W t i e n ick a family t

Explore Learning Summer's Here!

See page 2 Seize the summer with Explore Learning!

At Explore Learning we are Send a postcard encouraging families to seize the Let your friends and family know what you’ve summer! To help you do this we have been up to with a postcard. They’re only short put together a jam-packed summer so are a wonderful way to get a bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is programme with creative ideas on reluctant to write, then why not try a postcard how to keep your child’s brain active app like By Post? They can take their own over the holidays, so they are ready pictures to make into postcards and type Tuition their message. to settle back into the new school To keep your children progressing over the year confidently! Read, read and read summer, a tuition centre is a great option. Prevent the battle ground of getting children some more to do work at home and get them along to a Start a blog A study by OUP showed that just 10 minutes centre where there are lots of other children Learn some new skills, as a family, by creating of shared reading a day can have a huge getting involved. Explore Learning runs maths a blog together. Give your child a little note impact on children’s progress. Pop a book and English sessions as well as a whole range book to jot ideas down whilst you are out in your bag so you can use any opportunity of interactive workshops throughout the and about, then write up what you’ve done. to get your daily 10 minutes in. We will holidays to keep your child’s brain active. Take lots of pictures as these are a great be uploading weekly activities that you The best things is you can go along and try tool to help children who find writing tricky. can complete with your child to help keep one of these for free, so get in touch today! Encourage them to describe what is happening them engaged with what they are reading. in the picture to get their creativity flowing. Visit explorelearning.co.uk/summer to find out more and download your first activity! Have a movie night Research carried out by Explore Learning Play some games highlighted watching TV/films is the number There are bound to be some rainy days this one thing children wanted to do over the summer, so use this as a chance to get out summer. Use this to motivate your child to some board games. These are great for so read. Find a book that has been made into a many reasons, from developing language to film that your child wants to watch. Then plan improving memory skills. Need some new a movie night far enough in advance so you games? Have a scavenger hunt in local charity can read the book together before enjoying shops to see who in the family can find the the film. best game.

2 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. Seize the Summer: 2 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 News & Views: 4 something of interest. If your children are into farms, why not enter the summer competition to win a family Summer Competition: 5 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 Summer Fun: 6 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 What’s On: 12 Reading Challenge. Have a great summer. Next Issue: No. 76 - Sept/Oct Shelley Copy Deadline: 27th July Image credit: © Christin_Lola Find us in: Baldock, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, , Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, , Kings Langley, Knebworth, , 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 [email protected] www.familiesonline.co.uk

Say you saw it in 3 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 Artisans Kindergarten children’s reading often ‘dips’ during the summer. The challenge encourages children of Celebrates 10 Years all ages and abilities to maintain their reading skills and confidence over the holidays and to This year is the tenth anniversary of Artisans discover the pleasure of reading. Montessori Kindergarten in Harpenden. The Challenge is deceptively simple; children Established in 2007 by Ruth Martin, with just read six or more library books of their choice - twelve children, the nursery has grown and fact books, joke books, picture books or audio developed in the intervening years. At their anniversary party, current and past books - and there are collectable incentives in when 20,000 children took children, aged from two to thirteen years and rewards, plus a certificate for every child part. Make it even more this year by signing old, joined together to celebrate and recall who completes the Challenge. The 2016 up at your local library. their time at Artisans. In glorious sunshine, Summer Reading Challenge was a big success www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk. 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 Deliver for Families Herts in remembering the wonderful experiences We need a friendly, outgoing and energetic person to deliver our magazines in the Stevenage that began their child’s education. One parent area. You will need to be methodical, well organized and own you own car. If you have a reflected about their child: “He absolutely few days spare every other month this freelance job may suit you. To find out more email loved Artisans and it was a wonderful [email protected] 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.” Want to challenge yourself but can’t be away Find out more at www.artisans.uk.com or from home for too long? Then walk airbase to call 07795 510130 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. Beat the back to Joining this unique three-day charity of the way and, with people to put up the school rush with hike allows you to see the beautiful Essex tents and cook your meals, you can rest up countryside as you’ve never seen it before – and prepare your feet for the next day! from rolling hills to glorious meadows. Find out more at www.ehaat.org or A support team will be with you every step call 0345 2417 690. Lazy summer days and plenty of ice-cream is what summer is all Explore Learning’s National Young Writers Awards about! But before you know it, it’s Explore Learning (EL) have recently announced had over 10,000 entries from all over the UK. nearly September the three regional winners of their National The brief was to write a 500-word story and time is Young Writers' Award. The winners are: Nana set 100 years in the future. The creativity spent rushing around the shops for uniform, Kodua (12) from Loreto College, St Albans who and inventiveness of the writing was shoes, pencil cases and bags. We’ve all had attends the Borehamwood EL Centre; Arthur astounding with the Earth, the Moon, Mars, that ‘sinking’ feeling when we realise we’ve Roberts (13) from St Albans School who robots, rockets and teleports all making got to label it all – but not anymore! Snappy attends the St Albans EL Centre and Nicole an appearance. Judge, TV presenter, Steve Tags® are the quick and hassle free alternative Dodge (10) from St Joseph’s in the Park who Backshall commented: “…these young people to all that sewing or ironing. Simply order attends the Welwyn Garden City EL Centre. had not only imagined future worlds, but personalised tags and an applicator, and all Each of the three winners fought off stiff imbued them with the conundrums of our you have to do is attach the tag to the care competition to win the top prize in their modern planet.” label inside the uniform. A half days’ work own region. Find out more at explorelearning.co.uk or done in a 20 minute flash! To order tags, visit The competition, now in its ninth year, has call 030 3003 4006. See advert on page 2. www.snappytags.co.uk

