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Explore Learning
Summer's Here! See page 2
Seize the summer with Explore Learning! At Explore Learning we are encouraging families to seize the summer! To help you do this we have put together a jam-packed summer programme with creative ideas on how to keep your child’s brain active over the holidays, so they are ready to settle back into the new school year confidently!
Start a blog Learn some new skills, as a family, by creating a blog together. Give your child a little note book to jot ideas down whilst you are out and about, then write up what you’ve done. Take lots of pictures as these are a great tool to help children who find writing tricky. Encourage them to describe what is happening in the picture to get their creativity flowing.
Have a movie night Research carried out by Explore Learning highlighted watching TV/films is the number one thing children wanted to do over the summer. Use this to motivate your child to read. Find a book that has been made into a film that your child wants to watch. Then plan a movie night far enough in advance so you can read the book together before enjoying the film.
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Send a postcard Let your friends and family know what you’ve been up to with a postcard. They’re only short so are a wonderful way to get a bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to write, then why not try a postcard app like By Post? They can take their own pictures to make into postcards and type their message.
Read, read and read some more A study by OUP showed that just 10 minutes of shared reading a day can have a huge impact on children’s progress. Pop a book in your bag so you can use any opportunity to get your daily 10 minutes in. We will be uploading weekly activities that you can complete with your child to help keep them engaged with what they are reading. Visit explorelearning.co.uk/summer to find out more and download your first activity!
Play some games There are bound to be some rainy days this summer, so use this as a chance to get out some board games. These are great for so many reasons, from developing language to improving memory skills. Need some new games? Have a scavenger hunt in local charity shops to see who in the family can find the best game.
Tuition To keep your children progressing over the summer, a tuition centre is a great option. Prevent the battle ground of getting children to do work at home and get them along to a centre where there are lots of other children getting involved. Explore Learning runs maths and English sessions as well as a whole range of interactive workshops throughout the holidays to keep your child’s brain active. The best things is you can go along and try one of these for free, so get in touch today!
From your Editor…
In this issue:
This issue is all about summer. At last there will be the space and time for families and children to get out and about in the sunshine, hopefully. Our content aims to help you have a great summer season with lots of ideas on local places to go and things to do and see. So, wherever you may live in Herts you will find something of interest. If your children are into farms, why not enter the summer competition to win a family ticket to Mead Open Farm, where they have all things ‘piggy’ planned! Now, I’m all for having family fun, but the summer will come to an end sooner than you think and with it the start of a new term. Explore Learning have lots of creative ideas to help keep children’s learning ticking over during the summer holiday. And, if you’ve not already done so, get down to your local library and sign your child up for the 2017 Reading Challenge. Have a great summer.
Seize the Summer: 2 News & Views: 4 Summer Competition: 5 Summer Fun: 6 What’s On: 12
Shelley
Next Issue: No. 76 - Sept/Oct Copy Deadline: 27th July Image credit: © Christin_Lola
Find us in: Baldock, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC. Pick it up from cafes, playgroups, nurseries, schools, activity groups, selected shops, surgeries, leisure centres and libraries. Email or call to request copies for your venue. 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk
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News & Views The Summer Reading Challenge 2017 The Summer Reading Challenge was designed by The Reading Agency (www.readingagency. org.uk) in response to research showing that children’s reading often ‘dips’ during the summer. The challenge encourages children of all ages and abilities to maintain their reading skills and confidence over the holidays and to discover the pleasure of reading. The Challenge is deceptively simple; children read six or more library books of their choice fact books, joke books, picture books or audio books - and there are collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate for every child who completes the Challenge. The 2016 Summer Reading Challenge was a big success
Artisans Kindergarten Celebrates 10 Years
in Hertfordshire when 20,000 children took part. Make it even more this year by signing up at your local library. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.
Deliver for Families Herts We need a friendly, outgoing and energetic person to deliver our magazines in the Stevenage area. You will need to be methodical, well organized and own you own car. If you have a few days spare every other month this freelance job may suit you. To find out more email editor@familiesherts.co.uk
Want to challenge yourself but can’t be away from home for too long? Then walk airbase to airbase for your local life-saving charity, the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. Starting at North Weald Airbase on 21st July you will hike and camp in the amazing Essex countryside as you journey towards the Earls Colne Airbase. Joining this unique three-day charity hike allows you to see the beautiful Essex countryside as you’ve never seen it before – from rolling hills to glorious meadows. A support team will be with you every step
of the way and, with people to put up the tents and cook your meals, you can rest up and prepare your feet for the next day! Find out more at www.ehaat.org or call 0345 2417 690.
