Well, it’s back to school already and soon the nights will start drawing in too! So make haste while there are still pleasant days and plenty of daylight left and enjoy some family adventures. To entertain the kids, why not pick an autumn challenge to help them make the best of the great outdoors?
In this issue, we have a bumper ‘back to school’ education feature. If you are thinking about secondary schools for your child, take a look at our article about the features of a good one. Also support your child with spelling and learn what to do to help them when failure and disappointment come along.
Halloween is a favourite time of year for many children, so get them in the mood by taking a look at our top tips for enjoying Halloween with all ages of children.
And don’t forget to check out all the events in What’s On for ideas on places to go and activities.
Finally, in this issue, we have Tamatgotchi digital pets to giveaway! Apply inside.
Dale
Editor: Dale Harry Tel: 07958284983
What’s On editor: Reece Dunn Email: editor@familiesherts.co.uk Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk /FamiliesHerts
Tamagotchi Digital Pets Bundle giveaway
Hatch from an egg and raise to an adult
Feed, clean, play with and look after your pet – and see what character you develop
Coding centre providing children with skills for life
A new coding centre for kids, Code Ninjas Hemel Hempstead, has launched to support local children with tech and coding skills.
Through hands-on learning, children aged 5-14 are taught how to code by creating their own games. Run by two best friends, Robin Theakston and Charlie Gunn, Code Ninjas provides a facility for kids to learn exciting new skills in a fun and inspiring environment.
Digital technology is driving extraordinary global changes that some are calling the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The national curriculum
makes it clear that computing is needed at key stages one to four and that ‘a high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world’.
Code Ninjas like to do things a little differently. Students are called Ninjas, the teachers are called Code Sensei, and the centre is called the Dojo. Ninjas work through a colour-coded programme developed in partnership with Microsoft® to earn wristbands –or belts – just like in martial arts.
‘Belt-up’ ceremonies mark a Ninja’s graduation to the next level. Ninjas can attend sessions up to twice a week at a time that is convenient for the whole family. And any missed
So much to experience at the Family Learning Festival
The Family Learning Festival which runs from 5 October to 3 November is an annual celebration of the joy of learning together as a family.
This festival encourages families to explore, discover and learn new things through a wide range of educational activities and experiences. It emphasises the importance of family bonding through shared learning and provides opportunities for families to engage in creative and enriching activities.
Organisations across the UK, including schools, libraries, museums, children centres and galleries will be staging a range of FREE and low cost creative family learning events, workshops in your community that your family can participate in.
Find a local Family Learning Festival event, visit www.familylearningfestival.com and use the interactive map.
hours on the programme can be made up at a later date.
With successful Dojos already in the UK, Charlie and Robin are looking to reach even more tech-passionate children.
Enter your postcode at www. codeninjas.co.uk to find your nearest Code Ninjas location and more information.
Heritage Open Days celebrates 30 years
Heritage Open Days (HODs), brought to you by the National Trust, returns from 6 to 15 September for its 30th year with thousands of free events and experiences.
From historic houses to factories, museums to music halls, formal gardens to graveyards, places, spaces and communities across the country will again host hundreds of free events with free interactive activities for children this autumn.
These will include dressing up, craft, woodland walks and railway rides, all based around this year’s theme, Creativity Unwrapped, sharing England’s colourful history of creativity. The festival will celebrate the experts and enthusiastic amateurs whose passions and skills add something special to our daily lives.
New events will be added to the festival’s directory every day and you can find a local event by visiting www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Introducing the classics to your child
By Erin Miller
At this year’s Hay Festival (the UK’s most prestigious literary event), children’s literature was a hot topic for discussion. Among those commenting were respected and prolific children’s authors, including Antony Horowitz CBE, author of the Alex Rider series, who observed the diminishing quality of children’s literature over the years, stating that ‘proper stories’ are being superseded by ‘silly books.’
There is no doubt that the classics are proper stories, characterised by their originality, complexity and the fact that they have stood the test of time. However, also appearing at the Hay Festival, the current Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho, claimed that today’s children would need a dictionary to read classics such as The Wind in the Willows and Treasure Island.
So, if classics are challenging, with sometimes outdated ideas (for example, around gender roles) is it desirable or necessary to get children reading them? My answer is a firm ‘yes.’
As an English teacher with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen hundreds of children connecting deeply with classic texts. I’ve also witnessed children making excellent progress in their reading skills when faced with books that might seem ‘too hard.’
Furthermore, having taught in the Far East, the Middle East and the UK, I know that many of the classics are enjoyed by children across the globe. Universal themes such as friendship touch everyone and are dealt with in the most insightful, exciting and even tragic ways in classic children’s literature.
It is recognised that reading for twenty minutes a day builds vocabulary and academic progress in all subjects. However,
Which classics to start with?
In the primary years, consider the Greek myths. It’s highly likely that your child will encounter some of these at school but translations such as Geraldine McCaughrean’s retelling of The Odyssey will give them the opportunity to read the full adventures. Roger Lancelyn Green’s retelling of King Arthur is also a good version to introduce to younger readers.
