articles, blogs & news

The Summer Holidays are nearly upon us, eek!

The good news is the website is packed with events and things to do!

Check out:

• Full list of events on the What's On Guide- you can search by date or event view.
• Holiday Clubs and Classes
• Attractions to travel to like Beaches, Theme Parks, Zoos and Museums in the Things To Do section if you fancy a day out
• My top tips when travelling with children 
• Tried and Tested reviews for places I've been to with the boys
• Hertfordshire Libraries Summer Reading Challenge
• Places to stay cool
  
• Summer Family Fun with the Herts Family Centre Service
• Letchworth's Summer of Fun

Please do check event/attraction details before travelling, as I can't keep this entire list updated I'm afraid!

Follow my pages on Instagram and Facebook where you'll find all the latest news on the grid and in my Stories and Highlights.

Hitchin - Events and Things To Do

 


Hitchin Festival
Running throughout July
Hitchin Festival was established in July 1991 as a one week programme of events. Since then it has grown into a month long celebration of the culture and entertainment on offer in Hitchin.
Each July the festival programme promotes a huge variety of events including poetry, art exhibitions, concerts, theatre, talks, walks, comedy and kids entertainment.
From 2024 the Hitchin Festival has been run by Community Interest Company, Hitchin Creative.
More details




LOW COST - £2.50 PER FAMILY
North Herts Family Centres Summer Holidays Activities
This summer, Herts Family Centre Service's Family Fun sessions are packed with exciting weekly themes designed to help you and your children play, explore, and enjoy time together.
Each week offers a variety of activities that encourage creativity, movement, imagination, and connection. It’s also a great chance to meet other local families and get to know your Family Centre team.
There’s plenty on offer for under 5s, and we’ve also included activities for older siblings up to age 8, all for just £2.50 per family. 
Weekly Themes include:
Get Active
Fun with Stories
At the Seaside
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Messy Play
People Who Help Us
Full schedule

• Facepainting - Thursday Aug 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 2026 - 11am - 3pm - FREE
• Beach Time Stories - Friday July 27th, Aug 14th, 28th 2026 - 10:15 - 10:45am

More details




FREE
'Blood and Bone' exhibition at North Herts Museum
Running until 20th September 2026 (Closed Mondays)
North Hertfordshire Museum invites visitors to step inside the human body this summer as it welcomes the return of the interactive exhibition, ‘Blood and Bone’!
Running from 4 July to 20 September 2026, this free, family-friendly showcase features massive inflatable sculptures that transform human biology into an immersive terrain for all ages to explore.
Visitors can crawl through, listen to, and touch larger-than-life structures, including giant breathing tunnels and sensory caves that mimic internal organs, blood cells, and bone structures. The installation combines unique textures and ambient sounds to provide an accessible learning experience for all ages.
More details

 

Summer Craft Sessions at North Herts Museum

• Thu 30th July 2026 11-11.45am or 1-1.45pm - Winged Wonders - Kids Weaving Workshop
• Thu 30th July 2026 2.30-4pm - Teens, Textiles & Tapestry- a Creative Weaving Workshop
• Tue 4th August 2026 10.45am or 12pm - Decorate a Summer Tote Bag- Kids Craft Workshop
• Tue 11th August 2026 10.45am or 12pm - Card Finger Puppets - Kids Craft Workshop

More details

Summer Crafts for Kids at The British Schools Museum
11 / 12 / 13 August, 18 / 19 / 20 August 2026
Located in our unique historic Monitorial Schoolroom, join us this August for two weeks of creative children's space-themed craft sessions, where young explorers can let their imaginations soar.
Children will design and build their own rockets, spaceships, UFOs, and other out-of-this-world creations using a variety of fun craft materials. The only limit is the sky!
Sessions run from 10am to 12pm on the following dates:
August 11-12-13.
August 18-19-20.
£8 per participating child (non-participating younger siblings and accompanying adults go free).
Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Younger siblings are very welcome and can enjoy the toys provided in the Schoolroom while their older siblings craft.
The Café at the Museum will be open for drinks and snacks, and an accessible toilet is available on site.
We look forward to welcoming you this summer for hands-on fun and imaginative exploration!
More details

