Issue 81 famherts julyaug 18lr

IN THIS ISSUE

Summer What’s On Win a Family Ticket to Mead Open Farm

Preparing your child for school

Summer Highs!

Issue 81 July/Aug 2018

Win an Annual Family Pass to Gulliver's World

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In this issue:

From your Editor…

Welcome to the summer issue. We have put together a balanced mixture of content that will help you get the most out of the summer holiday.

Even at the height of the summer many parents may be mentally planning for the new school term, and that is especially the case if your child is starting school for the first time. ‘Preparing Your Child for School’ by Sarah McKinlay aims to help you get your young child ready for what is a big change in a child’s and a parent’s life.

The Parenting section has a piece by Miriam Rowland entitled ‘Raising a Compassionate Child’. Miriam suggests ways parents can engender qualities of compassion and empathy in their children as they develop.

All children enjoy an ice lolly on a hot summer day – but why not make your own healthy version? See the recipe on page 10. On the same page you can enter the competition to win one of three family tickets to visit Mead Open Farm. It’s a great family day out where you will create wonderful family memories.

And, for your chance to win an Annual Pass to Gulliver's World Milton Keynes, take part in the Families Magazines reader's survey, see page 16.

Let’s get this summer started!

Shelley

Find us in: Baldock, Borehamwood, Chorleywood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Kings Langley, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn GC.

News & Views: 4 Starting School: 6 Parenting: 8 Summer Fun: 7, 9-11 Summer What’s On: 12 Win an Annual Family Pass to Gulliver's World: 16 Next Issue: 82 - September/October Copy Deadline: 27th July Image credit: © @shalamov

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.

020 8428 6384 editor@familiesherts.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

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News & Views

Campus West Campus West, in Welwyn Garden City, has all your entertainment needs under one roof.

Welwyn Garden City Cinema is an independent 3-screen cinema where you can watch the latest blockbusters on the day of nationwide release. ‘Incredibles 2’ and ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ are two of the big movies being screened over the summer. To grab the best seats, early booking is advised.

For the ultimate fun family experience try a skate session at RollerCity – Hertfordshire’s only purpose-built roller skating rink – with bookable skating sessions.

Soft Play City has unlimited play sessions, with a healthy menu available from the cafe.

Open 7 days a week, with dedicated age zones from 0-8 years with free entry for babies under 1 year old.

Both RollerCity and Soft Play City offer party options. You can host children’s parties with food and drinks included, so all you need to do is turn up and enjoy yourselves. There are a variety of parties on offer to suit every budget and occasion – from shared sessions to exclusive parties. These parties are very popular, so early booking is recommended.

For 50% off entry tickets and food and drink get a FREE Zebra Discount Card. See the special voucher on the advert on page 11.

For more information and to book go to www.cwentertainment.co.uk.

Summer Reading Challenge Children's reading can 'dip' during the summer holidays if they don't have easy access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure.

The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries each year to maintain their reading skills and confidence.

This year the challenge will focus on the theme of mischief and pranks, as inspired by the Beano comic, which celebrates its 80th anniversary next year.

Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect incentives, such as stickers, to earn their final challenge certificate and medal.

Children can choose, recommend and review books at the Book Sorter on the Challenge website.

Over 20,000 Herts children took part last year and it’s free! Collect a starter pack from

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Playday is the national day for play in the UK and will take place on Wednesday 1 August.

Playday is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of children's play and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year.

From small-scale community events to thousands of children taking part in events organised in parks and open spaces – Playday is celebrated by each community in a way that suits them.

As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

You can hold and register your own Playday event or find one close to you by visiting www.playday.org.uk

Boredom Busters App your local library any time from 14th July.

Children can visit www.mischief-makers.org. uk for activities and games.

Find out more at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/libraries or call 0300 123 4049.

4 in 10 UK Parents Believe a Sun Tan is Healthy

Research released by the MET office and NHS reveals relaxed attitudes to sun care amongst many parents.

Playday UK!

The study found that 34% think a sun tan helps build resistance to the sun while 37% think a sun tan is a sign of good health.

However, according to NHS England, there's no safe or healthy way to get a tan.

It doesn't protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects and is a sign that the skin has been damaged and is trying to protect itself.

Repeated sun exposure can lead to skin cancer.

The MET says that UV levels are usually highest between May and September. Clouds don’t always stop UV rays, so it's very easy to get sunburnt in the UK, even when it's not particularly warm. Parents can check the UV forecast on the Met Office app.

Find out more at www.nhs.uk/livewell or www.metoffice.gov.uk

Play Scotland recently launched Boredom Busters, a free app devised to encourage children in the 8 to 12 age group to play more and in different ways.

The app is full of play ideas contributed by children. Users can search ideas contributed by other children and film and upload their own ways to play to the app gallery and Boredom Busters YouTube channel.

The app has been developed in consultation with children, parents, carers and teachers. As well as being a fun play tool for children, it is also a great resource with which to support and encourage indoor and outdoor active play.

The app is free of charge with no in-app purchases, is fully moderated and is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Find out more at www.playscotland.org familiesonline.co.uk

Monkey Music Classes in Hertfordshire!

Make great friends and introduce your child to a lifetime of music with Monkey Music – at the forefront of pre-school education since 1993.