Explore Learning’s National Young Writers Awards Explore Learning (EL) have recently announced the three regional winners of their National Young Writers' Award. The winners are: Nana Kodua (12) from Loreto College, St Albans who attends the Borehamwood EL Centre; Arthur Roberts (13) from St Albans School who attends the St Albans EL Centre and Nicole Dodge (10) from St Joseph’s in the Park who attends the Welwyn Garden City EL Centre. Each of the three winners fought off stiff competition to win the top prize in their own region. The competition, now in its ninth year, has
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had over 10,000 entries from all over the UK. The brief was to write a 500-word story set 100 years in the future. The creativity and inventiveness of the writing was astounding with the Earth, the Moon, Mars, robots, rockets and teleports all making an appearance. Judge, TV presenter, Steve Backshall commented: “…these young people had not only imagined future worlds, but imbued them with the conundrums of our modern planet.” Find out more at explorelearning.co.uk or call 030 3003 4006. See advert on page 2.
This year is the tenth anniversary of Artisans Montessori Kindergarten in Harpenden. Established in 2007 by Ruth Martin, with just twelve children, the nursery has grown and developed in the intervening years. At their anniversary party, current and past children, aged from two to thirteen years old, joined together to celebrate and recall their time at Artisans. In glorious sunshine, the children enjoyed the ice cream van, giant bubbles, balloon modelling, lots of cake and meeting up with old friends. The photographic topic books, created every half term since 2007, were on display and were enjoyed by parents who took great delight in remembering the wonderful experiences that began their child’s education. One parent reflected about their child: “He absolutely loved Artisans and it was a wonderful introduction to his education, he's eight now and is flying - thanks to a good start!” Owner and founder, Ruth, said “It was an honour to listen to the precious memories Artisans has created for hundreds of families and to see how the foundations we set have flourished as a love of learning and inner self awareness in confident, articulate children who embrace all life offers them.” One of the eldest children remarked “I don’t remember the details but I still feel the happiness inside me every day.” Find out more at www.artisans.uk.com or call 07795 510130
Beat the back to school rush with
Lazy summer days and plenty of ice-cream is what summer is all about! But before you know it, it’s nearly September and time is spent rushing around the shops for uniform, shoes, pencil cases and bags. We’ve all had that ‘sinking’ feeling when we realise we’ve got to label it all – but not anymore! Snappy Tags® are the quick and hassle free alternative to all that sewing or ironing. Simply order personalised tags and an applicator, and all you have to do is attach the tag to the care label inside the uniform. A half days’ work done in a 20 minute flash! To order tags, visit www.snappytags.co.uk
Summer Competition Win Tickets to Mead Open Farm Enjoy a day at Mead Open Farm’s
22nd July – 3rd September Mead Open Farm will be bursting with piggy fun all summer long. Meet some perfect porkers and pampered piglets in their brand-new Piggy Palace. Then, trot on over to Piggy Panto to see hilarious shows every day. Cheer on your favourite in the Ham National Piggy Races (summer season only). Throughout August you can explore the huge Piggy Maize Maze to earn a special prize. Best of all, this extra pigtastic fun is included in the admission price! And there's even more fun to be had. Little daredevils will love the Sky Trail and Sky Tykes High Ropes Course, Giant’s Rock Climbing Wall, Go Karts and Topsy Turvy Towers outdoor adventure playground or you can hop on board a Tractor & Trailer ride. There’s even more adorable animal fun too. See cute cows and goats, try your hand at bottle feeding older lambs, groom Peaches the pony and stroke the rabbits and guinea pigs in Bunny Hop. Why not try a round of Crazy Golf? Play in Shaggy’s Cove, dig and build in Digger Village, bounce high on the Jumping Pillows and run wild in Shaggy’s PlayWorld. Mead Open Farm is just south of Leighton Buzzard. Follow the brown signs from A505 or A4146. Find out more at www.meadopenfarm.co.uk or call 01525 852954.