FREE FOR ANY LIBRARY MEMBER
Join The Library Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge is back at Hitchin Library, encouraging children to read over the holidays. It is the UK’s biggest reading for pleasure programme for children aged 4 to 11, delivered via public libraries – and it’s completely FREE to take part!
This year’s theme is Read to the Beat – celebrating the creative power of music and reading!
More details

Winged Wonders - Kids Weaving Workshop at North Hertfordshire Museum
Thu 30th July 2026 11-11.45am or 1-1.45pm
Set your imagination aflutter in this fun workshop designed for young creatives. Using colourful ribbons and shimmering fibres, weave your very own magical dragonfly or beautiful butterfly in a hoop.
Designed for children aged 4-11 with some hands-on help from parents or grandparents, this workshop shows how weaving can be used in a playful and creative way. Your child will learn how to "fly" their fibres through the hoop to build the body and wings of their chosen garden visitor.
The finished pieces make wonderful wall hangings to display at home. All materials are provided, with a wide selection of fibres and textures to ensure every Winged Wonder is unique!
£8 per child.
More details

 

Kids Summer Disco at Hitchin Town Hall
Sun 2nd August 2026 2-4pm
Kids Summer Party at Hitchin Town Hall 🎉☀️
Join us this summer for a sunshine-filled afternoon of fun at Hitchin Town Hall! 🌈
Bring your little explorers along for a lively Kids Summer Party packed with music, dancing, and playful games. From feel-good summer tunes to energetic activities, there's plenty to keep everyone smiling all afternoon long.
Dress in your brightest summer outfits and get ready to celebrate the season together!
📅 Sunday 2nd August
⏰ 2 - 4pm
🎫 £7 per child
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Accompanying adults £2.00
👶 Under 1s free
✅ Suitable for children under 12
🥤 The bar will be open with soft drinks available.
Don't miss out on a fun-filled summer treat for the whole family - we can't wait to see you there!
More details

Sundown Open Air Cinema at Hitchin Lavender
August 2026
Make memories at the @sundowncinema open air cinema screenings in Hitchin. All Hitchin screenings are in the grounds of the beautiful Hitchin Lavender. Choose from Adult classics or daytime family favourites. All the listings are on the website.
More details

Triangle Community Garden Events, Ransoms Rec
Check out the nature-inspired events and workshops from Triangle Garden this summer. From family forest school sessions to Sunday Garden Club and Bat Walks.
All events

FREE TO ATTEND
Buzzworks Days at Buzzworks Discovery Centre, Hitchin

• Sun 26th July 2026 and Sun 16th Aug 2026 1-5pm - Buzzworks Open Day

All events

Letchworth, Stotfold and wider Hitchin villages - Events and Things To Do

 

LOW COST - £1.75 per person
Summer Kids Club at Broadway Cinema
Throughout the holidays
Kids Club screenings at Broadway Cinema are a great way to keep families entertained. Tickets are just £1.75 per person!
More details

Down The Woods at Standalone Farm - Member Exclusive
Mon 10th August 2026 - Sun 16th August 2026
Join Down The Woods for exciting Forest School sessions at Standalone Farm. Enjoy hands-on outdoor adventures, from den building and campfire cooking to nature crafts and woodland play. Perfect for families who love exploring the great outdoors.
Don't miss out-this fun-filled experience which is EXCLUSIVE to our Standalone Farm Annual Pass Holders.
Enjoy hands-on activities like:

✨ Hammocks
✨ Snail racing
✨ Digging areas
✨ Elder bead necklaces
✨ Stick throwing zones
...and of course, a woodland story with our adorable woodland puppets!
More details

 

Summer Planetarium at Standalone Farm
Mon 24th August 2026 - Fri 28th August 2026 - Various times
Adventure into outer space with our immersive Standalone Planetarium Experience. We have teamed up with Immersive Theatres who are a mobile digital planetarium service specialising in astronomy, interactive learning, entertainment and a digital 360-degree exploration of space!
Enter the dome and we will take you on an up close educational voyage into space, where little ones will learn about the universe in an accessible way. Immersive Theatre's teaching of astronomy is very much tailored to all the various developmental stages of children's thinking and is the perfect introduction to space for little ones.
Suitable for ages 4-7 years
Sessions will last approx. 30 minutes
This event will be held in our Tractor Barn (with the dome set up inside)
Tickets are non-refundable
Shoes will need to be taken off before entering the dome
More details

 

Kids Summer of Fun in Letchworth
Throughout the Summer Holidays
A jam-packed, fun-filled summer of activities for the whole family.