At Monkey Music, we understand how music is fundamental to early development. Our weekly music classes are hosted by specially trained teachers who love music because of the joy it brings to the children that they teach.

Every week is different at Monkey Music! There are over 500 original and traditional songs, a huge variety of interesting props and real instruments used in the classes that are held throughout the UK. The thing we believe that makes Monkey Music different though is the progressive nature of each of the four curricula that build on each other and meet the developmental needs of the babies and children at each stage. The curriculum provides an engaging, fun and structured introduction to music and singing at whatever stage they join Monkey Music.

Babies can start Rock‘n’Roll classes from three months and the curriculum is based around developing their sense of the world around them. We have specialist instruments designed for tiny hands and the first shake of a maraca is a big moment!

Our Heigh-Ho classes, are designed for toddlers from 12 months. The classes are fast and energetic to match this fun and action-packed age.

There is lots of singing, moving and dancing with themes and repetition that encourage toddlers to communicate with their carers and develop their gross motor skills.

Jiggety-Jig classes are designed for two and three year olds to explore musical activities in more detail and join in a bit more independently from their parents.

Our Ding-Dong pre-school classes are for three and four year olds to start learning to read music and experience using the instruments of the orchestra for the first time.

We would love to welcome you to one of our classes and your first one is complimentary, so you can experience the fun and magic of Monkey Music for yourself!

To book a FREE class or for more information contact: Berkhamsted, Chorleywood & Rickmansworth - berkhamsted. rickmansworth@monkeymusic.co.uk Harpenden & St Albans – Harpenden.stablans@monkeymusic.co.uk New classes launching in Hitchin, Letchworth, Knebworth and Biggleswade mid-September. Come along to an open day from 10th to13th September. Email Baldock.hitchin@monkeymusic.co.uk for more details. familiesonline.co.uk

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Starting School

Preparing Your Child for School

By Sarah McKinlay

If your child is starting school in September, you may be wondering how best to prepare them for this big new adventure!

Firstly, don’t worry if they can’t read a word or write their own name. The ability to interact, communicate and exercise a degree of independence is actually far more important than reading or writing skills when a child starts school. In fact, research shows a link between strong personal, social and emotional skills in Reception and higher levels of attainment in the future. So if you want to strengthen your child’s skills in these areas, here are some tips.

Independence The aim is for children to be responsible for themselves, their belongings and their actions at school. Help your child learn to get dressed, put on their coats/shoes, go to the toilet, tidy away toys and select their own activity resources.

Communication and Language Research demonstrates that competent speakers develop into competent readers and writers; without competent spoken language, learning to read and write is more difficult. Language allows children to interact with the world. Being able to communicate their message effectively is satisfying and develops their esteem and self-confidence.

Model good spoken language, with correct pronunciation of sounds, and encourage your child to speak in full sentences using an expanding vocabulary. Talk to your child about their experiences and feelings throughout the day and develop a positive ethos around the importance of communicating and expressing feelings, of any kind. This will have multiple benefits (including knowing how your child is really feeling and maintaining an open and trusting rapport), both now and in the future.

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Sharing and Interaction The more opportunities your child gets to interact and learn how to share and take turns, the less of a shock it will be when he or she starts school! However, expect this to be an on-going process. Allow your child lots of opportunities to play with siblings and organise lots of play dates. If disagreements occur between children, talk to them about how to resolve issues, modelling language and behaviour which gives them strategies and words to prevent or resolve disagreements in the future.

Respect for Behavioural Boundaries At school, behavioural expectations and boundaries are likely to include: Listening the first time they are asked to pay attention Keeping hands/feet to themselves Sharing and taking turns Looking after things Tidying away Being kind to others You can reinforce these expectations at home by teaching children to respect themselves, their actions and the feelings of others.

Physical (Gross and Fine Motor Skills) All activities require some sort of physicality, whether it be large (gross) or small (fine) movements. Gross motor skills are developed when hopping, skipping, running, jumping, galloping, balancing, pedalling a bike, using a scooter, climbing, throwing, catching, and kicking a ball. Varying the speed and direction of movement activities also develops spatial

awareness. Your child can have fun developing fine motor skills at home with every day activities such as using pegs and scissors, bead threading, button fastening, moulding playdough, and painting.

Exploring and Investigating Often the most effective learning occurs when a child is left to his own devices, without nicely-prepared resources and prescriptive instructions about how to do something.

Make a conscious effort to step back and allow your child the opportunity to use his initiative and develop his creative, imaginative and innovative skills through exploring, investigating and initiating his own learning.

Children learn by exploring, trying out and adapting ideas for themselves and taking ownership. Present your child with a large cardboard box (and the opportunity to access other resources/toys). See what he or she does with it. In the latter stages of his or her ‘creation’ you may wish to step in to play too, but allow your child to initiate the direction of the play and conversation.

All the above skills can be naturally weaved into your everyday lives. Enjoy and treasure these precious last few months with your child at home, and keep the above tips in mind to promote a positive start to your child’s school life.