To win one of four family tickets* to Mead Open Farm answer the question and email your answer to editor@familiesherts.co.uk with the subject line: Mead Open Farm. Closing date: 30th July
What can you meet in new Piggy Palace? a) Pampered Piglets b) Cute Cows c) Funny Fish *A family ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children
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Summer Fun Afterskoolerz
Stanborough Park Holiday Activities and Clubs
Afterskoolerz, in Welwyn Garden City, pride themselves on offering the same high level of child care in the holidays as they do at their breakfast and after school clubs that run during term time; especially since they were awarded an Outstanding grade by Ofsted in March this year. This season’s Afterskoolerz Holiday Club runs from 24th July until 15th August at Homerswood School. Children will be kept occupied and engaged all day by the qualified staff who are all DBS checked. They will enjoy the wide range of fun and educational activities, including: arts & crafts, sports, gardening, baking, mini beast hunt, outdoor group games (parachute, limbo, master chefs, water splash!) quizzes and competitions, The Wii, friendship area, construction and toys. Children will learn about different cultures; their fashion, food and celebrations. Other features will be trips to the park and a visit from a traveling zoo. Sessions can be booked by the half day (£10), whole day (£20) or by the week. Book four full day sessions to get the fifth half price. To find out more or to book email Rachel at afterskoolerz@hotmail.co.uk
New for 2017 - Aqua Inflatable and Giant Stand Up Paddleboards. Sessions run throughout the summer holidays from £5 only, just call and book! Stanborough Park, in Welwyn Garden City, has 126 acres of parkland and is just off the A1. This Green Flag award winning park has two picturesque lakes, a river, nature reserve and a Multi Activity Centre. The centre and parkland offers a unique setting for a wide range of adventurous water sports, land based sports, bush craft and other recreational activities.
Kool Kidz Camps Kool Kidz are a well established provider of action packed holiday camps for children aged four-12 years. They offer parents superb childcare as well as a ‘special treat’ for children during school holidays. They were awarded with an ‘Outstanding’ grading from Ofsted in 2014 and have continued to go from strength to strength. Kool Kidz embrace children’s diversity and this is reflected in the daily planning of activities to ensure everyone has fun. The staff are qualified, professional and very enthusiastic and all are DBS checked. Kool Kidz staff really take pride in and enjoy their work and this ensures that the children will shine and enjoy their experience even more! Find out more at www. koolkidzgroup.co.uk or call 01582 723449
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They also offer adult and youth courses in sailing, kayaking and power boating plus taster sessions in all of the water sports activities if you want to experiment. For celebrations, there are fun party packages such as Aqua Inflatable, Raft Building and Stand Up Paddleboarding. For a lazy day in the sun, the pay and play north side activities include a children’s play area, rowing boats, pedalos and bouncy castles! To find out more call 01707 276276 or email stanboroughpark@finesseleisure.com
©Helen Light
Paradise Wildlife Park This summer Paradise Wildlife Park will celebrate the arrival of their beautiful Jaguar cub. Born on 2nd April 2017, this is the first Jaguar cub born at Paradise Wildlife Park. She is currently the only Jaguar cub in the UK and you will be able to see her from July. Earlier this year Paradise became a fully registered charity, the ‘Zoological Society of Hertfordshire’ and has made contributions of over £5 million to conservation projects and wildlife causes in the UK and around the world, as well as other charities and good causes. Paradise is voted Hertfordshire’s top tourist attraction and with a Trip Advisor ‘Certificate of Excellence’. The park is home to over 500 exotic wild animals as well as being the only zoo in the UK with up to five different cat species; Tigers, White Lions, Jaguars, Snow Leopards and a White Tiger. Paradise also offers a full
programme of daily animal shows and events including On Safari Adventure Golf, the Jungle Theatre, Woodland Railway, three adventure playgrounds, Tumble Jungle and Paradise Lagoon. Find out more or book tickets at www.pwpark.com or call 01992 470490
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Summer Fun Local Children’s Theatre Company returns to the Sandpit After last year’s successful run of ‘Penguin! Elephant!’ local St. Albans company, Goblin Theatre, returns with an exciting adaptation of ‘Peter and the Wolf’. Goblin Theatre are a children’s theatre company dedicated to imagination and diversity. They have created a brand-new show, inspired by Prokofiev’s classic, with all new music created live with instruments and objects, including real musical vegetables! The show is an imaginative introduction to making music, and has a positive message about being kind to the world. They will be performing in St. Albans before embarking on a national tour. Find out more or buy tickets at www.sandpittheatre.co.uk.
