articles, blogs & news

School holidays can be an expensive time, so I've put together a guide of events, attractions and things to do that are free or low cost to help you save money and have fun!

Check out my other guides too:

• The Mum's guide to Hitchin Big Summer Holidays Guide!
• Full list of events on the What's On Guide- you can search by date or event view.
• Holiday Clubs and Classes
• Attractions to travel to like Beaches, Theme Parks, Zoos and Museums in the Things To Do section if you fancy a day out
• Baby and Toddler groups and classes that are still running during the Holidays, plus under 5s events and Things To Do
• SEN-friendly summer sessions and events
• Pubs in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire with play areas
  
• Places where kids eat free (or for £1) during the summer holidays
• My top tips when travelling with children 
• Tried and Tested reviews for places I've been to with the boys
• My top things to do in Herts, in partnership with 'Helping Herts'
• Hertfordshire Libraries Summer Reading Challenge
• Places to stay cool
• The best places to meet other parents and carers in Hitchin
• Dog-friendly places in Hitchin

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

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

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

FREE or £1 per child
North Herts Family Centres Summer Holidays Activities

• Weekly on Tuesdays 10am - 11:30am at Coombes Hall Coombes Community Centre, Royston - Baby Group - Free Drop-In
• Weekly on Tuesdays 10am - 11:15am at Letchworth Garden City Church - SEND Drop In - Free Drop In
• Weekly on Wednesdays 10am - 11:30am at Oughton Family Centre, Hitchin Baby Group - Free Drop In
• Weekly on Thursdays 10am - 11:30am at Chestnut  Tree Family Centre, Letchworth - Baby Group - Free Drop In
• Weds July 31st 10am - 11:30am at Ashtree Primary School, Stevenage - Fam Fest - £1 per child Drop In 
• Mon Aug 5th 1:30-3pm at Chestnut Tree Family Centre, Letchworth - Water Play - £1 per child (drop-in)
• Weds Aug 7th 10am - 11:30am at Broadwater Family Centre, Stevenage - Messy Play - £1 per child Drop In 
• Mon Aug 12th 10am - 11:30am at Oughton Family Centre, Hitchin - Back to Nature -  £1 per child (drop-in)
• Fri Aug 16th 10am - 11:30am at Bridge Road Family Centre, Stevenage - Animal Fun - £1 per child Drop In 
• Mon Aug 19th 10am - 11:30am at St Nicholas & Martin's Wood Family Centre, Stevenage - Fairy Tale Event -  £1 per child (drop-in)
• Tues Aug 20th 1:30pm - 3pm at Priory Gardens, Royston - Mini Olympics - £1 per child Drop In  
• Weds Aug 28th 1:30pm - 3pm at Holly Blue Family Centre, Baldock - Mini Festival - £1 per child Drop In
  Full schedule
  
  
  

LOW COST - £5 per child, adults free
The Library Mouse at Hitchin Library
Sat 3rd August 2024 2.30pm
Join us for a Storytime and creative workshop with Frances Tosdevin, the author of The Library Mouse. Follow the story of a mouse named Quill, who wants his words to be heard but struggles to get his voice to stand out from the crowd. Suitable for children aged 5-8. Tickets: £5.00 per child (adults do not require a ticket).
More details

FREE
Hitchin Beach
Tue 6th August 2024 - Mon 26th August 2024 10am - 4pm
Hitchin beach returns! Located in the Market Place from 6th - 26th August, children will be able to bring their buckets and spades to play in the sand. We will also have deck chairs, children's rides and activities happening throughout. Come down and enjoy the fun! - 10am - 4pm each day.
More details

FREE
Hitchin's Toy Story Exhibit at North Herts Museum
Sat 13th July 2024 - Sun 22nd September 2024 (Closed Mondays)
This family-friendly exhibition will feature a colourful display of original sketches, artworks, videos, production toy samples and prototype models from Hitchin's Raffo Pape and Woodward's back catalogue. You may recognise many of them. There are also concepts and prototypes for products that didn't quite make it. It highlights the entire design process, from original concept through to final manufacture and marketing.
More details




LOW COST - £5 per child
North Herts Museum Craft Sessions

• Thurs 1st Aug - Make a Moving Toy 
• Thurs 15th Aug - Make a Sculpture
• Thurs 29th Aug - Make a Tudor Washball