Sarah McKinlay is a mother and school teacher with qualifications in psychology and can provide support and strategies to give your child a happy transition to school. For more information, visit www.bounceparental.co.uk

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Summer Fun

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Parenting

Raising a Compassionate Child

By Miriam Rowland

Children have an inborn capacity for compassion. Small in stature themselves, they naturally identify with stuffed animals, other children, pets, and underdogs. However, this natural empathy must compete with other developmental forces including limited impulse control and their belief that their needs must absolutely come first – always!

With so much hatred and turmoil in the world, not to mention the extraordinary childcentredness of our society, it seems more important than ever to raise children who can understand and be kind to other people.

Teaching kindness doesn’t mean lectures or visits to food banks. It can be part of everyday life and you can model it in how you answer your child’s questions, how you help your child solve conflict in the playground and how you nurture their growing capacity to understand and think about other people.

Of course, temperament plays a role – some children are naturally more tuned into other people’s feelings and difficulties whilst others are a bit oblivious. Either way, you have the influence and the ability to foster your child’s ability to empathise.

Take it in small doses and don't expect too much from them at first. It'll be a slow and gradual journey for your child to understand that other people have feelings, and that their feelings count.

Teach Children about Emotions Children can’t empathise with what others are feeling if they don’t know how to use words to describe their own emotions. As your child goes through his day, make sure to point out which emotions you see him feel, and also which ones you’re feeling too.

Model How to Value Feelings Whenever possible, model warmth and empathy towards others when you are with your children. Children are watching you

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to learn appropriate ways of behaving and interacting, and are known to be influenced by the behaviours they see around them. You can be a good role model by acknowledging and valuing others’ feelings, and showing understanding and sympathy when someone is sad, upset, distressed, frustrated or in need of help.

Connect Feelings, Thoughts and Behaviours When talking about feelings, use words to explain how certain behaviours connect with these feelings so children can understand cause and effect. This can be done through stories, play-acting or reading books. Talk to children about the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of the characters. What might the characters do next?

Connect these scenarios with your child’s own experiences. For example, if a character is sad because she misses her parents, connect that feeling to a time the child also expressed sadness about something similar. This helps your child more clearly understand the connection between feelings, thoughts and behaviours.

After Conflicts, discuss what Everyone was Feeling Don’t try to discuss feelings while your child is hitting his sibling. Once you’ve separated the two of them and they have calmed down, it is great to go back and talk about what each child was feeling. Younger children can be helped to figure out what they may have been thinking or feeling at the time. At the same time, you can help them figure out how to express their feelings in a more constructive way.

Let Them See you Resolve Conflicts in your Life Almost everyone argues in front of their children sometimes, even though ideally you should limit this. If you cannot keep your tone and your words under control, try not to engage with your partner on sensitive subjects when your children are around. However, when arguments do happen, the key is to prevent them impacting your children: if you fight in front of them, make up in front of them too. A good rule of thumb is: if children never see conflict resolution in a relationship, they will be unlikely to be able to resolve conflicts in their own later relationships. Make sure to take the other party’s perspective into account when resolving your difficulties.

Speak for Those who Cannot Speak for Themselves Children frequently exhibit empathy toward babies, who naturally elicit empathy as part of an evolutionary adaptation to ensure that they get taken care of by older humans. To make the most of this phenomenon, make sure to discuss and wonder aloud with your child about what babies (and pets) may be feeling.

Model Respect for Those who Seem Different Children are naturally fascinated by those who are different. If a child is curious about someone with a disability, don’t just shush them. Make friends with the person and allow your child to see that this person is more similar to him than different. Often, the person will explain his disability to your child, if your child is prompted to ask respectful questions. familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Fun

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Summer Fun Win Tickets to Mead Open Farm Mead Open Farm have three sets of Family Day Tickets* to give away.

From 23 July – 31 August, enjoy a spectacular summer day out at Mead Open Farm’s ‘Summer of Fun’, with lots of new attractions.

With a brand-new Play Barn offering hours of all-weather indoor farm fun and an amazing new cafe serving barista coffee, wood fired pizzas and homemade treats, you won’t want to miss it!

Children will enjoy exploring the Professor’s indoor vegetable wash and climbing inside the pumpkin house and up high to the veggie tower. Plus, there are daily shows full of fun and laughter. To round off your visit there’s the end-of-day foam party on the farm, the perfect way to cool off after all that play!

Throughout August the famous Maize Maze will be back too, scamper through four acres of corn fun to earn a prize!

Mead Open Farm has plenty more adventures to discover: the Sky Trail and Sky Tykes High Ropes Course, Giant’s Rock Climbing Wall, Go Karts, Topsy Turvy Towers outdoor adventure playground and the Tractor & Trailer ride.

See cute cows and goats, bottle feed older lambs, groom the Shetland ponies and stroke the rabbits and guinea pigs in Bunny Hop. Plus, there is Crazy Golf, Shaggy’s Cove, Digger Village and the Jumping Pillows.

There’s something for everyone, whatever the weather!

With so much fun included in the admission price, it’s veggie-tastic!

For more details and prices visit www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

To win tickets to Mead Open Farm, answer the question below.

Send your answer to editor@familiesherts.co.uk.

Deadline for entry: Sunday 29th July.

What can you climb inside this summer in the brand-new Play Barn? a) The Pumpkin House b) Big Ben c) A Christmas Tree *Each Family Day Ticket will admit 2 adults and 2 children.

