If you’re wondering what to do in Staffordshire over May half term 2026, you’re in the right place. With the weather starting to warm up, it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some of the county’s best family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, and seasonal events.
From exciting days out and special half term activities to nature trails and local festivals, there’s plenty happening across Staffordshire to keep the kids entertained. I’ve also included a few free half term activities for families looking to enjoy fun days out without spending a fortune.
DATES FOR STAFFORDSHIRE MAY HALF TERM HOLIDAYS: 23rd to 31st May 2026. Some Staffordshire schools also have an inset day on Monday 1st June 2026.
If the weather doesn’t quite go to plan, there are still plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained. Our rainy day activities guide includes family-friendly indoor activities such as pottery painting cafés, play barns, museums, and more.
For general days out, rather than specific events, please check out our guide for things to do in Staffordshire, which provides lots of inspiration.
And if you fancy turning your visit into a short break, take a look at our guide to the best campsites in Staffordshire; ideal for staying close to some of the county’s most popular family attractions.
As always, we keep this page updated as much as possible with news from these Peak District May half term holiday events. Feel free to email us if you are an event organiser and your event is not listed.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but we receive a small commission.
1. Celebrate 15 years of Adventure Farm
Open daily over May half term (10am – 5pm)
Click here for further information and to book
Celebrate 15 years of Adventure Farm this May Half Term with a fun-filled family day out. Expect high-energy live shows from award-winning entertainer Just Josh, alongside plenty of indoor and outdoor adventures for all ages.
Kids can let off steam in the huge indoor soft play area or explore the outdoor adventure zones, featuring go-karts, jumping pillows, crazy golf, assault courses, and a musical maze. There’s also the chance to meet goats, alpacas, cows, horses, sheep, and more in the animal barn and paddocks.
Your ticket also includes tractor and barrel rides, with the option to take on Mega Slide Mountain for an additional charge.
2. Teddy Bears’ Tea Party at Play Lower Drayton Farm
Open daily over May half term (although timings not yet released)
Click here for further information and to book
Head to Lower Drayton Farm this May Half Term for a charming indoor teddy bears’ tea party experience. Children can fill a special picnic basket with pretend treats, pour make-believe drinks at the tea station, and enjoy role-play picnic fun with their favourite teddy in a cosy seating area. There will also be puppet bear story-time sessions, teddy hat making, and basket crafts running throughout the day.
Alongside the special half term activities, families can enjoy all the usual farm attractions, including indoor playframes, outdoor adventure play, penalty shoot-out fun, a farm trailer ride, and the chance to meet resident donkeys, ponies, chicks, reptiles, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
3. Kids go FREE at Churnet Valley Railway
Open daily over May half term (although timings not yet released)
Click here for further information and to book
Enjoy an affordable family day out on the Churnet Valley Railway throughout the 2026 season with their popular Kids Go Free offer. On every public running day, up to four children aged 0-15 can travel free with each full fare-paying adult on standard passenger services.
It’s a great way to experience a nostalgic steam railway journey through the Staffordshire countryside without the usual family price tag. Please note that the offer is only available when booked online in advance.
4. Staffordshire County Show 2026
Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th May 2026
Click here for further information and to book
The Staffordshire County Show has been taking place for over 200 years and is a big part of Staffordshire life, celebrating agriculture, competition, entertainment, food, shopping and so much more. This year we welcome the return of the incredibly popular BOLDDOG LINGS FMX motorcycle display team to the main ring, who are a real crowd pleaser.
From the wonderful array of animals on display to the bustling Food Hall, there is something to captivate everyone. Thrilling, adrenalin fuelled, main ring attractions and wonderful displays in the Country Pursuits Arena, must all be seen.
5. Twilight at the Towers (Alton Towers)
22nd to 31st May 2026 (10am to 8pm)
Click here for further information and to book
Make May Half Term one to remember at Alton Towers Resort, with the park staying open until 8pm from 22nd to 31st May for Twilight at the Towers. With extra hours to play with, there’s even more time to take on Britain’s most iconic rollercoasters and enjoy a full day of thrills that roll seamlessly into the evening.
