Families Herts Issue 62 May-June 2015

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Issue No. 62 May/June 2015

Children's Parties Half Term What's On

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In this issue:

From your Editor…

Hello It’s good to be back again with the May/June issue. At this time of year we know that you are starting to think about the summer holiday as well as the half-term that will be here before you know it! To aid and abet you we have put together Spring into Summer followed by What’s On at Half Term. So, that should help a little with your holiday planning.

The Children’s Parties section has a helpful piece by Sarah Butters about some of the most common dilemmas that present themselves when planning your child’s birthday party.

News & Views has some informative little nuggets and there are two great prizes to be won in our May/June competitions.

Enjoy the late spring and the early summer – until next time.

Where are we? Baldock, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC. Pick it up from cafes, playgroups, nurseries, schools, activity groups, selected shops, surgeries, leisure centres and libraries. Email or call to request copies for your venue.

Shelley

News & Views: 4 Children's Parties: 6 Spring into summer: 8 Competitions: 13 What's On: 14 Next Issue: July/August Copy deadline: 9th June

Cover image © londondeposit www.depositphotos.com

Families Herts, PO Box 434, Pinner, HA5 9AH Tel: 020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesherts.co.uk

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News & Views Learn from a West End Superstar!

Stagecoach Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead is thrilled to announce the arrival of their new Principal, David Hunter. David is one of the West End's best known leading men having reached the semi-finals of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit ITV show 'Superstar', before starring in the hit musical 'Once'. David has also appeared alongside James Corden in 'One Man, Two Guvnors' at The National Theatre. As a singer, he has supported 'The Feeling', 'Scouting For Girls' and 'McFly' on their UK Arena Tour.

Herts Pupils – WoW! Primary school children from across Hertfordshire have donned their reporter hats and created a newsletter to celebrate the success of national charity, Living Streets’ WoW scheme, introduced to get children enjoying the many benefits of walking to school.

Living Streets’ WoW (Walk once a Week) scheme launched in 2012 and so far 118 Herts schools take part. Over three years the walking rates across the county have increased from 57% to 70%, with over 1,069,885 journeys logged on Living Streets’ Travel Tracker, an interactive whiteboard where children can log their walk to school.

The newsletter, written by children from across the county, focuses on the benefits of walking and shares stories from children and teachers about how walking has made a difference to their lives.

The newsletter can be read and downloaded from http://bit.ly/LShertsnews

David believes that his extensive professional experience will benefit the students and he is looking forward to building on the fantastic work created at the school during its 15 year history. He intends to continue Stagecoach's fine tradition of inspiring young people through the performing arts, providing crucial life skills as well as lots of fun.

Classes run every Saturday at Potten End School in Berkhamsted. To sign up for a two week trial call 01442 875977 / 07956 945181 or email hemelhempstead@stagecoach.co.uk

KASPAR the social robot KASPAR is a minimally-expressive humanoid robot designed as a therapeutic toy for children with autism. It has been designed by the University of Hertfordshire's Adaptive Systems Research Group (ASRG), a leading international robotics research team. The team, led by Professor Kerstin Dautenhahn, has been developing and researching robots for use as therapeutic 'toys' for children on the autistic spectrum who have little ability to interact or communicate with the outside world.

Children with autism can find person to person communication a frightening experience, even with their close family members. KASPAR has been designed to offer a predictable and repetitive form of communication, which aims to make the social interaction simpler, non-judgmental and more comfortable for the child. This positive experience can help to enable children to start to communicate with people using KASPAR as an intermediary. (www.herts.ac.uk) Families with a child who has autism could benefit from www.autism-connect.org.uk, a social networking site for people with autism and their families. It is a safe space to interact with others and share knowledge and experiences.

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St Albans High School for Girls The Preparatory School of St Albans High School for Girls at Wheathampstead House is fortunate to have a vast woodland area on site. The school has utilized this marvellous resource by the introduction of a unique Forest School programme that has become an integral part of the school’s curriculum and ethos.