Healthy Ice Lollies to Make with your Kids Let the kids cool down in style with healthy homemade ice lollies. There is no limit to the range, as you can use any fruit you like – and even smuggle in some veggies!

Whipping up a batch of homemade ice lollies makes for a quick and exciting summer project for kids and these are a breeze to make. All you need is a food processor or blender, ice lolly moulds and a bit time to allow them to set. Below is my favourite recipe for yoghurt and berry ice lollies, which is also one of the easiest!

Have fun!

Yoghurt and Berry Coconut Ice Lollies Makes 4 (but this is depending on the size of your lolly moulds) Ingredients

Knebworth House Knebworth House, Park, Gardens, Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail make for a funfilled day out.

Children can explore the Dinosaur Trail where 70 life-sized dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures can be found grazing amongst the shrubbery. Children can learn about the T-Rex, the Woolly Mammoth and many other prehistoric creatures. There’s even a special chalk board for creating ‘cave drawings! Look out for the wind-up sound box and make some dinosaur roars.

For more fun, head to the adventure playground. There is also a zip wire and a new bouncy castle, plus a trim trail for grown-ups.

Have fun with the interactive splash-play water features. Cool off with an ice cream or cold drink from the cash-only kiosk. Or take your own picnic, the covered shelters provide shade and keep you dry if it rains.

Opening dates for the rest of the season are: 2nd July-30th August daily and 8th – 30th September on weekends only. Please note the following closing dates: 30th June– 1st July for The Geronimo Festival and 31st August – 2nd September for Cool Britannia.

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400g of frozen (or fresh) berries. A mix is great - I use blueberries and strawberries 1/2 tin of coconut milk 400g natural yoghurt 1 tbsp maple syrup (use a little less or more depending on how sweet your fruit is) 1tsp vanilla Instructions Other events coming up are: Garden Theatre Dr Dolittle – 9th August Theatre group, Illyria, is back with their production of Hugh Lofting’s ‘Dr Dolittle’.

The show is suitable for ages 5+. Gates open 6:00pm for 7:00pm start, running for 1 hour 40 minutes including a 20-minute interval.

Price: Adult £14.00, Child £10.00, Family (4 people) £42.00.

Dino Adventure – 18th August Complete the trail sheet and find all the dinosaur eggs hidden around the Gardens and trail of 72 life-sized prehistoric creatures to claim an exciting reward! Trail sheets £1 in addition to the Park & Gardens admission.

Last sale 3:00 pm.

For more information and tickets visit www.knebworthhouse.com, or phone 01438 812661.

Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth.

Pour the mixture into your ice-lolly moulds and attach the freeze tops.

Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours until solid.

Warm the moulds under water to release the pops when you are ready to eat them.

Dani Binnington is a cook, yoga teacher and wellness warrior dedicated to providing practical steps for achieving physical and mental wellbeing for the whole family. For more inspiration, recipes, events and classes, visit www.healthywholeme.

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Summer What’s On Fairs, Festivals & Events

Pond Safari www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk 20 Aug - 10.30am-12noon Booking essential. FREE

GREAT GADDESDEN SCHOOL SUMMER FAIR

PANSHANGER PARK

Church Meadow, Great Gaddesden, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3BT 1 Jul - 1-4pm DIDDY RASCALS PRESENTS HITCHIN FAMILY FESTIVAL The Hitchin Priory, Tilehouse Street, Hitchin, SG5 2DL 07540 142258 www.diddy-rascals.com 8 Jul Includes live music, circus skills, children’s cinema, games, arts & crafts, workshops, face painting & inflatables. World record attempt for the largest Pilates session.

Cost: £10. Child £5. Under 18 mths free. In aid of local charity, Humanitas.

ENFIELD BALLOON FESTIVAL Enfield Town Park, EN2 6HA www.enfieldballoonfestival. co.uk 21 & 22 Jul. Sat 11am-11pm.

Sun 11am-9pm Stunning array of hot air balloons plus street food, funfair rides, stunts & shows, firework display, kids zone, reptiles tent, owl displays.

Cost: £6. Child £4. Children under 1 metre free DACORUM STEAM & COUNTRY FAYRE Green Croft Farm, Potten End, Nr. Hemel Hempstead, HP1 2SG www. dacorummachineryandsteam. co.uk 28 & 29 Jul - 10am-5pm LYDEKKER PARK Arcadian Court (Off Sun Lane), Harpenden, AL5 4JE 01582 463668 www.harpenden.gov.uk Outdoor Children’s Theatre 14 Jul - 11am-2pm Interactive show. Learn about honey bees and how important it is that we plant more beefriendly flowers.

FREE Teddy Bears’ Picnic 1 Aug - 11am-2pm Join the Town Mayor for this family event. Don’t forget your picnic & teddy!

FREE

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Nr Welwyn, SG14 2WN www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Festival of Wildlife 28 & 29 Jul -10am-4pm Guided walks, expert talks & a host of drop-in activities.

FREE HARPENDEN COMMON St Albans Road, Harpenden, AL5 1DT Classics on the Common www.classicsonthecommon.com 25 Jul 1000+ classic cars, motorcycles & scooters.

