Is it acceptable….. January 31, 2017

I know, I know, it’s been about 72 years since I lasted wrote a blog post but I’m finally feeling less like a zombie and more like a normal human being again since the birth of my second whirlwind 15 months ago!

I’m wondering if it’s acceptable that my eldest child thinks I’m putting my youngest child to bed but said youngest child is actually in bed and I’m hiding in my bedroom just to get 5 minutes peace before I have to start the second nightly battle of getting the older one to bed!?!?

This got me to thinking about other questionable parenting decisions we take to make life just that little bit easier and whether they are acceptable choices!!

So here goes, is it ok…..

.. to let your toddler eat an entire bag of salted popcorn just so you can have 5 minutes in a coffee shop talking to another adult?!?

…. to think you are winning at combining parenting with still having some small semblance of adult life so you take your child out to Cultivo Lounge and bring their homework with you only to accidentally spill wine on their homework book?!?

…. to pretend you haven’t heard your small child wake up just to give yourself a few precious extra minutes in bed?!?

…. to use your eldest child as some sort of parenting assistant and send them all over the house to collect nappies, wipes, clean clothes and anything else you clearly do not have the brain capacity to remember anymore?!?

…. to tell your children they must only have healthy snacks and then hide in the bathroom eating a chocolate bar?!?

…. to dose your child up on Calpol knowing that it is highly likely that there is nothing physically wrong with them, they are just being grumpy but you still think the Calpol with its magic voodoo powers may actually cheer them up?!?

…. to agree to play barbies with your child and then sneak on to Facebook on your phone once they are engrossed?!?

…. that as much as you love your kids when they utter words such as ‘Mummy, let’s play mummies and babies’ or ‘let’s pretend we’re going on a holiday’ you die a little inside and wish you could think of any excuse that would mean you needing to leave the house immediately?!?

…. that you ‘keep’ all their precious works of art but ‘accidentally’ recycle some of the less aesthetic pieces?!?

Sorry kids!! 😉😆

October Half Term Activities October 22, 2015

Congrats to all on making it through the first half term! Here we are facing down another week’s holiday with the kids and this one is jam packed with fun activities so I’ll do my best to list them out for you here:

Saturday 24th – Sunday 1st November

Various daily craft activities at Butterfly World, near St Albans including making hedgehog homes, bird feeders and pumpkin lanterns. For more info or to book, visit the website. If your child brought home the Primary Times magazine from school there is a half price voucher in there.

Pumpkin Festival at Willows Farm, London Colney. Free pumpkin for every child from the pumpkin patch and loads of seasonal activities as well as all the favourite animals and indoor and outdoor play. Willows Website.

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October

10.30am: How To Train Your Dragon 2 is this weekend’s Kids Club movie at Broadway Cinema. £1 per ticket.

Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12-3pm: A weekend of Trees at Dot to Dot Gallery. £3 per child, the whole family can create beautiful artwork inspired by the magical golden apple tree.

Monday 26th – Tuesday 27th October

11am-4pm: Let’s Animate the Firebird at Standalone Farm. Children of all ages can help illustrator and animator Jane Glynn to animate the Firebird story. With backgrounds to make, characters to create and photos to take, the whole family can get involved in creating this stunning original animation. Included in the usual entry fee.

Monday 26th October

9.15-10.15am or 10.30-11.30am: The open gym sessions are back at Marriotts Gymnastics Club in Stevenage. These are great sessions for children from walking to 5 years, an adult must supervise and the children have to wear no jeans, belts, buckles, zips or jewellery. It’s £5 per child (non-walking children free) It is a drop-in session and first come, first served but now that they run two sessions there’s not normally a problem getting in. 

10am-12.30pm or 2-4.30pm: Let’s Make Music at Dot to Dot Gallery. For ages 7+ with grade 2 in a musical instrument. A fantastic opportunuty to compose music together, bring or borrow an instrument and weave your favourite sounds into a magical new melody.

10.30-11.15am: Harpbeeps Baby Beeps – a magical, musical adventure for babies sitting to toddling with the Children’s Centres at St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock, SG7 5AE. £2 per child. Prebooking is possible for this event, please call your children’s centre to book.

11.30am-12.15pm: Harpbeeps Happy House – a magical, musical adventure for children under 5 with the Children’s Centres at St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Street, Baldock, SG7 5AE. £2 per child. Prebooking is possible for this event, please call your children’s centre to book.