More details

LOW COST - £4 per person
Kids Film Club at Hitchin Town Hall
Tue 23rd July 2024 Doors open 2:30pm, show starts 3pm
Every Tuesday during the Summer Holidays Hitchin Town Hall will be showing a family favourite film on our big screen for just £4 per person! 
23rd July- The Super Mario Bros Movie (PG)
30th July- Coco (PG)
6th August- The Lego Movie (PG)
13th August- How to train your Dragon (PG)
20th August- Wish (PG)
27th August- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem (PG)
Our bar will be open and serving ice-cream, snacks, drinks and food. Doors open at 2:30pm, film starts at 3pm. All films are rated PG for Parental Guidance, this event is unsuitable for under 2's and all children must be supervised by an adult.
More details

FREE
Buzzworks Open Days at Buzzworks Discovery Centre, Hitchin

• Sat 17th August 2024 2pm - Bee Friendly Family Open Day

All events

FREE
Storytime and Crafts at Next Page Books, Hitchin
Saturdays 10:30am
FREE Storytime and Craft/Activity Sessions. We run these at the shop on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 10.30am. No need to book, just come along. We will read one or more stories and either make a simple craft or run an activity like singing or parachute or a game. All very relaxed and informal, all ages welcome but ideally suited to the very young - pre school - children.
More details

LOW COST - £3 donation + 50p per additional sibling
Lilley and Offley Babies and Tots Playgroup
Alternate Mondays from July 22nd 10-11:30am
Lilley and Offley Babies and Tots offers a wide variety of toys and activities, including a baby area and refreshments (tea/coffee/squash/biscuits). Restarted after covid by four mums who want to encourage relaxed, friendly conversation and support! Seasonal themes and events to be held throughout the year! All welcome: mums, dads, grandparents, childminders, nannies, carers! £3 donation (+50p per additional siblings). Cash only. No need to prebook. Held fortnightly on Mondays 1000-1130 (including the school holidays). Parking on site with an outdoor patio area AND a playground on the village hall site.
More details

FREE, but donations welcome
The Living Theatre - Open Air Art Trail, Whitwell
Sat 29th June 2024 - September: All day, every day
Join us between June and September and discover some incredible art from amazing local artists adorning the route around The Living Theatre. Interact, explore and challenge yourself to rediscover the world around you and look a little deeper into nature...
More details

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

LOW COST - £5 per child
Summer of Fun – Weaving Workshop at Garden Square Shopping Centre
Tue 13th August 2024 10am - 11am and 11:30am - 12:30pm
Join me for a fabulous explosion of colour in this fun beginners weaving workshop, taking place as part of Love Letchworth's 'Summer of fun' activities line up. Learn about the craft, and experiment with a range of patterns to make a bookmark or cosy mug mat to take home. Each participant will receive a materials pack and cardboard loom to keep. All children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 per child.
More details

FREE
Summer of Fun - Free Facepainting at Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth

• Wed 24th July 2024
• Fri 16th August 2024
• Wed 21st August 2024
• Tue 27th August 2024

More details

FREE
Summer of Fun - Free Art Workshops at Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth

• Thu 25th July 2024
• Tue 6th August 2024
• Mon 12th August 2024
• Fri 23rd August 2024
• Wed 28th August 2024

More details

FREE
Summer of Fun – Free ultimate Circus Workshop at Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth
Thu 8th August 2024 10am - 4pm
Free Ultimate Circus Workshop with Showtime Circus.
More details

FREE (must pre-book)
Summer of Fun – Collage Workshop at Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth
Tue 20th August 2024 10am & 11:30am sessions.
Collage workshop with local artist Callum Abbott. For children 7+ in Garden Square Shopping Centre. Book in advance.
More details

LOW COST - Adults £5, under 16s free
Letchworth Model Railway Society Exhibition at The Priory School, Letchworth
Sat 27th July 2024 10AM to 4:30PM
Please join us for our summer model railway exhibition at the Priory School in Hitchin, 18 layouts on display and a number of traders and societies attending. Our popular Thomas layout will be in attendance for children to have a go at driving Thomas and Percy. Adult admission £5. Accompanied children under 16 free.
More details

FREE
King George V Recreation Ground, Hitchin
Mum’s guide to Hitchin Recommendation
We love this park (check out the Reel on my Instagram- it's the first one I ever did and I still love it)- with parking, large playing fields, a skate park, multi sports areas, exercise zone and a great playground, it was our best lockdown find!
More details

FREE
Bancroft Park and Splash Park
Having undergone a recent refurbishment, Bancroft Park has lots to offer local kids. The park area has been expanded with great new features, such as a Hamster wheel, swings that accommodate both adult and child to enjoy together, a scooting track and much more! There's also a splash area, interactive dance arch, plenty of space to picnic, public toilets, a café, plus you're a short stroll in to town so can easily pass a few hours here.
More details




FREE
Parks
Aside from the two above, you can find a full lists of local parks here.