4 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 [email protected] 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

Say you saw it in 5 Summer Fun Afterskoolerz Stanborough Park Holiday Activities and Clubs Afterskoolerz, in Welwyn Garden City, pride New for 2017 - Aqua Inflatable and Giant They also offer adult and youth courses in themselves on offering the same high level Stand Up Paddleboards. sailing, kayaking and power boating plus taster of child care in the holidays as they do at Sessions run throughout the summer sessions in all of the water sports activities their breakfast and after school clubs that run holidays from £5 only, just call and book! if you want to experiment. For celebrations, during term time; especially since they were Stanborough Park, in Welwyn Garden City, there are fun party packages such as Aqua awarded an Outstanding grade by Ofsted in has 126 acres of parkland and is just off the Inflatable, Raft Building and Stand Up March this year. A1. This Green Flag award winning park has Paddleboarding. This season’s Afterskoolerz Holiday Club two picturesque lakes, a river, nature reserve For a lazy day in the sun, the pay and play runs from 24th July until 15th August at and a Multi Activity Centre. The centre and north side activities include a children’s play Homerswood School. Children will be kept parkland offers a unique setting for a wide area, rowing boats, pedalos and bouncy occupied and engaged all day by the qualified range of adventurous water sports, land based castles! staff who are all DBS checked. They will sports, bush craft and other recreational To find out more call 01707 276276 or enjoy the wide range of fun and educational activities. email [email protected] activities, including: arts & crafts, sports, gardening, baking, mini beast hunt, outdoor group games (parachute, limbo, master chefs, ©Helen Light 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 [email protected]

Kool Kidz Camps

Kool Kidz are a well established provider of action packed holiday camps for children Paradise Wildlife Park aged four-12 years. They offer parents superb childcare as well as a ‘special treat’ for children during school holidays. They were This summer Paradise Wildlife Park will programme of daily animal shows and events awarded with an ‘Outstanding’ grading from celebrate the arrival of their beautiful Jaguar including On Safari Adventure Golf, the Jungle Ofsted in 2014 and have continued to go from cub. Born on 2nd April 2017, this is the first Theatre, Woodland Railway, three adventure strength to strength. Jaguar cub born at Paradise Wildlife Park. She playgrounds, Tumble Jungle and Paradise Kool Kidz embrace children’s diversity is currently the only Jaguar cub in the UK and Lagoon. and this is reflected in the daily planning of you will be able to see her from July. Find out more or book tickets at activities to ensure everyone has fun. The Earlier this year Paradise became a fully www.pwpark.com or call 01992 470490 staff are qualified, professional and very registered charity, the ‘Zoological enthusiastic and all are DBS checked. Kool Kidz Society of Hertfordshire’ and has staff really take pride in and enjoy their work made contributions of over £5 and this ensures that the children will shine million to conservation projects and enjoy their experience even more! and wildlife causes in the UK and Find out more at www. koolkidzgroup.co.uk around the world, as well as other or call 01582 723449 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