11am: Free Halloween crafts at The Secret Garden, Hitchin. Sticking activity to create bat plates.

2pm: Spooky film and popcorn at The Secret Garden.

Tuesday 27th October

10.30-11.45am: Paint and play drop in session for 0-5s at Grange Scout Hut, Sparhawke, Letchworth, SG6 4PX. Explore paint in a range of activities with toys and a baby area. £1 donation.

11am: The Book of Life is today’s kids club film at Broadway Cinema. £1 per ticket.

11am: Free Halloween cake decorating at The Secret Garden.

11.30am-1pm: Kids Cook Harvest lunch club at Wilbury Hall, Bedford Road, Lgc. Suitable for school aged children 5+. Free session to make and eat soup, toffee apples, apple pie, drinks and apple pressing.

2pm: Spooky film and popcorn at The Secret Garden.

Wednesday 28th – Friday 30th October

11am-4pm: Pa-BOOM! Lantern Making Workshops at Standalone Farm. For children aged 3+ to transform  a paper bag into a magical lantern. Free workshop included in the admission price. Children who make a lantern can be part of the lantern procession on Friday and Saturday. (See further on in this blog for details of this)

Wednesday 28th and Friday 30th October

6-8pm: Spooky Halloween Discos at Space 2 Play, Hitchin. Disco, party games and fancy dress competition. Tickets must be booked by calling 01462 422354.

Wednesday 28th October

9.15-10.15am or 10.30-11.30am: The open gym sessions are back at Marriotts Gymnastics Club in Stevenage. These are great sessions for children from walking to 5 years, an adult must supervise and the children have to wear no jeans, belts, buckles, zips or jewellery. It’s £5 per child (non-walking children free) It is a drop-in session and first come, first served but now that they run two sessions there’s not normally a problem getting in. 

10.15-11.30am: Jackmans Spooky Stay and Play drop-in session for 0-5s at Jackmans Community Centre, Ivel Court, LGC, SG6 2NL. Toys, books, construction, soft play and craft activities with a spooky theme. £1 donation.

10.30am-2pm: Bats, cats and rats at the British Schools Museum in Hitchin. Drop in for fun make and play activities. £4 per child, advance booking recommended via the website.

11am: Free Ghouls and Ghosts colouring activities at The Secret Garden.

1.15-2pm: Story and rhyme time for under 1s at Lime Tree Children’s Centre. This session can be prebooked by calling your Children’s Centre.

2.15-3pm: Story and rhyme time for under 5s at Lime Tree Children’s Centre. This session can be prebooked by calling your Children’s Centre.

2pm: Spooky film and popcorn at The Secret Garden.

Thursday 29th October

10-11.30am: Just Babies drop in session at Chestnut Tree Children’s Centre for under 1s. Baby group with sensory play and rhyme time. £1 donation.

10.30-11.30am: Play Music Play drop in session for 0-5s at Icknield Scout Hall, Icknield Way, LGC, SG6 4AX. £1 per child, 50p per additional child.

11am: Halloween Mucky Pups at The Secret Garden. Find the bugs in the scary, squidgy jelly and slimy black and orange spaghetti.

11am: Shaun The Sheep is today’s kids club film at Broadway Cinema. £1 per ticket.

1.15-2pm or 2.15-3pm: Active Tots for children confidently walking at St Michael’s Church Hall, Broadway, LGC, SG6 3PQ. £2 per child. This session can be prebooked by calling your Children’s Centre.

2pm: Spooky film and popcorn at The Secret Garden.

Friday 30th – Saturday 31st October

Pa-BOOM! Fire Garden at Standalone Farm. Lantern procession at 6.30pm led by the children who made lanterns in the workshops  earlier in the week and local schools. Then view the Fire Garden with its fiery pathways, flaming fireballs, burning metal sculptures and cascading foutiains of water glowing with fire. If you wish to view the fire garden at your leisure then general admission is from 8pm after the procession. The Greenway Cafe will be open all evening for refreshments. You will need to book tickets for this unique event at £6 per adult, £4 per child and under 2s free. See Standalone’s website to book.

4.15-6pm: Halloween Parties at Little Rascals, Hitchin. Disco, games, activities and build a bear. Tickets can be booked by calling 01462 440248.

Friday 30th October

10am-3pm: Garden Square Shopping Centre’s Creepy Cavern! Be transformed into gruesome ghouls and blood curdling beasts with fiendish face painters and devilish dress up crew! The monster mugshot booth will capture the results on polaroid for you to take home and uploaded to the facebook page for a chance to win £100!

