Welcome! From bumps to teens we have it covered.
This is your one-stop site for everything you need to know about living in Hitchin with children.
Advertising Feature by Standalone Farm
Get ready for a fang-tastic family day out this October half term as Stan's Halloween Spooktacular arrives at Standalone Farm!
From 26-30 October, little witches, wizards and monsters can enjoy a packed programme of spooky seasonal fun, all included with farm admission.
Highlights include:
🕷️ A Halloween trail around the farm
🦇 Creepy crawlies encounters
🎃 Pumpkin-themed activities and photo opportunities
👻 Fancy dress fun
🚜 Tractor and trailer rides (weather permitting)
🐐 Plus all your favourite farm animals, outdoor play areas and daily animal activities
Whether you're hunting for Halloween adventures, looking for a great day out during half term, or simply want to make magical family memories, Stan's Halloween Spooktacular is the perfect autumn treat.
Suitable for children of all ages, with plenty of opportunities for photos, play and seasonal surprises throughout the week.
Dates: 26-30 October 2026
Location: Standalone Farm, Letchworth Garden City
🎟️ Book online to secure your place – www.standalonefarm.com
Looking for a school where your child can learn, think and grow in their own way?
At St Chris, we believe education should give children the freedom to discover who they are, explore what they love and develop the confidence to make their own mark on the world.
St Chris is an independent school in Letchworth for boys and girls aged 3–18, offering a truly individual education. Our broad curriculum combines the academic foundations you’d expect from English, maths and the sciences to humanities and languages with opportunities to explore subjects and experiences that inspire curiosity and bring learning to life
From environmental studies and critical thinking to robotics, forest school, animal care and swimming, pupils are encouraged to look beyond traditional subjects, ask questions, solve problems, get hands-on and discover new passions. It’s an education designed not simply to prepare children for exams, but to help them understand the world, think for themselves and find their place in it.
Come and see us in action
Our Open Events take place during a normal school day, giving you a genuine glimpse into everyday life at the school. See our pupils learning, meet our community and discover the St Chris way.
📅 Find out more and book your place.
School applications for children due to start primary, junior or middle school in September 2027 open on Monday 2 November.
The easiest way to apply for a school place is to visit the website and complete the online application form.
Herts County Council claims last year 99 per cent of parents applied this way and found the system quick, easy and secure.
The closing date for applications is 15 January 2027; it is vital that parents make their applications on time.
We would like to make families aware of Autism Central, a free national programme commissioned by NHS England and delivered by Anna Freud. It provides education, coaching and support for families and support networks of autistic people of all ages.
Whether you are concerned about school attendance, anxiety/mental health, behaviours of concern, sibling wellbeing, family relationships, or simply want to better understand autism and available support, Autism Central can help.
What support is available?
1. Free One-to-One Support https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/one-one
Speak with a trained peer guide who has lived or family experience of autism. Sessions are confidential, personalised and focused on practical guidance, problem-solving and signposting to relevant support and services. This can be particularly helpful for families navigating attendance difficulties, emotional wellbeing concerns, challenging situations at home or uncertainty about next steps.
Book a one-to-one session: One-to-One Support
2. Blogs and Practical Articles
Read articles written by autistic people, parents, carers and professionals covering topics such as school experiences, belonging, family life, puberty, wellbeing and advocacy. These resources provide practical insights and real-life perspectives.
Browse blogs: https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/guidance/blog
For example:
3. Videos and Animations
Watch short videos and animations explaining autism-related topics in an accessible way. Subjects include autistic mental health, sensory differences, masking, co-regulation, siblings, neurodiversity and more.
Watch videos and animations: https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/guidance/video
Including:
4. Podcasts and Webinars
Listen to real stories and expert discussions or join free online learning events on topics such as school experiences, bullying, mental health, gaming, emotional wellbeing and supporting autistic young people.
Explore podcasts: https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/guidance/podcast
View upcoming webinars and events: Group Learning Events
We encourage all parents and carers to explore these free resources and access support early. Sometimes a conversation with someone who understands the autism journey can make all the difference.