6 Say you saw it in 7 Summer Fun

Local Children’s Best Theatre Arts Theatre Company Having won the Welwyn Youth Drama Festival returns to the Sandpit with its hilarious show ‘Just’, its youth group, The BYTE, is now preparing for shows outdoors After last year’s successful run of ‘Penguin! at the Roman Amphitheatre of . Elephant!’ local St. Albans company, Goblin ‘The Birds’ is a raucous modern adaptation Theatre, returns with an exciting adaptation of a Greek comedy and is performed on the The chorus from 'Just' of ‘Peter and the Wolf’. Goblin Theatre are 17th and 18th July at 7.30pm. Tickets from a children’s theatre company dedicated to ticketsource.co.uk/ovo. imagination and diversity. They have created The group, which performed at the National a brand-new show, inspired by Prokofiev’s Theatre in 2015, is also recruiting new the Sandpit theatre on the last day. And those classic, with all new music created live members from school years seven, eight and aged rising four to six spend each morning with instruments and objects, including nine – no auditions required, just enthusiasm. acting, singing, dancing and crafting around a real musical vegetables! The show is an If you’re interested, call David on well-known theme, with a showing on the last imaginative introduction to making music, and 01727 759634 to arrange a free trial. day to friends and family. There’s loads more has a positive message about being kind to the Preparations are well advanced for this year’s information at besttheatrearts.com/holiday world. They will be performing in St. Albans summer courses (see ad on page 11) which will Finally, Best will be 20 years old next year before embarking on a national tour. Find out be fantastic fun! Those aged six to 16 spend and is planning special celebrations. If you more or buy tickets at each day writing, devising and rehearsing want your child to be part of the fun, call www.sandpittheatre.co.uk. their own unique show for performance at 01727 759634 or email [email protected]

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 larger- than-life open air musical extravaganza for child and £40 for a family ticket. the whole family. Cost: £12 per adult, £11 per Visit www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk for tickets.

Stagecoach Holiday Workshops Children and teenagers can make friends, have socially aware and fitter. A highlight of the fun and develop new skills at a Stagecoach week is the showcase when the participants Holiday Workshop. The workshops are can exhibit their new-found singing, acting designed for six to 18 year olds, with some and dancing skills to family and friends. areas offering workshops for youngsters aged four to six. No previous dancing, singing or acting experience is needed and there are no Holiday Workshops: auditions, all that’s needed is the willingness Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead: to give it a go! 24th –28th July Stagecoach has years of experience in 01442 875977 delivering high quality, fun performing arts www.stagecoach.co.uk/berkhamstedhemel lessons to children and teenagers. Their professional teachers work with each student Harpenden: 24th–28th July to improve their confidence in singing, dancing 01525 717567 and acting. www.stagecoach.co.uk/harpenden As soon as they arrive your child will start Welwyn-Hatfield: 31st July-4th August making friends, having fun and learning some 01707 429777 great new skills! By the end of the workshop www.stagecoach.co.uk/welwynhatfield See Stagecoach advert on page 3 for schools your child will be more confident, more offering term time classes.