It is a universally acknowledged fact that a love of reading drops off in the secondary years. Fortunately, there is a wealth of quality YA fiction out there. But which classics should your secondary-aged child start with? Some classics have dropped off the curriculum, such as Golding’s Lord of the Flies and Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. I would highly recommend these books, as their exploration of power, friendship and society will have some resonance with young people finding their way in the world. Orwell’s Animal Farm is another book which really helps to develop young people’s understanding of politics and power, with memorable characters in an unforgettable allegory.
this does actually depend on what your child is reading. With both complexity of plot and language, the classics certainly will ensure vocabulary expansion and provide new or challenging ideas.
In addition, a broad knowledge of classic texts will equip your child with ‘background knowledge,’ which is an essential reading skill that has been proven to compensate for a weaker reading ability.
With AI generative platforms such a ChatGPT, there is a risk that today’s children could struggle with originality and creativity.
By encouraging your child to experience the classics, they will be armed with the stories that built today’s world. They will be exposed to a wide range of ideas to interpret and fuel their ideas in their own writing.
Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.
Helping children with theory of mind
By Usha Patel
Back in 2007, a mum called Sarah told me of an incident involving her then 8-year-old son, Albi. Sarah had fainted in the bathroom of their small flat. As she was coming round, she called out for her son. He said: ‘Yes, I saw you.’ Sarah reported that Albi carried on playing without concern. Sarah was visibly upset when she recalled her son’s behaviour.
Why had Sarah’s child not been concerned about her? What was the reason Albi appeared aloof? This was not due to a lack of empathy (as his mother had assumed) but an inability to understand the behaviours of others. Albi needed something called ‘theory of mind.’
What is the theory of mind?
A theory of mind is crucial for success in everyday social interactions, understanding others and their possible mental states (happy, sad, confused, etc.). Having theory of mind shows you acknowledge that others have different beliefs, desires, intentions and emotions from your own.
The Sally-Anne Story
Children can be tested on their theory of mind with a classic test called the Sally-Anne Story, where children watch the story acted out (by a therapist) using two dolls named Sally and Anne.
‘Sally places her marble in a basket, covers the basket and leaves the room. After Sally has departed, Anne moves the marble from the basket and places it in the box.’
The child is then asked where Sally will look for the marble when she comes back? To ‘pass’ this task, the child being tested will say that Sally will look in the basket. After all, Sally would not know Anne moved the marble and would assume it was where she had left it: in the basket. The child being tested needs to show that she has understood from Sally’s perspective and taken Sally’s most probable thoughts into consideration.
Here are the stages of theory of mind in a young child: Perspective-taking
A child recognises that although they know a toy is hidden in a box, another person who was absent during the hiding will not be aware of its location.
Relating to people
Children must first develop their self-awareness. This enables them to be socially aware. Seeing other people’s perspectives provides a starting point for thinking like that other person.
Illustrated storybooks can help children see things from another’s perspective: ask them how the characters are feeling based on the illustrations. The child might relate that to how they feel too. The more language that is used, the greater the chance of the child learning the vocabulary of emotions and conveying feelings.
Understanding false beliefs
If a friend sees you place a sweet in your pocket but you secretly move it to your bag when they’re not looking, a child with theory of mind realises the friend will mistakenly believe the sweet is still in your pocket.
Empathy
If a friend is crying because they dropped their ice cream, a child with theory of mind will comprehend that the friend is upset, even if that child still has their own ice cream.
Deception
If a child decides to mislead their friend by pointing in the wrong direction when asked about the location of a hidden object, a child with theory of mind will understand that the friend does not know the true location.
Understanding others’ ignorance
A child understands that they learned something new at school and also realises that their parent doesn’t know this information yet because they weren’t at school.
Predicting behaviour
A child expects a friend to look for a missing toy in the last place they left it, demonstrating an understanding of the friend’s beliefs and intentions.
Usha Patel is a neurocognitive therapist with over eighteen years of experience. Visit www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk to find out more.
Further reading
Here are some great books which can help interested parents:
Theory of mind: How Children Understand Others’ Thoughts and Feelings by Martin J. Doherty
Talkabout Theory of Mind: Teaching Theory of Mind to Improve Social Skills by Katherine Wareham and Alex Kelly
Teaching Theory of Mind by Kirstina Ordetx.
Also try Raviv Practice’s online package of Foundation Social Skills. These are bite size weekly interventions with a qualified coach.
Overcoming disappointment and failure
By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble
Whilst studies show that children learn better when they experience failure, no parent likes seeing their child upset or disappointed. It feels right to want to keep them happy and content by taking steps to avoid anything seemingly harmful they encounter, whether that be through distraction, bargaining or even with a quick credit-card swipe.
However, whilst these quick wins feel better or even just simpler, safeguarding children from disappointment ultimately hinders them from developing resilience and confidence to progress from childhood to adolescence and in their adult life. When children are given the opportunity to struggle and sometimes fail, you are helping them develop essential social and emotional skills.
What is disappointment and failure? Disappointment is a natural response to failure. It involves the feelings of thwarted desire, loss and discouragement when children fail to fulfil their hopes and expectations or those of others. Children are going to feel disappointment when they don’t achieve their goals or believe that they have let you down.