FREE
Oughton Head Nature Reserve, Hitchin
Mum’s guide to Hitchin Recommendation
We’re so lucky to have this just outside our village – there’s so much to explore! The main paths are buggy friendly (the others are too when it’s dry), plus the woodland is great to explore and it’s ideal to take the dog too. Home to rare chalk pools, it’s a beautiful place to visit and has a lovely Tea Room – The Garden Gate which usually reopens around April/May - check out my review here.
More details

FREE
Purwell Ninesprings, Hitchin
Mum’s guide to Hitchin Recommendation
A great Lockdown find, this lovely nature reserve with recreation ground, play area, sports courts, fitness area and small stream to play in is well worth a visit.
More details




Pic credit: Carly Bedwell Photography
FREE
Hitch Wood, nr Whitwell
Mum’s guide to Hitchin Recommendation
Great woods for family walks, just outside Hitchin. Perfect for bluebells in the spring. There are a number of dens for kids to play in, and pathways to follow. You might even spot some deer! And keep a lookout for the large hollow tree trunk, just off the main walkway around halfway round- great fun to play in!
More details

FREE
Norton Common, Letchworth
Mum’s guide to Hitchin Recommendation
There’s lots to explore here- from trails, to streams, a great path for scooting and cycling, plus a little park and skate park. It’s well worth a wander round on a nice day.
More details

FREE
Wymondley Wood
Created as an educational resource for managed groups, Wymondley Wood features a special nature conservation and field study area adjacent to existing and newly planted forest environments.
More details

FREE
Wain Wood
Wain Wood is an ancient woodland extending to 19.2 hectares near Preston in North Hertfordshire. The site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest which was notified in 1986 under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It's also an excellent place to see beautiful bluebells in Spring.
More details

FREE
Stotfold Mill Nature Reserve
Stotfold Watermill is a great day out for all the family and is open to the public on various dates throughout the year. The Nature Reserve which adjoins the Mill is open all year round. Stop at Randall's tea room for refreshments.
More details

 

NEARBY

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

• Kids' Friendship Bracelets
• Kids' Rip Collage Workshops
• Kids' Clay Pencil Toppers Workshops
• Kids' Summer Clay Creatures

See all the sessions here.

FREE
Sat-ART-day (FREE Art Activities) at University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Sat 20th July 2024 11am - 3pm
Join us this Sat-ART-day to explore Weaving Relations - an exciting showcase of textile works by artist Nicola Moody. Come and get creative - make, see, and hear about the exhibition! Kick off the summer holidays with this fun and FREE day, jam-packed with inspiring activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Make your own arts + crafts, contribute to the community weave, see our spectacular Sculpture Walk and hear about the amazing artworks in the exhibition. Don't forget to treat yourself in our café!
More details

LOW COST (suggested charity donations)
Redbourn Classics Motor Show and Village Fete on Redbourn Common
Sat 31st Aug 2024 Noon- 5pm
Back for its 7th year , Redbourn Classics Motor Show and Village Fete will be held on Redbourn Common on Saturday 31 August 2024 from Noon until 5pm . The show will feature more than 300 classic vehicles, including vintage cars, vans, motorbikes and tractors. With live music all afternoon on the stage, great street food , a licensed bar, children's funfair rides and a miniature railway, there will be fun for all the family. The show is open to the public from Noon, and we welcome cash and cardless donations at the gate ( suggested donation £3 per adult, children free) all donations go to support charities.
More details

LOW COST - £4 per child
Summer Games Trail at Jordan's Mill, Broom
Sat 20th July 2024 - Sun 1st September 2024 9:30am - 3:30pm
Get ready to unleash your inner athlete and join in the fun with our Summer Games Trail! Sprint, Balance, Limbo, Jump and Sail your way through the 10 mini challenges at each trail point, noting your score on the trail sheet as you go along. Add up your scores at the end and head to the Mill Shop for your prize! 
More details

FREE
Giant Maze in Central Square, The Mall, Luton
Mon 22nd July 2024 - Wed 28th August 2024
This summer lose yourself in the Giant Maze! Join us in Central Square from Monday 22nd July to Wednesday 28th August every day from 11am to 4pm for some FREE family fun in our 7ft tall Giant Maze. Can you find the six missing letters hidden inside the maze? Navigate through the twisting paths to find them all and rearrange them to make a word for a chance to win one of three £50 gift cards for The Entertainer.
More details

FREE
Meet Chase from Paw Patrol at The Entertainer, Howard Centre, Welwyn Garden City
Sat 27th July 2024 10am-4pm
Come and meet the bravest police pup, Chase, at your local The Entertainer store! Even the mightiest of pups need a little rest so Chase will be appearing at intervals between 10am-4pm. Its free to meet Chase but we would recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment. Chase is going to be a super busy pup this year and will also be visiting all of the stores below throughout the year. So if you can't make this visit, maybe catch him at the next!
More details