10.30am-12.30pm or 1.30-3pm: Make and Take Cooking at Chestnut Tree Children’s Centre. Adult and child cookery session where you prepare tasty food together to take home and cook. Suitable for children over 2.5 years. £2 per child. This session can be prebooked by calling your Children’s Centre.

2pm: Free Trick or Treat activities at The Secret Garden. A Halloween hunt, apple bobbing, colouring scary  masks and face painting. Also showing a spooky film and popcorn.

Saturday 31 st October – Sunday 1st November

10.30am: Penguins of Madagascar is his weekend’s kids club film at Broadway Cinema. £1 per ticket.

10.30am-4.30pm: Get Creative with the Fenner’s Artists, Digswell Arts Trust Fenners Building, 7 Openshaw Way, LGC, SG6 3EN. Free drop in sessions for all ages. Eight amazing artists will be sharing their skills and working with your family to create original artworks. Paint, draw, weave and sculpt with the Fenner’s Fellows. See the website for more info.

Saturday 31st October

11am-4pm: Let’s Tell Stories at Standalone Farm. Local storyteller Kathryn Holt will be telling the story of the Firebird and other magical tales. Including in the admission fee.

2-4pm: Spooky Saturday at the Howard Park & Gardens with the Junior Rangers. Loads of free family Halloween activities including arts, crafts and toffee apples! Mummy wrapping and pumpkin rodeo.

6-9pm: The Firebird Glows with ceramicist Debbie Bent at Digswell Arts Trust Fenner’s Building. Free drop in session for all ages to make you own clay firebird, wrap him in organic materials, tell him your secrets and cast him into the fire to watch him glow again.

Summer Holidays 2015 – Week 6 August 21, 2015

So here we are – the last week of the holidays already! There’s still loads more fun activities to fill your last week, so here they are:

Saturday 22nd – Monday 31st August

The Circus is at Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell, near Ware this week. Shows at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm every day. Tickets are £6 or free for under 3s sitting on knees. Tickets can be booked in advance online. There’s lots of other things to do at Van Hage while you’re there: a miniature railway, lots of animals to see and feed, nice cafe, etc.

Monday 24th – Friday 28th August

This week at Standalone Farm it’s all about Pirates and Princesses. Take a voyage with Imagica Theatre’s Pirate and Princess show or have fun with some classic party games in the party barn. Plus all the usual fun at the farm.

11.15am: Daily 45 minute art and craft activity at the Secret Garden, Hitchin. £12 for one adult and one child which includes craft activity, play and lunch for both of you. Extra siblings at £3 each. £7.50 if no adult meal required. Suitable for 2yrs plus and older siblings welcome, different themed class each day.

2pm: Free daily film and popcorn at The Secret Garden.

Monday 24th August 

9.15-10.15 or 10.30-11.30am: Two more open gym sessions at Marriotts Gymnastics in Stevenage for kids walking to 5 years.

10am-12pm: Just Babies at Chestnut Tree children’s centre. A fun morning for under 1s, no older siblings please.

11am-12pm or 1-2.30pm: Gymnastics at Hitchin Boys School for ages 3-10yrs. Courses must be pre-booked and paid for in advance. To book a place, please call Ally on 07745 569184 or email.

Tuesday 25th August

11am: Penguins of Madagascar is today’s Kids Club film at Broadway Cinema.

12.15-1pm: Another Tots Tennis session at Letchworth Sports and Tennis Club for 3-5yrs. More info on their website.

Wednesday 26th August

9.15-10.15 or 10.30-11.30am: Two more open gym sessions at Marriotts Gymnastics in Stevenage for kids walking to 5 years.

10am-4pm: Bugs and butterfly craft at Frosts garden centre in Willington. Each child will get to make a 3D bug rock bug mask and a bug or butterfly glider. All children will receive a bug colouring-in sheet and a bug chocolate treat. Craft sessions are £5.99 per child and include a drink and chocolate treat! Don’t forget that the free giant sandpit is also there. To book on to the craft session, visit the website.

10am-1pm: The Beach is back at Icknield Children’s Centre. Outdoor play with sandpit aimed at under 5s, older siblings welcome.

11am: Summer Singalong for 0-2s at The Secret Garden, Hitchin.