The Forest School programme offers a special learning experience in an ever-

Be Dog Smart

Be Dog Smart, the latest campaign from The Dogs Trust, aims to educate the public about how to stay safe around dogs. The harsh fact is that dog attacks are rising and the rate of hospital admissions for dog bites is highest among the 0-9 age group. There are 8.9 million dogs in the UK and with that number likely to increase the charity hopes that some sensible practical advice should go some way to help prevent dog attacks. They are urging parents to never leave a child alone with any dog, to never tease a dog, not to approach a dog you don’t know and always to ask the owner before you approach any dog. To find out more and to download the ‘Be Dog Smart’ Family Guide go to www.bedogsmart.org.uk

changing environment, capturing children’s curiosity, stimulating their senses, building their self-confidence and nurturing their wellbeing. Opportunities are given for exploration, enquiry, independence and perseverance.

Teachers aim to encourage and inspire all their pupils from Reception to Year 6 to develop their personal, social and emotional skills through participation in tasks and activities which are motivating

and achievable.

To experience the Forest School’s programme in action go along to the ‘School in Action’ morning on Friday 5 June.

To find out more go to www.stahs.org.uk or call 01727 853800

New Pre-Prep at Lockers Park Set to Inspire Young Minds A Pre-Prep launching in West Hertfordshire provides an exciting addition to Lockers Park School which has a respected and established heritage of over 140 years and was recently described by the Good Schools Guide as ‘small but perfectly formed’.

Lockers Park offers a first class education that combines traditional values with modern practice. Core to the school’s philosophy is a focus, not just on academic excellence, but on nurturing each child’s self-confidence and self-expression.

The purpose-designed Pre-Prep, for both girls and boys from 4 to 6 years old, will complement the existing Prep school with up-to-date facilities, a superb curriculum and dedicated Early Years staff.

Architect's impression

If you are interested in finding out more there is an Open Morning on Saturday 16 May. Call 01442 251712 or email secretary@lockerspark.herts.sch.uk if you want to attend. Find out more at www. lockerspark.herts.sch.uk.

New development checks Parents are to get a complete picture of their child’s development at the age of two, as part of new reforms to help families. With over 2 million pounds pledged to support joined-up checks on education and health development, parents will now have a better picture of their child’s progress at this early stage. ‘No parent should be left in the dark about their child’s development,’ said Childcare Minister Sam Gyimah. ‘There should be an accessible check for all at the age of two, which is a pressure

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point where issues such as speech delay and behavioural problems begin to appear. Today’s announcement will mean more families can get valuable information in a more convenient way.’

The Integrated Review, to be implemented from September 2015, will be available to children between 24 and 30 months old. Download your ‘What to Expect When’ guide from the Foundation Years website www.gov.uk/dfe

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Children’s Parties

Party Problems - SOLVED

By Sarah Butters Sarah Butters considers some party problems posed by parents and gives you some tips on avoiding serving a can of worms at your child’s next celebration.

CAN YOU… say no to siblings?

Most of us wouldn’t dream of turning up to a party uninvited. Yet some parents feel it acceptable to bring along a string of siblings and presume they too are welcome.

“They won’t eat. In fact you won’t even know they’re here,” cry the parents as they sprint out of the door, while said siblings begin pilfering from the prepared party bags. The point is if you’ve budgeted and catered for 20, you’re ready for 20 children – not 25. Often entertainers insist on a maximum number and siblings can tip you over the limit, and in turn, tip you over the edge. Prevent the problem at the point of invite and make the sibling rule clear. A simple ‘Sorry, no room for siblings!’ means there’s no question and the addition of an exclamation mark makes you look fun and not mean.

Celtic Harmony - Indoor Archery Parties Celebrate your child’s birthday at The Archery Barn. All Party Leaders are experienced Celtic Harmony Archery Instructors, so your child can safely experience the thrill of pulling back a bow and shooting an arrow into the target.

Then put their skills to the test in an archery competition with their friends, shooting at 3D targets. Celtic Harmony holds the Adventure Mark for their high standard of archery tuition.

Parties last for two hours and are bookable all day on Sundays and on weekdays between 4-6pm (25% discount for weekday bookings). Watch the Archery Party video at celticharmony.org/archery.

01438 718543 / celticharmony.org/archery

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CAN YOU… exclude individual children?

CAN YOU… fine a parent for a ‘no show’?

This is a tough one because as a general rule, you should stick to one of 3 party invite rules.

1. Invite the whole class – this is perfect for Reception age children.

2. Invite all the girls or all the boys – this becomes popular as children head into KS2 and the opposite sex become toxic.

