NEXT-LEVEL FUN AT GOSLING SPORTS PARK
Ready for an adventure? With brand-new active zones to explore, your playtime just got an upgrade.
Hello!
This issue covers so many great topics as we enter the official lead up to summer! We have some great party game ideas for outdoor or large venue parties. If your child has a party coming up, make sure you have a look.
With the mental health of our children increasingly uppermost in our minds, take a look at eight game-changing products for those who suffer from anxiety.
Browse the top toys for outdoor play this summer, a summer camps guide to get ready for the season ahead, and a What’s On section filled with lots of great ideas for days out and activities.
if you have a child starting school this year we show you how to get to grips with phonics in our education section. And an article on guidance in helping a child with suspected learning difficulties.
Finally, in this issue, we have no less than four giveaways, including a V-Tech Smart Watch and a Smoby Mud Kitchen! Apply inside. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine and email newsletter with lots more content and goodies on offer!
Dale
Editor: Dale Harry Tel: 07958284983
Email: editor@familiesherts.co.uk Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk /FamiliesHerts
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Eight game changing products to calm your anxious child
By Ellie Malt
Empathy, hugs and distraction are the first call for any parent trying to calm an anxious child. Over the longer term, cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the most widely recommended therapies. But, if anxiety is a regular feature of your family life then you might also like to explore some of the ever-increasing range of calming products on the market. Here are eight ideas to try.
WEIGHTED BLANKETS
In 1965, an American scientist with autism, Temple Grandin, invented the hug machine. Inspired by this idea, occupational therapists began using weighted blankets for children with sensory issues. The launch of the gravity blanket saw the first blanket marketed to the general public, as a sleep aid and stress reducer. Sensory Direct (www.sensorydirect.com) offers a wide range of options with differing weights and fabrics to check out.
LIGHTING AND MUSIC
Purflo’s (www.purflo.com) dream cloud is a night light that combines with soothing sounds and is perfect to help your child fall asleep, featuring ten lullabies, four nature sounds and a heartbeat sound with volume control. It’s also very portable so perfect for keeping bedtime routines consistent on holiday or on sleepovers.
Ellie Malt is a writer and mother of two girls, living in Surrey.
MINDFULNESS REMOTES
Designed for children ages 5-12, Stix Remotes (www.stixmindfulness.co.uk) are handheld devices that guide kids through screen-free mindfulness exercises. With built-in voice instructions, they offer activities ranging from breathing exercises to movement-based tasks, promoting calmness and focus. Developed in collaboration with psychologists, Stix says the remotes aim to improve emotional regulation.
FIDGET TOYS
Although there’s no strong scientific evidence that proves fidget toys work, many people say they find the distraction calming. Fidgets by Amelie (www.fidgets-by-amelie. com) is a UK-based company, specialising in sensory products with a next level design aesthetic. They have a few different toys, each designed for different sensory preferences.
CLOTHING
SQUEEZE SEATS
The Lalloo version of a Squeeze Seat offers kids a safe, secluded personal space: great for reducing sensory overload. The design caters to individual preferences, offering options for tight-fitting or oversized seats. It’s just one of several versions for sale at the notfor-profit website Fledglings (www.fledglings.org.uk)
From hoodies to compression vests, there’s a surprising range of weighted clothing to create that portable hug effect. Up until now they’ve been more about their function than fashion, so it’s great to see there’s even a weighted denim jacket available from the UK based company Sensory Direct (www.sensorydirect.com).
EAR PLUGS
Over-ear defenders and noise cancelling headphones are helpful for kids with sensitive hearing. Ear plugs shaped like a tube are relative newcomers and can be more discrete in noisy places.
Popular with sound engineers and teenagers at concerts, they are also used by those with sensory issues. Manufacturers claim they still allow all noises through but soften sounds to make them more tolerable and reduce cortisol levels. Flare Audio (www.flareaudio.com) make a range called Calmer Kids which fit inside the ear.
BREATHING TOYS
They may look like typical cuddly toys but these fluffy buddies can also make cute breathing and gentle snoring sounds, thanks to battery operated speakers fitted into their tummies.