Best Theatre Arts Having won the Welwyn Youth Drama Festival with its hilarious show ‘Just’, its youth group, The BYTE, is now preparing for shows outdoors at the Roman Amphitheatre of Verulamium. ‘The Birds’ is a raucous modern adaptation of a Greek comedy and is performed on the 17th and 18th July at 7.30pm. Tickets from ticketsource.co.uk/ovo. The group, which performed at the National Theatre in 2015, is also recruiting new members from school years seven, eight and nine – no auditions required, just enthusiasm. If you’re interested, call David on 01727 759634 to arrange a free trial. Preparations are well advanced for this year’s summer courses (see ad on page 11) which will be fantastic fun! Those aged six to 16 spend each day writing, devising and rehearsing their own unique show for performance at
The chorus from 'Just'
the Sandpit theatre on the last day. And those aged rising four to six spend each morning acting, singing, dancing and crafting around a well-known theme, with a showing on the last day to friends and family. There’s loads more information at besttheatrearts.com/holiday Finally, Best will be 20 years old next year and is planning special celebrations. If you want your child to be part of the fun, call 01727 759634 or email bestarts@aol.com
Hatfield Park Farm Hatfield Park Farm will be open every day during the summer holidays with lots going on to help entertain the children including a performance of Messy Max’s Kitchen Chaos! On 12th August you can Join Max and all his friends from the neighbourhood as they try and give the King a birthday he will never forget. This brand new whacky show features puppets, magic, sing along, audience participation and lots and lots of fun! You are invited to bring along a picnic to enjoy this fun filled show as well as explore Hatfield Park Farm after the performance which is included in the ticket price of £6 per child and £9 per adult. On 24th August from 2-4pm there’s The Wind in the Willows. This will be a largerthan-life open air musical extravaganza for the whole family. Cost: £12 per adult, £11 per
child and £40 for a family ticket. Visit www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk for tickets.
Stagecoach Holiday Workshops Children and teenagers can make friends, have fun and develop new skills at a Stagecoach Holiday Workshop. The workshops are designed for six to 18 year olds, with some areas offering workshops for youngsters aged four to six. No previous dancing, singing or acting experience is needed and there are no auditions, all that’s needed is the willingness to give it a go! Stagecoach has years of experience in delivering high quality, fun performing arts lessons to children and teenagers. Their professional teachers work with each student to improve their confidence in singing, dancing and acting. As soon as they arrive your child will start making friends, having fun and learning some great new skills! By the end of the workshop your child will be more confident, more
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socially aware and fitter. A highlight of the week is the showcase when the participants can exhibit their new-found singing, acting and dancing skills to family and friends.
Holiday Workshops: Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead: 24th –28th July 01442 875977 www.stagecoach.co.uk/berkhamstedhemel Harpenden: 24th–28th July 01525 717567 www.stagecoach.co.uk/harpenden Welwyn-Hatfield: 31st July-4th August 01707 429777 www.stagecoach.co.uk/welwynhatfield
See Stagecoach advert on page 3 for schools offering term time classes.
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Summer Fun Knebworth House – Theatre in the Open Air The Illyria theatre group present two performances at The Garden Theatre. The programme kicks off with ‘The Lost World’ on 13th July. The audience will join Professor Challenger on a voyage to a mysterious land where they become involved in tribal warfare and encounter terrifying dinosaurs thought to be extinct. With its trail of 72 life-sized prehistoric creatures, Knebworth House is an ideal setting for the play. Run time: 1hr50 + 20 minute interval. Ticket prices: £15 adult, £11.50 child, £45 family. This is followed by ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ on 17th August. When two swindlers offer the Emperor the ability to identify competence by making him clothes which only the wise can see, will he lose more than his modesty? All will be revealed in Illyria’s cheekiest show! Note: there will be no nudity – that must mean you’re wise. Run time: 1hr40 + 20 minute interval Ticket Prices: £14 adult, £10 child, £42 family. For both performances the gates open at 6pm and the performance starts at 7pm. Take a low-back chair, blankets, and a picnic. Be prepared for all weather conditions. To find out more or book visit www.knebworthhouse.com or call 01438 812661.
