As the weather gets cooler, keeping the kids entertained can prove more challenging. But whether you want to get them outdoors or find a warmer setting for some family fun, we have some great suggestions. Take a look below.

Visit the theatre

There’s nothing like a theatre show to excite and inspire young children, and there are some fabulous shows for kids at the Theatre Royal this season. The Tiger Who Came to Tea is playing from 12-15 October, and is ideal for children aged three and up. Packed with magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos, it’s based on the bestselling picture book by Judith Kerr, and is one of the best family shows in Nottingham this autumn, so don’t miss out.

Discover autumn colour

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, with the leaves on the trees turning all shades of red and orange. And there’s no better way to appreciate the colours of the season than with a trip to a local park. Gedling Country Park is a favourite with its woodland paths and viewing platforms; it also has a play area and café.

Sherwood Pines is also spectacular in the autumn, and is ideal for walking and mountain biking. Little ones can try out the Gruffalo orienteering trail, following the clues to find 12 Gruffalo markers. There’s a Robin Hood Hideout play area, Mushroom Village play area, and a café too.

See some contemporary art

Nottingham Contemporary is a great place to go for some inspiration. With regular exhibitions of international art and an immersive play space for children, it has something for everyone. The Hollow Earth exhibition, which runs from September 2022 to January 2023, explores prehistory, myth and ritual through the imagery and idea of caves. There are music and dance events throughout the year too.

Learn about mining history

When coal mining arrived in Bilsthorpe in the 1920s, it changed the local landscape. A visit to Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum is a chance for kids to understand the role that the mining industry played in and around Nottingham, and to see some of the objects and memorabilia from the 20th century mines, many of which have been donated by members of the community. You may even be shown around by an ex-miner with first-hand experience of the pit. 

Take a tour

Stories of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood still captivate the imagination of visitors to Nottingham, and you can find traces of him all over the city. Take a walking tour to discover all the places associated with Robin Hood, from Nottingham Castle – the home of Prince John – to the National Justice Museum, the place from which the Sheriff of Nottingham held sway.

If you’re visiting Nottingham for the first time, you can take a self-guided tour of the key sights, including Nottingham Castle, the Market Square and Council House, and the three churches: St Mary’s, St Peter’s, and St Nicholas.

Whatever the weather is doing this autumn, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy with your family, from long rambles to kids’ theatre shows in Nottingham. Don’t miss out on The Tiger Who Came to Tea – book your tickets today.