It’s common knowledge that our heart rates and breathing speed up when anxiety strikes. Manufacturers of these breathing toys claim they help children to regulate their own breathing as they hug the toy close and start to match the natural breathing rhythm.
Evora (www.evoraofficial.com) were one of the first to create a breathing Koala which has a soft light up belly, a soothing up and down motion to accompany a breathing sound and a heartbeat.
WIN tickets to Classic Ibiza at Hatfield House
Classic Ibiza returns to Hatfield House on Saturday 16 August, bringing an extra-special show to mark its 10th birthday. To celebrate, Classic Ibiza will be taking fans on a high-octane rollercoaster ride of the most popular tracks from its 10-year back catalogue.
Known for their work alongside dance music greats like Groove Armada and Robert Miles, the awesome 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Hussey, will be performing more tracks than ever before. They’ll be joined for the first time by the incredible London Community Gospel Choir, adding a fresh dynamic with their soulful vocals to a selection of house classics.
DJ Goldierocks and former Pacha Ibiza resident DJ Jose Luis will also be there, and they’ll be a spectacular laser and light show. Bring your own picnic, or visit the local street-food vendors and Adnams Bar on site. Just don’t forget to pack your dancing shoes and be ready to soak up the family-friendly vibe.
Classic Ibiza will once again be partnering with Herts Young Homeless.
For more information and to book tickets visit www.classicibiza.co.uk
To be in with a chance of winning one of two pairs of tickets, enter your details online by scanning the QR code to the right.
T&Cs at https://bit.ly/4cNuP55
Walk or run to rebuild lives at the DENS Woodland Trail
Hertfordshire charity, DENS, is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand-new fundraising event, the Woodland Trail.
Taking place on Saturday 21st June, this exciting challenge invites participants to walk or run their choice of 5 or 10-mile routes – immersing themselves in stunning woodland scenery while making a real difference in the community.
HELP a child in need by becoming a foster carer
Hertfordshire County Council has launched an urgent HELP campaign to find more foster carers.
There is now an urgent need for more foster carers in Hertfordshire to help children stay in their local area, continue their education, and maintain connections with family and friends.
The county council runs a non-profit fostering service dedicated to providing children with a loving and supportive home. In Hertfordshire, there are approximately 1,000 children in care and more than 400 households fostering with their local council.
But the number of foster carers is declining, both locally and nationally. The council urgently needs more people to become foster carers, to make a difference to the lives of local children.
If you think you could provide stability, care and a family home for a local child visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ fosterHELP. You’ll receive training and support and, as a foster carer, you’ll receive a weekly payment for your skills, plus a weekly allowance for each child you look after.
Starting from the historic Berkhamsted Castle, participants will follow well-signed trails through outstanding natural landscapes, before receiving a special finisher’s token at the end of their adventure.
For more information and to secure your places, visit www.dens.org.uk/trail.
Now Showing, CONFIDENCE
Drama, dance & singing classes designed to help 4–12 year olds shine
Venues across Hertfordshire New venue in Hertford!
To book visit perform.org.uk/try
When should I apply for a school place?
By Melanie Sanderson
Navigating the school admissions process can be a daunting task and it’s never too early to start. For selective independents, especially the most oversubscribed ones, you may need to register up to three years in advance to enter the highly competitive admissions process. The state system equally has rigid deadlines that must be followed to secure a place in your school of choice. Here is a lowdown on all the various processes and key deadlines to help you plan ahead.
For state primary schools, the admissions process begins in the autumn term of the year before your child is due to start school. Attend as many Open Days as you can in the year prior as few state schools offer personal tours. Book in early for these –places fill up fast!
The application deadline is usually the second week of January. Primary school admissions are co-ordinated by your local authority which specifies dates and procedures. After submitting your application through your local authority’s Common Application Form, you can expect to receive your school offer notification in mid-April.
Most secondary school applications are also handled via local authorities, with the application process for Year 7 entry running from 1 September to 31 October in the prior year.
Grammar schools may have additional requirements such as registering for entrance tests during the summer term of Year 5 (your primary or prep school will guide you through the process), with examinations from the September of Year 6. Offer notifications are sent at the beginning of March.