Wild Woods Day www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk 3 Aug - 11am-3pm Den building, treasure hunts, bug hunts, games & more. Booking essential. FREE Harpenden Funfair www.harpenden.gov.uk 24-27 Aug - 6-10pm Roll up, roll up for all the fun of the fair.

HERTFORD CASTLE Castle Street, Hertford, SG14 1HR 01992 552885 www.gohertford.co.uk Teddy Bears’ Picnic 15 Jul - 12-4pm Bring a teddy, join a bear hunt & teddy parade. Arena activities.

Brass band. Castle open to the public. Water activities on the River Lea for children & adults.

FREE MERAKI FESTIVAL Herts County Showground, Dunstable Road, St Albans, AL3 7PT www.merakifestival.com 10-12 Aug Top live music acts across 3 stages. Family friendly.

Cost: Evening, day & camping tickets available. See website for details ROYSTON CHARITY KITE FESTIVAL & HISTORIC VEHICLE SHOW Therfield Heath, Royston, SG8 5BG www.roystonkitefestival.com 5 Aug - 10.30am-4.30pm Annual event for all the family.

Cost: £3. Under 14s free

CELTIC HARMONY CAMP

COURTYARD ARTS CENTRE

Brickendon Lane, SG13 8NY 01438 718543 www.celticharmony.org Wild Summer Sleepover 28 & 30 Jul 1, 4, 6, 8 & 11 Aug Stay overnight with your clan in your own authentic roundhouse.

Enjoy 2 days packed with activities from primitive skills to archery and marshmallow roasting, all in an ancient woodland setting. Ages 6+.

Cost: £499 for family of up to 4 (max 2 adults per roundhouse).

Extra child £50 (only 1 per booking). Dinner incl. day 1, breakfast & lunch incl. day 2

Port Vale, Hertford, SG14 3AA 01992 509596 www.courtyardarts.org.uk Ceramics for children 15 Aug - 10am-12pm or 1-3pm Ages 6+.

Cost: £13 per workshop, incl materials Film Animation 7 Aug - 10am-12.30pm or 1-3.30pm Mould your own Morph from plasticine and bring it to life using stop motion animation.

Ages 8+. Cost: £15 per workshop, incl materials Lego 21 Aug - 10am-12.30pm or 1-3.30pm Create a stop-motion Lego animation, from storyboarding to filming.

Cost: £15 per workshop (bring your own Lego) Applique Glass 10 Aug - 10am-12pm Make a panel for a window or a set of coasters, without the need to cut your own glass. Ages 8+.

Cost: £35 incl all materials Magical Fairy Door 13 or 14 Aug - 10am-12pm Decorate a magical wooden fairy door to put at the end of your garden. Ages 5+.

Cost: £15 each workshop, incl materials

HERTFORD PLAY DAY Hertford Town Centre www.gohertford.co.uk 1 Aug - 11am-4pm Celebrating National Play Day with child-friendly events.

Free entry, charges may apply for certain activities PLAY IN THE PARKS Sessions in 15 parks across the St Albans district sasport@1life.co.uk www.1Life.co.uk Weekdays 30 Jul-31 Aug (excl. bank hols) 2-hour play activities for ages 3-12. Just turn up and play!

FREE TICK TOCK MUSIC St Michael's Church Hall, St Michael's Street, St Albans, AL3 4SL 07933 153054 www.ticktockmusic.co.uk 26 Jul, 2 & 9 Aug - 9.45am Rhymes & songs for under 5s (must book & pay in advance).

Cost: 1 child £7, Sibling 6 mths1 yr £2.50, Sibling over 1 yr £4, Twins under 1 yr £8.50, Twins over 1 yr £10

Holiday Camps & Courses KOOL KIDZ CAMPS Sandridge Primary School, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, St Albans, AL4 9EB 0845 603 2858 www.koolkidzgroup.co.uk Weekdays 30 Jul-31 Aug Ages 4-12. Half or full days.

See website for prices

LITTLE VOICES SUMMER THEATRE WORKSHOP The Quaker Meeting House, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6SP 07506 680123 www.littlevoices.org.uk 30 Aug A day of songs, music, acting and dance for ages 4-12.

Cost: £30 FAB SCIENCE 07799 624777 www.fabscience.co.uk 10am-3pm 1, 2 & 3 Aug St Joseph's in the Park School, Hertford, SG14 2LX 8, 9 & 10 Aug Garden Fields School, St Albans, AL3 5RL 13, 14 & 15 Aug Hillmead Primary School, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 4PW Summer science fun for ages 5-12. Themes available: Super Sound, Geology Rocks and Magnificent Machines.

Cost: £32 per child per session.

Sibling discount available

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HERTS YOUNG MARINERS BASE

THE JOHN WARNER SPORTS CENTRE

Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 9AJ 01992 628403 www.hymb.com Holiday Club Weekdays 30 Jul-31 Aug Ages 8-17. Range of land & water-based activities including caving; climbing; kayaking; canoeing; bushcraft; fencing; raft building; paddle boarding.

Cost: £15 per session. Full week £165

Stanstead Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 0QG 01992 4453745 www.broxbourne.gov.uk/leisure Weekdays 26 Jul-31 Aug -8.30am-5.30pm (excl bank hol Mon) Kidz Klub Holiday Club Ages 4-12 (only children born before 1/9/2013). Sport, arts & crafts, park trips etc.

