What's on this Summer

With six weeks of summer holidays on the horizon, it’s a wonderful time to visit a museum with the kids. Supporting our museums will ensure we keep these not-for-profit, educational, and inspirational institutions around for years to come.

Dinosaur Trail
Knebworth House is a fantastic value day out - for just £10 per person, families can enjoy a day in the Park which is excellent for games & picnics, 28 acres of Gardens, Adventure Playground with Fort Knebworth, & Dinosaur Trail. The Season Ticket offers unlimited access throughout the Summer open season to Knebworth Park, Gardens, Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail. For further information and ticketing please visit www.knebworthhouse.com, or contact 01438 812661.

Marlowes Stay and Play
Families across Hertfordshire have loved visiting Marley’s Stay & Play indoor play area at The Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, following its launch in May half term. The new area provides a fun and safe space for children aged 12 and under to play whilst parents relax. Built as part of the centre’s wider project to improve its family offering, the area follows an extensive revamp of the guest facilities opened last year. www.themarlowes.co.uk

Summer Films
Campus West in Welwyn Garden City is showing all your favourite movies this summer including Toy Story 4, Spider-Man: Far From Home, The Lion King and Horrible Histories. RollerCity – the only purpose-built roller rick in Hertfordshire - will be open every day during the school holidays and if you need some cool to escape from the heat of British summer, Soft Play City is fully air-conditioned to keep the kids happy. www.campuswest.co.uk

Get Up Close to the Animals
Paradise Wildlife Park offer visitors the opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet some of the amazing animals they care for. A family of four can meet our Meerkats or feed our Lemurs! You could even be taken on an exclusive VIP tour around the park and meet many friendly creatures here. These experiences give you a real sense of the beauty, size and strength and occasionally smell of our amazing animals. We have created something for everyone, all ages are welcome and its perfect if you’re looking for something memorable to do as a family. You can book online at www.pwpark.com/experiences

Chill out on the Cricket Pitch
Enjoy the perfect summers day out with free entry to Hatfield Park on Saturday 20th August, 11am-4pm. Bring along your friends and family and get involved in a number of free garden games at your own leisure on the Cricket Pitch. To satisfy your taste buds there will be a BBQ selling tasty burgers and summer food, along with a Tuk Tuk selling gin, soft drinks, coffee and ice cream. Alternatively, pack up the picnic hamper, grab a blanket and enjoy your very own picnic. Games are free for everyone to participate in and include, badminton, sack racing, giant noughts and crosses, giant jenga and football, just to name a few. www.hatfield-house.co.uk/events

Fun at Gulliver’s
Gulliver’s are gearing up for a super summer of theme park fun featuring UglyDolls. Bring the family to Gulliver’s and enjoy indoor attractions, thrilling rides and plenty of entertainment. UglyDolls will be making special appearances each day, visit gulliversfun.co.uk for details. Make it a magical summer with Gulliver’s Theme Parks and UglyDolls. Save even more on your family day out by using the 5 for £65 voucher in this edition. Please see voucher for full terms and conditions. Gulliver’s Warrington, Milton Keynes and Matlock Bath are open every single day from late August until 2nd September.

Seaside by Riverside
The Seaside by Riverside is once again returning to the popular Hemel Hempstead shopping centre this August. The free summer activities arrive at Riverside Shopping Centre from Saturday 20th August, where families can enjoy spending quality time together whilst building sandcastles, as well as games and toys. Riverside will also be welcoming free fun at the centre, arriving every Tuesday throughout the summer holidays from 11am – 4pm. Activities include circus workshop, Punch & Judy show, arts and crafts workshops, magic show and much more! Young visitors can also enjoy free face painting every Thursday from 11am – 4pm. www.riversidehemel.com

Summer of Fun at Mead Open Farm
From 22 July – 30 August, enjoy a spectacular summer day out at Mead Open Farm’s Summer of Fun! Their famous End of Day Foam Party is back, boogie on down to stacks of brilliant, bubbly foam-tastic fun! Plus, don’t miss NEW Great British Holiday shows with hilarious Holly Bobs & Barry Bermuda at intervals daily, especially for the summer holidays. And that’s not all, Mead Open Farm also has plenty more adventure to discover and a full timetable packed full of daily activities. Explore the extended Indoor Play Barn; climb high into the Veggie Tower & whizz down giant drop slides, it’s hours of undercover fun! 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 why not hop on board a Tractor & Trailer ride? There’ll be stacks of adorable animals to meet too. See cute cows and goats, try your hand at bottle feeding older lambs, groom the Shetland ponies and stroke the rabbits in Bunny Hop. For a full day of fun, challenge your friends at Crazy Golf, play in Shaggy’s Cove and bounce high on the Jumping Pillows, there’s something for the whole family whatever the weather! Best of all, all the extra summer fun is included in admission! Mead Open Farm is near Leighton Buzzard. Follow the brown signs from A505 or A4146. For further information and prices call 01525 852954 or visit www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