8 Say you saw it in 9 Summer Fun

Knebworth House Grass Roots Soccer

– Theatre in the Open Air Grass Roots Summer Football Funweek Paul Deller, the man behind Grass Roots The Illyria theatre group present two Soccer, believes that nurturing soccer talent performances at The Garden Theatre. The starts at the roots. He also thinks that it’s programme kicks off with ‘The Lost World’ about more than talent; every youngster who on 13th July. The audience will join Professor wants to play the beautiful game deserves Challenger on a voyage to a mysterious land the opportunity to do so, regardless of their where they become involved in tribal warfare ability level. and encounter terrifying dinosaurs thought Some of the benefits for children and young to be extinct. With its trail of 72 life-sized people include making new friends, increased prehistoric creatures, is an stamina and physical fitness and learning ideal setting for the play. Run time: 1hr50 + about team work and, of course, that vital 20 minute interval. Ticket prices: £15 adult, component – fun! £11.50 child, £45 family. The Summer courses are run by experienced in week two. This is followed by ‘The Emperor’s New and qualified FA coaches who are all fully DBS Based at the beautiful and secure grounds Clothes’ on 17th August. When two swindlers checked and trained in safeguarding issues of St Christopher School in Letchworth, each offer the Emperor the ability to identify and first aid. Soccer skills taught will include course runs for three days, can be booked by competence by making him clothes which shooting, passing, turning, free kicks and the day, and caters for boys and girls ages 4 to only the wise can see, will he lose more than penalties. Participants will play games in small 14 years with or without disabilities. The dates his modesty? All will be revealed in Illyria’s teams from two vs two to four vs four as well are 25th – 27th July and 8th – 10th August. cheekiest show! Note: there will be no nudity as taking part in Mini League Tournaments. Each day begins at 10am and ends at 4pm – that must mean you’re wise. Run time: 1hr40 Children will have the chance to win prizes in with wraparound care offered morning and + 20 minute interval the fun daily skills challenges. All participants afternoon for an additional fee. Ticket Prices: £14 adult, £10 child, receive a free Grass Roots Soccer football kit Find out more or book at www.grassroots- £42 family. plus a free football in week one and a trophy soccer.com or call Paul on 07735 466075. 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 Super Camps Jump to it at Jump City! www.knebworthhouse.com or call 01438 812661. Super Camps' fabulous new Multi-Activity Jump City, at Brookfield Farm in Cheshunt programme at Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, opposite Tesco, is the newest trampoline park Hertford, Letchworth Garden City and in Hertfordshire. Rickmansworth allows children to get involved Jump City boasts fifty linked trampolines in some great activities. As well as taking part where you can jump about freely. They also in the fun-packed programme, children are have two tumble lanes that will bring out the cared for by fully qualified and vetted staff budding gymnast in you, a slam dunk zone, to create a thoroughly enjoyable time on ninja and cardio zones and two party rooms. camp. As Ofsted noted, Super Camps runs "an They hold dedicated sessions on the weekend excellent programme of well-planned, fun and for children aged under five and specialist exciting activities that contributes highly to sessions for children with autism and special the children’s play and learning environment". needs. Save 15% on all courses with When you want to take a break from code FAMILIES17. 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 Kids’ Club at Healthy U Gym www.jumpcityuk.co.uk or call 01992 842454.

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. entertained and they will have lots of fun To continue their work helping families all day. and children throughout the year, Healthy U The Kids’ Club runs from 24th July until 1st Gym have developed and now offer Kids’ Club September, Monday to Friday from 8.30am sessions during the school holidays. until 3.30pm. Water is provided and children The Kids’ Club offers flexibility for working will need to take a packed lunch if staying the families, who can select the hours that are full day. right for their family’s commitments. There To find out more or to book your is a wide range of different fitness activities child’s place call 01442 769071 or email and classes to keep children fully engaged and [email protected]