11am-3pm: Family Fun Day at Hitchin Boys School. £30 for 4 people. Suitable for the whole family this is a great chance for adults and kids to join in and have fun together. Activities include trampolining, gymnastics, archery, tennis, football, ballet, cheerleading, under 5s area, badminton, hockey, judo, table tennis, games and more! For more details call Ally on 07745 569184.

11am-3pm: Discovery Day at British Schools Museum in Hitchin. This week’s theme is Be Creative with Science. £3.50 per child aged 4 and above, adult admission free. For more details visit the website.

Thursday 27th August

Baby Sensory Summer Session at The Secret Garden, Hitchin. To book or for more info email Louise.

10am-3pm: Free summer craft workshop at Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth. These free summer craft sessions will be running every Thursday through August for kids aged 3 and above. This week’s activity is mermaids and monsters and all materials are supplied.

11am: Catch the latest Cinderella movie again at Broadway Cinema Kids Club.

12.15-1pm: The last Tots Tennis session of the holidays at Letchworth Sports and Tennis Club for 3-5yrs. More info on their website. If you’re interested in these sessions they run through term time on various days including the weekend.

Friday 28th August

10am-12pm: Urban Wildlife Workshop at Howard park  and gardens (by the paddling pool). Wildlife walks, making bug hotels and bird boxes and ‘wild art’. All ages welcome, meet at the Groundworks tent.

12-1.30pm: Minisports and Picnic on St Mary’s Infant School field in Baldock. Aimed at under 5s, older siblings welcome.

2pm: A Crafternoon of Fun at Frosts Garden Centre, Willington. Join a fun filled hour of Craftanoon! Children can choose from a wide range of crafts available and get messy and creative. Each child will receive their own biscuit to decorate followed by a glass of squash… a perfect afternoon treat! £7.99 per child.

Saturday 29th – Sunday 30th August

10.30am: Singalong Frozen is Kids Club at Broadway this weekend.

Bank Holiday Monday 31st August

8.30am-5pm: The ever popular annual Ashwell Show is back this Bank Holiday. A traditional village and horse show there are many attractions including a quad and motorcycle stunt show, bird flying display, Punch and Judy, dog show, vintage cars and tractors, children’s crafts, inflatables and lots of stalls. For full details and to get a 20% discount on advance tickets, visit the website.

So that just about wraps up the Summer holidays, hope you’ve all enjoyed it and found these blog updates useful.

Summer Holiday 2015 Activities – Week 5 August 14, 2015

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday so far, and if you’re not, we are now passed the half way mark so downhill all the way now!! Here’s some more fantastic activities for next week for you:

Monday 17th – Friday 21st August

Bring along your teddy friends to Standalone Farm this week as It’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic week. Help give teddies some TLC in their teddy bear hospital and help Hartley Bear who has lost his way to the teddy bear’s picnic in Imagica Theatre’s interactive show. All activities included in the usual admission fee and run alongside the other farm activities.

11.15am: Daily 45 minute art and craft activity at the Secret Garden, Hitchin. £12 for one adult and one child which includes craft activity, play and lunch for both of you. Extra siblings at £3 each. £7.50 if no adult meal required. Suitable for 2yrs plus and older siblings welcome, different themed class each day.

2pm: Free daily film and popcorn at The Secret Garden.

Monday 17th August

9.15-10.15 or 10.30-11.30am: Two more open gym sessions at Marriotts Gymnastics in Stevenage for kids walking to 5 years.

10am-12pm: Just Babies at Chestnut Tree children’s centre. A fun morning for under 1s, no older siblings please.

11am-12pm or 1-2.30pm: Gymnastics at Hitchin Boys School for ages 3-10yrs. Courses must be pre-booked and paid for in advance. To book a place, please call Ally on 07745 569184 or email.

Tuesday 18th – Thursday 20th August

Dot to Dot in The Wynd, Letchworth will be running two workshops on each of these three days; one at 10.30am and one at 1pm. This week’s theme is 3D and Tuesday’s session will be wire jewellery (for ages 8 and above), Wednesday paper and cardboard and Thursday found materials. The sessions are designed for aged 5 and over (with the exception of Tuesday’s wire jeewellery session) but if you have budding mini artists then please contact Dot to Dot and They will be able to give you more info re age suitability. Sessions are £5 each, £8 for two and £12 for three. To book a place please email Frances.

Tuesday 18th August

10-111.30am: Summer Fun with the children’s centres at the Grange Scout Hut. Aimed at under 5s, older siblings welcome.