Most independent schools have entry points at 3+, 7+ and 11+. Nursery places are in high demand and usually offered on a firstcome, first-served basis (London schools are the exception with some testing at age 3 and 4+) so it’s crucial you consider your options as soon as possible.
For all independent settings your first task is to register your child. The deadline is usually in the autumn of the year before you would like your child to start. There may be a registration fee and a deposit later on to secure your place. Make sure you understand what the agreement involves and under what circumstances you get your money back.
Plan lots of school visits in the year or two prior to when your child would be due to join the school. Open Day seasons are twice a year – usually September/October and February/March and most independent schools offer smaller or even personal tours too.
Melanie Sanderson is Managing Editor of The Good Schools Guide (www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk), which reviews the key components of hundreds of schools, providing parents with in-depth, unbiased insights.
Independent options
As the name suggests, the main aim of prep schools is to prepare pupils for entry to private secondary schools at either 11 or 13. Traditionally, pre-preps take children from age 3 or 4 and prepare them to move to a prep school at age 7 or 8 (usually school year 3 or 4).
All-through schools are seamlessly linked through pre-prep, prep and senior with generally an easier transition between them, reducing the need for further application processes and assessments.
As always, London dances to its own beat. Whereas in more rural areas, it can be a case of putting little Harry or Harriet’s name down and setting up fee payments, competition for places in London’s top schools can be fierce at every stage, meaning the pressure is on.
Parents who wish to tutor their children ahead of 7+ and 11+ assessments should plan at least a year’s worth of tutoring in advance. Be aware the best tutors also have long waiting lists.
Summer camps, workshops and courses: the options
By Andrew Campbell
Summer holiday camps, courses and workshops are not only an ideal way to fill in childcare gaps during the long summer holiday but also offer the opportunity for your child to discover a new hobby or take their existing passion to a new level.
Multi-activity day camps. These camps offer a diverse daily schedule of sports and creative activities, with multiple sessions lasting one hour to ninety minutes. Ideal for kids with varied interests, they generally feature sports, arts and craft, outdoor exploration and games. Camps offer flexible booking options, including single days, half days, full weeks, extended hours and multi-week discounts
Sport/single activity camps or workshops. Sport and single activity camps or workshops are perfect for kids keen to focus on specific interests, including sports, creative arts, performing arts or STEM. These programmes, running from a day to two weeks with sessions lasting two to five hours a day, often wrap up with performances, games or project showcases. They cater both to experienced children seeking expert coaching and newcomers curious about trying something different, offering immersive experiences to enhance skills, boost confidence and ignite enthusiasm.
These camps or workshops offer expert guidance for passionate children and valuable insights for those exploring new interests. They foster personal growth, help children meet like-minded peers and provide enriching holiday experiences.
Out of the ordinary. Traditionally themed camps or workshops are great but there’s a world of unique activities waiting to spark curiosity and creativity too!
Low-cost childcare options
Use your tax-free childcare. Families can receive up to £2,000 annually per child or £4,000 for a disabled child, to help with childcare costs, including approved holiday clubs. This support is available for children up to age 11 or 17 for those with disabilities. Don’t miss this opportunity to ease your childcare holiday club expenses.
Take paid or unpaid leave. You may find that if all else fails you will need to use your annual leave. If you don’t have enough paid leave then you have a statutory entitlement to ‘parental leave’ which allows up to eighteen weeks unpaid leave per child until they’re 18.
Team up. In addition to grandparents, consider teaming up with friends to cover certain days and reciprocate in a shared arrangement.
Share a nanny. Sharing a nanny with other families is called a nanny share, where multiple families use the same nanny. The nanny may care for all children at once or split time between families.
How about a circus skills workshop? Children can learn juggling, tightrope walking and acrobatics in a fun and energetic environment. It’s not only entertaining but also improves balance, co-ordination and confidence. For something out of this world, sign your child up for a space and astronomy camp. Through telescope sessions and hands-on experiments, children can discover the wonders of space while developing a passion for science. Your budding chef could even take their culinary prowess to the next level at the surprising range of cooking camps available across the country.
