With the summer holidays fast approaching, there's about to be a lot of energy that needs spending! So we’re here to tell you about all the best spots in Hertfordshire where you and the family can make the most of your time off. Walk among dinosaurs or, if you're fancying something less intense, crash into a beach chair and stay there all day (we won't judge you!).
With activities for kids of all ages, your itinerary for the holidays is now sorted. So peruse the list and plan away!
Dinosaur Trail at Knebworth House
All the time, Stevenage
Take a trip back in time at Knebworth Gardens this summer with a walk through the Dinosaur Trail! Your little one's imagination will run free as they discover the 72 life sized dinosaurs and pre-historic creatures throughout, as well as the chance to create their very own caveman drawings. Be sure to check out the rest of the Gardens while there, with over 28 acres of beautiful trees, wilderness and even a maze! It’s going to be absolutely roar-some.
Henry Moore Studios & Gardens
Multiple dates, Much Hadham
Join the team at the Henry Moore Studios & Gardens this year and take part in the wonderful Re/Construct workshops. Explore everything from social constructs to horticulture in artistic and creative ways, including planting your own seeds and moulding your own clay. These workshops are perfect for those 16+, so bring along your creatively inclined family members and enjoy days of artistic release within and around the beautiful grounds where Henry Moore spent his days.
Willows Activity Farm
19th April – 22nd July, St Albans
Kick off your summer holidays at the Willows with friends and family as you explore the adventure play area, ride on a tractor, and even meet the one and only Peter Rabbit. Enjoy shows throughout the day and be sure to check the itinerary so you don’t miss out on anything! Nothing beats a sunny day out like some fresh air and fun playtime with the kids.
SENDsational Mornings
29th May – 21st August, Tring Museum
SENDsational Mornings at Tring Museum provide a safe and welcoming space for all neurodivergent children, including those with autism and other sensory processing difficulties. Free from the usual hustle and bustle of summer holiday destinations, you and your budding explorers can enjoy activities throughout the museum in a peaceful and calm setting. Book ahead to make sure you and your little ones can spend the day exploring the museum and all its worldly wonders.
Reptile, Tiger, and Bird Weekends
24th June – 23rd July, Paradise Wildlife Park
Come along to Paradise Wildlife Park and enjoy a series of 3 weekends, each dedicated to varying fantastic species. Starting with reptiles on the 23rd July, then tigers on the 29th, and finishing with a flourish on 13th August with birds, you won’t want to miss out on these experiences. Not only will you learn lots about all these animals and get to take your photo with them, but you will also be helping to raise awareness and vital funds for their conservation. Reptiles, tigers, and birds… oh my!
Big Beach
25th July – 7th August 2022, Watford
Pack your sandals and sun cream and head on down to Watford’s Big Beach in the Town Centre. Completely free, you and the family can bring along a picnic and spend the afternoon with your sand in the toes and yourselves in a deck chair. Or grab some food from one of the nearby restaurants and dine al fresco! Who needs Honolulu when you’ve got Hertfordshire!?
Family Workshop at St Albans Cathedral
2 August – 13 August, St Albans
Put on your learning hats this summer at St Albans Cathedral as you and the kids rewind 500 years to the Tudor times. Discover how Henry VIII kept all his secret messages safe from nosy nellies in a seal making workshop (as in letter seals, not the semiaquatic blubbery mammals). With adults going free and only £6 per child, this is a day of learning you can’t miss out on!
"Love your Selfie" for charity
8th - 30th August
Over at Atria Watford, we're learning to love ourselves, and not just for our own well-being... for others' too! In support of local charity Jessica's Arc, a network of families who's mission it is to find a cure and better treatments for rhabdomyosarcoma (a rare childhood cancer), we are loving our selfies. Enjoy an hour long experience, where you'll explore a range of fun and exciting rooms while taking selfies - and, all proceeds go to the charity. Plus, you'll get exclusive store offers and the chance to win a £200 prize bundle from MAC! Bring the family along and love your selfie!
The Nickelodeon Experience
14th - 27th August
Bring the little ones along to Knebworth House this summer for a day out they'll never forget! The Nickelodeon Experience is jam packed with activities for kids of all ages to enjoy, from Paw Patrol playtime to exciting escape rooms. Brave through Henry Danger's Maze or crawl through the Ninja Turtle's lair - all you'll need is a sharp mind and a hunger for adventure. Speaking of hunger, be sure to stop off in Bikini Bottom to get some tasty street food once you're done (this part is for the parents too!). And, of course, don't forget to watch out for the slime!
Outdoor Cinema
19th August, Hertford Castle
Maybe going to the cinema isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the summer holidays… well, think again! With Hertford Castle’s outdoor cinema, you can enjoy the refreshing breeze while enjoying kid friendly movies. With a morning and afternoon viewing to choose from, you and the family can watch while getting that well needed outdoors time.