3. Invite a few close friends – this is good for budget control or when children approach the end of primary school.

There are exceptions; if your child is the victim of a classroom bully, you’ve grounds to exclude that individual. This is YOUR child’s special day and they’re entitled to enjoy it without fear. Excluding problematic children is more sensitive so it’s best to ask the parents of said child to stick around to offer a helping hand.

There is little more irritating than the parent who confirms their child will be joining the party, only for them to leave an empty chair on the day. The tale of the mum who billed a parent after they failed to show up to her son’s skiing party certainly made party no shows the talk of the playground. Was she right to have sent the invoice? The reality is there will always be ill mannered individuals who accept an invite, and then make other plans without telling you. In a world of texts and emails, a no warning no show is simply unacceptable. But it’s also inevitable at some point in your party throwing life. Invoicing a parent may make the headlines and also make you feel better for a while, but it’s likely to alienate your child and make you the subject of ridicule. Instead, make a point of asking what happened to the ‘no show’ when you next bump into them. In my experience you maximize the middle class embarrassment the more parents there are to witness it.

Little Cookies Cooking parties for children of all ages. 3-9 year olds make their own birthday tea and those aged 10+ can host a three course dinner party! Little Cookies offers lots of menu options. They provide all the ingredients, equipment and know how. Most allergies catered for.

01727 839444 / www.little-cookies.co.uk

Cinnamon Square Cinnamon Square bakery café in Rickmansworth hosts unique baking parties for 5s and over. Parties include baking and fun experiments like discovering why and how bread rises. Older kids (9+) can choose

a Cupcake or Chocolate Making party. Buy KiddieKraft baking kits for a party bag alternative; personalised free and delivered nationally from £4.50 for orders of 15 and over.

01923 778353 / www.cinnamonsquare.com

Drama Llamas Parties Drama Llamas will perform a magical story to the children before leading them through a lively, fun-filled adventure using games, activities and props based around the story they’ve just heard. Princesses, pirates, dragons, firemen, animals and more! Whether at your home or a hall, Drama Llamas will give your child a day to remember! info@dramallamas.co.uk / www.dramallamas.co.uk

Active Creative Parties Active Creative offer fun physical parties with Dinky Dancers for 2-4 year olds and Boogaloo Boogie for 5–10 year olds. For younger children there is a mixture of sports activities, team games and parachute games, film, TV and book character dances and songs with fun props such as ribbons, feathers, balls and beanbags. At the Boogaloo Boogie parties, older children can ‘boogie on down’ to funky dance routines as well!

These high octane, action packed parties are individually designed for each child by party experts who really care.

Every party is pre-planned by your Party Leader with Mum or Dad and this ensures that your child will get the “all singing, all dancing” party they have been dreaming of!

01438 831281 / www.active-creative.com

Hatfield Kids Fun Zone

The Fun Zone at the Birchwood Leisure Centre in Hatfield is a large indoor multi-level soft play area with a dedicated toddler area. Kids Fun Zone can be hired for exclusive use for up to 40 children (16 years and under) at weekends and evenings and prices start at only £80 – why not invite the whole class? Take your own party food and relax as the kids let off steam on the slides, ladders and swings.

01707 270772 / www.funzonehatfield.co.uk

Vision Parties Vision Parties focus on providing children with the highest quality performing arts parties. From Pop songs to Frozen to Pirates – they will entertain your children whilst you relax! All of Vision’s Party Presenters are professional actors, singers, and dancers with a DBS and oodles of energy for fun!

07957 787399 / www.visionparties.co.uk

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Spring into Summer There is so much happening now that the days are longer and we move towards the summer. Here is what some of our advertisers are offering.

Children thrive at Stagecoach Drama, music and sport have long been a part of our culture. As peoples’ leisure time and personal incomes have grown so have the arts, entertainment and recreation industries.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts is proud to be a successful and growing part of this important industry.

Stagecoach’s part-time theatre schools offer children the opportunity to develop confidence and to learn valuable skills that could help them in their future career, be it in the leisure industry or whatever role they set their heart on. Stagecoach teachers will ensure a fun, safe learning environment that will ensure that your child is steps ahead when pursuing their dreams.

Summer workshops are being run by Stagecoach schools in ‘Welwyn-Hatfield’ and ‘Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead’ from 27 until 31 July.