The stigma surrounding failure is a significant issue that impacts a child’s development, confidence and willingness to take risks. Both close family and society place high expectations on children to succeed academically and socially, which can often lead to an intense fear of failure. The emphasis on continual testing in our education system reinforces a narrow definition of success and failure too. If a child does not reach certain
How to have a healthy perspective
Strategies to combat the stigma of failure
Understand that failure is a natural part of the learning process and see failures as opportunities for learning. Praise effort and persistence rather than just results and whilst showing your child empathy, avoid offering a consolation prize. Model your own healthy perspective on disappointment and allow your children to experience it, viewing stumbling blocks as opportunities.
Managing your expectations of your children
View your child as an individual. Children develop at different rates so don’t compare or be tempted to project your own challenges onto your children - they easily pick up on your negativity. Instead, be enthusiastic and positive, offer encouragement and support. Focus on positive, realistic expectations and celebrate effort as well as achievement. Help your child devise easily-achievable goals and separate them into manageable chunks, prioritising clear and consistent communication and expectations. Above all, validate their feelings which will help them develop perspective.
benchmarks, they are often labelled a failure. This can lead to a downward spiral effect with children reducing their efforts, giving up easily and not taking risks. Children who fall into this spiral may subsequently have little confidence, self-esteem and motivation to achieve future goals.
So how do we not feel completely defeated as parents when we have to watch our child suffer?
Placating your children doesn’t allow them to understand the root causes and figure out how to not feel disappointed in the future. Rather we should let them flex their muscles and with support, encourage them to find solutions themselves. In giving our children the necessary skills to manage disappointment, it is important to validate their feelings, show empathy and be mindful of how you react towards your own disappointments.
Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.
How to view your child’s disappointments
According to the author Allison Armstrong, ‘many parents today try too hard to smooth away life’s rough edges in the hopes of keeping disappointment at bay. Children with no experience solving life’s little setbacks have a much harder time when they’re faced with the big ones.’ She suggests that parents should view their children’s disappointments as positive experiences that prepare them for adulthood.
‘Childhood disappointment is actually a practice lap on the course to adulthood. If you run interference whenever disappointment threatens, you’re setting kids up to run a marathon without ever letting them train for it’ Allison adds. Instead, reframe disappointment as a healthy and positive emotion that plays an essential role in children’s emotional, intellectual and social development, equipping them with resilience to meet and overcome failures in adult life. Albert Einstein said: ‘Failure is success in progress.’ It is not what we do for our children but rather how we guide them on their journey, which will make them successful, strong and confident individuals.
What does a good state secondary school look like?
By Melanie Sanderson
Choosing a secondary school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make for your child. Very likely, your two priorities are whether your child will reach their academic potential and whether they will be happy there. Here are my tips on what to look for.
Hot-house or greenhouse?
Is the school educationally aspirational and how does this manifest? Look for relaxed and respectful teacher-pupil relations. They are key to successful learning. Is the library well-stocked and busy? Teacher recruitment and retention is challenging all schools. Ask pupils how often they have cover teachers.
Are pupils regularly assessed? Performance measures such as Progress 8 (see www.gov.uk) are good indicators of how a school adds value as they measure academic attainment rates over time. Are there programmes to stretch the more academic children? What about those with special educational needs and disabilities?
Breadth of curriculum
The best state schools offer and value a broad liberal arts education beyond the standard curriculum. For instance, Bohunt School in Hampshire ‘blew the socks off’ the Good Schools Guide with immersion classes in Mandarin. Some of the best state schools invest in top notch sports facilities and coaching, others have outstanding creative or performing arts spaces. Pick a school that suits your child’s strengths. Check out school notice boards and the school’s social media for co-curricular activities and trips the children are doing outside the classroom too.
Challenge the Wild, changing lives
The Outdoor Guide Foundation, started by Julia Bradbury and her sister Gina, launched The Waterproof and Wellies Campaign to raise funds to provide every state primary school with waterproof clothing so that every child can play outdoors in all weathers.
Recently, Challenge The Wild donated a fun family activity break in the Forest of Bowland to schools that have already received kits from the Foundation, enabling children who perhaps otherwise wouldn’t be able to take part, in activities such as rock climbing, abseiling, orienteering and hiking.
‘To witness these children and their parents embrace all that the great outdoors has to offer is why we do what we do at The Outdoor Guide. I’m eternally grateful to the support of Challenge the Wild.’ Gina Bradbury Fox
Two young ambassadors of the Foundation, Aidan and Oliver, who have each fundraised for it through their own outdoor challenges also joined the activity break to meet some of those that they have helped. www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org
Pastoral
Good schools have clear systems. Every child is known; nobody slips through the net. Ask if reports and open evenings include pastoral updates. Does the school’s praise/discipline system flex to meet individual needs and align with your family values? Ask pupils what they do at break and lunch. Good schools include spaces for children to seek quiet reflection when needed.
Communication
Good schools also communicate well with parents. The tone of school newsletters and social media feeds can tell you a lot, while an active PTA is a sign of an engaged parent community. If you can, pass by the school at home time and observe pupil behaviour as they leave the site. Another top tip is to talk with pupils higher up the school. Would you be happy for your children to turn out like them?