Cost: £25 per day (or £21 advance). Half days, early drop off/late pickup available Trampolining 1, 3, 15, 17, 29 & 31 Aug Learn new skills with a qualified coach.

Cost: Per session £4.80 (3-6 yrs). £7.20 (6 yrs+) Scrambles Soft Play Summer Offer 23 Jul-31 Aug Ages 7 & under. Climb, slide & play. Separate toddler area.

Cost: £15 per child unlimited use during the summer holiday (during busy periods sessions limited to 90 mins)

AFTERSKOOLERZ GOING WILD SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB Homerswood Primary School, Kirklands, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7RF 07794 726687 www.afterskoolerz.co.uk 23 Jul-15 Aug Ages 4-11.

Cost: Day £22. Half day £12.

Book 4 full days, get 5th half price.

POLARIS WILDERNESS ADVENTURE Private woodland, Bayford SG13 8PH www.polarisbushcraft.co.uk 07971 289604 Fire lighting. Build a shelter.

Source drinking water. Learn about the plants, trees and animals around you.

Family Bushcraft Essentials Day 15 Jul Cost: £85 per adult & child, 1 adult & 2 children £99. No charge for under 7s Family Bushcraft Weekend 28-30 Jul Cost: £210 per adult & child. 1 adult & 2 children £260. Family of four £295

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LANGLEY TENNIS & RACQUETS CAMP Langley Tennis Club, High Woodhall Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 8RW 01442 230234 www.berkhamstedbasecamp. co.uk Weekdays 23 Jul-31 Aug 9am-4pm Improve your tennis. Plus, table tennis, badminton & touch tennis. Ages 4-14.

Cost: Day £40. Week £160 (£140 for 4 day week)

Shows HOPLEYS GARDEN High Street, Much Hadham, SG10 6BU www.hopleys.co.uk Peter Pan 14 Jul. 6.30pm, gates open for picnics 5.45pm Open air musical about the boy who never grew up.

Cost: £12. Conc £11. Under 3s free. Family £40 HATFIELD PARK AL9 5NB 01707 287010 www.hatfield-house.co.uk Peter Pan 23 Aug - 2-4pm Open air theatre for ages 4+.

With catchy music, audience interaction & the opportunity to meet the characters after the show.

Cost: £12. Conc £11. Under 3s free. Family £40 Treasure Island 29 Aug - 2-4pm When Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map it hurtles him in to a cat and mouse game with dangerous pirates, taking him across the world to Treasure Island. Open air theatre. Dressing up encouraged!

Cost: £14.50. Under 16s £10 Family £38

The Importance of Being Ernest 22 Jul - 7pm The Pantaloons’ energetic, musical production is influenced by silent film, music hall & physical theatre adding some twists to this play.

Cost: Advance - £12, child £8, family £37. On the day -£15/£10/£40 Music to Watch the Flowers By 29 Jul - 12-6pm Family picnic concert. Jazz, blues & rock. Bouncy castles. Soft play for under 5s.

Cost: Advance adults £5, 2-16 yrs £2, Under 2s free

SHENLEY PARK Radlett Lane, Shenley, WD7 9DW www.shenleypark. co.uk

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Summer What’s On GADEBRIDGE PARK Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1DN www.oldtownhall.co.uk Pirate Pearl and the Big Blue Monster 11 Aug - 11am & 2.30pm Outdoor show for ages 3+. Pearl finds a stowaway blue monster.

But little monster grow into a big greedy monster!

Cost: £7. Dacorum Card £5.50 THE SPOTLIGHT High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ thespotlight 24 Aug - 4pm 25 Aug - 10am, 1 & 4pm Peppa Pig’s Adventure!

Peppa gets ready to go camping in the woods with her friends.

Cost: £18. Under 16s £16. Babes in arms £5. Family £64 BROADWAY THEATRE Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3DD 01462 681088 www.broadway-letchworth.com Ministry of Science Live!

3 Jul - 1 & 6pm Ages 4+. Get ready for plenty of noise and a human cannon too.

Cost: £15. Conc £13 THE RADLETT CENTRE 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk The Gruffalo's Child 13 Aug - 1.30pm 14-16 Aug - 10.30am & 1.30pm Ages 3+.

Cost: £13 RHODES BISHOPS STORTFORD 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 710200 www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk Punch and Judy Show 22 Aug - 11.30am & 1.30pm Traditional pop up show.

FREE, donations welcome The Glastonbabies Festival Show 27 Aug - 11am & 1pm Interactive music making & movement with play activities embedded into each performance. For under 6s and their families.

Cost: £9

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BREAKAWAY THEATRE COMPANY Venue: The Inn on the Park, Verulamium park, St Albans www.breakawaytheatre.com The Taming of The Shrew? by William Shakespeare 28-30th June- 7.30pm 5-7 July - 7.30pm Petruchio marries the feisty Kate for her dowry, but has he bitten off more than he can chew?

Tickets: £15/£13 Concs, under 16's £11

Museum & Art Activities LOWEWOOD MUSEUM High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH 01992 445596 www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ lowewoodmuseum Family Fun 12noon-3pm Drop in craft activities.