To find out more, contact your local Stagecoach Principal. See advert on page 11.

Top Hat is on the Pulse Top Hat Stage School will be welcoming Britain’s Got Talent finalists, Twist and Pulse, one of the country’s best dance acts, to the opening of its eighth new part-time theatre academy at the Nobel School in Stevenage on 26 September. The pair will be hosting a street dance masterclass between 10am and 1pm.

Any child aged 4 to 17 years old can pop in for a free Top Hat taster session. The new school will teach children to dance, sing and act every Saturday morning (10am – 1pm) during term times and students will be able to take part in two big productions during the year.

This summer, Top Hat will be running four week-long summer courses at Potters Bar, Stevenage and St Albans. Each course culminates with a performance of Aladdin at the Wyllyotts Theatre, Nobel School theatre and Sandpit Theatre.

The courses run from 3-7 August in Potters Bar, 10-13 August in Stevenage. The St Albans school has two courses: 10-14 August and 17-20 August. To find out more email admin@tophatstageschool.co.uk, or call 01727 812666.

‘Fit for Sport’ goes 'Looney Tunes’!

Summer Super Camps Super Camps will take care of the children during school holidays. Children will have a fun time, whilst parents are able to work stress-free or go about their daily routine uninterrupted.

The camps deliver a great experience for children, allowing them to have fun and be active in a safe and supportive atmosphere.

As Ofsted noted during the summer, Super Camps runs "an excellent programme of well-planned, fun and exciting activities that contributes highly to the children’s play and learning environment".

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To find the camp nearest to you and for more details go to www.supercamps.co.uk

Fit for Sport has paired up with Looney Tunes to encourage children to be healthy and active. With a little help from Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and all the gang, Fit for Sport will be bringing Looney Tunes-themed sports and games to Hertfordshire's children. There’s even a chance to meet the characters themselves!

The Looney Tunes Fit for Sport Activity Camps will run during half terms and the summer holidays at Harpenden Leisure Centre, Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre (St Albans), Watford Woodside Leisure Centre and Watford Central Leisure Centre. For a 10% discount quote ‘families’ when booking. Find out more at www.fitforsport.co.uk.

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Spring into Summer Berkhamsted BASECAMP Head to BASECAMP at Berkhamsted School this May half term for some great activity camps designed for 3-16 year olds. BASECAMP offers a variety of camps to keep every child occupied. The Multi-Activity Camp offers a variety of activities each day including a fun swim session in the 25m pool. Also available are specialised camps for children aged 3-5 years at MiniBASECAMP, with activities designed to help these young children develop their sporting, artistic and social skills. Most camps have the option of additional hours from 7.30am through to 6.30pm. To find out more about all the camps available go to www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk

Little Kickers Little Kickers lays the foundations for a healthy life style. They encourage children to develop a positive attitude towards exercise and sport. Classes are for boys and girls from 18 months to 7 years.

Through playful and themed football based games, the coaches provide a supportive space where children can play together. Children learn to follow instructions, wait their turn and interact with others. They also practice coordination and balance and learn through colours, numbers, and vocabulary. Little Kickers coaches make every class fun - even the tidying up.

Sessions are run year round, so why not try something new during the holidays?

For Harpenden, St Albans, Redbourn, Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead call 020 8440 6195 / jlustigman@littlekickers.co.uk For Stevenage, Hatfield, Potters Bar call 07930 647813 / mjassal@littlekickers.co.uk

Paradise Found Paradise Wildlife Park is an award winning zoo set in 30 acres of beautiful woodland.

It is home to over 400 exotic wild animals including Tigers, Lions, Monkeys, Zebras, Camels, Lemurs, Meerkats, Red Pandas, Tapirs, Penguins, White Lions, Wallabies, Emus, Birds of Prey, Parrots, Reptiles & Snow Leopards. There is a full programme of daily animal shows and events including ‘On Safari Adventure Golf’, ‘National Speedway Museum’, ‘Animal Resource Centre’, the ‘Jungle Theatre’ and the ‘Woodland Railway’. Plus there are also playgrounds and the Tumble Jungle where kids can be little monkeys and the Paradise Lagoon to splash about in. To find out more go to www.pwpark.com or call 01992 470490

Butterfly World The 2015 season at Butterfly World is set to be an exciting one with the new Music Meadow and the British Butterfly Garden and Bee Zone as well as many new activities that are planned.