The Lion King with Top Hat
‘Hakuna Matata’, No worries if you have no experience as all you need is enthusiasm to join us this Summer in our production of Disney’s “The Lion King”. Join Simba, Timon, Pumba and many other characters in their fight to take back their homeland. Adapted from the film and musical the course will include all your favourite songs like Hakuna Matata and I Just Can’t Wait to be King. From day one the children will learn the dances, sing the songs and learn their lines all ready for an amazing performance on the last day.  Performed in professional venues, Top Hat Summer Courses are great for meeting new friends. If your child is brand new to performing or even a seasoned veteran, everyone is welcome. The summer courses are for 4-16 year olds and take place in Potters Bar & St Albans. For more information: www.tophatstageschool.co.uk

Enjoy Nature with RSPB
The sun is shining, birds are singing and butterflies are gliding – it’s time to get outside and enjoy nature with your family! What better way, than to visit RSPB Rye Meads over the Summer holidays? Every day you can take part in pond dipping, our Family Summer Trail, hire binoculars or rent an explorer backpack! Explore our reserve and see the blue flash of kingfishers and the hum of bumblebees in the flowers. We have fresh coffee, hot tea, chilled drinks, snacks and artisan ice cream to enjoy while you sit and amongst the wildlife.

Experience XC
The summer is here and we have a some great activities to keep your children entertained and out of the sun (or out of the rain!). Our indoor skatepark is the ideal venue to bring your children while you enjoy a coffee and relax. So, grab the skateboard, scooter or BMX and head to XC. Alternatively, book a family fun adventure and get active with your children. Choose from Caving, Climbing or our 8-obstacle High Ropes course. XC is open all year round, so don’t just wait until the holidays, come and see us at the weekends! For more information or to book, head to our website www.thexc.co.uk.

An International Dining Experience
Make the most of the long summer holidays with the family enjoying a wonderful feast at JRC Global Buffet. If you love great food and don’t want to spend a fortune, JRC Buffet is the perfect place for you. With hundreds of freshly prepared dishes from all over the world, you’ll find all your old favourites as well as new dishes for you to enjoy. Families love visiting JRC Global Buffet as there’s something for everyone – it’s also a great opportunity for parents to encourage their children to be adventurous and try new flavours. Even the fussiest eater will find new dishes they’ll love. With a wide selection of Live Cooking Stations, where expert chefs prepare dishes right in front of your eyes, it’s a dining experience like no other. If you aren’t too full from trying all the main dishes, you will love the wide selection of mouth-watering desserts, all beautifully presented. Visitors young and old will also love dipping marshmallows and fresh fruit into the Chocolate Fountain. Don’t forget, you can enjoy as much food as you like for one set price. To hear about the latest news and offers, visit www. jrc-globalbuffet.com and sign up to the newsletter.

New FunZone Attraction Coming!
The Kids FunZone in Birchwood Leisure Centre is set for summer. New equipment arrives on 12th August at the three-level indoor soft play destination off the A1(M). Its multiple slides, rollers, climbs, swings and designated toddler area, plus sitting area and café, are a firm favourite with families – plus parking and WIFI are free. Why not book an exclusive-use party with a self-cater or food option? Hotdog or sandwich parties start from £2.50 per child *minimum spend £35. Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm. Closed Monday 5th August to Friday 9th August (for equipment installation). www.funzonehatfield.co.u

Summer Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm
Summer Spectacular runs from 20 August – 1 September and includes a packed programme of activities and shows including our Peter Rabbit Maize Maze, Tristan the Runaway Tractor, brand new Peter Rabbit and Friends shows PLUS meet our brand new character, Mrs Rabbit.  On selected days children will be able to practice their circus skills in our tipis and your summer Willows favourites such as Panning For Gold and The Big Dig will all be running.  Book online advance discounted tickets willowsactivityfarm.com

Get Jumpin’ this Summer
Jump In trampoline park in Elstree offers the most exciting experience for kids and adults in the area. At Jump In we offer a fantastic experience including interconnected trampolines, our amazing giant air bag jump, racing slides, battle beam, vertical drop slide feature and more. Our new café menu caters delicious hot food or snacks so for this summer holiday book online at gojumpin.com.  Community group leader? - new for 2019 we do sleepovers - for more information email rob.borg@gojumpin.com

Summer Fun at Linton Zoo
Now is the perfect time for a visit! The zoo is buzzing with activity and there is so much to see and do with some fantastic new! Many of the springtime youngsters are growing up fast and enjoy playing and exploring their enclosures. Don’t miss the twin Binturong babies born on 13th April 2019. This large mammal from the forests of south-east Asia just has to be the original Gruffalo! The Binturong is a strange looking creature made up of all sorts of animal bits! At first it appears to be bear like often walking on its hind legs, then it has many cat-like characteristics too and this is where its other name of Bear cat has come from. The Zoo is open daily, with an admission fee of £11.00 for an adult and £8.50 for children 2 to 13 years, we’re sure you will find your family outing fantastic value for money. There is also a basic children’s play area, free parking within the zoo grounds, coffee shop and all other usual facilities. www.lintonzoo.com

Make a Splash with Aqua Splash!
Celebrate the sunshine with friends, family or your hard-working colleagues at Aqua Splash. Our inflatable water park has everything you need for a fun-filled day out, whether you’re team building, birthday-bashing or just want to let loose on the water with a few friends. If you’d rather take in the idyllic views – or relax after a hard day on the water – we’ve got our own café. So, if you’re after something special for the spring or summer, why not get in touch and make a booking? We’re perfectly situated just outside of Sawbridgeworth, Herts/Essex – Only 5 minutes from Junction 7 of the M11 (20 mins from London) – and are happy to help make your day out something to remember.