Melanie Sanderson is Managing Editor of The Good Schools Guide (www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk), which contains frank, impartial reviews of schools. Its writers visit thousands of schools annually, speaking to Heads, teachers, pupils and parents.
When choosing a secondary school,
DON’T…
Judge a school entirely by its Ofsted report: a report can quickly fall out of date and one word judgements cannot paint a full picture. Look for more nuanced information. Other local parents with children already at the school are a great place to start.
Take too much notice of social media community group grumbles about a school. These are usually led by a singular disgruntled parent.
Be swayed by dinner party bragging rights. The superduper academic grammar school that everyone’s talking about may or may not be the best place for your child to flourish. Equally, don’t choose a school based on what YOU would have liked as a child.
Lie, cheat or change your religion to get your child into a particular school!
Be put off by a school that isn’t pristine. Look instead for cleanliness and orderliness. Ask to visit the toilets the pupils use – they’ll tell you a lot about the school’s values!
Autumn outdoor challenges for families
As the autumn approaches and the nights draw in once more, it can be a challenge to get outside. But fear not! The Outdoor Guide (www.theoutdoorguide.co.uk) is here with some great suggestions for outdoor activities for families to enjoy.
USE YOUR SENSES
It’s great to explore the outdoors using all of your senses. Imagine you have ears as large as an elephant - how many sounds can you hear? Imagine you have long tentacle arms like an octopus - how many different textures can you touch? Imagine you have the nose of a dog - how many different smells are in the air? Imagine you have the eyes of a hawkwhat can you see?
TREASURE HUNTING
A treasure is in the eye of the beholder and the natural world has many treasures just waiting to be found. Wander out and see how many you can find. Perhaps look for treasures that spell out the word NATURE - maybe you’ll find a nut, an acorn, a twig…
NATURE’S LARDER
In the autumn months, the hedgerows and woodlands are abundant with treats. Perhaps you’ll find some blackberries, sweet chestnuts or sloes to take home and make some tasty treats with. Remember not to take all of them from the tree or bush as the local wildlife will want to enjoy some too!
SLOW IT DOWN
All too often we’re moving too quickly, focusing on our destination rather than where we are. It’s only when we really slow down that we start to notice everything that is happening around us. What’s the slowest animal you can think of? A sloth perhaps or a tortoise? Imagine you’re one of them - moving slowly and just noticing what is happening around you.
SMALL THINGS
Sometimes we’re all too busy looking at the big picture to notice the small details within it. Grab yourself a magnifying glass and go explore the little things that are all around you in the natural world. What’s the smallest thing that you can find?
MAP YOUR PATCH
Maps offer a birds’ eye view of an area, showing all the detail of what’s there. Can you create your own map of the area where you live? What are the things you can see as you walk along the path? Perhaps you could include trees, hedges, ponds, houses and road turnings.
MAKING ART WITH THE PIECES
As the trees shed their leaves for another year, collect those you can find that have already fallen. Clearing a space on the ground as your canvas, use leaves and other objects you might have found to make your own works of art for others to enjoy.
BIRD FEEDERS
As we approach the cooler months, your local garden birds will be grateful for extra food that you can leave out for them. You can make your own bird feeders using things you find in the natural world. Open pine cones are perfect for this. Mix some seeds, oats, dried fruit or perhaps some grated cheese into some suet, lard or vegetable shortening and then smear it over the pine cone and hang somewhere the birds can easily reach it.
Why snacks are important for toddlers
By Simone Ward
Once your baby turns one, it’s time to think about introducing snacks. Like all transitions, some toddlers are ready to jump in whilst others may need more time to adjust. They may only need one snack for a while or maybe two very light snacks.
Why snacks are important
Many kids would happily eat snacks all day and skip their main meals altogether. But while snacks can be massively appealing to kids (not always for the best of reasons), they are actually crucial.
Snacks keep kids going between meals
Toddlers have high energy needs and small tummies so they quickly burn through the foods they eat. They need an opportunity to fuel up and maintain their energy levels every two to three hours.
Snacks are essential for filling nutritional gaps
This is particularly important for kids who may not eat much at mealtimes. Kids have demanding nutritional needs but also everchanging appetites; they may eat very little at one meal or snack and lots at another or small amounts on each occasion. If they don’t eat much in one sitting, a snack a few hours later means they will not have to rely on limited eating windows to meet their nutritional needs.
How many snacks per day?
Depending on your child’s age and eating habits, two to three snacks a day is the general rule.
Healthy snacks
For many kids, the most appealing snacks are what I call ‘crinkly bag’ snacks, usually simple carbs like crackers, dried cereal, crisps/chips etc. These foods are very convenient and absolutely can be a part of a nutritious snack but they are often low in the fat and protein needed to sustain little ones until the next meal. Also, if we reserve these foods for snack time, it creates the idea that they are special or a treat.
What often happens is that kids will happily eat less of a meal in anticipation of a specific snack food later. They may become preoccupied with these and ask for them constantly throughout the day.