In the Music Meadow children can try their hand playing the giant instruments made from recycled materials; making music with a bamboo xylophone, wind chimes made from metal table legs or huge drainage tube air pipes. Butterfly World is a magical place of

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butterflies, insects and flowers where visitors of all ages can see, touch, learn and explore beautifully created habitats: the tropical butterfly house the wildflower meadows and the designer gardens, all highlighting the beauty and fragility of butterflies. Butterfly World are offering half price child entry with every full paying adult, see the voucher on page 11.

To find our more call 01727 869201 or visit www.butterflyworldproject.com

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Spring into Summer Barracudas Barracudas offers peace of mind for parents during the summer holidays.

They have been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted many times over the years and because they are registered with Ofsted parents have the added bonus of using their childcare vouchers as payment.

This year Barracudas are excited to be running 34 summer camps, including a new venue in Letchworth Garden City. With action packed programmes and a choice of varied activities including archery, swimming, fencing, motor sports, arts & crafts and dance & drama there is plenty to keep your children entertained.

This season's Hertfordshire camps are at: Bishop’s Stortford College; Abbot’s Hill School (Hemel Hempstead); Haileybury (Hertford);

St Christopher School (Letchworth Garden City); Watford Grammar School for Boys; Sherrardswood School (Welwyn Garden City).

To book and to find out more call on 0845 123 5299 or visit www.barracudas.co.uk

Fire Festival, Dragon Quest and Summer Games!

At the award winning Celtic Harmony Camp, Iron Age Settlement near Hertford, summer has begun, and with it the chance to step into ancient Britain for a fun packed family day out.

Explore the roundhouses, have a go at archery, watch the owl training and take part in the drop-in workshop from visiting craftspeople.

Join the festivities for the start of the summer at the Beltane Summer Festival on Bank Holiday Monday, 4 May, with live music, a fire procession, archery and children’s activities. During May Half Term (25-29 May) you can follow the dragon eggs in the woods and solve the riddles to find the Dragon’s Lair! At the Lugnasa Summer Games (27 July to 21 August) your clan can enjoy Tournaments from traditional games of strength and accuracy to Archery in the Hunting Zone.

Find out more at www.celticharmony.org/events or call 01438 718543.

Willows' Spring Special The Spring Special at Willows Activity Farm ‘may’ be the best yet! From 23 – 31 May, children can find out how sheep are shorn from Tuck the Shepherd. They can marvel at the antics of the troupe of performing miniature Shetland ponies. Plus, there is a huge variety of outdoor activities: Woolly’s Workout Agility Play Trail, Tristan the Runaway Tractor and funfair rides. Feed the farmyard animals and watch the sheep racing.

If the weather turns, there is a lot to do inside.

To find our more call 0870 129 9718 or go to www.willowsactivityfarm.com. Cut out your ‘Child Goes Free’ voucher on page 16!

Candice Conway Theatre School Wizard of Oz Summer Camp for boys and girls aged 3 – 14 years.

Dates: 27-31 July; 3-7 August; 10-14 August Find out more and enter the competition to win a free place on page 13.

Hatfield Park Farm The farm is a great place for a family outing or as a venue for your child’s next party. Find out more and enter the competition to win a one year pass on page 13.

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Competitions

Win a place at The Candice Conway Theatre School’s Summer Camp Candice Conway's action packed camps cater for boys and girls aged from 3 to 14 years. This year’s theme is children’s favourite, The Wizard of Oz.

In addition to an exhilarating week of dancing, singing and acting children will also enjoy other activities such as cooking and arts & crafts as well as a brilliant showcase performance at the end of the week. The weekly Party Day (each Wednesday) is a Candice Conway speciality, when the children will enjoy ice cream, popcorn and candy floss that will be dispensed from the visiting stalls. It’s the ultimate summer party!

The dates for the 2015 camps are 27-31 July, 3-7 August, 10-14 August To find out more call 07903 672216 or email theatreschool@candiceconway.co.uk

For your chance to win a free one week place on a Wizard of Oz Summer Camp worth £125, enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk Deadline: 14 June

Win a season ticket to Hatfield Park Farm* Hatfield Park Farm is a great place for a party and The Kid’s Cabin is now available to hire for do-it-yourself parties!