Why not consider a residential camp to develop independence, social skills and confidence? Short-term stay options, such as Tryout Camp (www.summercampstrust.org/tryoutcamps-2025), operated by the Summer Camps Trust in Worcestershire, make it more manageable and affordable for both parent and child. Or the entire family can experience camp life at Summer Camp, a series of nature-based micro-festivals organised by The Good Life Society (www.thegoodlifesociety. co.uk) at Flintshire’s Hawarden Estate.
Best outdoor toys for summer
By Emilia Orviss
Outdoor play is essential for children’s development. It not only provides a healthy break from indoor routines but also offers numerous benefits that contribute to their holistic growth. Here is a selection of top-rated outdoor toys from the Good Play Guide. Each guarantee fun while also helping children to learn and grow in different ways!
Ages 1-4
Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
A durable balance bike with a robust yet lightweight steel frame and puncture-proof foam rubber tyres. The mini-grips are tailored to fit little hands perfectly, helping children develop balance, co-ordination and confidence while they ride. £114.99.
BENEFITS
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Outdoor play can develop stronger muscles, improve co-ordination and build healthy hearts. Running, climbing and jumping are great for boosting fitness and reducing the risk of health issues later on.
Ollyball
A lightweight, inflatable ball perfect for the park, beach or garden. For added fun, children can colour in the unique cover, turning it into a personalised toy. Easy to pack and take anywhere, Ollyball guarantees lots of active play and fun for children of all ages. £16.
Ages 2+
A versatile table that allows children to explore water and sand using two sturdy play bowls. The wooden tabletop easily fits over the bowls, converting it into a standard picnic table for snack time or other activities. Offering endless opportunities for sensory play, the table also encourages social interaction as children gather around and play together. £129.99.
OF
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Being outside sparks curiosity and encourages problemsolving. Nature inspires children to think creatively, explore and discover decisionmaking skills.
Classic Swingball is a great way to keep kids active and enjoy a fun, fast and furious game without having to ask the neighbours for their ball back! With a tethered ball attached to a spiral head and sturdy base, the aim is to reach the top or bottom first. Complete with two lightweight bats, it’s perfect for competitive outdoor play. £29.99.
Ages 3+
This innovative and awardwinning seesaw not only goes up and down but also spins 360°, with clever counterbalancing so kids of different weights can play together. Height-adjustable and with padded ball seats for comfort, it’s perfect for years of fun. £129.99.
OUTDOOR
SOCIAL SKILLS
When playing outdoors, children learn to share, take turns, solve disagreements and work as a team - all essential for making friends and building relationships.
Build A Bubble
A unique toy that lets children create 3D geometric shapes like cubes, hexagons and pentagons using rods and connectors and suspended bubbles that vary in size, depth and shape. This innovative kit encourages creativity, problem solving and fine motor skills. Ideal for fun and engaging, outdoor handson learning. £13.
Ages 3+
EcoSplat Reusable Water Balloons
With EcoSplat Reusable Water Balloons, kids and teenagers (and adults!) can splash and play all afternoon - no refilling hassles, no tricky tying and no rubbish to clean up. Developing hand-eye co-ordination and encouraging physical and imaginative play, these fun balloons make water fights longer, mess-free and better for the planet! £14.
PLAY
EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
Being free in calming, natural surroundings reduces stress.
National Geographic Junior Metal Detector
A lightweight, easy to use tool perfect for young explorers. Its adjustable design, waterproof coil and multiple detection modes make treasure hunting both fun and educational. Ideal for parks, woodland walks and beaches, it promotes curiosity while boosting problem solving and concentration. £49.99.
Deluxe Picnic Table Sandpit
Spiro Hop
Swingball
What’s On
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Places to go
Harpenden Sustainability Market - 18 May, 10am-3pm
Wide range of eco and food stalls including eco essentials, greener gifts stalls, sustainable self-care stalls, vegan food and more. Harpenden Common, Lower Hight Street.
Abbots Fun Fair - 23-25 May
A funfair with rides for all ages held on Harpenden Common.
Harpenden Farmers’ Market - 25 May & 22 June, 10am2pm
An array of artisan and local traders selling home-made or locally sourced goods and produce.
