what's on in and around Harpenden, Hertfordshire today, tomorrow, this week, this month and later

Big Chef, Little Chef Cookery Class

Tewinbury Farm
Mon 31st August 2026
11am - 1pm

Book ahead

For School-age

A fun and hands-on session designed for little chefs and their grown-ups, Together you will prepare simple delicious dishes using seasonal ingredients from the farm

Along the way children will learn essential cooking skills from chopping, mixing, tasting

Expect plenty of laughter, a touch of mess and some delicious food to share at the end

Monday 31 August | £65 x1 Adult & x1 Child | 11am-1pm

Tewinbury Farm, Hertford Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0JB

Find out more or book: www.tewinbury.co.uk

Viking Raid

Chiltern Open Air Museum
Sun 30th August 2026 - Mon 31st August 2026
10am - 5pm

For Everyone

Step into the early medieval world as Viking raiders clash with local defenders in dramatic combat displays. Watch skilled re-enactors demonstrate authentic weapons, armour and battle tactics, and discover how these feared seafarers lived, fought and raided across Britain. From shield walls to hand-to-hand combat, the sights and sounds of the Viking Age are brought vividly to life.
Beyond the battlefield, explore a Viking encampment, meet warriors and craftspeople, and learn about everyday life in the Viking Age through hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations. Set across the museum's historic buildings and open-air landscape, this immersive event offers an exciting family day out for history lovers and anyone curious about Britain's Viking past.
Event highlights
• Live... Read more

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St. Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB

Find out more: www.coam.org.uk

Summer Bank Holiday funfair

Harpenden Common
Thu 27th August 2026 - Mon 31st August 2026
open from 5pm on weekdays, from 1pm on the weekend

Free entry

Drop-in

For Everyone

Summer Bank Holiday funfair with thrilling rides. A whirlwind of lights and unforgettable memories.

On Harpenden Common, open from 5pm on weekdays, from 1pm on the weekend and bank holiday Monday.

Harpenden Common, Harpenden Common, Hertfordshire, AL5 1QY

Find out more: www.harpenden.gov.uk

Summer Fun for Families

Bletchley Park
Sat 1st August 2026 - Mon 31st August 2026
11am - 3.30pm (last admission 3pm)

Drop-in

For School-age

Spread across Bletchley Park, inside and out, activity stations bring the off-duty world of the Codebreakers back to life. Challenge each other to darts, try your hand at fencing, take to the stage, show off your dance moves, or simply play games together. There's no schedule to follow and no right or wrong way to do it. Wander, explore, spend time together and try things you didn't even know you were good at!

Could you have been a codebreaker, a Wren or maybe a dispatch rider? Would you have been able to keep your work secret even after the war? Join us on a fun, family-friendly tour to find out about the amazing people and machines that helped break the Enigma cipher here at Bletchley Park during WW2.

Every afternoon from 13.30 to 15.30, Block E Learning Centre... Read more

Bletchley Park, The Mansion, Bletchley, Hertfordshire, MK3 6EB

Find out more: www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Kindred Nurseries: Awe and Wonder Challenge

Virtual Event
Sat 1st August 2026 - Mon 31st August 2026

For Everyone

Take part in as many activities as you can over August and share your experiences with us! Every challenge is completely free, making it accessible for all families. Whether you're exploring a local park, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying the outdoors together, each activity is an opportunity to create lasting memories and spark a sense of wonder.

Plus WIN £200 worth of high street vouchers of your choice! Upload your photos between the 1st Aug and 31st Aug 2026. There is no limit on entries. One lucky winner will be selected and announced via our Facebook and Instagram pages on Monday 7th September. Please see below for T&Cs.

Use the form on the website to register now for your FREE challenge pack. We cannot wait to share a summer filled with awe and... Read more

Find out more: kindrednurseries.co.uk

Access the event: kindrednurseries.co.uk

The Birds and Beyond Bingo Challenge

RSPB Rye Meads
Sat 25th July 2026 - Mon 31st August 2026
9am - 4.30pm

Drop-in

For Everyone

Why not add a bit of competitive fun to your visit? Our summer bingo sheet is the perfect way to get the whole family looking out for wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned pro (at either bingo or watching nature) or a complete beginner, this is a great way to experience everything that calls Rye Meads home.