2 Aug (Flower Art) 9 Aug (Printmaking) 16 Aug (Medal Making) 23 & 30 Aug (Fun with Clay) Cost: £1.50 per child Family Fun Day 11 Aug. Drop in 11am-4pm Inspired by the Museum’s First World War exhibition, FREE ST ALBANS MUSEUM & GALLERY St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL3 5DJ www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Home Sweet Home 1 & 11 Aug - 2-4.30pm Family workshop for under 12s (must be with an adult). Using felt, make a cosy shelter to take home.

FREE Huff, Puff, Blow Your House Down 4 & 8 Aug - 2-4.30pm Family story & workshop for under 8s (must be with an adult).

The story of the 3 Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig. Using paper straws, construct a home, which won’t collapse.

FREE RHODES BISHOPS STORTFORD 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 710200 www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk No booking required.

Museum Tour 7 Jul & 4 Aug - 11am Ages 7+. FREE Young Archaeologist Event 30 Jul-1 Aug - 11am-3pm Learn about archaeology and. meet local archaeologists.

Find out about their recent excavations.

Cost: £2 Fairy Craft Workshop 13-15 Aug. Drop in 11am-3pm Ages 3+ (under 14s must be with an adult). Keep your ticket for free admission to the craft activity at the Fairy Fayre.

Cost: £2 per child Fairy Fayre 18 Aug - 10am Fairy-themed films, stalls, activities & crafts.

Summer Craft Workshop 20-22 Aug. Drop in 11am-3pm Seaside-themed craft for ages 3+ (under 14s must be with an adult).

Cost: £2 per child ROYSTON MUSEUM 5 Lower King Street, Royston, SG8 5AL 01763 242587 www.roystonmuseum.org.uk Historical Crafter Days Drop-in 10.30am-12noon Ages 4-10. Crafty activities & trail around the museum.

21 Jul: Farming 18 Aug: Castles Cost: £3 per child Crafty Wednesdays 10.30am-12noon Crafts & activity trail around the Museum for ages 4-10.

Cost: £3 per child unless otherwise stated Retro Royston 25 Jul Tie-dyeing & flower themed crafts.

Cost: £5 per child Folklore & Fairies 1 Aug Yarn corn dollies, paper lanterns, fairy-themed craft.

Cave Craft 8 Aug Create cave style pictures and carvings.

Prehistoric Royston 15 Aug Make a fire pit, roundhouse and an Iron Age sword.

Hot Wheels 22 Aug Junk model fantastic vehicles.

Dinosaurs & Fossils 29 Aug: Handle real fossils and craft your own.

Viking Day 11 Aug - 10.30am-3.30pm Ages 4-10. Viking re-enactor group plus activities and crafts.

Cost: Free entry. £3 for craft activities.

Family Lino Printing 16 Aug Family friendly beginner’s lino printing session.

Cost: £3 per person Sing and Play 23 Aug - 2-3pm Drop in singing & drumming session. All welcome.

FREE MILL GREEN MUSEUM & MILL Bush Hall Lane, Mill Green, Hatfield, AL9 5PD 01707 357850 www.welhat.gov.uk Holiday activities 10am, 11.15am,1.15pm, 2.30pm.

Last one hour Ages 4+. No booking required.

World War One 31 Jul & 21 Aug Create flags & poppies.

1 Aug Design postcards & medals.

2 & 23 Aug Clay trench art.

Aliens 7 & 28 Aug Design an alien-inspired hat.

8 & 29 Aug Art & craft with an alien theme.

9 & 30 Aug Clay model aliens.

Craft Week 14 Aug Colour, cut & stick together.

15 Aug Art & craft with paint.

16 Aug Create with clay.

Cost: £3.50 per child per session Teddy Bear Fun Day 22 Aug - 11am-3.30pm Refreshments, children's activities, storytelling & children's entertainer. Cost: £4.50 per child (2 yrs+), adults FREE. Includes admission to Mill & Museum MONKEY MUSIC Head Office: 01582 766464 www.monkeymusic.co.uk Fun music sessions for babies and toddlers from 3 months until rising 5. Monkey Music provide age appropriate structured sessions with a curriculum designed for each age group.

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Rock‘n’Roll for babies from 3 months old.

Heigh-Ho from 12 months.

Jiggety-Jig for 2 and 3-year olds.

Ding-Dong for 3 and 4-year olds.

Visit the Monkey Music website for more details or contact your local class: Berkhamsted, Chorleywood & Rickmansworth - berkhamsted. rickmansworth@monkeymusic. co.uk Harpenden & St Albans – Harpenden.stablans@ monkeymusic.co.uk Hitchin, Letchworth, Knebworth & Biggleswade Baldock.hitchin@ monkeymusic.co.uk First session is free.

Animals & Nature KNEBWORTH HOUSE Knebworth, SG3 6PY 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com Dino Adventure 18 Aug - 11am-5pm Hands-on experiences with snakes, lizards & tortoises. Hunt for hidden fossils using specialist tools. Dinosaur trail with 72 life-sized prehistoric creatures!

Complete the trail quiz & find the dino eggs to claim a reward.

Storytelling 12.30, 1.30, 2.30 & 3.30pm.

Cost: £9.50. Under 3s free.