Circus Zyair - 25-29 June
World-class artistes, including fearless acrobats and daring stuntmen. A magical and memorable event for all the family on Harpenden Common.
Highfield Park St Albans highfieldparktrust.co.uk
Forest School - 27 May, 10am12noon and 1pm-3pm Hands-on woodland experience. Children must be accompanied by a guardian or parent. For ages 4 to 11. £10 per child.
Mini Beast Safari - 22 June, 10am-12noon Educational and fun experience. Children must be accompanied by a guardian or parent. £8 per child.
Local produce and craft market – 18 May, 10am-2pm Ware
An array of delicious locally-made artisan food and drink, as well as beautiful handmade crafts from talented traders, at Tudor Square.
Planting Session with Ware in Bloom - 27 May, 12pm-4pm Ware
Plant your own strawberry and tomato seedlings, take them home and watch them grow! Taking place at Ware Priory. All ages welcome. Free.
Sporting Inspirations - 29 May, 12pm-4pm Ware
Have a go at pop-up tennis, badminton, volleyball, tennis-football, dodgeball, boxercise, basketball, crazy catch and team games. Takes place at Ware Priory. For all ages.
Tweenie Tuesdays at The Marlowes
Hemel Hempstead themarlowes.co.uk
Keep little ones busy at these fun sessions (10am-2pm, Centre Court.)
Storyboats at Frogmore Paper Mill – 27 & 29 May
Apsley, Nr Hemel Hempstead frogmorepapermill.org.uk/family-fun/
Themed 40-minute boat trip with storytelling, wildlife spotting and birdfeeding. Ages 3-9.
Foodies Festival – 30 May & 1 June
St Albans foodiesfestival.com/events/st-albans/
Celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars at Oaklands College. Fun for kids in the Kids Cookery School.
Stay and Play at Get Wild! Hatfield Galleria Shopping Outlet thegalleria.co.uk/ Jungle-themed soft play area. Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm unlimited play.
St Albans Spring Festival - 18 May
St Albans City Centre enjoystalbans.com/event/st-albans-spring-festival/ Free entertainment and interactive activities for all. Food stalls, games, sports, arts and crafts, roving theatre entertainment, music from local performers, and lots more.
Glastonbury at The Pioneer Club - 29 June, 10pm-6pm St Albans pioneerclub.co.uk/events-3/ glastonbury-open-day Family-friendly event with live music and entertainment, live Glastonbury feed on big screen, games and activities, food and drink, and more!
Apollo Activities Centre
St Albans springfielduk.co.uk
Lots of activities including children’s Crossbow Experience for ages 4-9.
The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead thesnowcentre.com
Hosting a range of skiing and snowboarding lessons for adults and children from 3 years old.
Gosling Sport Park
Welwyn Garden City better.org.uk/leisure-centre/ welwyn/gosling-sports-park
Wide range of facilities for all the family including indoor play area, skiing, cycling, tennis, and gym activities for all ages.
Rye House Hoddesdon rye-house.co.uk
Karting, laser combat, nerf wars and Rye-Assic Adventure Park, an indoor and outdoor play area for 0-12 year olds. Soft play, arcades, trampolines and more!
Mr Mulligans Adventure Golf Stevenage mrmulligan.com/stevenage With two epic adventure golf courses plus a fantastic bar and a restaurant.
Family Entertainment at Campus West
Welwyn Garden City campuswest.co.uk
Premier family entertainment destination. Enjoy movies, soft play, roller skating, bouncy castles, and Humphrey’s café lounge.
Hatfield Kids FunZone Hatfield funzonehatfield.co.uk
Large multi-level children’s soft play. Create & Play sessions and children’s parties, including laser tag.
Woody’s Play Barn Ware woodysplaybarn.co.uk
Vibrant play area with an array of slides, ball pits, an interactive floor, and mini football pitch. Outdoor area with swings, slides, crazy golf, and more.
Laser Quest Hatfield laserquesthatfield.com
Stalk your opponents and unleash a searing volley of laser fire in the Laser Quest battle zone.
Cloud 9 Leisure Inflatable Park Hemel Hempstead cloud9leisure.com
Indoor inflatable park with huge selection of gladiator/total wipeout and ninja warrior activities, for all ages.