11am: Paddington is the Kids Club movie at Broadway Cinema today. Tickets only £1 each

2.30om: Another Lego Duplo creative play session at the Secret Garden, Hitchin. Free session included in the usual entrance fee. 

Wednesday 19th August

9.15-10.15 or 10.30-11.30am: Two more open gym sessions at Marriotts Gymnastics in Stevenage for kids walking to 5 years.

10am-4pm: Fairy and Dinosaur craft at Frosts garden centre in Willington. Kids can colour in either a fairy or dinosaur mask and then make fairy wings or dinosaur magnets. Craft sessions are £5.99 per child and include a drink and chocolate treat! Don’t forget that the free giant sandpit is also there. To book on to the craft session, visit the website.

11am: Summer Singalong for 0-2 years at the Secret Garden, Hitchin filled with fun songs, nursery rhymes and live music. £5 per child, booking recommended. To book please email Helen.

11am-1pm: Mini stable day picnic at Harley’s Junior Jox Riding School. Aimed at younger kids to build confidence around the ponies. Adults stay with the kids and they get to muck out, groom and ride the ponies and a do a treasure hunt. There’s also ducks, geese, cats, rabbbits, guinee pigs, goat and pigs at the stables. Bring a picnic. £20 per child. To book or for more info call Karen on 07740 564900 or Peter on 07738 640412 or 01234 381156.

11am-3pm: Family Fun Day at Hitchin Boys School. £30 for 4 people. Suitable for the whole family this is a great chance for adults and kids to join in and have fun together. Activities include trampolining, gymnastics, archery, tennis, football, ballet, cheerleading, under 5s area, badminton, hockey, judo, table tennis, games and more! For more details call Ally on 07745 569184.

12.45-2pm:  Jackmans Pirates with the children’s centres at Jackmans Community Centre. Aimed at under 5s, older siblings welcome.

Thursday 20th August

Baby Sensory Summer Session at The Secret Garden, Hitchin. For details and to book, please email Louise.

10am-1pm: The Beach outdoor play with sandpit at Icknield Children’s Centre.

10am-3pm: Free summer craft workshop at Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth. These free summer craft sessions will be running every Thursday through August for kids 3 and above. This week’s activity is all about Superheroes and all materials are supplied.

11am: The Book of Life is the Kids Club film at Broadway Cinema.

Friday 21st August

9am-4pm: Own A Pony Experience at Harley’s Junior Jox Riding Stables. Your child can enjoy the experience of owning their own pony for a day. They will be responsible for feeding, mucking out, tacking up, grooming and everything involved in the upkeep of a pony. They will ride their pony twice in the day in all formats of riding such as dressage, horseball, gymkhana and show jumping. £70 per child. Please call Karen on 07740 564900 or Pete on 07738 640412 to book. 

9.15-10.15 or 10.30-11.30am: Two more open gym sessions at Marriotts Gymnastics in Stevenage for kids walking to 5 years.

10-11.30am: Stay and Play with the children’s centres at St Michael’s Church, Letchworth.

2-3pm: Play Music Play at Mrs Howard Memorial Hall. £5 per family.

Saturday 22nd – Sunday 23rd August

10.30am: Home is the kids club movie at Broadway cinema this weekend. Tickets only £1.

And that’s about it, have a good week!

Summer Holiday 2015 Activities – Week 4 August 8, 2015

Can’t believe we’ve come to week 4 already, so we must be half way through the holidays! Therefore I believe congratulations are in order for all those parents who haven’t managed to lose any of their children (acidentally or otherwise!) and who have made it to at least 5pm each evening before cracking open the wine bottle! Extra bonus points to anyone who has managed not to shout at their small people or gaze whistfully at September on the calendar! So, hang on in there people, only three more weeks to go and here’s all the fab stuff to keep the kids occupied next week:

Monday 10th – Friday 14th August

This week’s fab free activities at Standalone farm are all about Digging For Victory. Head back in time with Cookery Eatery who will be making the popular wartime recipe potato and carrot jam. Dig in the mud pits and search for rations that can be used in the potato painting arts and craft sessions. All of these activities on top of all the usual fun and included in the entry fee.

11.15am: Daily 45 minute art and craft activity at the Secret Garden, Hitchin. £12 for one adult and one child which includes craft activity, play and lunch for both of you. Extra siblings at £3 each. £7.50 if no adult meal required. Suitable for 2yrs plus and older siblings welcome, different themed class each day.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at The Secret Garden.

Monday 10th August

9.15-10.15 or 10.30-11.30am: Two more open gym sessions at Marriotts Gymnastics in Stevenage for kids walking to 5 years.