Grass Roots Soccer Grass Roots Summer Football Funweek Paul Deller, the man behind Grass Roots Soccer, believes that nurturing soccer talent starts at the roots. He also thinks that it’s about more than talent; every youngster who wants to play the beautiful game deserves the opportunity to do so, regardless of their ability level. Some of the benefits for children and young people include making new friends, increased stamina and physical fitness and learning about team work and, of course, that vital component – fun! The Summer courses are run by experienced and qualified FA coaches who are all fully DBS checked and trained in safeguarding issues and first aid. Soccer skills taught will include shooting, passing, turning, free kicks and penalties. Participants will play games in small teams from two vs two to four vs four as well as taking part in Mini League Tournaments. Children will have the chance to win prizes in the fun daily skills challenges. All participants receive a free Grass Roots Soccer football kit plus a free football in week one and a trophy
in week two. Based at the beautiful and secure grounds of St Christopher School in Letchworth, each course runs for three days, can be booked by the day, and caters for boys and girls ages 4 to 14 years with or without disabilities. The dates are 25th – 27th July and 8th – 10th August. Each day begins at 10am and ends at 4pm with wraparound care offered morning and afternoon for an additional fee. Find out more or book at www.grassrootssoccer.com or call Paul on 07735 466075.
Super Camps
Jump to it at Jump City!
Super Camps' fabulous new Multi-Activity programme at Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Letchworth Garden City and Rickmansworth allows children to get involved in some great activities. As well as taking part in the fun-packed programme, children are cared for by fully qualified and vetted staff to create a thoroughly enjoyable time on camp. As Ofsted noted, Super Camps runs "an excellent programme of well-planned, fun and exciting activities that contributes highly to the children’s play and learning environment". Save 15% on all courses with code FAMILIES17.
Jump City, at Brookfield Farm in Cheshunt opposite Tesco, is the newest trampoline park in Hertfordshire. Jump City boasts fifty linked trampolines where you can jump about freely. They also have two tumble lanes that will bring out the budding gymnast in you, a slam dunk zone, ninja and cardio zones and two party rooms. They hold dedicated sessions on the weekend for children aged under five and specialist sessions for children with autism and special needs. When you want to take a break from bouncing, enjoy a tasty treat in the 90 seat café where you can also keep an eye on the action from the viewing area. Find out more or book a session at www.jumpcityuk.co.uk or call 01992 842454.
Kids’ Club at Healthy U Gym Healthy U Gym, in Hemel Hempstead, is a specialist womens’ only gym that also works with children and young people. Nicola, who owns and runs the gym, and her staff aim to encourage all of their clients to adopt a healthier lifestyle. They run kids’ fitness classes during term time with regular sessions every Tuesday and Thursday from 4pm until 5pm. The children love these sessions that are run by qualified coach, Tayla. To continue their work helping families and children throughout the year, Healthy U Gym have developed and now offer Kids’ Club sessions during the school holidays. The Kids’ Club offers flexibility for working families, who can select the hours that are right for their family’s commitments. There is a wide range of different fitness activities and classes to keep children fully engaged and
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entertained and they will have lots of fun all day. The Kids’ Club runs from 24th July until 1st September, Monday to Friday from 8.30am until 3.30pm. Water is provided and children will need to take a packed lunch if staying the full day. To find out more or to book your child’s place call 01442 769071 or email healthyugym@gmail.com
