Mum's guide to Harpenden: From bumps to teens, your family-friendly guide

WELCOME TO MUM'S GUIDE TO HARPENDEN!

From bumps to teens, we have it covered! This is your one-stop site for everything you need to know about living in Harpenden with children. We're number one for information about what's on, things to do and children's activities locally!

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What's On This Week

Great Brick Safari
6th April 2019-04-06 2019-06-02 - 2nd June
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable

Dear Zoo
23rd April 2019-04-23 2019-04-24 - 24th April
The Alban Arena, St Albans

Walk amongst the bluebells - Luton Hoo estate
24th April 2019-04-24 2019-04-24
Luton Hoo Walled garden, Luton

Sounds Right Phonics Launch Party (FREE)
24th April 2019-04-24 2019-04-24
St Nicholas Church Hall, Harpenden

Alice in Wonderland
25th April 2019-04-25 2019-04-26 - 26th April
The Grove Theatre, Dunstable

MapDance Spring Tour 2019
25th April 2019-04-25 2019-04-25
Luton LIbrary Theatre, Luton

Vienna Festival Ballet: Coppélia
27th April 2019-04-27 2019-04-27
The Alban Arena, St Albans

Out of the Hat
27th April 2019-04-27 2019-04-27
The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead

"The Beat Goes On" Charity Concert hosted by HCTG
27th April 2019-04-27 2019-04-27
Harpenden Public Halls, Harpenden

St Nicholas Church Bell Tower Open Day (FREE)
27th April 2019-04-27 2019-04-27
St Nicholas Church, Harpenden

Music in the Museum: Inspired by Bach (Part 2)
28th April 2019-04-28 2019-04-28
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Luton

St George's Day Parade
28th April 2019-04-28 2019-04-28
High Street, Harpenden

More events

If you are running a local event for families or children you can add the details to our site for free.

News & Notices

St Albans District Sustainability Festival 2019

May 11th - June 1st sees the return of the award-winning St Albans Sustainability Festival - with three weeks of events all about the environment and sustainable living. There are over 160 events across St Albans, Harpenden and the villages. There is something for everyone to enjoy whatever your age or interests - many events are FREE.... Read more

Harpenden Sports Centre Development Update - Pool Closure

If you’ve been to Rothamsted Park recently you may have noticed the removal of hedging in preparation for work to begin on the new sports centre complex!

As a result Harpenden pool will be closed for 4 weeks from 29 April. The main pool will reopen on 27 May, but the learner pool will remain closed for the duration of the construction. Alternative facilities are available at Westminster Lodge. During the four-week closure all swimming lessons will be suspended.

More information including a detailed FAQ about memberships and swimming lessons can be found on the 1Life Harpenden website.

The Hygiene Bank launches in Harpenden

The Hygiene Bank has just launched in Harpenden. It's a UK registered charity, think food bank but for hygiene items.

It is a shocking fact that 30% of children in the UK now live in poverty, and people stop buying every day essentials such as toothpaste or washing powder long before they stop buying food. ... Read more

Monthly Picks

April is dominated by the Easter holidays and that means our What’s On page is full to bursting! There’s far too much going on to mention everything here, as most local museums, places of interest and theatres are offering something over the period, but here’s some highlights...

There’s two very different events that will interest fans of Lego. The Great Brick Safari at Whipsnade Zoo, running from April 6th is bound to impress with giant models of all your favourite animals; or get creative with the bricks at St Albans Museum & Gallery over the Easter weekend as you help to build a version of St Albans in 2069 (this is a free, drop-in event)!

Harpenden Public Halls has a programme to suit children of all ages this Easter with five events over the holiday period. For fans of Fortnite there is Harpenden’s first ever Gamers Event on 7th April including gaming on giant screen, a chance to socialise with other gamers and share hints and tips. Take a journey "over the rainbow" on 10th April with a stage version of the Wizard of Oz or "trip a little light fantastic" with Mary Poppins Returns (PG) at 2pm on 9th April. On 15th April the Supersonic Science Professor brings his Bubble Show to town, and on 17th April enjoy a pop concert experience on your doorstep as The Little Mix Show brings you their high-energy tribute show.

Also showing a family film this Easter is Rothamsted Conference Centre who are opening up their auditorium for a series of films over the summer, starting with Ralph Breaks the Internet (PG) on 11th April.

Of course we will be hoping for dry and mild weather over the holidays and will want to make the most of it by getting out and active. Play in the Parks is back to help children aged 3-12 do just that. It takes place at parks across the district including Rothamsted Park, Marquis Lane, Marford Rd and Redbourn Recreation Centre (dates and times on our What’s On page). It’s free, just turn up and children 8 and over can be left.

If you are looking for a traditional Easter Egg Hunt the annual Harpenden Egg Hunt, organised by the Friends of Harpenden Academy will take place in Rothamsted Park on 19th April. The Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt will also be back at National Trust properties including Ashridge Estate (early bird sessions are available here), Dunstable Downs and Waddesdon Manor. Highfield Park in St Albans is holding an Easter Bunny hunt on 10th April and there is an Easter Trail at Knebworth on 19th & 20th April. You will also find hunts and trails included as part of general Easter-themed activities taking place at many venues listed on our What's On page.

After the holidays things quieten down, but two events worth noting are The Beat Goes On in Harpenden Public Halls on 27th April - a variety concert in aid of Cancer Research UK brought to you by the team behind Hurst Children’s Theatre Group featuring music, dance, magic and more. Tickets are on sale now. And on 28th April, a week later than usual because of the holidays, local Scout and Guide troops will parade through the town centre to mark St George’s Day.

If you are planning some days out over the holidays browse through our full What’s On guide to be sure you make the most of everything that's going on.

Article

Ten Pin fun strikes the right balance!

Ten Pin in Luton invited Mum’s guide to Harpenden along recently to their relaunch. Having acquired the old and shabby entertainment centre over a year ago they are now proudly showing off their refurbishments and are keen to get families back to their sparkling centre with added bonuses!

Welcome to Parenthood in Harpenden!

If you are new to Harpenden, or a new or expectant parent, then here's our essential guide and top tips for living in Harpenden with children...