10am-12pm: Just Babies at Chestnut Tree children’s centre. A fun morning for under 1s, no older siblings please.

11am or 2pm: A Dragon’s Tale puppet show and workshop at Frosts garden centre in Willington. See Theatrix Arts perform this magical story based on the legend of the Lambton Worm through puppets, changing scenery, music and sound effects. You can then meet the puppets and create your very own dragon puppet. This is suitable for children aged 4+.Pre-booking is required. The activity lasts approximately 1 and ½ hours and children must be accompanied by an adult. Book your tickets here.

11am-12pm or 1-2.30pm: Gymnastics at Hitchin Boys School for ages 3-10yrs. Courses must be pre-booked and paid for in advance. To book a place, please call Ally on 07745 569184 or email.

Tuesday 11th – Thursday 13th August

Dot to Dot in The Wynd, Letchworth will be running two workshops on each of these three days; one at 10.30am and one at 1pm. This week’s theme is painting and Tuesday’s session will be biros and watercolour, Wednesday portraits and Thursday abstract. The sessions are designed for aged 5 and over but if you have budding mini artists then please contact Dot to Dot and They will be able to give you more info re age suitability. Sessions are £5 each, £8 for two and £12 for three. To book a place please email Frances.

Tuesday 1th August

10am-12pm:  Another fantastic Family Festival of Fun at Bancroft Park, Hitchin. Organised by NHDC with beach area, sports, games, inflatables, crafts, face painting and more and all completely free!

10-11am: Play Music Play at St Marys Infant School field, Baldock. £5 per family.

11am-1pm: Stay and Play session at St Marys Infant School field, Baldock. Free session run by the children’s centres.

11am: Big Hero 6 is the Kids Club movie at Broadway Cinema.

12.15-1pm: A Tots Tennis holiday session today at Letchworth Sport and Tennis Club. Fantastic session to introduce 3-5 year olds to the basics of tennis. £5 each, for details and to book a space, visit the website.

2-4pm: Another free Family Festival of Fun at Norton Common, Letchworth.

Wednesday 12th August

9.15-10.15 or 10.30-11.30am: Two more open gym sessions at Marriotts Gymnastics in Stevenage for kids walking to 5 years.

10-11.30am: The second of the Toddlers and Babies Plus holiday sessions at St Pauls church, Letchworth.

10am-4pm: Notebook and Keyring Fun at Frosts garden centre in Willington. Kids can decorate a notebook, pencil case and fun animal keyring, ready for going back to school Craft sessions are £5.99 per child and include a drink and chocolate treat! Don’t forget that the free giant sandpit is also there. To book on to the craft session, visit the website.

11am-3pm: Family Fun Day at Hitchin Boys School. £30 for 4 people. Suitable for the whole family this is a great chance for adults and kids to join in and have fun together. Activities include trampolining, gymnastics, archery, tennis, football, ballet, cheerleading, under 5s area, badminton, hockey, judo, table tennis, games and more! For more details call Ally on 07745 569184.

11am-3pm: Discovery Day at British Schools Museum in Hitchin. This week’s theme is Crafty Capers. £3.50 per child aged 4 and above, adult admission free. For more details visit the website.

12.45-2pm: Under the Sea play session at Jackman’s Community Centre organised by the Children’s Centres.

Thursday 13th August

10am-3pm: Free summer craft workshop at Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth. These free summer craft sessions will be running every Thursday through August for kids 3 and above. This week’s activity is frisbee decorating and all materials are supplied.

12.15-1pm: Another Tots Tennis session at Letchworth Sports and Tennis Club, Muddy Lane, Letchworth for 3-5 year olds. £5 each, for details and to book a space, visit the website.

2-3pm: Play Music Play session at Mrs Howard Hall (by the paddling pool), Letchworth. £5 per family.

2-4pm: Another Family Festival of Fun at Avenue Park, Baldock.

Friday 14th August

9.15-10.15 or 10.30-11.30am: Two more open gym sessions at Marriotts Gymnastics in Stevenage for kids walking to 5 years.

10am-1pm: The beach is back at Icknield Children’s Centre, on the field of Icknied Infant School outdoor play with giant sandpit.

12.30-1.30pm or 1.30-2.30pm: Trampolining holiday classes at Hitchin Boys School for ages 3+. £7 per hour or £5 for Sprung Loaded members. Places must be booked and paid for in advance so please call Ally on 07745 569184 or email.