Halloween: After Dark
24th October
- 1st November
Dunstable Downs, Dunstable
Secret Pumpkin PYO 2026
24th October
- 1st November
The Secret Farm, Moggerhanger
Hermitage Halloween Trail
(FREE)
24th October
- 1st November
Hermitage Road, Hitchin
Self-Led Pond Dipping at RSPB Rye Meads
24th October
- 1st November
RSPB Rye Meads, Stanstead Abbots
The Spectacular Spiders half term trail at RSPB Rye Meads
24th October
- 1st November
RSPB Rye Meads, Stanstead Abbots
Air Dry Clay crafting at RSPB Rye Meads
24th October
- 1st November
RSPB Rye Meads, Stanstead Abbots
Halloween 3D Trail - The 10 Frights of Halloween
24th October
- 1st November
Jordans Mill, Biggleswade
Witches & Wizards Week at Hatfield Park
24th October
- 1st November
Hatfield Park, Hatfield
Boo at the Zoo - Whipsnade
24th October
- 1st November
Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable
October Half Term at Royston Museum - Myths and Legends
29th October
- 1st November
Royston Museum, Royston
The Galleria Launches Two Week Only Aztec Escape Room Experience
30th October
- 1st November
The Galleria, Hatfield
Halloween Family Weekend
31st October
- 1st November
Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Barton Le Clay
Kevin Quantum Anti-Gravity: Thrilling & Beautiful Magic
1st November
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Make a Country Frame Basket
1st November
Ransoms Pavilion, Hitchin
Fireworks at Brocket Hall
1st November
Brocket Hall, Welwyn Garden City
Sunday Saunter - Guided walk at Rye Meads
1st November
RSPB Rye Meads, Stanstead Abbots
Owl Pellet Dissection
1st November
RSPB Rye Meads, Stanstead Abbots
Wheathampstead Fireworks 2026
1st November
Beech Hyde Primary School and Nursery, Wheathampstead
Harpenden Rugby Club Fireworks Night 2026
1st November
Harpenden Rugby Football Club, Harpenden
Zeo Church Toddlers Group
3rd November
Zeo Church, Bedford Road, Hitchim
Move & Glow Dance Fitness
4th November
Hitchin Boys School, Hitchin
Stevenage Fireworks Display
(FREE)
5th November
Fairlands Valley Park, Six Hills Way, Stevenage
Stotfold Football Club Firework Display
5th November
Stotfold Football Club, Stotfold
Fireworks Night 2026
6th November
Katherine Warington School, Harpenden
Fireworks Spectacular for the Garden House Hospice
6th November
Letchworth Rugby Club, Letchworth
The Galleria Launches Two Week Only Aztec Escape Room Experience
6th November
- 8th November
The Galleria, Hatfield
Diwali at Sopwell House
6th November
Sopwell House, St Albans
Ashwell School PTA Fireworks
7th November
Ashwell Tennis Club, Baldock
Fireworks and Bonfire Night at The Cricketers
7th November
The Cricketers, HITCHIN
Pirton Fireworks Display
7th November
Pirton Recreation Ground, Pirton
Family Fireworks & Farm Fun
7th November
Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard
Ickleford Fireworks
7th November
Ickleford Sports and Recreation Ground, Ickleford
Fireworks & Drone Festival at Ally Pally
7th November
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way
Fireworks at The Plough
7th November
The Plough, Hitchin
The Baldock Community Fireworks
7th November
Hartsfield School, Baldock
Bonfire Night Fireworks at Hitchin Rugby Club
(FREE)
7th November
Hitchin Rugby Club, Old Hale Way
Strathmore Fireworks 2026
7th November
Strathmore Infant and Nursery School, Hitchin
Stondon Fireworks
7th November
Stondon Community Centre, The Pastures, Lower Stondon
Fireworks at the Gunpowder Mills 2026!
7th November
The Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey
St Albans Fireworks Spectacular
7th November
Verulamium Park, St Albans
Burston Christmas Grotto
7th November
- 24th December
Burston Garden Centre, N Orbital Rd, St Albans
Fireworks Night
7th November
Shuttleworth, Biggleswade

Last year I had a message from a lady whose daughter had moved to Hitchin with her 1 year old, asking for suggestions of where she could go to meet other parents.
Why not browse through some of the listings we have recently added to the site...