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Summer What’s On Holiday Camps & Courses BEDAZZLE POP SCHOOL Rhodes Theatre, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG www.rhodesbishopsstortford. org.uk 7-11 Aug Record and perform pop hits. Cost: £120 BERKHAMSTED BASECAMP All camps take place in Berkhamsted www. berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk 01442 358115 7 Jul - 25 Aug A range of activities to develop sporting, artistic & social skills. Multi-activity camp (5-11yrs); Mini BASECAMP (3-5s); Combined Sports Camp (7-12s); Cookery workshops (7-14s). Wraparound care available. More details on website. COOKERYEATERY SUMMER CAMP www.cookeryeatery.co.uk Central Hitchin (4-11 yrs): 24, 25, 26, 31 Jul & 1, 2 Aug Letchworth (8-16 yrs): 27, 28 Jul & 3, 4 Aug Learn to cook breakfast, lunch & dinner. Cost: Per cook per day £40 Hitchin, £50 Letchworth HEALTHY U GYM 1-4 Kimps Way, Bennetts End, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8EN 01442 769071 www.healthyugym.com 24 Jul-1 Sep Kids Club for ages 5-15. Active fun fitness sessions, mini circuits, Zumba, football, dodgeball, badminton & more. Cost: £4 per child, sibling £3.50 HARPENDEN MUSICALE Homecroft, Sun Lane, Harpenden, AL5 4GJ 01582 713333 www.musicale.co.uk/holidays 31 Jul-19 Aug (4 separate weeks, Mon-Fri) Instrumental music courses for all, beginners too. Ages 5-18. All abilities Cost: £275-335 HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 9AJ 01992 628403 www.hymb.com 24 Jul-1 Sep Caving; climbing; kayaking; canoeing; bushcraft and more. Cost: Half day £20. Full week £160
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KIDVENTURE Knights Templar Sports Centre, Weston Way, Baldock, SG7 6EY www.sll.co.uk 24 Jul-1 Sep (Closed weekends & Bank hols) Multi-activity play scheme Age 5-12yr. Cost: Day £18. Half day £9 LANGLEY TENNIS & RACQUETS CAMP Langley Tennis Club, High Woodhall Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RW 01442 230234 www.berkhamstedbasecamp. co.uk 24 Jul-1 Sep - 9am-4pm Improve your tennis. Plus, table tennis, badminton, touch tennis. Ages 4-14. Booking required. Cost: Day £40. £160 for 5-day week. WILD CAMP North Herts Leisure Centre, Baldock Road, Letchworth, SG6 2ER www.sll.co.uk 24 Jul-1 Sep (not weekends or bank hols) Multi-activity play scheme Age 3-12yrs. Cost: Day £26. Half day £13 YOUNG ARTISTS SUMMER WORKSHOPS Guide Headquarters, Townsend Lane, Harpenden, AL5 2QW www.young-artists.co.uk 1-4 Aug - 9.30-11.30am Different themed art workshop each day. Materials provided. Age 4-12. Cost: £20 per day per workshop
Fairs, Festivals & Events
HARPENDEN TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Lydekker Park, Arcadian Court (Off Sun Lane), Harpenden, AL5 4JE 01582 463668 www.harpenden.gov.uk 2 Aug - 11am-2pm Family entertainment. Take a teddy and a picnic. FREE HERTFORD CASTLE Castle Street, Hertford, SG14 1HR 01992 552885 www.hertford.gov.uk Teddy Bears’ Picnic 16 Jul - 12-4pm Family entertainment. Take a teddy and a picnic. Castle open. Activities on the River. FREE, donations welcome KNEBWORTH HOUSE Knebworth, SG3 6PY 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com Dino Adventure 6 Aug Experience the prehistoric world of the dinosaurs. Steam, Crafts & Country Life Fair 12 & 13 Aug Steam engines; stunt bikes; birds of prey and more. Dog Show on Sunday. Classic Motor Show 27 & 28 Aug With up to 1,000 classic & collectable vehicles. Cost (gate price, online discount available): £9.50. Family £34. Under 3s free. Includes Gardens, Dinosaur Trail, Park & Adventure Playground SHENLEY PARK
DACORUM STEAM & COUNTRY FAYRE
Radlett Lane, Shenley, WD7 9DW www.shenleypark.co.uk
Green Croft Farm, Potten End, Nr. Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2SG www. dacorummachineryandsteam. co.uk 29 & 30 Jul - 10am - 5pm
A Midsummer Night’s Dream 15 Jul The Pantaloons perform in their own anarchic style. Cost: £13.50, 3-16 yrs £8, Family £37.50
DIDDY RASCAL FAMILY FESTIVAL
Music to Watch the Flowers By 30 Jul Family concert. Take a picnic. Cost (price until 27 Jul): £5. 3-16 yrs £2