The birthday child and his or her guests can explore the farm from this outdoor shelter, located at the centre of the farm. Take your own food and decorate the space to your liking.

The cabin and surrounding area has lots of space for indoor and outdoor party games. As well as exclusive use of this area and access to the farm your guests will be able to have fun in the Bloody Hollow Children’s Play Area, Goat Pass and enjoy a tractor and trailer ride.

With a special introductory hire rate of £50 a day (11am until 5pm) for up to 30 children and 10 adults - what's not to like? Additional adults cost £5 each and extra children aged 3-15 years are £2 each.

To find out more or to book a party email info@hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk *Farm Season Ticket valid for one year for one adult and one child (3-15 years).

Enter at www.familiesherts.co.uk. Deadline: 14 June

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What’s On at Half Term We aim for accuracy but do check with the venue before setting out in case details have changed.

ALDENHAM COUNTRY PARK Aldenham Road, Elstree, WD6 3AT 020 8953 9602 aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk Half Term Activities 25-29 May Craft activities, animal petting sessions, pony rides and Teddy Bears Picnic!

Cost: Family of 5 £30, Family of 4 £25, single £10. Car parking charges of £4.50 per car apply

ASHRIDGE ESTATE Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted, HP4 1LT 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Wild Wednesdays 27 May - 11.30am-12 noon; 2.30-3pm Wear clothes ready for adventure and mud!

Cost: Child £1 (suggested donation)

BENINGTON LORDSHIP GARDENS Benington Lordship, Stevenage, SG2 7BS 0870 126 1708 www.beningtonlordship.co.uk Bank Holiday Weedend 24-25 May – 12noon-4pm Get inspiration from the herbaceous borders and the kitchen garden. Refreshments available. Free parking. No dogs.

Cost: Adults £4, Children - Under 16's £2. Under 12's Free.

BERKHAMSTED BASECAMP Berkhamsted School Castle Campus, Castle Street, Berkhamsted HP4 2BB 01442 358115 www.berkhamstedbasecamp.co.uk Activity Camp 27-29 May – 9.30am-4.30pm.

Activity camps designed for 3-16 year olds.

Ages 3-16. Mini £32 per day. Wraparound options 7.30am-6.30pm at £5 per hour

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BRITISH SCHOOLS MUSEUM

CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM

HENRY MOORE FOUNDATION

41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TS 01462 420144 www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk Victorian Child 28 May - 10.30am-2pm (last admission 1pm) Find out what it was like to be a Victorian Child. Try washing and cleaning, knitting and games that children played. Go back to school with pen and ink or slates. An adult must accompany children. Drop in.

Cost: Child £4. Adults free

Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4AB 01494 871117 www.coam.org.uk Roman Gladiators 24-25 May - 10am-5pm (last entry 3.30pm) Meet costumed re-enactors and learn about life in Britain in the 1st century AD. £9.50. Conc £8.50. 4-16 yrs £6.

Under 4s free. Family discounts available. Special event prices may vary

Perry Green, Much Hadham, SG10 6EE, 01279 844104 www.henry-moore.org Half Term Art Workshop 28 May - 12-4pm Make your own felt artwork using Moore's designs and the sculptures for ideas. May be cancelled if bad weather check website on the day.

BUTTERFLY WORLD PROJECT

FURZEFIELD CENTRE

Miriam Lane (off Noke Lane), Chiswell Green, AL2 3NY 01727 869203 butterflyworldproject.com Half Term Events and Activities 23-31 May Insect handling and ant world talks daily.

Vegetable Hanging Baskets 23 May Make Seed Bombs 25 May Wildflower seeds will explode everywhere!

Make a Bug Hotel 27 May Make a bug hotel from recycled materials.

Dizzy Wizzy 28 May Join Dizzy Wizzy and have fun around the gardens.

Make a Butterfly Feeder 29 May Attract butterflies into your garden Stained Glass Pictures 31 May Create stained glass pictures to put on your own windows.

CELTIC HARMONY CAMP Brickendon Lane, Brickendon nr Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG13 8NY 01438 718543 www.celticharmony.org Dragon Quest 25-29 May - 10am-5pm Follow the dragon eggs in the woods, solve the riddles and return to the café for your reward. Book online. No dogs or picnics.

