to find out what’s happening in Cornwall. As a heads-up, there’s Falmouth Week in early August, and agricultural shows in Launceston, Camborne, and of course the Royal Cornwall show near Wadebridge.
Plymouth
Looking to take the kids away for a city break in the area? Plymouth, is not only rich in history, its attractions such as the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth Pavilions and nearby Dartmoor Zoo are a great draw to the city, whatever the weather! The Plymouth History Festival, running from Saturday 6 May to Sunday 4 June, offers an open door to some historical buildings and properties that are usually inaccessible to the public – read more here
South Devon
South Devon covers an enormous area. Stretching from Plymouth to Seaton, incorporating 123 miles of coastline, an abundance of quirky towns, and a vast amount of Dartmoor, it offers all types and style of holiday for the family. There’s lots to look forward to in the area; coming up, there’s the Geopark Festival in Torbay and Exmouth Festival at the end of May, and the family friendly Chagstock Music Festival in July. Read more here
North Devon
The contrast between north and south Devon is pretty broad, and many families gravitate to north Devon to enjoy the slightly slower pace of life, to explore the wilds of Exmoor and enjoy the fantastic surf opportunities. Forthcoming family friendly events include the Clovelly Maritime Festival in July, the North Devon Show in August and the crazy South West Birdman in Ilfracombe in July. Book your trip to the area early to enjoy some of the best events in the county - find more here
Dorset
Families paying a visit to Dorset can take a walk-through time along the Jurassic coast, go on a fossil hunt in Lyme Regis, discover the downlands with their panoramic views, and build sandcastles on Weymouth beach, which has just been named the UK’s favourite beach by travellers on Trip Advisor. Major events coming up over the next few months include the Bournemouth Air Festival in August, the Purbeck Pirate Festival in July and the Poole Harbour Festival in July. Discover more ideas and events in Dorset here
Collect precious memories at Old MacDonald's Farm
Old MacDonald’s Farm located in Padstow is a child’s dream day out.
A small family run Farm Park creates a perfect family day out to collect precious memories.
Surrounded by outstanding Cornish countryside, and only a few moments away from a beautiful beach at Porthcothan Bay you’ll have loads of family activities to get stuck into. 
The Farm Park also provides wonderful Bed and Breakfast and Campsite options, making it a lovely getaway for the family. It’s a real adventure filled with all sorts of adventure!
For bookings or for further information go to www.oldmacdonalds.co.uk or ring 01841 540829
Some alternative options for an affordable family holiday...
Camping: Cheap, cheerful and communal; camping is a wonderful choice of holiday for cash-strapped 
families. Alternative forms of accommodation make the camping option more novel these days, with many campsites offering static caravans, tipi’s, yurts, log cabins and luxury chalets as an alternative to the traditional tent.
Farm holidays: Working farms provide a therapeutic escape from urban life, and within days the lure of the computer game and TV is replaced with wild adventures in the open countryside.
Adventure holidays: Adventure holidays provide families with the chance to explore new destinations and challenging activities in the safety of a group. This style of holiday is better suited to children who are aged 8 years +.
City Breaks: Most cities have plenty of children’s events and activities during the school holidays and at weekends, making these destinations perfect for mini breaks.