Gravity Active Stevenage gravity-global.com/active/stevenage
Trampoline park suitable for all ages and abilities from 18 months up. Parent and toddler, and SEN sessions.
The XC Hemel Hempstead thexc.co.uk
Whether you climb, skate, or thrill seek, XC has the perfect adventure for adrenaline junkies of all ages.
Planet Ice Hemel Hempstead planet-ice.co.uk
Fun indoor ice-skating arena with skate hire and push along penguins for little ones.
Cars at the Castle - 1 June Hertford Castle hertford.gov.uk
One of the largest FREE car shows in Hertfordshire. With live music, food and drinks stalls, and the Castle open for the public to explore.
Carnival Parade and Fun Day - 21 June
Bishop’s Stortford
Visit over 100 stalls at the Fun Day, and the Carnival Cruise. A fantastic day out in town and at Sworder’s Field.
Stevenage Day 2025 – 8 June
Stevenage stevenage.gov.uk/town-andcommunity/stevenage-day
This year’s theme is ‘Innovate, Explore, Inspire: STEM for the Future!’ Explore the STEM Village with hands-on activities, interactive exhibits and amazing demonstrations. Music, entertainment and over 200 stalls at King George V playing fields.
Tewinbury Farm
Welwyn www.tewinbury.co.uk
If you’re looking for an enchanting country-side rural escape with forest walks, farm animals, and fantastic food then Tewinbury Farm is the place to be. This venue, just outside Welwyn, is surrounded by green fields and has a river bustling with wildlife that flows through it, making for a truly magical atmosphere.
Tewinbury also host regular events – from movie nights to mini music festivals. In June there is Farm Yard in the Field (7th and 28th) where headline tribute acts, local talent, DJs, and a rustic countryside atmosphere meets an unforgettable music experience.
Other events taking place in the coming weeks are What to Sow in May (a class where you can get practical advice on sowing an planting, 17th May); Pottery Workshop, 17th May; 10k & 5k run, 8th June; Wheels & Watches (beautiful car and timeless timepieces, 8th June), and more. For full list of events, times and tickets, visit website.
Ardeley Church Farm Nr Stevenage churchfarmardeley.co.uk
Meet the animals, woodland play, bear hunt, fairy trail and more.
Aldenham Country Park
Radlett aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk
Explore 100 Aker Wood, go on a nature trail. Adventure playground is open weekends during school term. Small animal petting too.
Standalone Farm
Letchworth standalonefarm.com
A delightful, small working farm with animals, adventure playground, adventure trail and indoor play barn.
Otter Weekend at Shepreth Wildlife Park – 24-26 May Shepreth, Nr. Royston sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk
Games, activities and crafts, raising awareness and fundraising for otter conservation worldwide. Shepreth Wildlife Park is home to lots of amazing animals.
Willows Activity Farm
St Albans willowsactivityfarm.com
Farmyard animals, adventure playground, funfair rides, shows, meet and greets, indoor soft play and tractor rides.
Lambing weekend at Oaklands College - 10 & 11
May
Oaklands Zoo, St Albans campaign.oaklands.ac.uk/ lambing-weekend-2025
Step into the heart of spring and meet adorable newborn lambs!
Hatfield Park hatfield-house.co.uk
Enjoy a family day out in the beautiful grounds and parkland.
Knebworth House, Park and Gardens - 24 May-1 June knebworthhouse.com
Knebworth House, Gardens, Adventure Playground, and Dinosaur Trail will be open every day of half term, offering a fantastic mix of history, nature, and fun!
Fairlands Valley Park Stevenage
Enjoy 120 acres of parkland, sailing centre, children’s play area, outdoor activity centre three lakes and a woodland to explore.
East Herts Miniature Railway Ware ehmr.org.uk
Independent Miniature Railway located within the grounds of Van Hage Garden Centre in Great Amwell (near Ware). Open every weekend.
British Schools Museum Hitchin
britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk
A museum about primary education and the social history of childhood. Various activities, from messy play to singing club.
St Albans Museum stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Messy Monday Mornings 12 & 19 May, 10.15am-11.45am
Messy play and creative activities for under 5s. £6.50 per child. Book in advance.