From the roar of Nemesis Reborn to the twists of The Smiler, the sheer drop of Oblivion and the fiery rush of Wicker Man, you can pack in more rides than ever before as the park stays open into the evening. As daylight fades, the atmosphere shifts and you get to experience the park in a completely different light; making the most of every last adrenaline-filled moment right up until 8pm.
6. Pirate Takeover Family Fun Raceday at Uttoxeter Racecourse
Sunday 24th May 2026 (gates open 12:10pm)
Click here for further information and to book
Enjoy an exciting day of jump racing on Sunday 24th May as horses and jockeys take on fences and hurdles throughout the afternoon. Alongside the racing action, families can soak up the fun of the Pirate Takeover atmosphere, with plenty to keep little ones entertained while adults relax and enjoy the bank holiday vibe.
Pirate Takeover Family Fun Raceday isn’t just about the racing – there’s a whole host of activities to keep little ones entertained throughout the May bank holiday afternoon, including:
- Pirate Shows throughout the day
- Pirate Themed Bouncy Castles
- Mermaid Meet & Greets and Storytelling
- Seashell Workshop
- Burton Albion Penalty Shootout
- Children’s Funfair Rides
- Facepainting
- Best Dressed Competition
7. Super 1s inclusive cricket session
Saturday 24th May (9:30am – 11am)
Email or call 07789 265 618 for further information and to book
Take part in a welcoming and inclusive Super 1s cricket session for ages 10–25 on Saturday 24th May, running from 09:30 to 11am at Newcastle and Hartshill Cricket Club on Stafford Avenue in Newcastle.
These free sessions are open to all abilities and all disabilities are warmly welcomed, offering a fun and supportive way for young people to get active, build confidence, and enjoy cricket in a relaxed, friendly environment.
8. Tots’ Film Club at Mitchell Arts Centre
Select dates over May half term
Click here for more information and to book
Tots’ Film Club at the Mitchell Arts Centre in Hanley is the perfect relaxed cinema experience for little ones this May Half Term. Families can choose from a range of child-friendly favourites including We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Inside Out 2, Dogman, and even a K-Pop Demon Hunters workshop, along with more fun screenings and activities.
Designed with young audiences in mind, it’s an affordable way to enjoy a trip to the cinema together, with child tickets priced at £4 and one accompanying adult going free. Additional adult tickets are also £4. For more information and to book a place, families can reserve tickets in advance.
9. Wildfamilies at Hem Heath Woods
FREE EVENT
Thursday 29th May (10:30am – 11:30am)
Click here for more information and to book
Head to Hem Heath this May Half Term for some hands-on Wildplay fun in the great outdoors. Children can swing in hammocks, build dens, get creative with crafts, and take part in wildlife spotting and identification activities, all while using their senses to explore the natural surroundings. It’s a relaxed, imaginative way for families to connect with nature and enjoy time outside together. Booking is essential.
10. Let’s build – Lego building sessions at Affinity Outlet shopping centre
FREE EVENT
Wednesday 28th May and Thursday 29th May (10am – 4pm)
Join the Let’s Build team to take part in one of the block building sessions. What you build is up to you, be creative or competitive over this two day event. You will also get the chance to meet real life sized LEGO themed characters, and take a photo before completing the trail to find all the missing characters. When you’ve found them all head over to the events team and take part in a Lucky Dip to take home your very own LEGO person.
Please note: Places maybe limited and timed slots will be issued, to ensure everyone has time to bring their best build to the table.
Suitable for all ages.
11. Clay bee hives at Gladstone Pottery Museum
Friday 30 May (Drop in: 11am – 12:30pm, 1:30pm – 3pm)
Click here for more information and to book
Have a go at making a decorative bee hive from clay and pipe cleaners. For ages 7+All children must be accompanied by an adult.
£3 plus normal admission charges. Adults: £8.50 Children: £5.95 (4 – 16 years inclusive) Concessions: £6.95 (Students and over 65’s)
Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
BEST things to do in Staffordshire
BEST places to eat in Staffordshire
BEST hotels in Staffordshire
BEST campsites in Staffordshire
