Staffordshire summer holidays: 2026 what’s on guide for families

• Facebook
• Instagram

If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained over the long summer break, we’ve rounded up the best events happening in Staffordshire. From outdoor theatre and nature trails to hands-on workshops and summer festivals, there’s something for every kind of family adventure.

So grab your diary, pick your favourites, and make this summer one to remember.

Not all the local Summer events and activities have been announced yet. We will keep this guide updated over the next few weeks.

For general days out please check out our guide to days out in Staffordshire.  

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. National Forest Adventure Farm – Farmarama

8th July to 1st September
Click here for more information and to book
Click here for our review of Farmarama

This Summer, the National Forest Adventure Farm is hosting the ULTIMATE beach party with paddling pools, and a huge sand area to bring the beach to Burton-upton-Trent. This year they are having 5 gigantic paddling pools and over 250 tonnes of golden sand to make the farm the best beach going in Burton!

Each day over the Summer holidays there will be:

• Seaside shows
• Super sand art
• A fabulous foam party
• Maize maze
• Access to the farm including indoor soft play, outdoor adventure zones, animal barn & paddocks
• Tractor & barrel rides

Current Prices start at £19.95 (£22.45 on the door) for an adult and £19.95 (£22.45 on the door) for a child
Under 2 FREE.

2. Trentham Live

20th to 23rd August
Click here for more information and to book

Trentham Live returns with an incredible line up of artists in their unique historic lakeside setting for a fifth year! This is one of the main events on the Staffordshire festival calendar. Live music for all concerts will begin at approximately 7pm, with the concert expected to finish between 10am – 10:30pm

Event dates:

Thursday 20 August: The Fratellis, with support from The Subways, Camens and Foarn
Friday 21 August: Madness, with support from The Coral
Saturday 22 August: Five with special guests The Wanted 2.0 and support from Absnt Mind
Sunday 23 August: The Human League, with support from Haircut 100

3. World of Wedgwood

Various dates throughout the summer holidays
Click here for more information and to book
Click here for our review of World of Wedgwood

We love a visit to World of Wedgwood in Staffordshire as a family and there is so much on over the Staffordshire Summer school holidays.

Visit Wedgwood over the summer with kids and enjoy:

• Clay Club Potters Wheel Class
• Clay Club Factory Tours – Recommended ages 4 -14 years
• A visit to the Decorating Studio 
• Craft Club -Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school holidays
• Potters Tots Potter Tots is the perfect Friday morning activity for your creative little one! Let them get messy with Clay whilst you enjoy a complimentary hot drink and zero clean-up. Fridays 10.30 (1hr)

4. Middleport Pottery Family Rave

Saturday 29th August (2pm – 10pm)
Click here for more information and to book
Click here for our review of Middleport Pottery

Bringing you The Summer of Love to Middleport for August bank holiday Saturday! Rave all day long in the open air and watch the sun go down in a scenic canal side setting. 

Expect to hear old skool tunes, House, Garage, Funk, Trance, piano classics, and more, with DJ’s playing rave anthems to take you back to your happy place! Open air in the iconic Middleport Pottery Bottle Oven Courtyard. 

5) Summer at Trentham Monkey Forest

Various events over the Staffordshire summer holidays
Click here for more information and to book
Click here for our tips for visiting Trentham Monkey Forest

It’s officially baby season from May to August at Trentham Monkey Forest, so you’re almost guaranteed to see the baby macaques over the Staffordshire summer holidays amongst the 60-acre woodland.

Plus there are a handful of events to enjoy:

Circus in a box – performers

1st and 2nd August (10:30am – 5:00pm)
Click here for more information and to book
INCLUDED WITH ENTRY TO MONKEY FOREST

Step right up and add even more magic to your visit to Trentham Monkey Forest with the incredible Circus in a Box. Included in your entry ticket, this lively interactive show brings high energy circus skills, impressive tricks and plenty of laughter into your day out.

Placed on our buzzing patio area Circus in a Box adds an extra layer of fun by getting visitors involved and entertaining audiences of all ages.

After walking among the monkeys, you can relax or join in and enjoy a colourful, family friendly performance that makes your visit even more memorable.

Animal Tales with Fern & Fables

8th, 9th, 29th & 30th August (10:30am – 4:00pm)
Click here for more information and to book
INCLUDED WITH ENTRY TO MONKEY FOREST

Animal Tales is an enchanting outdoor shadow puppet performance set within the magical surroundings of Trentham Monkey Forest. Gather together for a unique storytelling experience where traditional folk tales come to life through shadows and imagination.