Get your bingo sheet from the Visitor Centre and mark down everything you see that's on the sheet as you go around. Can you be the first person to get a line or even tick everything off? There's only one way to find out...

£1 per sheet, no need to prebook just turn up on the day. Running every day of the summer holidays.

Photo: Copyright RSPB / Our Media

RSPB Rye Meads, Rye Road, Stanstead Abbots, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JS

Find out more: events.rspb.org.uk

The Summertime Senses Trail

RSPB Rye Meads
Sat 25th July 2026 - Mon 31st August 2026
9am - 4.30pm

Drop-in

For Under 5s

For School-age

For Parents/Adults

Summer is the time for your senses to flourish! From the scents of flowers, the sounds of birds singing, the feel of the sun on your skin, to the beauty of everything in full bloom there's always something new to experience.

Over the summer holidays, we challenge you to complete our wandering quiz about your senses. Journey around the reserve, finding questions as you go and when you answer them correct we know you'll have a real SENSE of achievement. A quiz about the senses during one of the most sensory times of the year? It just makes SENSE.

£2 per trail sheet, no need to prebook just turn up on the day. Running every day of the summer holidays.

Photo: Copyright RSPB/Our Media

RSPB Rye Meads, Rye Road, Stanstead Abbots, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JS

Find out more: events.rspb.org.uk

Summer Sizzler

Odds Farm Park
Thu 23rd July 2026 - Tue 1st September 2026

Book ahead

For Under 5s

For School-age

Enjoy endless summer adventures and sensational savings for you and your family with our Summer Sizzler Pass!

Your Summer adventure includes...

Access to our daily Summer Sizzler activities & games!
Our daily programme of farmer-led activities, including piggies' snack time, cow milking demonstrations, rabbit time & many more!
Creative arts in the Craft Barn
Beat the heat and have a splashtastic time in our H2Odds waterplay area!
Daily foam parties and disco sessions
Tractor & Trailer rides - spot our highland cows
Stroke our super soft bunnies during Rabbit Time
Adorable animals in our under cover Animal Barn
Huge indoor soft play
Acres of outdoor adventure play, including our giant wooden adventure... Read more

Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP10 0LX

Find out more or book: www.oddsfarm.co.uk

KidsFest

Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park
Wed 22nd July 2026 - Mon 31st August 2026

Book ahead

For Under 5s

For School-age

Looking for the best family day out this summer? Look no further - Kids Fest at Lee Valley Farm is back with even better value!

Running every day throughout the school holidays, this is your go-to destination for foam-filled fun, character meet and greets, and all the festival vibes kids love - with plenty for grown-ups to enjoy too.

Nothing says party more than Kids Fest FOAM Party! Bring your swimsuits and get ready for a blast of foam! Your kids will love jumping around in the bubbles as the foam is blasted out of our giant foam canon. When finished, dry yourselves off and explore the rest of farm. All activities, plus your usual farm favourites, are included in the price.

Challenge the whole family to a round on our fun 12-hole mini golf course.... Read more

Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Hertfordshire, EN9 2EF

Find out more or book: leevalleyfarm.co.uk

The Great Dragon Adventure

Discover Bucks Museum
Wed 22nd July 2026 - Tue 1st September 2026
10:00

Book ahead

For Under 5s

For School-age

Track the dragon. Complete the quest. Reclaim the treasure.

Set off on a thrilling Dragon Quest this summer at Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury and turn your museum visit into an unforgettable family adventure.

Children will love tracking the dragon, having fun with the hands-on challenges and exploring the Museum. Best of all, The Great Dragon Adventure is included with your Museum or Roald Dahl Children's Gallery entry, so gather your team, follow the clues, and see if you have what it takes to complete the quest.

