From real snow and adrenaline-fuelled activities to fascinating facts and adventure golf, Dacorum is a top spot for family-friendly days out. Whether you’re entertaining the little ones, or trying to tempt teens away from the screens, these days out and experiences are sure to keep the whole family smiling.
What’s more, Dacorum’s self-catering accommodation makes for the perfect place for a family break.
Cloud 9 Leisure
From little ones to big kids, the brand-new Cloud 9 Leisure is high on the list for fast-paced fun. This giant inflatable arena combines all the fun of Ninja Warrior, Gladiator and Total Wipeout with bungee runs, giant slides, bouncy castles, Nerf Gun shooting, an inflatable obstacle course and more on offer. And don’t go thinking this is just for the kids, as adventure-seeking adults are encouraged to jump in, too. Plus, look out for dedicated SEN sessions twice a month.
Mr Mulligans
The whole family fun continues at Mr Mulligans, where kids big and small will love taking a swing at the 18-hole crazy golf or stepping outside and having a go at ping pong. After you’ve tested out your skills, treat them to lunch or cool off with an ice cream, all served right on site.
The Snow Centre
Real snow right here in Hertfordshire? Yes, you can treat your kids to a go on the slopes at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead. Find your ski legs with lessons or dust off your skills with lift passes for the 160m main slope. For those looking to make the most of their snow day, Ringo Slide sessions offer the chance to zoom down the slopes for a day of fun and smiles. Round off your day with a visit to The Lodge Bar & Kitchen for tasty treats, hot chocolate and more.
The XC
Adrenaline-fueled adventures continue at The XC, the ultimate activity centre for extreme sports. A fantastic day out for tricky teens or kids who need a little time away from the screens, The XC is literally packed with adventure, from climbing and skateboarding, to caving and high ropes. With experienced instructors on-hand, you and the kids can confidently reach new heights and enjoy a little thrill-seeking fun.
Frogmore Paper Mill
Soon to reopen, Frogmore Paper Mill celebrates the heritage of Hemel Hempstead’s paper making history at the very mill where paper has been made since 1803. After a tragic fire struck in 2022, the mill was closed for renovations, so we cannot wait for them to reopen the doors and once again share the incredible story of Frogmore Paper Mill, and its fascinating historic machinery.
Natural History Museum Tring
We are blessed to have our very own Natural History Museum right here in Hertfordshire. As the sister site to the London Natural History Museum, you can certainly expect an exciting and (we won’t tell if you don’t) educational day out, all for FREE! With over 4,900 specimens from around the world on display, this incredible collection, curated by Lionel Walter Rothschild, includes everything from polar bears and penguins to lions and even (our favourite) fleas dressed in costume!
The Old Town Hall
Another great value day out, The Old Town Hall in Hemel Hempstead is the home of entertainment, with cinema screenings and theatre on throughout the year. Take a look at the range of family friendly productions coming up and you’re sure to find something to capture the imagination of your drama kings and queens.
Laser Quest Hemel Hempstead
The battle is on at Laser Quest! Fight it out with the latest in laser tag equipment on an immersive sci-fi adventure, suitable for children aged 6+. After your Laser Quest battle experience, it’s time to try out the brand new Nex Gen Gaming arcade, a state-of-the-art gaming experience featuring a 4k UHD projector and a huge selection of games on Nintendo Switch and Xbox!
Sunnyside Up Café
Set by the picture-perfect location of the Grand Union Canal, Sunnyside Up Café is based at Hemel Food Garden, a centre that offers training and employment to people with learning disabilities. Here vulnerable people have the chance to build their skills in everything from gardening, beekeeping and landscaping to fruit and veg growing and more. Focusing on plot to plate, the food they've grown and nurtured can be found here and at the on-site farm shop, all focused on being as sustainable as possible. So while you and the family can enjoy delicious organic dishes, you can rest assured it’s all been produced in an ethical and eco-friendly way.
Abodebed
You’ve been rock climbing, skiing and trekking through history, so we’d say it’s about time we shared where you can rest your head for the night. Conveniently located in the heart of Hemel Hempstead and with an allocated parking space, Abodebed’s two bed apartments are fantastic for family breaks. With a fully equipped kitchen and two bathrooms, you’ll be guaranteed no fights over the bathroom mirror, or tears over why they can’t have their weekend favourite for dinner. And after you’ve put your littles to bed, you can finally relax, put your feet up and switch on the latest must-watch with Sky+ and free Wi-Fi in every apartment.