Museum Minis 9 May & 13 June, 30 May, 10am & 11am
Story, craft activity and museum treasure hunt for ages 2-4. £6.50 per child.
Clay Workshop 27 & 28 May, 10:15am-11:15am & 11:30am -12:30pm
Decipher codes in the exhibition runes then try carving runic letters in clay. Ages 5+.
Bugs and Birds Modelling 29 May, 10.15am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.45pm
Make your own creatures from colourful polymer clay. Ages 5+. £8.50 per person.
Verulamium Museum St Albans stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Tots Tales 23 May & 27 June, 10am & 11am
Story, craft activity and museum treasure hunt for ages 2-4. £6.50 per child.
Tots Painting Workshop 27 May, 10.15am
Fun painting session for ages 2-4. £6.50 per child.
Family Painting Workshop 27 May, 11.15am & 12.30pm
Create your own colourful painting. Ages 4+. £7.50 per person.
The Roman Kitchen Workshop 28 & 29 May, 10.15am & 11.45am
Prepare some tasty snacks eaten in Roman times. Ages 7+. £10.
Family Arts at Broadway Gallery 10 May & 14 June
Letchworth Garden City broadway-gallery.com
Fun filled family workshops led by local creatives. For ages 3-10.
Museum at One Garden City Letchworth Garden City letchworth.com/museum
Beautifully designed, welcoming, interactive and vibrant micro-museum exploring the social history of Letchworth.
Plant Sale – 17th May
Visit The Hospice of St Francis Plant Sale and open gardens to get all the essentials to grow your own beautiful garden this summer. There will also be homemade cake and hot drinks as well as tours of the stunning 7 acre of grounds. More info at www.stfrancis.org.uk/events/ Hertfordshire Libraries hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/ libraries-and-archives
There are regular Baby Rhyme Time and Storytime sessions as well as LEGO clubs at many libraries throughout Hertfordshire. See website for full timetable.
Theatre
Beam Hertford beamhertford.co.uk
Elite Performers Academy - 11 May
Enjoy an array of musical theatre delights as the talented students, aged 6 to 16, perform on BEAM’s wonderful main stage.
The Worst Princess - 17-18 May
A delightful dragontastic show for pop princesses and naughty
knights. This fabulous family show brings the bestselling picture book to life on stage. For ages 3+.
Horrible Histories: Gorgeous Georgians & Vile Victorians - 3-6
July
Meet a whole host of people from history, including a Georgian King, Admiral Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, Florence Nightingale and Queen Victoria! For ages 5+.
The Eric Morecambe Centre Harpenden the-emc.co.uk
The Worst Princess – 3 May Laugh-out-loud comedy, cool puppets, sing along pop anthems and a dazzling larger-than-life dragon at this family show which brings the bestselling picture book to life on stage.
Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage gordon-craig.co.uk
Aspire School of Dance: Elements - 3-4 May
High-energy dance show featuring Aspire students aged 3 to 18. For all ages.
Sleeping Beauty - 8-10 May
Enjoy the classic fairy tale brought to life on stage. For all ages.
KLDA In Wonderland - 25 May
A mixture of song, dance and drama follows Alice’s journey into the crazy world of Wonderland showcasing dancers aged 3 to 18, plus an adult cast. For all ages.
Ministry of Science Live - 29 May Expect 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds, exploding oxygen and hydrogen balloons, fire tornados and more! Educational, entertaining, explosive and fun! For ages 6+.
The Dinosaur That Pooped a Rock Show – 1 June
Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter. Featuring new songs, a lot of laughs and a whole lot of poo! For ages 3+.
Bing’s Birthday - 17-18 June
Join Bing and his friends as they prepare for Bing’s very special day. Put on your favourite party outfit and enjoy a show packed with fun, laughter and surprises! For ages 2+.
Pirates vs Mermaids – 22 June
Stagecoach Stevenage Early Stages presents a thrilling adventure where seven seas simply aren’t big enough for both pirates and mermaids. Which side will you be on?
Shrek The Musical JR – 22 June
Join Stagecoach Stevenage Main Stages as they perform the part romance and part