Cost: Under 2s free, £5 (prebookings only). Archery £1.50. Drop-in pottery/bushcraft workshops £2.50-£3

Mutton Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 3BW www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk Rainbow Run 2015 24 May - 10.30am A family fun run (or walk).

Coloured powder will be thrown over the runners. The powder is not harmful and will brush off! In aid of Peace Hospice Care Cost: £20. Child £12. Includes t-shirt and sunglasses.

GOSLING SPORTS PARK Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6XE 01707 384307 www.goslingsports.co.uk Go Kids Holiday Camp 26-29 May – 9am-3.30pm Multi-sport and activity holiday camps for 3-5 yrs (half day) and 4-16 yrs (whole day). Try Skiing, Fencing, Dodgeball, Badminton, Gymnastics, Trampolining, Golf and more.

Cost: £15 (mornings), £23 (day). Extended hours available.

Discount for members.

HATFIELD FOREST Takeley, Bishop's Stortford CM22 6NE, 01279 870678 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ hatfield-forest Woodland Folk Wednesday 27 May – 11am (Last admission 1.45pm) Come dressed as a Fairy, Gnome or Elf and meet the Woodland Folk but look out for the troll!

Trail and activities take about an hour. Under 5s (with adult).

No need to book.

Cost: Child £3

HERTS CANOE CLUB Mill Road, Hertford, SG14 1QR www.hertscanoeclub.co.uk Go Canoeing 30 May - 2-4pm Introduction to canoeing, for beginners or those returning to the sport. 8 yrs+ Cost: £10 per person

HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE Windmill Lane, Cheshunt EN8 9AJ 01992 628403 www.hymb.com Half Term Activities 26-29 May Windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, stand up paddle-boarding, raft building, caving, fencing and archery. No experience necessary.

Cost: £20 per session. £140 for the week

HYLANDS PARK Chelmsford, Essex www.chelmsford.gov.uk/3foot. children The 3foot People Festival 30 Jun-2 Jul – 9.30am-4pm The largest outdoor festival exclusively for preschoolers.

Activities & performances including arts & crafts, sandpit, mini farm & storytelling. £9.50. Under 2s £4

LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF 01992 892781 www.visitleevalley.org.uk Sheep Week 25-29 May – 10am-5pm See our woolly friends have their annual haircut & join in with sheep-tastic activities. £9.50. Child £8.50. Under 2s free.

Pre-book online for discount

LETCHWORTH ARTS CENTRE 2 The Arcade, Leys Avenue, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3EW 01462 670788 www.letchwortharts.org Puppets Workshop: Watching, playing, Making 28 May - 11am, 2pm Learn how to hold rod puppets and communicate with them. Make a puppet to take home. Demonstration of a variety of puppets. 1.5 hour workshop for ages 3+.

Cost: £5

LOWEWOOD MUSEUM High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BH 01992 445596 www.broxbourne.gov.uk Family Fun 28 May. Drop in 12-3pm Make a Victorian toy as part of the exhibition celebrating local author, Anthony Trollope.

Children must be with an adult.

Cost: £1 child

MILL GREEN MILL AND MUSEUM Bush Hall Lane, Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD 01707 357850 www.welhat.gov.uk/familyfun Half Term Activities 26-28 May - 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm, 2.30pm Art and craft workshops with an Egyptian theme, different activity each day. 1 hour workshops. Ages 4+.

Cost: £3 per child per workshop.

MUSEUM OF ST ALBANS Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 3RR 01727 819340 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Pesky Pirates 26 May Find out what it was really like to be a pirate and make a pirate board game.

Adventures with a Magical Coin 27 May - 10.30am-12.30pm Find out how Susan helps Hercules and take part in lots of fun challenges. Ages 6-11.

Cost: £6 (£5 for Young Friends).

Book and pay for in advance.

OAKLANDS COLLEGE

ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL

WELWYN ROMAN BATHS

(St Albans Campus), Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL4 0JA www.hertssteam.org St Albans Steam and Country Show 30-31 May - Opens 10am Engine parade 2pm Steam engines, vintage vehicles, tractors, fairground, stalls and refreshments.

Cost: £6. Senior £5. Child £3.

