The summer holidays are almost like a thing of fairy-tale – where people come together, you get out the house every day and enjoy things such as barbecues and outdoor cinema to exploring in the six weeks of school holidays! While it’s all sounding rather lovely, that six weeks can be quite the behemoth to fill, so we’re here to help. From historic and informative days out, plenty of exhilarating activities, to relaxing activities, here’s our guide to the summer holidays in Hertfordshire…
An informative summer
As we say, we certainly need an informative day out to keep the kids minds ticking over and expanding throughout the summer. In Ayot St Lawrence, head to renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw’s former home, Shaw’s Corner. Now open to the public until the end of September, you can wander this home that is full of books and history with colourful gardens outside, much like how Shaw devised them originally.
For those with either baby carriers on their back, or some very adventurous children, consider taking on the Wheathampstead to Shaw's Corner circular walk. This route will take you 7.6 miles from the town of Wheathampstead through and past farmland and woodland.
Staying the night, or a few? Consider heading to Brocket Hall and taking some solace in its over 500 acres of grounds, plus rooms are available with cots!
Herts’ Big Art Fair
Keeping those creative juices going through the holidays is super important so the kids can go back in September and get a grade 8 in art! To help with this, take a trip on the weekend of the 12th to 14th July to the Big Art Fair in Hitchin organised by Herts Visual Arts. This event will showcase a range of approximately 60 local artists, whose work you can also purchase and take home with you!
Take it to the beach at The Grove
All of this talk of energising the brain over the summer might be tiring, so thankfully The Grove has got a beach, and much more this summer! Ralph’s Beach, which is set within the Walled Garden is a perfect escape, with sand, mini deck chairs for the kids, and of course a pool you can cool down in after a full day's activities such as bike rides, archery and more. For the evening, we recommend catching a flick at the Everyman outdoor cinema in the grounds!
What's going on in Watford
While we can’t guarantee warm weather or even sunshine during the summer, we can guarantee that when they do come, you should head to the Cassiobury Park Splash Pools which are open between April and September. These are free to use for any kids who need to cool down, but a donation is always welcomed when booking so everyone can make use.
Also, keep an eye on the Watford Museum’s on Tour – which is a series of events bringing the town’s history to life up until the museum moves to the Town Hall.
Celtic Harmony
Spending time outside on a summer's day in nature – nothing beats it! On a Family Saturday over in Celtic Harmony just south of Hertford, you can take the kids and help out with tasks such as herb planting, cutting back shrubbery and preparing firewood, meaning they’ll burn some energy and you will be able to discover nature, conservation and Prehistory at the Celtic Harmony Camp. After the volunteering, you can take a break in the cafe before heading out to explore the private natural woodland! In the summer, the events will be taking place on 15th June, 20th July, and 17th August between 10am - 12pm. After learning new skills as a family, you will take a break in the cafe before heading out to explore the private natural woodland!
Young visitors to St Albans Museum
Across three floors, the St Albans Museum is a gallery space that has over 2000 years of history with an everchanging events programme. Included in those events are Tots Tales and Museum Minis, which are one hour sessions for the smallest of visitors that include a story and craft activity, plus a fun museum treasure hunt looking for objects or characters from the story they’ve just read! Take a look at their events calendar for the full list, plus other events added regularly that encourage discovery in the natural world for a young audience.
Campus West – Welwyn Garden City
Sitting right in the centre of Welwyn Garden City is the area’s destination for a fun day out – Campus West. From their cinema to soft play and roller skating, it is really quite easy to spend a full day there, however throughout the summer there’ll be a number of events too! On the 31st May, is Exciting Science, a live show full of experiments such as a volcanic eruption and vacuum missile launchers. From the end of May, there will be holiday roller skate discos, which will promise to be full of bright lights and quad wheeled fun!
Wild Oak Meadows at Home Farm Live
This summer, the glorious glamping site that is Home Farm is hosting a new one-day magical festival specifically aimed at families – Wild Oak Meadows. With a packed schedule of live theatre, music, crafts and workshops, this promises to celebrate the summer in style. Plus, you can keep the stomachs full with plenty of summertime local food and drink!
Summer in Stevenage
Throughout the summertime, the centre of Stevenage is transformed with countless events. If you're a football fanatic, head to Event Island (the former bus station) and watch the Euro's on the big screen with a licensed bar, pizza, burger and kebab vans, free face painting to get into the spirit and even stilt walking football referees! But Event Island isn't just for the football as Thank Goodness It's Thursday! brings energy to the town every last Thursday of the month with music, live performances and the likes of famous bagels. Find the next one here. And finally, from the 27th July to 1st September, the area is turned into a seaside, so remember to pack your bucket and spade.