Saturday 15th August

1-5pm: A Day of Nostalgia in Letchworth town centre. Live 40s and 50s music, military object handling, collectors market, vintage market stalls and VJ day children’s tea party.

Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th August

10am-5pm: Knebworth Country Show at Knebworth House. If you haven’t been to this country show before I can thoroughly recommend it, there are loads of great activities including Sheep Show, ferret racing, birds of prey, working dogs, children’s entertainment with Devilstick Peat plus Circus Skills Workshop, Knights of Honour medieval village & as well as arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees. Loads to keep the whe family entertained and even better, it is all included in the usual admission fee to Knebworth so not only can you go to the show but also the dinosaur trail and gardens, the fort and the adventure playground. Enough for a day’s entertainment alone. Entry in to the house can also be purchased on the day for a small supplement. Tickets will be available on the day but there is a 10% discount if you book in advance through the website.

10.30am: Night at The Museum Secret of the Tomb is the kids club film this weekend at Broadway Cinema.

That’s all for the week, have a good one!

Summer Holiday 2015 Activities – Week 3 July 31, 2015

Ok so the weather’s not been particularly brilliant this week but hopefully you’ve still been able to get out there and enjoy lots of fun activities with the kids. There’s another action packed week coming for you next week so here’s the lowdown:

Monday 3rd August – Friday 7th August

It’s Creepy Critter week at Standalone Farm so join Ameyzoo’s reptile and bug show to meet some of the World’s creepiest critters! Build a bug home, help build a bug hotel and make your own bugs in the art and craft sessions. All this fab activity is on top of all the usual fun of the farm and included in the usual entrance fee.

11.15am: Daily 45 minute art and craft activity at the Secret Garden, Hitchin. £12 for one adult and one child which includes craft activity, play and lunch for both of you. Extra siblings at £3 each. £7.50 if no adult meal required. Suitable for 2yrs plus and older siblings welcome, different themed class each day.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at The Secret Garden.

Monday 3rd August

9.15-10.15 or 10.30-11.30am: Two more open gym sessions at Marriotts Gymnastics in Stevenage for kids walking to 5 years. For details see last week’s blog post.

10am-12pm: Just Babies at Chestnut Tree Children’s Centre for under 1s. Please no older siblings.

11am-12pm or 1-2.30pm: Gymnastics at Hitchin Boys School for ages 3-10yrs. Courses must be pre-booked and paid for in advance. To book a place, please call Ally on 07745 569184 or email.

Tuesday 4th August – Thursday 6th August

Dot to Dot in The Wynd, Letchworth will be running two workshops on each of these three days; one at 10.30am and one at 1pm. This week’s theme is graphics and Tuesday’s session will be monochrome collage and line drawing, Wednesday typography/fonts and Thursday poster making. The sessions are designed for aged 5 and over but if you have budding mini artists then please contact Dot to Dot and They will be able to give you more info re age suitability. To book a place please email Frances.

Tuesday 4th – Sunday 9th August

The Circus is at Frosts garden centre at Willington. £6.99 per ticket with shows at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm each day. To book tickets visit the website. Worth knowing that if you’re interested in the circus but not around this week, it will also be at Van Hage garden centre later in August. Details to follow on a later blog.

Tuesday 4th August

11am: The ever popular Frozen is the kids club film at Broadway Cinema, Letchworth today.

11am-1pm: Art workshop at The barn, Victoria Pub, Hitchin. £14 per child to include lunch. Suitable for 5-13 years. To book, phone Jules on 07796 134925.

2.30pm: Free Duplo Lego creative play session at The Secret Garden, Hitchin. A specially designed class for for parent and child aged 18 months – 5 years incorporating. Storytelling, creativity and imagination

Wednesday 5th August

9.15-10.15 or 10.30-11.30am: Two more open gym sessions at Marriotts Gymnastics in Stevenage for kids walking to 5 years.

10am-4pm: Flowerpot Fun at Frosts garden centre in Willington. Kids can paint a terracotta pot and learn how to plant a summer plant. Craft sessions are £5.99 per child and include a drink and chocolate treat! Don’t forget that the free giant sandpit is also there and this week the circus too. To book on to the craft session, visit the website.

11am-3pm: Family Fun Day at Hitchin Boys School. £30 for 4 people. Suitable for the whole family this is a great chance for adults and kids to join in and have fun together. Activities include trampolining, gymnastics, archery, tennis, football, ballet, cheerleading, under 5s area, badminton, hockey, judo, table tennis, games and more! For more details call Ally on 07745 569184.