Outstanding Performing Arts Holiday Workshops
Children and teenagers can make friends, have fun and develop new skills this summer at a Stagecoach Holiday Workshop. The workshops are designed for 6-18 year olds, with some areas also offering them for 4-6 year olds. No previous dancing, singing or acting experience is needed and there are no auditions, all that’s needed is the willingness to have a go! Stagecoach has years of experience in delivering high quality, fun performing arts classes to children and teenagers. The professional teachers work with each student to improve their selfconfidence, social awareness and fitness. A highlight of the workshop is the performance at the end of the week when students showcase their new-found singing, acting and dancing skills to family and friends. Stagecoach Schools running Holiday Workshops include: Harpenden, Hertford & Ware, Potters Bar & Welwyn-Hatfield - please contact them to find out more and book. For term-time performing arts classes at your nearest Stagecoach school.

Team Work is the Dream Work
Cinnamon Square is a multiaward winning bakery based in Rickmansworth, Herts. In addition to baking parties and workshops, they also host classes for Adults and Children to attend together. The next class, which takes place on 31st August 2019, is based on making bread and sweet buns. Working as a pair, you will each make a loaf of bread which involves kneading the dough and shaping the bread. From a sweet fermented dough, you will then make iced fingers and Chelsea buns. The class is suitable for children aged between 7 to 15 years. The accompanying adult can be a parent, grandparent, guardian, sibling or any other special person in a child’s life. For more information or make a booking call 01923 778353 or visit www.cinnamonsquare.com

Re:play Holiday Club
Re:play Holiday Club is open EVERY school holiday. Our friendly team of qualified and caring staff are lead by experienced Managers who ensure every single child is catered for in the best possible way. Parents love the continuity of care with the same staff all year round and children feel happy and settled. Families enjoy the wide variety of activities offered, meaning each holiday is different, exciting and new! There is a huge choice of free play equipment, adult led activities & amazing extra activities too (e.g. magic shows, animal workshops, football training, bouncy castles). Come and join the fun! 

Carter School of Dance
At CSD in Hertford (www. carterschoolofdance.co.uk) we are delighted that our pupil Leah Gibbons has been chosen to perform in London Children’s Ballet’s production of Ballet Shoes (www. londonchildrensballet.com)  It will be at the Peacock theatre in the West End from 4th-7th August. Leah auditioned to be part of the cast with hundreds of other very talented young Ballet students and has been rehearsing since the beginning of the year. Ballet Shoes has been choreographed by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Ruth Brill, and tells the story of three adopted sisters who vow to put their names into history books.” Leah Gibbon, student Carter School of Dance, Hertford. 

Life’s a Beach
Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside…and this summer you can as intu Uxbridge brings the beach to the centre, in yet another of its exciting family club experiences. From 1 to 31 August 11-4pm, families can enjoy building sandcastles, relax in a deck chair, get free candyfloss and most importantly, spend time together – all for free. Located on the Lower Mall by Debenhams, giant ice cream props, beachballs and even seagulls create the look and feel of everyone’s favourite pastime, right in the heart of Uxbridge. Family club is free to join, plus members can take advantage of exclusive discounts, freebies and be the first to hear about events - just like the new Ping Pong Parlour. Brush off the sand and brush up on your table tennis skills as shoppers can play free table tennis at the centre’s pop-up Ping Pong Parlour from Tuesday 30 August – for six weeks. So, make it a summer to remember and pop by intu Uxbridge for fun, sun and sand. Joining the intu family club is easy and free and can be done so at the customer information desk or online. For more information, visit www.intu. co.uk/uxbridge/families.

Visit the Farm Animals!
Our Farm Park is open every day from 11am - 3pm. Come and see and feed our resident animals, goats, donkeys, cows, rabbits, guinea pigs, alpacas, lambs, chicks and ducks and so much more, including a Children’s play area. Our Farm Shop sells a range of high quality home grown meat and local & regional produce. Visit the tea room, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, the ‘Farmer’s Table’ is the perfect venue for tea parties, family get-togethers, christenings and baby showers we cater up to 40 guests, offering free parking, disabled access and bespoke catering packages. www.foxholesfarm.com

Willows Activity Day Camps
Willows Activity Day Camps offer holiday childcare the kids will love based at Willows Activity Farm.  Our fun packed Ofsted registered Activity Day Camps are aimed at children aged 3-12 years with all meals, drinks and snacks included in the price.  You can choose from half or full days plus we have early and late clubs.  Children can choose which activities they would like to do throughout the day ranging from science experiments, cooking, crafts and tons of outdoor activities also including Forest School sessions.  Find out more at willowsactivityfarm.com