Family £15

The Abbey, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY 01727 860780 www.stalbanscathedral.org Family Discovery Morning 28 May - 10am-12.30pm.

Fascinating trail packed with activities, followed by a fun craft session. Ages 3-11 (adult must stay). Arrive before 11.30am to complete all the activities Cost: Donations gratefully received.

PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK

THE RHODES ARTS COMPLEX & BISHOPS STORTFORD MUSEUM

Welwyn Bypass, Welwyn, AL6 9FG www.welhat.gov.uk/romanbaths 40th Anniversary Celebrations 25 May - 2-4pm Roman-themed children's activities.

Little Diggers 29 May - 2-4pm Be an archaeologist for an afternoon. Excavate a skeleton and other finds in the sandpit.

Sort finds and draw Roman pots.

Cost: £2.50 per child. £3.50 standard admission applies for adults visiting the site.

White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne EN10 7QA 01992 470490 www.pwpark.com Helping Rhinos Evening 28 May - From 5pm After-hours talks and feeds, followed by an engaging presentation in newly refurbished marquee.

Cost: £10 Meerkat Conservation Weekend 30-31 May There will be games and gifts available and also amazing discounts on meerkat experiences that you can book on the day.

Cost: Adult £17, (2-15 yrs / Seniors £14, Special needs: £10, Carer £10. 20% discount online

ROYAL GUNPOWDER MILLS Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1JY 01992 707370 www.royalgunpowdermills.com Spy Kids Half Term 23-31 May Break codes, go undercover, foil espionage and reveal doubleagents; there’ll be secrets to uncover and missions to complete all week.

Wild West Weekend 23-25 May Interact with Wild West characters and get a feel of what is was like to live in the late 1800s in the western town.

Costs: Adult £9.75. Concs £8.75.

Child £7.75. Discounts online.

Under 3s free. Family tickets available

Go to www.familiesherts.co.uk and search our interactive What’s On for more things to do.

1-3 South Road, Bishops Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 651746 www.rhodesbishopsstortford. org.uk Wow! This Show Is Magic!

23 May - 2.30pm Doctor Bondini and the Lady of Mystery, plus JezO all perform amazing illusions.

Cost: £14, Child £12, Family £48

THE SHOWGROUND Dunstable Road, Redbourn, AL3 7PT 01582 792626 www.hertsshow.com Hertfordshire County Show 23-24 May - 8.30am-5.30pm Agricultural show and family entertainment including National Festival Circus, face painting, 300 trade stands, food hall, horticultural marquee, countryside arena.

Cost: Advance purchase 20% discount. On the Day: Adults £17.50, 5-15yrs £8.50, Under 5s free, Family £43.50, Senior £15.50. Free car park

VERULAMIUM MUSEUM St Michael's Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Badge Making 26-28 May - 2-4pm Design a Roman themed badge.

Ages 3-11 (with adult). Drop in Cost: £1. Museum entry charge applies for non-residents.

Meet Queen Boudicca 31 May - 2-4.30pm Meet this amazing queen. Story telling sessions by Boudicca at 2.30 and 3.30pm. Adult must stay.

Cost: Free. Museum entry charge applies for non-residents

Say you saw it in

WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BB 08701 299718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com Spring Special 23-31 May - 10am-5.30pm Sheep shearing demonstrations, pony and horse displays, sheep racing, funfair rides. Farmyard fun with indoor activities too.

WIMPOLE ESTATE Arrington, Royston, SG8 0BW 01223 206000 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wimpole-estate Climb a Tree 23 May – Slots available 10am-4.45pm Learn how to enter a tree’s canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners, whilst being securely attached in a harness. Ages 6+.

Cost: £18.50 Hunt For Bugs 26 May - 11am-12.30pm Search log piles, burrows, piles of leaves, trees and grass and find some exciting bugs.

Cost: Adult £3. Child £3 Discover What's in a Pond 29 May – 1-2.30pm Discover the secret life in Wimpole's ponds. Buckets and nets provided.

Cost: Adult £3. Child £3

WILLEN LAKE Milton Keynes MK15 0DS 01908 698833 www.thebigoutdoorshow.co.uk The Big Outdoor Show 23-25 May Adventure and entertainment for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Bike and aerial displays. Balance bike adventure zone. Climbing wall. Try sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing. Live music and film screenings for overnight campers.

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What's On

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