Hitchin Priory, Tilehouse Street, Hitchin, SG5 2DL www.diddy-rascals.com 16 Jul - 12-6pm A family rave with DJs. Cost: £5.90. Under 1s free HARPENDEN FUNFAIR Harpenden Common, St Albans Road, Harpenden, AL5 1DT www.harpenden.gov.uk 25-28 Aug – 6-10 pm
ST ALBANS TOWN AND COUNTRY SHOW & THE FESTIVAL OF DOGS Highfield Park, Hill End Lane, St Albans, AL4 ORE 01728 685302 www.stalbanscountryshow.co.uk
15 & 16 July – 11am-6pm Attractions; children’s activities; entertainment; crafts. Cost: £7.50, Concs £6, 5-13 yrs £3. Under 5s free. Discounts online THE ROYSTON CHARITY KITE FESTIVAL Therfield Heath, Royston, SG8 5BG www.roystonkitefestival.com 6 Aug – 10.30am-4.30pm Cost: £3. Under 14s free WARE FESTIVAL The Priory, High Street, Ware, SG12 9AL 01920 460316 www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk Every weekend in July: 1-2 Jul - Carnival weekend 8-9 Jul - Performance Weekend 15-16 Jul - Action Weekend 23 Jul - Rock in The Priory WYLLYOTTS THEATRE Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN 01707 645005 www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk Dogs Don't Do Ballet 26 Jul - 11am & 1.30pm A show with music, songs, puppets & a dancing dog. 3 yrs+. Cost: £10 The Little Mix Experience 11 Aug - 6pm Little Mix tribute band. Cost: £14
Things to do ACTIVE TOTS www.activenorthherts.co.uk Fun & energetic multi-sport activity session for ages 2-5 & parents. No booking. Bancroft Park, Hitchin, SG5 1QW - Thurs 1pm Norton Common, Letchworth, SG6 4UF - Thurs 2pm Avenue Park, Baldock, SG7 5AZ - Fri 1pm Priory Gardens, Royston, SG8 9DX - Fri 2.15pm District Park, Great Ashby, SG2 7AD - Tues 1pm Cost: £1 per person per session BATFORD SPRINGS LOCAL NATURE RESERVE Harpenden, AL5 5AT www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk We're Going on A Bug Hunt! 28 Jul - 11am-1pm Find some mini beasts. Book in advance. Cost: £5 suggested donation (members £3)
• Mini Circuits • Pilates • Gym Sessions • Zumba • Football • Dodgeball • Box Fit • Activities Indoors & Out & much more!
KIDS CLUB
at Healthy U Gym
A holiday kid’s club where girls and boys aged 5-15 will have lots of high energy fun. Monday-Friday 8.30am-3.30pm throughout the school holidays! £4 an hour £3.50 an hour (sibling) All staff DBS checked and first aid trained
01442 769071 healthyugym@gmail.com www.healthyugym.com
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Summer What’s On FAMILY ARTS STUDIO Broadway Studio & Gallery, 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3EW www.broadway-letchworth.com 9 Jul & 13 Aug - 10am-1pm 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Aug 10.30am-4pm Hands-on craft activities. Age 3-10. FREE FAMILY CYCLING www.activenorthherts.co.uk Family Cycling Classes Jackmans Creamery Court, Letchworth, SG6 2NN 22 Jul - 10am-12pm St Michaels Community Centre, Hitchin, SG4 0QA 22 Jul - 1-3pm Brush up on your cycle safety. Booking essential. Cost: £5 per family Family Cycle Ride St Michaels Community Centre, Hitchin, SG4 0QA 6 Aug – 10am-12pm Guided cycle along scenic route. Cost: £5 per family FAMILIES GET FIT www.activenorthherts.co.uk Multi-sport activity session for families with children aged 5-11. Parents join in! No need to book. Bancroft Park, Hitchin, SG5 1QW - Tues 3.45pm Norton Common, Letchworth, SG6 4UF - Thurs 3.45pm Priory Gardens, Royston, SG8 9DX - Fris 3.45pm Avenue Park, Baldock, SG7 5AZ Mons 3.45pm Cost: £1 per person per session HATFIELD PARK FARM Hatfield, AL9 5NB 01707 287010 www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk CJ Birds of Prey 9 Jul, 9, 20, 30 Aug - 11am-4pm Birds of prey static display. Normal farm admission: £5, Child £2.50, Under 3s free HERTFORD MUSEUM 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT 01992 582686 www.hertfordmuseum.org Drop in craft activities 10.30am-3.30pm (last entry 3pm) 25-27 Jul: Ancient Greece! 1-3 Aug: Curious Kitsch! 8-10 Aug: Magic in the Air! 15-17 Aug: Sun, Seaside and Sailboats 22-24 Aug: Extinct Explorers Cost: £1.50 per child
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Bookable workshops (7-11 yrs) 2.30-4pm 4 Aug: Kitsch Crazy!
