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.
Half Term Fun at The Wagon of Dreams Theatre Show
Join us at Standalone Farm this May half-term as the hilarious and wonderful Jellyfish Theatre present, The Wagon of Dreams- a joyful, interactive theatre show set in a real transforming caravan!
Three best friends are happily exploring the world together when they discover a golden shark’s tooth necklace and embark on an exciting ocean adventure. The Wagon of Dreams is a playful, inventive family show set in a real retro caravan and packed with puppetry, music and laughter. All performances are relaxed and have integrated Sign Supported English.
Jellyfish Theatre is a critically acclaimed touring theatre company for little audiences founded by Artistic Director, Sarah Simpson in 2005. Their work is collaborative, joyful and highly accessible. The Wagon of Dreams was created in response to the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to bring live performance safely back to families.
Find out more and book tickets at www.standalonefarm.com
Advertising Feature by Todd in the Hole Festival
Todd in the Hole: a family-friendly festival near Hitchin
After the disappointment of having to postpone for the last two years, Todd in the Hole Festival is looking forward to finally opening its gates again this July.
If you're not familiar with the festival, then check out my review from when I went to the last weekend in 2019 here.
The Todd Team have been working hard to bring a stellar line up to this year's festival including The Killerz, Amy Winehouse – A Tribute, Wham George Michael Tribute, UK Fleetwood Mac, Rick Parfitt Jnr &RPJ Band, Wrong Jovi, Mused, Dave Pearce, Pat Sharp, plus loads more.
Ending the weekend in style on the Main Stage will be the legendary Martin Kemp and his Back to the 80’s DJ Set.
Keeping the kids entertained from 11.00 – 18.00 on Saturday and Sunday will be a host of activities in a brand-new Kids Arena hosted by Gordan Craig Panto favourite Aidan O’Neill. Acts include Imajica Theatre, Tiny T’s Storytelling and puppets, Showtime Circus, DW Soccer, Sandy Art, a vintage fairground, a giant sandpit, performances from Stagecoach plus loads more.
‘After missing out on staging the festival at the last-minute last year we want to make sure that 2022 is our best year yet with something for everyone. We can’t wait to enjoy fantastic music over a weekend to remember with our Todd festivalgoers and their families.’ David Nye, Festival Co-Founder.
A dedicated family camping space with hot showers, posh loos and great coffee make this the perfect first festival experience for little ones.
To buy day or weekend tickets please visit www.toddinthehole.co.uk and don't forget to use code TODD20 for 20% off Adult Sunday Day Tickets.
Half Term is here, and whilst the What’s On guide is jam-packed with great events, I thought it would be worth highlighting the Platinum Jubilee celebrations (of which there are MANY!), as I know there's a lot of focus on celebrating this historic event.
The Big Screen and Beacon Lighting, Market Square – Thurs June 2nd
Much like when everyone came to watch the Royal Wedding, the Trooping of the Colour will be screening in the Market Square 10:30am – 12:30pm, followed by Hitchin Band and the Beacon lighting.
Platinum Jubilee Carnival Day, Market Square – Friday June 3rd
Carnival day, organised by Tilehouse rotary club: a colourful and exciting parade (12:00 - 14:00) starting at the Football club, making its way through the town and ending on the Market Square. Throughout the afternoon, there will be buskers preforming a variety of songs and classic fair games for all the family to get involved in.
Kids’ Day in Hitchin Town Centre – Sat June 4th
10:00-16:00 - A day for the Kids- There will be a 'crafting a queen' sculpture workshop with opportunities for some make-and-take crafts, face painting, a performance from Hitchin concert band, plus stalls and talks from local schools & organisations.
Crown Making at Mama Baby Play - Mon May 30th - Weds June 1st
Free arts & craft out to make your own crown, ready for The Jubilee from Monday 30th May - Wednesday 1st June.
Jubilee Crafts at The Pear Tree Café - Mon May 30th - Thurs June 2nd
Jubilee Crafts at The Pear Tree Café. Enjoy a hot drink and cake, lunch or even a tasty breakfast, while your little one enjoys Jubilee Crafts.
Paddington Bear Craft Day - Thurs June 2nd
Aimed at children aged 3-12, come along and join a fun-filled craft session, making Paddington card roll models.
Ickle Fest – Thurs June 2nd – Sun June 5th
I might be a bit biased on this one, as I’m an Ickleford resident, but it’s well worth a trip (or a few!) here over the weekend as there is lots going on!
Highlights include:
2 car boot sales on Thursday 2nd, plus lighting of the beacon.
CL Hair and Beauty on Friday 3rd: CL Hair and Beauty will be opening up their garden offering Plaits/Dutch Braids/Hair Glitter & Hand Scrubs/ Hand Massage at a small cost! Plus a special guest for Frozen fans.
Ickleford Creative Fair on Saturday 4th: The creative fair is returning to the Village Hall for a Jubilee Special. Again there will be an amazing mix of local creatives offering their wares along with live music, food and drink.
Plus Live music, sport, craft fairs, traditional village fair games, cream teas, Ickleford’s Got Talent and Sunday Street Party!
Afternoon Tea at North Herts Museum – Sat June 4th
Join us on our beautiful outdoor Terrace for royally delicious sandwiches, scones and themed cakes...as well as a glass of Prosecco!
Afternoon Tea at Hitchin Garden Centre
Join us on Jubilee weekend, June 2nd - June 4th, to celebrate the Queen and her Platinum Jubilee in style with an Afternoon Tea for £10 per person.
The Children’s Emergency Department and CAU (children’s assessment unit) at Lister Hospital has moved and is now separate to the Adult Emergency Department, whereas previously they were accessed through the same entrance. This is no longer the case.