It’s useful to think of all types of foods as snack food options and in turn, incorporate the ‘crinkly bag’ snacks into your kids’ main meals too. This sends kids a message that there is no food hierarchy, they can enjoy all foods together and there is no need to hold out for snack time or for a specific type of food.
Younger toddlers may take time to build up to this number and all kids have differing appetites. Some children pack in a lot of food at mealtimes and will only need one snack or possibly none. This is okay too; children should never be encouraged to eat more than their bodies are telling them they need.
Be mindful that children’s fuelling needs can change over time or quite quickly, so continue to offer them the option of a snack (or snacks) in case they decide they need more food after all.
What about bedtime snacks?
These can be super helpful in ensuring that kids have had enough to eat but not all kids need or want them. Consider offering a bedtime snack if your child hasn’t eaten much of their evening meal, if bedtime is another couple of hours away or if you just feel your child would benefit from some extra nutrients or calories.
This is an edited extract from the book
Toddlers by Simone Ward, published by Page Street Publishing.
Nursery Places Available
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Hertford Barns Day Nursery, Cole Green, Hertford, SG14 2NL
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Nursery on the Green, South Common, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7NG
Feeding
Terrifying tips for the scariest Halloween ever
By Sarah Lindsley
As October draws to an end and the nights get colder and darker, hedges get wrapped in cobwebs and giant spiders hang from doorways. Children chat excitedly about costumes and supermarket shelves are emptied of sweets.
Modern day Halloween is huge in the UK with an astonishing £1 billion spent on the celebration in 2023. But what is it that gets us so excited about 31 October? Well, it’s a chance to dress up, indulge that sweet tooth and have some seriously spooky fun. And when else is it acceptable to knock on strangers’ doors and eat sweets all night?
So, whether you are hitting the neighbourhood with your witch’s cape and cauldron or cuddling up on the sofa with a scary movie, here are some top ideas to make this Halloween a celebration to remember.
TRICK OR TREAT!
Being allowed to dress up, go outside in the dark and knock on your neighbours’ doors shouting ‘trick or treat?’ is a dream come true for lots of children. Not to mention the buckets of sweets and chocolates which follow! Costumes range from the traditional witches and vampires to a more modernday take on the theme; science fiction and television-inspired characters such as Spiderman and Barbie. Or why not get creative and make your own costume? An old sheet with some eye holes cut out of it makes a very convincing ghost.
HELLO PUMPKIN!
Nothing says Halloween like a pumpkin carving session. Design your own or get inspiration online. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, head to your nearest pumpkin patch in October to pick your own pumpkin!
FACE PAINTING FUN
IT’S PARTY TIME
Staying in is the new going out, after all. Invite your neighbours round for some Halloweenthemed party games like apple bobbing or pin the hat on the witch. Introduce a murder mystery game or tie doughnuts to a string and see who can eat them off quickest - older kids will be begging to be involved too.
GET CRAFTY
For younger children who might not fancy the full trick-or-treating experience, you can still get into the Halloween spirit at home and decorate the house for some festive fun. Spiders webs cut out of paper look great draped around the bedroom or hang some toilet roll bats from your windows and hear the trick-or-treaters scream!
If you don’t fancy the all-out DIY costume, you can have some fun with face paints and the whole family can get involved. Spooky spiders and cute cats step this way!
GET IN THE SCARY SPIRIT
From the charming Coraline to the terrifying The Blair Witch Project for the braver teens in your life, Halloween is the perfect time to cosy up on the sofa, make some popcorn and settle in for a family scary movie marathon.
HALLOWEEN BAKE OFF
Halloween provides the perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen and little hands can get involved too. Why not bake some skeleton biscuits using simple shop-bought moulds? Use coloured icing to give your sweet treats the fear factor. The messier the better...
CREEPY CAMPFIRES
Get the firepit going and toast some marshmallows. Once the s’mores are being devoured and the ghost stories begin, Halloween is in full swing for everyone.
What’s On
If you would like to feature a listing in a future issue email
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Places to Go
St Albans Museum
St Albans
www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists - daily until 8 Sep
Visitors of any age can settle into a comfy seat to enjoy a book and design their own Ladybird Book cover celebrating historic St Albans. Museum Minis – 13 Sep & 11 Oct These fun sessions for the youngest museum visitors and their grown-ups include a story and craft activity as well as a museum treasure hunt linked to the story. The story for September is A Dress with Pockets by Lily Murray and Jenny Løvlie.
Tots Tales – 27 Sep & 25 Oct A story and treasure hunt suitable for children aged 2-4 accompanied by an adult.
Royston Library
Royston
Bookstart Storytime
Every Friday at 2pm. Suitable for 2-5 year-olds. Listen to a story and have fun with a colouring activity.
Baby Rhyme Time Fun for little ones. Wednesdays 10.15am and 11.15am.
Pub in the Park – 6 to 8 Sep St Albans www.pubintheparkuk.com
Great food, live music, artisan products and fantastic kids activities. Pub in the Park is one of the best events of the summer and one not to be missed! Ten top restaurants serving exclusive dishes and headline acts including Tinie Tempah, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith and Scouting for Girls. And with a designated kids zone you’re spoilt for choice – football challenges with St Albans City FC, the Super Pirates gang keeping kids entertained with games, activities, and their fabulous inflatable playground – at this Tom Kerridge inspired festival! Event is free for children aged 0-5.