10 Say you saw it in 11 Summer What’s On

Holiday Camps KIDVENTURE HARPENDEN TEDDY 15 & 16 July – 11am-6pm Knights Templar Sports Centre, BEARS PICNIC Attractions; children’s activities; & Courses Weston Way, Baldock, SG7 6EY Lydekker Park, Arcadian Court entertainment; crafts. Cost: £7.50, Concs £6, 5-13 yrs BEDAZZLE POP SCHOOL www.sll.co.uk (Off Sun Lane), Harpenden, 24 Jul-1 Sep (Closed weekends AL5 4JE £3. Under 5s free. Rhodes Theatre, 1-3 South Road, & Bank hols) 01582 463668 Discounts online Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG Multi-activity play scheme Age www.harpenden.gov.uk www.rhodesbishopsstortford. THE ROYSTON CHARITY 5-12yr. 2 Aug - 11am-2pm org.uk KITE FESTIVAL Cost: Day £18. Half day £9 Family entertainment. Take a 7-11 Aug , Royston, teddy and a picnic. Record and perform pop hits. LANGLEY TENNIS & SG8 5BG FREE Cost: £120 RACQUETS CAMP www.roystonkitefestival.com 6 Aug – 10.30am-4.30pm BERKHAMSTED BASECAMP Langley Tennis Club, High Woodhall Lane, Hemel Castle Street, Hertford, Cost: £3. Under 14s free All camps take place Hempstead, HP3 8RW SG14 1HR in Berkhamsted www. WARE FESTIVAL 01442 230234 01992 552885 berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk The Priory, High Street, Ware, www.berkhamstedbasecamp. www.hertford.gov.uk 01442 358115 SG12 9AL co.uk 7 Jul - 25 Aug Teddy Bears’ Picnic 01920 460316 24 Jul-1 Sep - 9am-4pm A range of activities to develop 16 Jul - 12-4pm www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk Improve your tennis. Plus, table sporting, artistic & social Family entertainment. Take a Every weekend in July: tennis, badminton, touch tennis. skills. Multi-activity camp teddy and a picnic. Castle open. 1-2 Jul - Carnival weekend Ages 4-14. Booking required. (5-11yrs); Mini BASECAMP (3-5s); Activities on the River. 8-9 Jul - Performance Weekend Cost: Day £40. £160 for 5-day Combined Sports Camp (7-12s); FREE, donations welcome 15-16 Jul - Action Weekend week. Cookery workshops (7-14s). KNEBWORTH HOUSE 23 Jul - Rock in The Priory Wraparound care available. More WILD CAMP Knebworth, SG3 6PY WYLLYOTTS THEATRE details on website. North Herts Leisure Centre, 01438 812661 Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Baldock Road, Letchworth, COOKERYEATERY www.knebworthhouse.com Potters Bar, EN6 2HN SG6 2ER SUMMER CAMP Dino Adventure 01707 645005 www.sll.co.uk www.cookeryeatery.co.uk www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk 24 Jul-1 Sep (not weekends or 6 Aug Central Hitchin (4-11 yrs): bank hols) Experience the prehistoric world Dogs Don't Do Ballet of the dinosaurs. 24, 25, 26, 31 Jul & 1, 2 Aug Multi-activity play scheme 26 Jul - 11am & 1.30pm Steam, Crafts & Country A show with music, songs, Letchworth (8-16 yrs): Age 3-12yrs. Life Fair puppets & a dancing dog. 3 yrs+. 27, 28 Jul & 3, 4 Aug Cost: Day £26. Half day £13 Learn to cook breakfast, lunch 12 & 13 Aug Cost: £10 & dinner. YOUNG ARTISTS SUMMER Steam engines; stunt bikes; birds The Little Mix Experience Cost: Per cook per day £40 WORKSHOPS of prey and more. Dog Show 11 Aug - 6pm Hitchin, £50 Letchworth Guide Headquarters, Townsend on Sunday. Little Mix tribute band. Lane, Harpenden, AL5 2QW Classic Motor Show Cost: £14 HEALTHY U GYM www.young-artists.co.uk 27 & 28 Aug 1-4 Kimps Way, Bennetts End, 1-4 Aug - 9.30-11.30am With up to 1,000 classic & Things to do Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8EN Different themed art workshop collectable vehicles. 01442 769071 each day. Materials provided. Cost (gate price, online discount ACTIVE TOTS www.healthyugym.com Age 4-12. available): £9.50. Family £34. www.activenorthherts.co.uk 24 Jul-1 Sep Cost: £20 per day per workshop Under 3s free. Includes Gardens, Fun & energetic multi-sport Kids Club for ages 5-15. Active Dinosaur Trail, Park & Adventure activity session for ages 2-5 & fun fitness sessions, mini circuits, Fairs, Festivals Playground parents. No booking. Zumba, football, dodgeball, & Events Bancroft Park, Hitchin, badminton & more. PARK SG5 1QW - Thurs 1pm Cost: £4 per child, sibling £3.50 STEAM & COUNTRY Radlett Lane, Shenley, WD7 9DW , Letchworth, HARPENDEN MUSICALE FAYRE www.shenleypark.co.uk SG6 4UF - Thurs 2pm Avenue Park, Baldock, Homecroft, Sun Lane, Green Croft Farm, Potten End, A Midsummer Night’s Dream SG7 5AZ - Fri 1pm Harpenden, AL5 4GJ Nr. Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2SG 15 Jul Priory Gardens, Royston, 01582 713333 www. The Pantaloons perform in their SG8 9DX - Fri 2.15pm www.musicale.co.uk/holidays dacorummachineryandsteam. own anarchic style. District Park, Great Ashby, 31 Jul-19 Aug (4 separate weeks, co.uk Cost: £13.50, 3-16 yrs £8, SG2 7AD - Tues 1pm Mon-Fri) 29 & 30 Jul - 10am - 5pm Family £37.50 Cost: £1 per person per session Instrumental music courses for DIDDY RASCAL FAMILY Music to Watch the Flowers By all, beginners too. Ages 5-18. FESTIVAL 30 Jul LOCAL All abilities Family concert. Take a picnic. NATURE RESERVE Hitchin Priory, Tilehouse Street, Cost: £275-335 Cost (price until 27 Jul): £5. Hitchin, SG5 2DL Harpenden, AL5 5AT 3-16 yrs £2 HERTS YOUNG www.diddy-rascals.com www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk MARINERS BASE 16 Jul - 12-6pm ST ALBANS TOWN AND We're Going on A Bug Hunt! Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 9AJ A family rave with DJs. COUNTRY SHOW & THE 28 Jul - 11am-1pm 01992 628403 www.hymb.com Cost: £5.90. Under 1s free FESTIVAL OF DOGS Find some mini beasts. Book in advance. 24 Jul-1 Sep HARPENDEN FUNFAIR Highfield Park, Hill End Lane, Caving; climbing; kayaking; St Albans, AL4 ORE Cost: £5 suggested donation Harpenden Common, St Albans canoeing; bushcraft and more. 01728 685302 (members £3) Road, Harpenden, AL5 1DT Cost: Half day £20. Full week www.stalbanscountryshow.co.uk www.harpenden.gov.uk £160 25-28 Aug – 6-10 pm