• Mon 20th July, Fri 31st July, Mon 17th Aug, Mon 24th Aug - Free Art Workshops
• Tues 21st July, Weds 29th July, Weds 5th Aug and Tues 11th Aug 2026 - Free Facepainting
• Thurs 23rd July 2026 - FREE Pirate Party on the Wynd
• Mon 27th July 2026 - FREE Mural Workshop at Best Before Cafe
• Friday 30th July & Tuesday 25th August 2026 - FREE Captain Calamity
• Monday 3rd & 10th Aug 2026 - FREE Creative Chefs at Best Before Cafe
• Friday 7th Aug - FREE Dinosaur Shows
• Tuesday 18th Aug - FREE The King's Cake Show

More details




FREE
Play! Discover! Share! at Broadway Gallery, Letchworth
Weds - Sat during the Holidays
We're thrilled to welcome you to our free, inclusive summer programme. Whether you're bringing little ones or older kids, we've got activities for all ages to get creative, try something new, and help you spend meaningful time together as a family. Sessions need to be pre-booked. Full details of all session through link.
More details

Family Fun Day at Jackman's Community Centre
Sat 15th August 2026 12-4pm (plus Family Disco 7-10:30pm)
You're Invited to Jackmans Community Centre's Family Open Day! 🎉
Join us on Saturday 15th August for a fantastic day of FREE family fun as we open our doors to the whole community!
🕛 Open Day: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
🕖 Family Disco: 7:00pm - 10:30pm
✨ Enjoy:
🎨 FREE Face Painting
🎈 FREE Balloon Modelling
🏰 FREE Bouncy Castle
💃 Irish Dancing
🥁 Samba Performances
🎯 Football Target Challenge
🎵 Live music and dance
🦁 Lyons
🚓 CAB
🎤 All performances are provided by talented local community groups!
Plus enjoy:
🍧 Slushies
🍿 Popcorn
🍭 Candyfloss
🍬 Sweets
🎉 And much, much more!
Whether you're visiting for the first time or have been part of our community for years, there's something for everyone. Bring your family, friends and neighbours and help us celebrate everything Jackmans Community Centre has to offer.
📍 Jackmans Community Centre
📅 Saturday 15th August 2026
📧 [email protected]
📞 01462 642525
Please like, share and tag someone you'd love to bring along! 💙🎉
More details

Artventurers Family Sessions

• Thu 23rd July 2026 10.30 - 11.30am - Toy Story Inspired Holiday class (6m-7yrs)
• Thurs 30th July 2026 10.30 - 11.30am -  K-Pop inspired Holiday Class (6m-7yrs)
• Thurs 6th aug 2026 10.30 - 11.30am - Things With Wings Holiday class (6m-7yrs)

More details

Nearby (within 40 mins’ drive)

Events at Shuttleworth
Throughout Summer

• Sat 25th July - Summer Airshow 
• Sun 9th August  -  NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals
• Sat 15th August - Flying Proms
• Sat 22nd August - Vintage Aircraft Club Fly In
• Fri 28th August - Blues Brothers Tribute Night
• Sat 29th August - Military Air Show

More details

LOW COST - £4 per child
Summer Games Trail at Jordan's Mill, Broom
Sat 18th July 2026 - Wed 2nd September 2026 9:30am - 3:30pm
🌞 Ready for a summer adventure at @jordans.mill?
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)
More details




Knebworth House, Garden and Dinosaur Trail and summer Events
Open Daily until Sun 6th September 2026 then weekends
Knebworth House, Gardens, Park, Adventure Playground, and Dinosaur Trail are open every day throughout the school holidays! From exploring the historic Knebworth House to letting the kids loose in the thrilling Adventure Playground or journeying back in time along the Dinosaur Trail, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Wander through beautifully kept Gardens, picnic in the Park, and create unforgettable Summer memories together.