Southern Maltings
Ware
southernmaltings.co.uk
Children’s Enterprise Market – 8
Sep
This is a vibrant and fun-filled event where children aged 11 to 18 can set up their own stalls and sell handmade crafts, delicious treats, unique art, and more!
Expressive Art and Design – 11
Sep to 16 Oct
Six weeks of mini masterclasses for children aged 3 and 4 years old. Drawing, junk modelling, dance and movement, collage, and textures and materials. After School Arts and Craft Club Wednesdays art and craft club creating a space for your child to immerse themselves in everything art and craft, learning new skills and techniques. Classes for ages 7-11 and 11-16.
John Lawson Circus – 12 to15
Sep
Royston Heath
johnlawsonscircus.co.uk
Featuring performers from across the world. Amazing feats, fabulous talents, and lots of laughs.
With two epic adventure golf courses plus a fantastic bar and a restaurant, whether you’re a big kid or a little kid, there really is something for everyone!
World Food Festival – 14 Sep
Welwyn Garden City
From Mexican to Malaysian, Brazilian to Bangladeshi, the World Food Festival serves up the perfect recipe of food, entertainment, drinks, and much more, 11am-6pm. FREE.
Vegan Market
Welwyn Garden City
Taking place in Stonehills Square, in the centre of the town. The event brings together a huge variety of vegan street food vendors, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, local artists, zero-waste champions,
environmental charities, and loads more, 10.30am-4pm. FREE.
Hertfordshire Zoo
Broxbourne
www.hertfordshirezoo.com
Hertfordshire Zoo is home to over 800 animals including Amur tigers, white lions, snow leopards, penguins, red pandas, anacondas, sloths, lemurs, meerkats, camels, zebras, tapirs, and many more. And the zoo is home to the fabulous World of Dinosaurs, one of the best animatronic dinosaur adventure trails in the UK. As well as a giant paddling pool, adventure golf, the ‘Rex Express’ train, and five adventure indoor & outdoor play areas.
Pots of Art Hitchin, St Albans potsofart.co.uk
Fun, pottery painting. Create your own original colourful pottery masterpiece, a fantastic ceramic impression of your baby’s hands and feet, or be creative with Decopatch, and more.
Funfair – 10 to 14 Sep Harpenden
Thrilling rides, exciting stalls and all round great family entertainment on Harpenden Common.
Welwyn Roman Baths
Heritage Open Day – 14 & 15 Sep www.millgreenmuseum.co.uk
Visit Welwyn Roman Baths for FREE from 10am-4pm. Meet the museum team and explore the fascinating 3D digital model created by UCL’s Institute of Archaeology.
Petrolheadonism Live at Knebworth House – 16 & 17 Sep Stevenage www.knebworthhouse.com
A must-see family spectacular. Bringing together over 1,000 cars, including some of the world’s most exclusive supercars, classics, Americana, highly modified vehicles and much more.
Dragon Fly Walk – 14 Sep Hertford panshangerpark.tarmac.com
Join dragonfly expert Steve Brooks for a walk along the Panshanger Park dragonfly trail. Learn about the life cycles of dragonflies, their different approaches to hunting and resting as well as identifying some of the species that will be out and about. Suitable for adults, families and children ages 8+.
Part of the Harpenden Food and Drink Festival. A range of eco providers and sustainable food stalls, interiors, fashion, repair and reuse and more! Takes place on Harpenden Common.
Harpenden Food & Drink Festival – 14 Sep Situated across the Town Centre, Harpenden Common, and Rothamsted Park with the addition of the Sustainability Market this year, 12-6pm.
DogFest – 21 & 22 Sep Knebworth House www.dogfest.co.uk/ hertfordshire
DogFest is an absolute must for dog lovers, where attendees can expect an action-packed and memorable day for two and four-legged friends alike!
National Brick Event – 22 Sep
Hemel Hempstead
A dedicated event for fans of LEGO. Prepare for a day filled with creativity, nostalgia, and pure LEGO magic! Takes place at Everyone Active, Park Road. Visit eventbrite.co.uk for tickets and information.
East Herts Miniature Railway ehmr.org.uk
Independent Miniature Railway located in the Hertfordshire countryside, within the grounds of Van Hage Garden Centre in Great Amwell (near Ware).
Home-Start Quiz Night with Supper – 28 Sep Meldreth
Teams of 6 will be battling it out at Meldreth Village Hall at this fundraising event. Solo entrants can be added to a team. 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start. Call 01763 262262 or email events@hsrsc.org.uk for more info.
The Great St Albans Challenge – 29 Sep www.charitychallenge.events
The family-friendly, entertaining, and immersive event sees teams dash through the city’s historic streets, tackling challenges, cracking clues and racking up points to be crowned champions! Whilst there is a time limit, winners are crowned on points, not speed, which makes it even more fun, and inclusive. Visit website for more info
British Schools Museum Hitchin britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk
A host of activities to enjoy: Gardening and Crafts Club for pre-schoolers (every Friday up to Oct 31); Storytime (Mondays 10:45am, FREE); Messy Play (Tuesdays 10:45am, FREE); Baby and Toddler Dancercise (Wednesdays 10:45am, FREE); Pre-Schooler SingingThursday 10:45am, FREE.
