Find great ideas for days out with kids in Hertfordshire and the best family friendly events happening summer 2023. The Hertfordshire summer holiday activities guide is packed full with big family days out or smaller, local ideas.   If you’re working and need childcare, then check out the summer holiday camps in Hertfordshire or check out our what’s on for summer Bucks guide .

Summer Activities & Events for Kids in Hertfordshire 2023

Summer Outdoor Adventures in Hertfordshire

Summer Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm (St Albans) 22nd July – 3rd September

Willows Activity Farm will have a packed programme of summertime fun! Get lost in the a-maze-ing Maize Maze – it’s popping good fun with a super surprise in the middle! Enjoy the splash-tastic Puddle Play Park. The daily programme includes adventure play, funfair rides, tractor ride, farmyard animals, indoor soft play and more – for one all-inclusive price.

Teddy Bear Picnic at Hertford Castle (Hertford) 23rd July

Pack your picnic basket and bring along your favourite teddy for a day of fun and adventure at Hertford Castle, including a bear hunt inside the castle, games, and activities around the grounds, plus the annual Teddy Bear’s parade lead and judged by the Mayor of Hertford.

KidFest at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park (Waltham Abbey) 24th July – 31st August

Enjoy a boogie at the Main Stage and be entertained by headline acts. Get your festival sparkle on at the DIY Glitter Station, AND have a blast at the Foam Party! The kids will love exploring the Crazy Golf AND Adventure Playground.

Watford Carnival (Watford) 29th July

Live music, fairground rides and a celebration of culture

Big Wild Sleepout at RSPB Rye Meads (Stansted Abbotts) 11th – 12th August

The Big Wild Sleep Out is a unique opportunity for families to spend a night out in the wild! Join the RSPB for a night camping under the stars and connect with nature as the nocturnal wildlife awakens on the reserve.

Watford Big Beach (Watford) 12th – 27th August

With Watford Borough Council’s Big Beach, you don’t need to travel to the coast to feel the sand between your toes – just head to The Parade in the Town Centre! The  beach is completely free – and is the perfect chance for people of all ages to lap up the summer sun, with deck chairs and tables provided to help you relax.  There  are a variety of beach toys and buckets and spades which you’ll be able to get from the beach hut – as well as any information you might need.  The hut is open 10am to 4pm each day.

Indoor Summer Events for Kids in Hertfordshire

The World of Peter Rabbit™ Storytime Trail at North Herts Museum (Hitchin) until 27th August

This walk through the experience allows visitors to immerse themselves in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Little bunnies will be able to crawl under the garden gate, hide in a watering can, and see their reflection in a mirror pool, just like Peter Rabbit.

Mosaic Making workshop at Verulamium Museum (St Albans) 25th July

Enjoy selecting colours of glass and embellishments  to make a truly unique design. Working with a local mosaics artist,  learn how to use professional mosaic making tools to snip your glass, and even how to grout your creation.

Tots Tales at Verulamium Museum (St Albans) 28th July

Story, craft activities and a museum hunt, inspired by a popular story. Suitable for children aged 2 – 4 years, accompanied by an adult.

Museum Minis at St Albans Museum (St Albans) 14th August

Tiger Who Came  to Tea story, craft activities and a museum hunt, inspired by a popular story. Suitable for children aged 2 – 4 years, accompanied by an adult

Colourscape at Cassiobury Park (Watford) 19th – 28th August

Colourscape returns to Cassiobury Park with a full ten day festival. Enter a new world of colour and light. Explore a unique labyrinth of 70 interlinked chambers of intense colours and discover musicians and dancers interacting with you.

Summer Family Friendly Theatre Shows in Hertfordshire

Big Screen Watford (Watford) 24th – 30th July

After a three year break the Big Screen movies are back in Watford town centre this Summer.   Deckchairs will be available, but you are also welcome to bring your own chairs, pack a picnic and head to the town centre  then just sit back and relax whilst watching some old favourites alongside new blockbusters.

Dinosaur Adventure Live at Watford Palace Theatre (Watford) 26th July

This awe-inspiring interactive stage show captivates both young and young at heart, immersing audiences in the enthralling & realistic world of Dinosaurs.

The Ugly Duckling at Cassiobury Park (Watford) 26th July

Wonderful open-air, family musical from the lovely Folksy Theatre, filled with live music, puppetry and colourful characters. Suitable for all ages

Milkshake Live! at Watersmeet Theatre (Rickmansworth) 1st August

This brand-new show has plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone up on their feet! It’s a family show not to be missed!

Detective Dog at Stevenage Central Library (Stevenage) 1st July

Featuring captivating puppetry, surprising smells and toe-tapping live music, this unique and engaging theatrical experience celebrates libraries, books and the magic of reading. Suitable for ages 3+