Whilst this new location is temporary, it's worth familiarising yourself with where it is, should you need to attend.
Please read the article here for full details.
Paddington at North Herts Museum
(FREE)
19th March
- 26th June
North Herts Museum, Hitchin
The Dinosaur Trail at Knebworth
26th March
- 4th September
Knebworth House, Knebworth
Sustainability Festival 2022
15th May
- 31st May
Around Harpenden, St Albans & Villages, Harpenden
Pilgrimage Puppets Exhibition
(FREE)
21st May
- 24th June
St Albans Cathedral, St Albans
The Roman Theatre Open Air Festival
24th May
- 21st August
The Roman Theatre St Albans, St Albans
Jubilee Window Trail
(FREE)
27th May
- 5th June
High Street, Harpenden
Churchgate Day
(FREE)
28th May
Churchgate and Hitchin Market, Hitchin
Ickleford Pop-Up Shop
28th May
Ickleford Village Hall, Hitchin
Garden City Samba - Open Workshop
(FREE)
28th May
Jackman's Community Centre, Letchworth Garden City
May half-term Kids Club
28th May
- 5th June
Broadway Cinema & Theatre, Letchworth Garden City
Herts County Show
28th May
- 29th May
Herts County Showground, Redbourn
Pop Princess Show
28th May
Grove Theatre, Dunstable
Kids Rule! at Half Term
28th May
- 5th June
Wrest Park, Silsoe
Colourscape
28th May
- 5th June
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury
Birds and Beasts Trail
28th May
- 5th June
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury
Letchworth Festival
28th May
- 26th June
Various locations, Letchworth
The Jubilee Trail
28th May
- 5th June
Jordan's Mill, Biggleswade
Elmer Day at Hitchin Library
(FREE)
28th May
Hitchin Library, Hitchin
Crazy Golf Tournament
28th May
- 5th June
The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Barton le Clay
Zoobilee at Whipsnade Zoo
28th May
- 5th June
Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable
Secret Strawberry Picking
28th May
- 25th June
The Secret Farm, Moggerhanger
Indigo Moons Presents...Mind, Body, Spirit and Wellbeing Fair
(FREE)
29th May
The Shephall Centre, Stevenage
Handmade Craft Fair
29th May
The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Barton le Clay
Dino-ventures Willows Activity Farm
30th May
- 5th June
Willow's Activity Farm, London Colney
Farrowby Farm Jubilee Quiz Trail
30th May
- 4th June
Farrowby Farm, Hinxworth
Magic Workshop
30th May
The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Barton le Clay
Crown making at MamaBabyPlay
30th May
- 1st June
MamaBabyPlay, 10 Sun Street
Jubilee Crafts at The Pear Tree Café
30th May
- 2nd June
The Pear Tree Café, Hitchin
Jubilee Events at Dunstable Downs
30th May
- 5th June
Dunstable Downs, Dunstable
Jubilee Crafts
(FREE)
30th May
- 1st June
St Albans Museum and Gallery, St Albans
The Wagon of Dreams Theatre Show
30th May
- 3rd June
Standalone Farm, Letchworth Garden City
Tring Bioblitz
(FREE)
31st May
Natural History Museum at Tring, Tring
Pebble Decorating
31st May
Burston Garden Centre, St Albans
Story time with Anna
31st May
Virtual Event
Paddington Craft Day
31st May
North Herts Museum, Hitchin
Thurston Funfair
1st June
- 5th June
Harpenden Common, Harpenden
Make & Decorate a Crown
1st June
Burston Garden Centre, St Albans
Come And Meet Bing And Flop
1st June
Woburn Safari Park, Woburn Park
Luna Dance - Penelope Snoop Ace Detective
1st June
Hitchin Lavender, Hitchin
Jubilee Jamboree!
1st June
St Albans Cathedral, St Albans
Day out with Thomas
1st June
- 2nd June
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Aylesbury
Ickle Fest
(FREE)
2nd June
- 5th June
Upper Green, Hitchin
RAF Museum Hendon Pageant
(FREE)
2nd June
- 4th June
RAF Museum London, London
St Albans Platinum Party
(FREE)
2nd June
St Peter's Street, St Albans
Jubilee Family Day
2nd June
Mill Green Museum, Hatfield
Queens Jubilee Celebration
2nd June
- 5th June
Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough
Jubilee Family Fun Day
(FREE)
2nd June
Hertford Castle, Hertford
Platinum Jubilee - The Big Screen and Beacon Lighting
(FREE)
2nd June
Market Place, Hitchin
Paddington Craft Day
2nd June
North Herts Museum, Hitchin
Drive-In Jubilee Beacon Lighting
2nd June
Shuttleworth, Biggleswade
Potton Jubilee Events
2nd June
- 5th June
St Mary's Field, Potton
Platinum Jubilee Concert
(FREE)
2nd June
Sandye Place, Sandy
Jubilee Beacon Lighting - Biggleswade
(FREE)
2nd June
Town Centre, Biggleswade
Stevenage Beacon Lighting
(FREE)
2nd June
Town Centre Joyride, Stevenage
Jubilee Afternoon Tea at Hitchin Garden Centre
2nd June
- 4th June
Hitchin Garden Centre, Hitchin
Streatley Jubilee Party
3rd June
Streatley village hall, Sharpenhoe road
CL Hair Fest - Jubilee weekend.
3rd June
CL Hair and Beauty, 39 Arlesey Road
Platinum Jubilee - Carnival Day
(FREE)
3rd June
Market Place, Hitchin
Broadwater Day Jubilee Edition - Stevenage
3rd June
Shephalbury Park, Stevenage
Why not browse through some of the listings we have recently added to the site...