Halloween Spookfest – 19 to 31 Oct Church Farm Ardeley, nr Stevenage
Meet the animals and enjoy wonderful rustic creepy fun! Geared towards families so ‘spooky’ rather than ‘terrifying’, all ages are welcome! Egg collecting experiences, goat walking, woodland play area and more.
Glazed Creations
Royston www.glazed-creations.co.uk
Glazed Creations is a pottery painting studio providing a friendly, relaxed environment to enjoy painting, pottery and creating homewares, gifts and treasures.
Gosling Sports Park www.better.org.uk/leisurecentre/welwyn/goslingsports-park
Gosling has many facilities including a gym, tennis/ squash courts, and padel courts.
Fun Zone
Hatfield funzonehatfield.co.uk
Fun Zone has an extensive soft play area, carefully designed for little ones to explore, climb, and slide. There’s also a dedicated space for babies and toddlers too.
Family Entertainment at Campus West
Welwyn Garden City www.campuswest.co.uk
Discover Welwyn Garden City’s premier family entertainment destination at Campus West. Enjoy movies, soft play, roller skating, bouncy castles, and Humphrey’s café lounge. Signup for Zebra Discount and enjoy up to 50% off.
Royston Cave
Royston
www.roystoncave.co.uk
See intricate carvings in this subterranean location. No records of its age or purpose exist. Some theories suggest it was used by the Knights Templars, others by King James I.
Rye Meads Hoddesdon
This delightful wetland reserve beside the River Lee is a firm favourite with walkers, birdwatchers, and photographers.
Rye House adventure park Hoddesdon www.rye-house.co.uk
A popular destination for families with young children for many years. Karting, softplay, laser combat and nerf wars.
Standalone Farm
Letchworth standalonefarm.com
A delightful, small working farm set in 125 acres of farmland on the outskirts of Letchworth. Lots of fun activities for children.
Verulamium Museum
St Albans www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Built on the site of one of the largest Roman cities in Britain, Verulamium Museum is filled with ancient treasures and some of the finest mosaics.
Willows Activity Farm
St Albans www.willowsactivityfarm.com
The whole family can enjoy all that Willows has to offer – shows, funfair rides, inflatables, and adventure play included in the price.
Big Fish Little Fish Family
Rave – 17 Nov
St Albans
Bringing together big-name
DJs, fancy dress themes (Roman Toga party for this one), craft and play activities, licensed bar and dancefloor fun with balloons, foam machines and bubbles for the kids to dance and play in! 2pm-4pm at the Pioneer Club www.pioneerclub.co.uk
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos.
Pop Princesses – 28 Oct
This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. A musical spectacular starring four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses who just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix.
The Little Prince – 29 Oct
Through mesmerising puppetry and beautiful original music, the boy who fell to earth teaches his friend, the Aviator, about love, life and real happiness.
Wyllyotts Theatre
Potters Bar www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk
Pop Princesses – 29 Oct
A magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars! Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Taylor Swift, Lizzo and Dua Lipa.
Dinosaur Adventure Live – 31 Oct
Join the brave rangers for another action packed Dinosaur Adventure in the all new and exciting show: Trouble on Volcano Island!
The Alban Arena
St Albans www.alban-arena.co.uk
Dear Zoo – 15 & 16 Oct
This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music, and lots of audience interaction.
The Old Town Hall Hemel Hempstead www.oldtownhall.co.uk
Adventures in Science – 21 Sep Expect skills, silliness, and the studious application of logic as you embark upon ‘Adventures in Science!’ For ages 7+ Boxville – 19 Oct
You will meet paper dragons, corrugated crabs, and
cardboard space robots in this STEM skilled, handson, interactive, cardboard adventure! Age guidance: 4-8 years.
In The Dead of the Night – 27 Oct
Calling all little ghouls and goblins! Unleash your inner monster master with ghoulish family fun.
The Radlett Centre Radlett www.radlettcentre.co.uk
Science Museum: Live on Stage – 22 Sep
The world-renowned Science Museum hosts a brandnew production aimed at igniting curiosity, fuelling your imagination, and inspiring you in new and exciting ways.
The Smartest Giant in Town – 8 Oct
Based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. A heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show – 24, 25, 26 Oct
The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. Magic of Science – 29 Oct
Fusing the mystery of magic with wondrous and miraculous feats of science. Experience the nonstop action-packed interactive magical science experiments that will capture the imagination. Top Secret is a fast-moving colourful magical science show filled with mystery, suspense, and lots of mess! Top Secret will inspire and educate every young budding magician and scientist, as well as proving fun and exciting entertainment for all of the family.
The Spotlight Venue Hoddesdon
www.thespotlightvenue.com
Halloween Special: Kidz Club Party – 31 Oct
Fun, games, singing and dancing! Get your spookiest outfits on (adults too!) and join the party.