LOW COST - £3.50 (plus £1 booking fee) per person
SEN-friendly session 11:30am Tuesdays
Game On! The Evolution Of Video Games at Stockwood Discovery Centre
Sat 20th July 2024 - Sun 1st September 2024 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm
Embark on a nostalgic odyssey through the pixelated past and into the high-definition future at our interactive exhibition, "Game On: The Evolution of Video Games". This immersive journey unfolds across the decades, showcasing the rich tapestry of gaming history. From the rudimentary blips of the Magnavox Odyssey and Pac-Man to the sleek sophistication of the PlayStation and Mobile Gaming, visitors will experience firsthand the technological leaps that have defined each era. As you take in the exhibit, engage with the actual consoles that sparked revolutions in living rooms worldwide. Feel the tactile joy of a joystick, the click of a cartridge, and the camaraderie of couch co-op. Interactive displays invite you to play iconic titles, while ambient soundscapes of 8-bit tunes and triumphant fanfares transport you through gaming's golden ages. A chronological journey from the birth of video gaming.
More details

FREE
Stockwood Garden Party at Stockwood Discovery Centre
Tue 6th August 2024 - Thu 8th August 2024 11am - 3pm
Embark on an enchanting journey through the hidden corners of Stockwood Discovery Centre. Stroll through lush lawns and meander among the trees to find a whimsical garden party that promises joy for the whole family! Step into the wonder of the "Wonders of the Woodland." Gather 'round for Neville the Squirrel's delightful stories about Stockwood. There's so much to create, dig, discover & do! Whether you choose to relax under the trees or embark on thrilling games and trails to hunt buzzing bees, there's a "Tree-rific" day waiting for you!
More details

FREE
Short Tail Trail, Luton
In summer 2024, 90 hares and tortoises will form the biggest and most unique outdoor public art event Luton's ever seen!
- These stunning sculptures will shine bright along the fun and family-friendly art trail around Luton's town centre and local parks
- The Short Tail Trail will bring together communities and visitors to make amazing memories through creativity
- Trail explorers, young and old will have fun rediscovering Luton, learning about the artwork and spending time together
The Short Tail Trail is a family-friendly sculpture trail around Luton town centre, Stockwood Park and Wardown Park, lasting 10 weeks, from 6 July to 12 September 2024.
More details

Shuttleworth
FREE
Last year Shuttleworth announced a number of changes that meant the fantastic park, shop and café are no longer included in the admission price, so it's a great place to go to play for free!
More details

FREE
Baulk Wood, Henlow
Mum’s guide to Hitchin Recommendation
Buggy-friendly woodland walk with animal-inspired wooden carvings and things for children to play on, such as logs, stepping stones and balance beams, plus den-building is encouraged, so hunt out some hidden gems! Tried and Tested review in the link below.
More details




FREE
Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage
Saunter round the large lake, where there are plenty of ducks to spot or feed, then go for a play in their extensive playground area, before grabbing a drink in the lake-side café. 
More details

FREE
Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton
Beautiful gardens, award-winning display of carriages, ever-changing exhibitions, children's playground, Café and lots of space to run around! Plus lots of events going on over the summer.
More details




FREE (but parking charges apply)
Stanborough Park
Covering 126 acres there's something for all ages and tastes. Take a gentle stroll, picnic or just laze away an afternoon relaxing in our award winning parklands. Watersports Centre, Childrens Play Area, Walks, Orienteering, Nature trail, The Lakes, Rowing Boats & Pedalos (Open during weekends and the School holidays - April to October).
More details



FREE
Moggerhangar Park
Moggerhanger Park is a Grade 1 listed Georgian Historic House set in 33 acres of parkland and woodland. It is recognised as the most complete surviving example of Sir John Soane's architecture and is set in stylish grounds and woodlands sculpted by Humphry Repton. Visit the Moggerhanger Park Orchard Tearooms for coffee, cake and light lunches. Opening hours 10am - 4pm. Our children’s woodland playground is situated close to the Tearooms. 
More details

FREE 
Great Park, Ampthill
Approximately 160 acres of parkland and woodland, including a Children's Play Area, plus Park Hub with Café and Toilets. Ideal if you have a dog too!
More details

FREE (but parking charges apply)
Dunstable Downs
Enjoy kite flying and stroll across rare chalk grassland to look out for all the natural delights that exist here including butterflies, orchids, skylarks and glow worms. Browse through the brilliant selection of kites and other goods in the shop and sample the visitor centre's excellent café, whilst admiring the breath-taking views over the Vale of Aylesbury and the Chiltern Ridge.
More details