12 • Mini Circuits • Pilates • Gym Sessions • Zumba • Football • Dodgeball • Box Fit • Activities Indoors & Out & much more!

KIDS CLUBat 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 [email protected] www.healthyugym.com

Say you saw it in 13 Summer What’s On

FAMILY ARTS STUDIO Bookable workshops (7-11 yrs) Messy play, multi sports, bouncy HITCHIN SWIMMING CENTRE Broadway Studio & Gallery, 2.30-4pm castle, wild play bushcraft. Fishponds Road, Hitchin, 2 The Arcade, Letchworth 4 Aug: Kitsch Crazy! FREE SG5 1HA Garden City, SG6 3EW 25 Aug: Dinosaur Detectives! www.sll.co.uk www.broadway-letchworth.com Until 10 Sep. Mon-Fri 8am- Cost: £4.50 per child AL1 1BY 9 Jul & 13 Aug - 10am-1pm 6.30pm. Sat &Sun 8am-6pm Some free spaces for low income 01727 860780 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Aug - families, see website www.stalbanscathedral.org 50m heated outdoor pool. 10.30am-4pm Also, indoor pool. Hands-on craft activities. PARK Family Discovery Mornings Age 3-10. Nr Welwyn, SG14 2WN 3, 10, 17 & 24 Aug - HOWARD PARK AND GARDENS FREE 01727 858901 10am-12.30pm Norton Way South, Letchworth www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Literature-themed trails & crafts. Garden City, SG6 1NY FAMILY CYCLING Ages 3-11. With adult only. Mini Beast Safari 120m paddling pool, water www.activenorthherts.co.uk FREE jets. Refreshments. Family Cycling Classes 15 Jul - 10.30am-12.30pm Hunt for mini beasts. XC Jackmans Creamery Court, KING GEORGE RECREATION Book in advance. Jarman Park, Hemel Hempstead, Letchworth, SG6 2NN GROUND FREE, donations appreciated HP2 4JS 22 Jul - 10am-12pm King George Avenue, Bushey, Festival of Wildlife 01442 507100, www.thexc.co.uk St Michaels Community Centre, WD23 4NT Offers a range of e’XC’iting Hitchin, SG4 0QA 29 & 30 Jul - 10am-4pm Daily 10am-5pm until Sep energetic climbing, caving & high 22 Jul - 1-3pm Walks; talks; activities. ropes activities for kids & adults. Tropical island splash park. Brush up on your cycle safety. FREE Plus indoor all weather Booking essential. Teddy Bears Forest Picnic LETCHWORTH OUTDOOR skate park. Cost: £5 per family 2, 9, 16, 23 Aug - POOL Family Cycle Ride 10.30am-12.30pm TICK TOCK MUSIC Norton Common, Icknield St Michaels Community Centre, Take a teddy and a picnic. St Michael's Church Hall, Way, Letchworth, SG6 4UF Hitchin, SG4 0QA Ages 2-7 (with adult). St Michael's Street, St Albans, www.sll.co.uk 6 Aug – 10am-12pm Book in advance. AL3 4SL Until 10 Sep. Mon, Wed, Fri Guided cycle along scenic route. Cost: £6 per child per session 07933 153054 7am-6.30pm, Tues & Thurs Cost: £5 per family Wild Families www.ticktockmusic.co.uk 8am-6.30pm, Sat & Sun 27 Jul, 3 & 17 Aug – 9.45am 8.30am-6pm FAMILIES GET FIT 3, 10, 17 & 24 Aug - 10am-12pm or 1-3pm Rhymes & songs for under 5s. Heated pool, grassed area, www.activenorthherts.co.uk Different wild play activity each Children learn voice control, toddler pool, refreshments. Multi-sport activity session for day. Book in advance. new vocabulary, number View prices online families with children aged 5-11. Ages 4-11 (with an adult). recognition and pre-reading skills Parents join in! No need to book. Cost: £6 per child per session in a fun way. Colourful props MORRIS PLAYING FIELDS Bancroft Park, Hitchin, SG5 1QW & percussion instruments for Wild Kids Adventure Days White Horse Lane, London - Tues 3.45pm children to play. Session lasts Colney, AL2 1JR 4, 11, 18, 25 Aug - 10am-3pm Norton Common, Letchworth, 45-60 mins. Different wild play activity each Paddling for under 12s. SG6 4UF - Thurs 3.45pm Cost: 1 child £6.50, Sibling 6 day. Ages 8-13. (Ages 6-7 with FREE Priory Gardens, Royston, SG8 mths-1 yr £2, Sibling over 1 yr adult.) Book in advance. 9DX - Fris 3.45pm £3.50, Twins under 1 yr £8, Twins PRIORY MEMORIAL GARDENS Avenue Park, Baldock, SG7 5AZ - Cost: £15 per child per day over 1 yr £9.50 Melbourn Street, Royston Mons 3.45pm PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK Cost: £1 per person per session Splash park with water jets. White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Open Air HATFIELD PARK FARM EN10 7QA Water Play SPORTSPACE HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Hatfield, AL9 5NB 01992 470490 01707 287010 www.pwpark.com AVENUE PARK HP1 1JS www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk Weekend Events: West Avenue, Baldock, SG7 5AY Mon-Fri 10am-1pm & 5-6.50pm. Sat 9am-4.50pm. Sun CJ Birds of Prey Ungulate & Paddocks - 22-23 Splash park. 9am-5.50pm 9 Jul, 9, 20, 30 Aug - 11am-4pm Jul BANCROFT RECREATION Outdoor pool. Birds of prey static display. Primate & Rainforest GROUND Cost: £6.10 (Member £3.60). Normal farm admission: £5, Conservation - 29-30 July Child £2.50, Under 3s free Hitchin Junior £4.70 (Member £2.70) Snow Leopard Conservation - Buccaneer-themed splash VERULAMIUM PARK 5-6 Aug park. St Albans 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 Red Pandas - 12-13 Aug 1DT Daily until 3 Sep – 10am-6pm 01992 582686 Big Cat Night - 15 Aug . Entrance opposite Splash park. Up to 12 yrs. www.hertfordmuseum.org Birds Conservation - 20-21 Aug Langley Way FREE Drop in craft activities Tiger Conservation - 26-27 Aug New paddling pool. 10.30am-3.30pm (last entry WARE PRIORY LIDO Cost: Normal admission. Big Cat 3pm) FAIRLANDS VALLEY PARK Priory Street, Ware, SG12 9AL Night is £10pp booked www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk 25-27 Jul: Ancient Greece! in advance Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG2 0BL Until 10 Sept – 10am-12.30pm 1-3 Aug: Curious Kitsch! & 2-5.45pm. Adults only: 12.45- PHILLIMORE RECREATION Aqua playground. 8-10 Aug: Magic in the Air! GROUND 1.45pm 15-17 Aug: Sun, Seaside and Gills Hill, Radlett, WD7 8AL HARPENDEN OUTDOOR Cost: £4.50. Child/Concs Sailboats 01923 856433 PADDLING POOL £2.20. Family & season tickets available 22-24 Aug: Extinct Explorers www.aldenham-pc.gov.uk Rothampsted Park, AL5 2HU 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Aug Daily until first weekend in Sep Cost: £1.50 per child

14 Say you saw it in 15 Summer What’s On www.familiesonline.co.uk

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