Make a day of it and visit the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery, our exciting immersive exhibition The SAXONS and the rest of the Museum too! Chill out in the sensory room, test your agility skills with our outdoor toys and games in the... Read more

Discover Bucks Museum, 9 Church Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP202QP

Find out more or book: discoverbucksmuseum.digitickets.co.uk

Summer of Play

Dunstable Downs
Mon 20th July 2026 - Mon 31st August 2026
10.30am - 5pm

Free entry

Drop-in

For Under 5s

For School-age

Join us for a summer packed with adventure, creativity and family fun all through the holidays. We'll have football, hockey, tennis, coach-led sessions and much more, as Summer of Play returns on Monday 20 July-31 August.

Once again, we'll be transforming the fields around Dunstable Downs into a natural, green Sports Village. We'll have lots of outdoor activities to try including football, cricket, hockey, tennis and table tennis, athletics, soft archery, and frisbee golf. All equipment is available to borrow from our team at the Sports Village Welcome Area - no need to book.

Alternatively, join a coaching session delivered by one of our local partners below. (Please note, on busy days you may need to wait, as these are drop-in sessions.)

Pepperstock... Read more

Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2GY

Find out more: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Brick Journeys - created for little explorers

RAF Museum London
Mon 20th July 2026 - Mon 31st August 2026

Free entry

Drop-in

For Everyone

This summer discover incredible stories of ingenuity, exploration and adventure one brick at a time with Brick Journeys, a free exhibition of 19 brick-built installations, inspired by special moments in history, science and engineering.

From lighthouses and pirate ships to pioneering aircraft and journeys into space, follow the Brick Journeys' trail through each of our London galleries and discover how humanity has travelled, explored and connected with the world around us.

Each model has been carefully created from thousands of Lego bricks, bringing history to life in a fun and imaginative way. Next to every installation, you'll also find a photograph display that reveals a link to the Royal Air Force.

When you arrive, pick up your FREE Brick Journeys... Read more

RAF Museum London, Grahame Park Way, London, London, NW9 5LL

Find out more: www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Summer Explorer Pass

Herrings Green Activity Farm
Mon 20th July 2026 - Tue 1st September 2026
10am - 5pm

For Under 5s

For School-age

Make the most of the summer holidays with our Summer Explorer Pass - your ticket to unlimited adventures at our family-run Bird of Prey Centre & Petting Farm.

For just £35 per person (Adults & Children), enjoy unlimited visits from 20th July to 1st September and experience everything our farm has to offer, as many times as you like.

Your Summer Explorer Pass includes:

Unlimited entry from 20th July - 1st September
Daily bird of prey flying displays
Meet our wonderful farm animals
Enjoy all of our Summer on the Farm activities
Explore the farm, play, learn and create lasting family memories
Every visit is a little different - spend time with your favourite animals, watch our magnificent birds soar through the... Read more

Herrings Green Activity Farm, Cotton End Road, Wilstead, Bedfordshire, MK45 3DT

Find out more: birdsofpreycentre.co.uk

Join the Zoo Crew!

Whipsnade Zoo
Sat 18th July 2026 - Wed 2nd September 2026

For Under 5s

For School-age

Ever wondered what it's like to work at the zoo?
This summer, from 18 July - 2 September, all young explorers are invited to become part of our Zoo Crew! We're packing the summer holidays with fun roleplay and costume dress-up activities, so junior animal-lovers can explore what it's like to work at Whipsnade Zoo, from feeding the animals to caring for their health and even helping to protect them in the wild.

With basic and more advanced challenges in each activity station, kids of all ages will find something to enjoy.

Step into the role of Zookeeper, Animal Nutritionist, Field Conservationist and Scientist to learn all about the weird and wonderful things you can do when you work at a zoo. Complete them all to graduate as one of the Zoo Crew!

Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LF

Find out more: www.whipsnadezoo.org

Great British Summer

Wrest Park
Sat 18th July 2026 - Sun 6th September 2026
10am - 5pm

Drop-in

Book ahead

For Under 5s

For School-age

Celebrate a classic Great British Summer at Wrest Park, inspired by timeless holiday traditions and a fun day out for the whole family.

Enjoy the fairground activities, pick up new tricks at the circus skills station and dive in to some puppet antics. Kick back in a deck chair with a delicious ice cream and soak up the summer.

Plus, kids can grab a souvenir passport and collect special stamps to complete their summer adventure.

Included in price of admission. Book early and save 15%.

Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4HR

Find out more or book: www.english-heritage.org.uk

Summer Spectacular

Willows Activity Farm
Sat 18th July 2026 - Wed 2nd September 2026

Book ahead

For Under 5s

For School-age

Get ready for an unforgettable Summer packed with family fun, outdoor adventures, and splashing excitement!

Take on our a-maze-ing Maize Maze and see if you can find your way out before heading over to the Puddle Play Park for the ultimate cool-down. Expect plenty of splashes, laughs, and water-filled fun - so don't forget your towel and a change of clothes!

Foam Fun is back for another year, bringing even more bubbly excitement to your day, while our Adventure Golf course is perfect for a little friendly family competition.

The Indoor Beach returns too, complete with giant deckchairs for the perfect summer photo opportunity, and this year we're excited to introduce a BRAND NEW funfair ride for even more thrills!

Your visit also includes... Read more

Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, London Colney, Hertfordshire, AL4 0PF

Find out more or book: www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Jordans Mill - Summer Games Trail

Jordans Mill
Sat 18th July 2026 - Wed 2nd September 2026
9.30am - 3.30pm

Drop-in

For Everyone

🌞 Ready for a summer adventure?

Bring the whole family along and join our Summer Games Trail ⚽ A fun challenge that turns your visit into a playful quest around our beautiful grounds 🍃

🎯 Crack clues, complete mini games, and race your way around the site. Can you become the ultimate Summer Games champion?! 🏆

📅 Saturday 18th July - Wednesday 2nd September
📍 Open: 7 days a week
⏰ Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm
💷 Cost: £4 per child (includes trail sheet and a prize)

Jordans Mill, Holme Mills Heritage Centre/Jordans Mill, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG189JX

Find out more: jordansmill.com

Shaggy's Summer Spectacular

Mead Open Farm
Sat 18th July 2026 - Mon 31st August 2026

For Under 5s

For School-age

Shaggy's Summer Spectacular is back for another unforgettable summer.

Make a splash with Zorbing, boogie at the silent disco and have a ball at the foam party. Discover acres of outdoor adventure play, reach new heights with the SkyTrail and rock climbing wall, get involved with daily animal activities - including Bottle Feeding Lambs - and explore our huge indoor play. All inlcuded in your ticket.

NEW FOR 2026 - Shaggy's Pirate Ship is expanding and getting a whole new puddle park! Splash, play and cool off in our water play area as your imaginations sail wild.

All included in your ticket. Tickets just £15.50 per person with Great British Summer Savings!

Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington, Bedfordshire, LU7 9JH

Find out more: www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

aMOOzing Summer Saver Pass

Woodside Animal Farm
Sat 18th July 2026 - Tue 1st September 2026

Book ahead

For Under 5s

For School-age

New for 2026 -
A summer of fun with no limits with our aMOOzing Summer Saver Pass.

Enjoy huge savings & unlimited visits this summer for just £25!
Valid for guests of all ages for visits any day between 18th July - 1st September 2026.

Our six-week pass gives visitors full access to our daily Summer activities.
With one simple purchase, have up to six weeks of summer fun sorted!
We have a limited number of passes available - make sure to secure your pass to avoid disappointment!

This summer's activities include:
Chick cuddling
Guinea pig fishing
Goat encounters
Misty water arch
Farmyard friend hunt
Rabbit/guinea pig cuddling
Patches sweet giveaway... Read more

Woodside Animal Farm, Woodside Road, Slip End, Bedfordshire, LU1 4DG

Find out more or book: www.woodsidefarm.co.uk

Draw with Rob Exhibition

St Albans Museum & Gallery
Fri 27th March 2026 - Sun 20th September 2026

Free entry

Drop-in

For Everyone

Enter the wonderful world of Rob Biddulph!
Join us for a celebration of the artwork of Rob Biddulph, best-selling author/illustrator whose books include Blown Away, Odd Dog Out, Kevin, Show and Tell and the Peanut Jones series.

In the exhibition you can view a wide selection of Rob's amazing drawings, ranging from the post-it notes he put in his daughter's packed lunch box every day of her primary school career (over 2000 of them!) to the original illustrations from his Guinness World Record breaking #DrawWithRob online art classes.