Other events this summer:

• Sun July 26th - The Big Bad Wolf - Musical
• Weds July 29th, Weds Aug 5th,12th, 19th & 26th - Hands on History
• Sun Aug 2nd - Othello - Garden Theatre
• Tues Aug 18th - Autism Friendly Early Opening at 8:30am
• Sat Sept 5th - Sing (U) Outdoor Cinema and Mamma Mia! ExtraABBAganza (PG) - Outdoor Cinema
• Sun Sept 6th - The Gruffalo & Stick Man (U) - Outdoor Cinema , Pride and Prejudice (U) - Outdoor Cinema and Star Wars; A New Hope (U) - Outdoor Cinema

More details

Great British Summer at Wrest Park, Silsoe
Sat 18th July 2026 - Sun 6th September 2026 10am - 5pm
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%.
More details

Join the Zoo Crew at Whipsnade Zoo
Sat 18th July 2026 - Weds 2nd Sept 2026
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!
More details

Shaggy's Summer Spectacular at Mead Open Farm, Billington
Sat 18th July 2026 - Sun 31st August 2026
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 Baby Goats - and explore our huge indoor play.
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!
More details

LOW COST - from £5 per child
Craft Sessions at Hobbycraft A1 Retail Park, Biggleswade, Luton or Stevenage
There are lots of Summer craft sessions going on during the summer holidays.
See all the sessions here.

Woodland Ranch, Tewin
Weds Aug 5th - 15th and Sunday Aug 23rd - 31st 10am- 3pm
🎉🐮 WOODLAND RANCH IS BACK! 🐷🎉
The wait is finally over! After our break since Easter, we're throwing open the gates and can't wait to welcome you back for an unforgettable summer of farmyard fun!
🚜Tractor rides
🛝 Shaded Woodland Playground
🐥 Chick cuddles
🗿 Sculpture trail
🛺 Pedal tractor track
🧺 Snack Shack
🏎️ 6 lane hot wheels track
🐍 Exotic Encounters
🐐 Animal feeding (£1 per bag)
Marble run (extra charge)
📅 5th - 15th Aug & 23rd - 31st Aug
⏰ Open 10am - 3pm daily
🌻£8 per person
🌞Under 2's go free
🌼Family of 4 - £28
*ONLINE BOOKING ONLY*
More details

Summer Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm, London Colney
Sat 18th July - Weds Sept 2nd 2026
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 adventure play, funfair rides, tractor ride, farmyard animals, indoor soft play - for one all-inclusive price.
We're pleased to be taking part in the Government's 'Great British Summer Savings' scheme from 25 June to 1 September 2026, passing savings on to you to help everyone enjoy more value throughout the summer. Our multi-tickets have been discounted from the 2026 price of £43.90 to £38.42.
More details  

 
Summer Events at Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton

• Tues July 28th - Thurs July 30th - Stockwood Garden Party
• Fri Aug 7th - Sun Aug 9th - Colourscape
  

All Stockwood discovery Centre events




Activities at Bury Lane Farm, nr Royston
Throughout the Summer Holidays
Daily - Fun Barn and Beach Sessions

More details

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Check out the full What's On Calendar
You can find the full list of events in the calendar on the What's On section of the website.

Keep up to date on social media
I regularly update my social pages and Instagram stories, so make sure you're following me for even more content:
Facebook
Instagram



Don't forget, you can also find lots more things to do in various parts of the website:


Things To Do

• At home
• Parks
• Out & About
• Sports & Leisure
• Farm, Zoos & Wildlife Parks
• Indoor Soft Play
• Museums & Places of Interest
• Cinemas, Theatres & Arts
• Art, Craft & Hands-On
• Transport & Space
• Theme Parks
• Beaches

Tried and Tested - Check out the places I've reviewed with the boys.




Food and Drink

• Takeaway & Food Delivery
• Food Shops & Markets
• Cafes
• Restaurants & Pubs
• Private Dining & Catering

And finally...have a great Summer Holidays!

If you've found this guide useful, then please do share with friends and family, it would mean a lot.

If you have an event coming up and would it like it to be featured, then add it to the website using this form.