Clubs, Classes & Camps
Art Camps www.shedloadsoffun.com
Fun art camps at Artshed, for 6-13 (5 year olds at organiser’s discretion) in the school holidays. Children attend for a day or more and learn to draw and then paint
a different project each day in either watercolours or acrylics on canvas. At the end of the day children get to take home their very own masterpiece! As well as step-by-step instruction, there’s plenty of time for play and making friends too!
SuperCamps
Venues across Hertfordshire www.supercamps.co.uk
SuperCamps Easter multiactivity day camps deliver a wide range of fun activities to keep kids aged 4-12 entertained during the school holidays.
Code Ninjas - Inspiring Young Techies
Hemel Hempstead www.codeninjas.co.uk
Master the secrets of Redstone – Minecraft’s engineering marvel, or perfect your Roblox Development skills with summer camps at the new Code Ninjas Dojo in Hemel. Minecraft® Mastery: Redstone Realm, 3 Day Camp; Roblox Development, 3 Day Camp. Camps take place July 24-26 and August 14-16. All hardware and software included. £60 per day. For more information visit website or call 01494 623125.
Monkey Music
Harpenden, St Albans
Music classes for babies and toddlers. A supportive and nurturing environment with interaction and music. harpenden.stalbans@ monkeymusic.co.uk
Imagination Dance
Hitchin, Hertford 07394 934911
www.imaginationarts.co.uk
With a range of sensory and creative dance classes specifically aimed at those with suspected or diagnosed additional needs. A magic movers class for age 7+ to express themselves in dance. Call for more information or email info.imaginationarts@ yahoo.com
Jigsaw Performing Arts
St Albans
www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk
Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. Classes run on Saturday mornings.
Fab Science
Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, St Albans www.fabscience.co.uk
Inspiring young scientists through creating their own chemical reactions, making fizzy explosions, building molecules from sweets and playing top trumps with the elements. Holiday camps and workshops open to children aged 5-11.
Fun-filled family workshops led by local creatives. 14 Sep & 12 Oct.
KMDT Self Defence
St Albans, Hatfield www.kmdt.co.uk
KMDT is an all-inclusive, friendly club, encouraging families, juniors and adults to train together. Learn and train in the skills to keep you safe, including techniques to deter bullies. The classes are for everyone, whether you are looking to improve your fitness and strength or seeking more confidence. Call 07824883853 or email info@ kmdt.co.uk for more information.
Motor Town First
Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes www.perform.org.uk
Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Venues at Bishops Stortford, Sheering (new), Borehamwood, Broxbourne, Harpenden, Hertford, Hitchin, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans and Welwyn Garden City.
Re:play holiday club
St Albans
A host of fun activities and games to keep the children entertained, run by enthusiastic and friendly staff. For children aged 3½ to 11. Held at St John Fisher School. For more details call 07913323608 or email replay5905@ntlworld.com.
Toddler Gymnastics
Royston Leisure Centre, Royston
Parent-led sessions suitable for walking to age 3. Mondays and Fridays; 9:30am-10:15pm.
Classes: Achieving balance
Scheduling after school activities for your child involves juggling various factors to ensure a balanced and enriching experience:
Cost: activities like music lessons, sports or dance can be costly. Parents need to budget carefully to avoid financial strain and assess whether the benefits justify the expense.
Loss of unstructured time: children need free play to develop creativity, problem-solving skills and social interactions. Overloading their schedule with structured activities can lead to burnout and deprive them of essential downtime.
Child’s interests and passions: engaging in activities they genuinely enjoy fosters a lifelong love for learning and personal growth. However, balance is key; too many commitments can lead to stress and fatigue.
Logistics: consider transportation and time management. Co-ordinating multiple activities may become challenging, impacting family time and routines.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a well-rounded schedule that promotes your child’s development while allowing for rest and spontaneous play.
LDN WRESTLING TUES 29TH OCT 7.00PM
Tickets: £18, £15 CONCS/CHILD
Coming to town is the bone-crunching Superstars of LDN Wrestling. They will be bringing a host of top American wrestling stars to the ring to face the very best of home-grown talent and fans’ favourites. Two hours of rip-roaring entertainment for all the family to enjoy!
POP PRINCESSES WEDS 30TH OCT 3PM
Tickets: £19.50, MEET & GREET £25.50 BEST SEATS AND MEET PRINCESSES ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THE SHOW
A magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars! This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. The four fabulous fairy tale Princesses are back with their NEW SHOW for 2024. They just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix! Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as: Taylor Swift; Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and Lizzo, plus a few of the best songs from all your favourite Films and Musicals. Come and join the fun!
DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE
THURS 31ST OCT 11.30AM & 2PM
Tickets: £16.50, £19 DANGERZONE (FRONT 2 ROWS)
Join our brave Rangers for another action packed Dinosaur Adventure in the all new and exciting show: TROUBLE ON VOLCANO ISLAND. Meet the incredible Triceratops, the cheeky Spinosaurus, our cute baby dinos and the gigantic T-Rex as we follow in their huge footprints and journey across the island. We’ll encounter wild new species of Dinosaur whilst conquering exhilarating challenges at every turn! This amazing, immersive and interactive show is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