Messy play, multi sports, bouncy castle, wild play bushcraft. FREE
25 Aug: Dinosaur Detectives! Cost: £4.50 per child Some free spaces for low income families, see website
ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL
PANSHANGER PARK
Family Discovery Mornings 3, 10, 17 & 24 Aug 10am-12.30pm Literature-themed trails & crafts. Ages 3-11. With adult only. FREE
Nr Welwyn, SG14 2WN 01727 858901 www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Mini Beast Safari 15 Jul - 10.30am-12.30pm Hunt for mini beasts. Book in advance. FREE, donations appreciated Festival of Wildlife 29 & 30 Jul - 10am-4pm Walks; talks; activities. FREE Teddy Bears Forest Picnic 2, 9, 16, 23 Aug 10.30am-12.30pm Take a teddy and a picnic. Ages 2-7 (with adult). Book in advance. Cost: £6 per child per session Wild Families 3, 10, 17 & 24 Aug - 10am-12pm or 1-3pm Different wild play activity each day. Book in advance. Ages 4-11 (with an adult). Cost: £6 per child per session Wild Kids Adventure Days 4, 11, 18, 25 Aug - 10am-3pm Different wild play activity each day. Ages 8-13. (Ages 6-7 with adult.) Book in advance. Cost: £15 per child per day PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA 01992 470490 www.pwpark.com
AL1 1BY 01727 860780 www.stalbanscathedral.org
XC Jarman Park, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4JS 01442 507100, www.thexc.co.uk Offers a range of e’XC’iting energetic climbing, caving & high ropes activities for kids & adults. Plus indoor all weather skate park. TICK TOCK MUSIC St Michael's Church Hall, St Michael's Street, St Albans, AL3 4SL 07933 153054 www.ticktockmusic.co.uk 27 Jul, 3 & 17 Aug – 9.45am Rhymes & songs for under 5s. Children learn voice control, new vocabulary, number recognition and pre-reading skills in a fun way. Colourful props & percussion instruments for children to play. Session lasts 45-60 mins. Cost: 1 child £6.50, Sibling 6 mths-1 yr £2, Sibling over 1 yr £3.50, Twins under 1 yr £8, Twins over 1 yr £9.50
Birds Conservation - 20-21 Aug
Norton Way South, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1NY 120m paddling pool, water jets. Refreshments. KING GEORGE RECREATION GROUND King George Avenue, Bushey, WD23 4NT Daily 10am-5pm until Sep Tropical island splash park. LETCHWORTH OUTDOOR POOL Norton Common, Icknield Way, Letchworth, SG6 4UF www.sll.co.uk Until 10 Sep. Mon, Wed, Fri 7am-6.30pm, Tues & Thurs 8am-6.30pm, Sat & Sun 8.30am-6pm Heated pool, grassed area, toddler pool, refreshments. View prices online MORRIS PLAYING FIELDS White Horse Lane, London Colney, AL2 1JR Paddling for under 12s. FREE PRIORY MEMORIAL GARDENS Melbourn Street, Royston
HP1 1JS Mon-Fri 10am-1pm & 5-6.50pm. Sat 9am-4.50pm. Sun 9am-5.50pm
Splash park.
Big Cat Night - 15 Aug
HOWARD PARK AND GARDENS
AVENUE PARK
Ungulate & Paddocks - 22-23 Jul
Red Pandas - 12-13 Aug
50m heated outdoor pool. Also, indoor pool.
Splash park with water jets.
West Avenue, Baldock, SG7 5AY
Snow Leopard Conservation 5-6 Aug
Fishponds Road, Hitchin, SG5 1HA www.sll.co.uk Until 10 Sep. Mon-Fri 8am6.30pm. Sat &Sun 8am-6pm
Open Air Water Play
Weekend Events:
Primate & Rainforest Conservation - 29-30 July
HITCHIN SWIMMING CENTRE
BANCROFT RECREATION GROUND Hitchin Buccaneer-themed splash park.
SPORTSPACE HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
Outdoor pool. Cost: £6.10 (Member £3.60). Junior £4.70 (Member £2.70) VERULAMIUM PARK
CASSIOBURY PARK
St Albans Daily until 3 Sep – 10am-6pm
Watford. Entrance opposite Langley Way
Splash park. Up to 12 yrs. FREE
Tiger Conservation - 26-27 Aug Cost: Normal admission. Big Cat Night is £10pp booked in advance
New paddling pool.
PHILLIMORE RECREATION GROUND
Aqua playground.
Gills Hill, Radlett, WD7 8AL 01923 856433 www.aldenham-pc.gov.uk 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Aug
HARPENDEN OUTDOOR PADDLING POOL
FAIRLANDS VALLEY PARK Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG2 0BL
Rothampsted Park, AL5 2HU Daily until first weekend in Sep
WARE PRIORY LIDO Priory Street, Ware, SG12 9AL www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk Until 10 Sept – 10am-12.30pm & 2-5.45pm. Adults only: 12.451.45pm Cost: £4.50. Child/Concs £2.20. Family & season tickets available
Say you saw it in
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Summer What’s On
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