Family £34. Advance book online for 10% discount. Trail sheet £1.

House tickets extra £3.50 or £3 seniors/children.

PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA 01992 470490 www.pwpark.com Cost (online price): £19.95. Child £17.57. Senior £16.63. Disabled incl carer £15.68. Under 2s free Zebra and Camel Weekend 21 & 22 Jul Primate & Rainforest Weekend 28 & 29 Jul Snow Leopard & Jaguar Weekend 4 & 5 Aug Red Panda Weekend 11 & 12 Aug Birds Weekend 18 & 19 Aug Tiger Weekend 25 & 26 Aug

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ALDENHAM COUNTRY PARK SEND PAVILION & ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND Aldenham Road, Elstree, WD6 3BA 020 8953 9602 www.aldenhamcountrypark. co.uk Open to the public after 11am Purpose built facility for SEND children. Soft play, wheelchair accessible playground, music, arts & crafts, water pump, sand pits and more.

STANDALONE FARM Wilbury Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 4JN 01462 686775 www.standalonefarm.com Cost: Normal farm admission applies for these events Circus Skills with Alight Fingers 30 Jul-3 Aug. Drop in sessions throughout the day CJS Falconry Display 6-10 Aug Watch these majestic creatures swoop and soar.

Dog and Duck Show 13-17 Aug Watch Richard and his sheepdog sidekicks herd the ducks through a variety of obstacles.

Andrei Burton Trial Bike Show 20-24 Aug The UK’s premiere mountain bike trials athlete brings his team to the Farm.

Donkey Rides 27-31 Aug Weight, height & age restrictions apply.

SHEPRETH WILDLIFE PARK Station Road, Shepreth, SG8 6PZ 01763 262226 www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk Tiger Day 4 Aug Children’s entertainer, facepainting & talks. Support tiger conservation.

Hedgehog Day 27 Aug Children’s entertainer, facepainting & talks. Support the Hedgehog Hospital.

Cost: Normal admission applies.

Tesco vouchers not valid on event days AMWELL NATURE RESERVE Ware, SG12 9SS www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Minibeast Safari 20 Jul - 2-4pm Catch and identify minibeasts using sweep nets. Booking

essential. Cost: Free. Suggested donation £5 (Members £3) Creatures of the Night 31 Aug - 7.30-9.30pm A family evening discovering moths and bats. Booking essential.Cost: Free. Suggested donation £5 (Members £3) RYE MEADS NATURE RESERVE Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8JS 01992 708383 www.rspb.org.uk Messy Wellies 18 Jul & 15 Aug - 10.3011.45am Under 5s. Each session has a different theme including a fun activity, exploring the reserve and creating a craft.

Cost: £4.50 per child (Members £3.50). £4 parking charge for non-members Big Wild Sleep Out 10 & 11 Aug 5pm-9am (overnight) Camp under the stars and connect with nature. Bush craft activities, nature crafts, guided bat walk & more.

Booking essential.

Cost: £25. Child £12.50.

Discounts available for RSPB members WILLOWS ACTIVITY FARM Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL2 1BB 0870 129 9718 www.willowsactivityfarm.com Summer Spectacular 21 Jul-2 Sep See website for prices and full details.

Open Air Water Play AVENUE PARK West Avenue, Baldock, SG7 5AY Splash park.

FAIRLANDS VALLEY PARK Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG2 0BL Aqua playground.

HARPENDEN OUTDOOR PADDLING POOL Rothampsted Park, AL5 2HU HITCHIN SWIMMING CENTRE Fishponds Road, Hitchin, SG5 1HA, www.sll.co.uk Until 9 Sep 50m heated outdoor pool. Also indoor pool.

HOWARD PARK AND GARDENS Norton Way South, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1NY 120m paddling pool & water jets.

Refreshment kiosk.

KING GEORGE RECREATION GROUND King George Avenue, Bushey, WD23 4NT www.hertsmere.gov.uk Tropical island splash park with designated areas suitable for families, toddlers & pre-teens.

LETCHWORTH OUTDOOR POOL Norton Common, Icknield Way, Letchworth, SG6 4UF www.sll.co.uk Until 9 Sep. Mon, Wed, Fri 7am-6.30pm, Tues & Thurs 8am-6.30pm, Sat & Sun 8.30am-6pm 50m heated pool, grassed sunbathing area, toddler pool, refreshments.

View prices online MORRIS PLAYING FIELDS White Horse Lane, London Colney, AL2 1JR Paddling pool for under 12s. FREE PRIORY MEMORIAL GARDENS Melbourn Street, Royston Splash park with interactive water jets.

VERULAMIUM PARK

BANCROFT RECREATION GROUND Hitchin Buccaneer-themed splash park with interactive water jets, a pirate ship & a play stream for younger children.

CASSIOBURY PARK PADDLING POOL Watford. Entrance opposite Langley Way Daily - 10am-6pm

St Albans Daily until 9 Sep - 10am-6pm Splash park. 12 water features.12 yrs and under. FREE WARE PRIORY LIDO Priory Street, Ware, SG12 9AL www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk Until 9 Sep. See website for session times Heated.

Cost: £5. Child/Concs £2.50.

Family & season tickets available

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Summer What’s On

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