Each performance combines the voice of a storyteller with beautifully crafted shadow puppetry, presented on a simple illuminated screen. Inspired by timeless animal myths and folk tales from around the world, these stories celebrate courage, curiosity, trickery, kindness, and the deep connection between humans and the natural world.

Designed for small audiences, Animal Tales invites families and visitors of all ages to slow down, listen, and wonder together. Gentle, atmospheric, and full of handcrafted charm, this is storytelling in its oldest and most magical form.

The Grand Cavalcade

15th & 16th August (10:30am – 5:00pm)
Click here for more information and to book
INCLUDED WITH ENTRY TO MONKEY FOREST

Roll up, roll up for a experience like no other.  Delivered by a tribe of seasoned showfolk, be transformed into another world through the whimsical art of storytelling.

Welcome to the Magic Lantern; a curious contraption that travels the land with its crew of storytellers, musicians and puppeteers – telling and collecting stories, lighting up woodlands, bringing laughter and creating magic wherever it goes.

Ian Douglas, the renowed raconteur of stories, has been plying his trade at festivals large and small for over twenty years, appearing with his beautiful pedal powered bow top caravan ‘Vera’, Ian has a head bursting with traditional tales perfect for you to hear in awe and wonder at Monkey Forest.

6) Go Ape, Cannock Chase

Open every day throughout the Staffordshire summer holidays
Click here for more information and to book
Click here for our Go Ape review

Go Ape is an absolutely brilliant way to enjoy the great outdoors and to entertain the children. Go Ape in Cannock, Staffordshire hits all the fun and adventure buttons against a backdrop of stunning valley views. It is in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with nearly 1,500 metres of tree-to-tree crossings on the Challenge course.

The Treetop Adventure course is ideal for children (and adults) to build their climbing confidence. We tried our hand at the Tree Top Adventure Plus course (ideal for kids aged 6-10 and adults of course).

There is also the option to enjoy the off-road segways here too.  

7) Summer of Play at Shugborough Estate

20th July to 30th August (9am – 6pm)
Click here for more information and to book

There’s lots of fun to be had this summer at Shugborough Estate; farmyard games, a nautical adventure in the play field and even try your hand at archery. Why not enjoy an ice cream in the Mansion Tea Room or relax at a shady picnic spot in the Arboretum? Put your sun hat on and come and make the most of being outdoors this summer.

There are also lots of led activities for you to have a go at every Friday and Saturday: canoe on the River Sow, join in a drumming circle, and even attempt a 7 metre climbing wall! Some of these are pre-bookable, so please check the website closer to the time for more details.

Events are free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

8) Summer Fun at Statfold Country Park

Open every day over the summer holidays, plus extra events
Click here for more information and to book

Set in the heart of the Midlands countryside, Statfold Country Park offers a full day of family adventure packed with unforgettable experiences and great value for money. From steam train rides and vintage fairground attractions to indoor soft play, outdoor adventures and family-friendly entertainment, there’s something for everyone here. There are also a few family friendly events held at Statfold Country Park over the Summer holidays including a day out with Thomas, Loco Learners Club, and The Big Statfold Weekender.

Day Out With Thomas™

1st and 2nd August (10am – 40pm)
Click here for more information and to book

Day Out With Thomas™: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to heritage railways across the country!

There will be so much to do from rides behind steam engines Thomas, James and Percy to live shows with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty, and keep the beat going with music-inspired activities in the music corner and more! That’s not to mention all the extra fun you can have with Statfold Country Park’s general activities.

Book tickets for your train ride adventure today to enjoy a whole day out, with all the family! Plus, Thomas & Friends™ giveaways for every child!

Locomotive Learning Week

11th – 14th & 18th – 21st August (9am – 4pm)
Click here for more information and to book

There will be fun activities to get children moving, creative sessions that encourage children to express themselves, exclusive access to our award-winning railway, fun in our park grounds and much more!

The Locomotive Learning Club is a great way to encourage the enthusiasm of young people for steam engines and railways, from merely watching, to learning the realityof what it takes to run a preserved railway.

The club allows young people between 7 and 16 years of age to undertake ‘hands-on’ activities in small groups under experienced adult supervision.

Most of the time the members get very dirty while enjoying what is often a hard day of physical activity restoring, operating and working on our World-renowned narrow gauge railway line.

The Big Statfold Weekender

28th & 30th August (10:30am – 5:00pm)
Click here for more information and to book

Enjoy three days of live music and entertainment, featuring an exciting line-up of talented bands and crowd-pleasing tribute acts. Your ticket also includes access to Statfold Country Park, where you can explore the vintage fairground, ride the steam trains, and take part in a variety of family-friendly activities. When it’s time to refuel, you’ll find plenty of delicious street food on offer, making it a fantastic weekend out for all ages.