Explore Rob's world and, with the help of Peanut Jones and her magical pencil that makes anything she draws come to life, see what you can create yourself with this engaging and interactive exhibition.

St Albans Museum & Gallery, St Peter's Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3DH

Find out more: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Monkey Music Summer holiday workshops

The Eric Morecambe Centre
Tue 1st September 2026
10:30 & 11:30

Book ahead

For Under 5s

FARM THEME WITH HELEN Our best songs with an emphasis on fun! This themed session will include our beautiful instruments, colourful props, movement and lots of bubbles! Monkey Music workshops are a great way to keep little ones entertained during the holidays! These sessions are also open to non-members, so we welcome any friends and visitors who may be visiting you! They do get booked up very early, so do book your place to avoid disappointment.
10:30 1-6 years
11:30 babies from 4 months

The Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2LX

Find out more or book: wwwapi.monkeymusic.co.uk

Play with Clay!

St Albans Museum & Gallery
Tue 1st September 2026
10.15am & 11.30am

Book ahead

For School-age

Join us for one last holiday activity before heading back to school!

Take an idea from our current exhibitions or create a model of your own choice from air drying clay.

Suitable for families with children aged 5+. All children must be accompanied by an adult

£6.50 per participant. Booking required

St Albans Museum & Gallery, St Peter's Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3DH

Find out more or book: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Summer Sizzler

Odds Farm Park
Thu 23rd July 2026 - Tue 1st September 2026

Book ahead

For Under 5s

For School-age

Enjoy endless summer adventures and sensational savings for you and your family with our Summer Sizzler Pass!

Your Summer adventure includes...

Access to our daily Summer Sizzler activities & games!
Our daily programme of farmer-led activities, including piggies' snack time, cow milking demonstrations, rabbit time & many more!
Creative arts in the Craft Barn
Beat the heat and have a splashtastic time in our H2Odds waterplay area!
Daily foam parties and disco sessions
Tractor & Trailer rides - spot our highland cows
Stroke our super soft bunnies during Rabbit Time
Adorable animals in our under cover Animal Barn
Huge indoor soft play
Acres of outdoor adventure play, including our giant wooden adventure... Read more

Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP10 0LX

Find out more or book: www.oddsfarm.co.uk

The Great Dragon Adventure

Discover Bucks Museum
Wed 22nd July 2026 - Tue 1st September 2026
10:00

Book ahead

For Under 5s

For School-age

Track the dragon. Complete the quest. Reclaim the treasure.

Set off on a thrilling Dragon Quest this summer at Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury and turn your museum visit into an unforgettable family adventure.

Children will love tracking the dragon, having fun with the hands-on challenges and exploring the Museum. Best of all, The Great Dragon Adventure is included with your Museum or Roald Dahl Children's Gallery entry, so gather your team, follow the clues, and see if you have what it takes to complete the quest.

Make a day of it and visit the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery, our exciting immersive exhibition The SAXONS and the rest of the Museum too! Chill out in the sensory room, test your agility skills with our outdoor toys and games in the... Read more

Discover Bucks Museum, 9 Church Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP202QP

Find out more or book: discoverbucksmuseum.digitickets.co.uk

Summer Explorer Pass

Herrings Green Activity Farm
Mon 20th July 2026 - Tue 1st September 2026
10am - 5pm

For Under 5s

For School-age

Make the most of the summer holidays with our Summer Explorer Pass - your ticket to unlimited adventures at our family-run Bird of Prey Centre & Petting Farm.

For just £35 per person (Adults & Children), enjoy unlimited visits from 20th July to 1st September and experience everything our farm has to offer, as many times as you like.

Your Summer Explorer Pass includes:

Unlimited entry from 20th July - 1st September
Daily bird of prey flying displays
Meet our wonderful farm animals
Enjoy all of our Summer on the Farm activities
Explore the farm, play, learn and create lasting family memories
Every visit is a little different - spend time with your favourite animals, watch our magnificent birds soar through the... Read more

Herrings Green Activity Farm, Cotton End Road, Wilstead, Bedfordshire, MK45 3DT

Find out more: birdsofpreycentre.co.uk