11am-3pm: Discovery Day at British Schools Museum in Hitchin. This week’s theme is Educating Teddy. £3.50 per child aged 4 and above, adult admission free. For more details visit the website.

12.45-2pm: Jackmans Minibeasts play session at Jackmans Community Centre with the Children’s Centres. Aimed at 0-5s.

Thursday 6th August

10am-3pm: Free summer craft workshop at Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth. These free summer craft sessions will be running every Thursday through August for kids 3 and above. This week’s activity is wooden spoon pals and all materials are supplied.

10am-1pm: The Beach at Icknield Children’s Centre. Outdoor play with sandpit.

10-11.30am: Dance Beat’s Princess School summer workshop at Pinehurst Community Centre, Birdie Way, Hertford, SG13 7SX. For Princesses aged 4-8 years to learn dance routines to Disney Princess songs, play princess games and crafts and much more. £8.50 per child, to book please email Laura.

11am: Mr Peabody & Sherman is Broadway Cinema’s Kids Club film.

Friday 7th August

9.15-10.15 or 10.30-11.30am: Two more open gym sessions at Marriotts Gymnastics in Stevenage for kids walking to 5 years.

12-2pm: Mini sports and picnic at Weston recreation ground, Maiden Street, Weston. Organised by the Children’s Centres and aimed at 0-5s.

12.30-1.30pm or 1.30-2.30pm: Trampolining holiday classes at Hitchin Boys School for ages 3+. £7 per hour or £5 for Sprung Loaded members. Places must be booked and paid for in advance so please call Ally on 07745 569184 or email.

Saturday 8th August and Sunday 9th August

10.30am: For all your Princes and Princesses Broadway Cinema have the magical new Cinderella film as their Kids Club film this weekend. Tickets only £1 each and I suspect this may be a popular one so book in advance.

And that’s that, have a good week!

Summer Holiday 2015 Activities – Week 2 July 24, 2015

Hope everyone’s enjoying the start of the holidays? We’ve had an action packed week of play dates, soft play, horse riding and giant sandpits! Here we are about to embark on week two when most of the holiday activities start up fully so I’ll try my best to guide you through it all! Here goes…

Monday 27th – Friday 31st July

It’s Friendship Week at Standalone Farm. As well as all the normal activities they will be making a giant friendship bracelet so the kids can make a loop and add a hand made charm. There will also be arts and crafts sessions where you can make gifts for your friends as well as garden games, hay maze, storytime and pet-a-pet. All activities are included in the usual entrance fee.

11.15am: Daily 45 minute art and craft activity at the Secret Garden, Hitchin. £12 for one adult and one child which includes craft activity, play and lunch for both of you. Extra siblings at £3 each. £7.50 if no adult meal required. Suitable for 2yrs plus and older siblings welcome, different themed class each day.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at The Secret Garden.

Monday 27th July

10am-12pm: Just Babies at Chestnut Tree Children’s Centre. If you’ve got under 1s it is so fab the children’s centre offer somewhere to go during the holidays when most other places are busy with the older kids. Please no older siblings.

11am-12pm or 1-2.30pm: Gymnastics at Hitchin Boys School for ages 3-10yrs. Courses must be pre-booked and paid for in advance. To book a place, please call Ally on 07745 569184 or email.

Tuesday 28th-Thursday 30th July

Dot to Dot in The Wynd, Letchworth will be running two workshops on each of these three days; one at 10.30am and one at 1pm.  This week’s theme is paper and Tuesday’s session will be mono printing, Wednesday collage/cut-outs and Thursday mosaics. The sessions are designed for aged 5 and over but if you have budding mini artists then please contact Dot to Dot and They will be able to give you more info re age suitability. To book a place please email Frances.

Tuesday 28th July

10am-1pm: The Beach is back at Icknield Children’s Centre. Outdoor play with giant sandpit.

10-11am: Play Music Play on St Mary’s School field, Baldock followed by stay and play 11am-1pm. £5 per family. Aimed at 0-5s but older siblings welcome.

10.30am: The Lego Movie is Broadway Cinema’s Kids Club film today. With tickets only £1 each these are always popular so pre-booking is advised.

11am-1pm: Art Workshop in the barn at The Victoria Pub, Ickleford Road, Hitchin. Suitable for ages 5-13 yrs £14 per child which includes lunch. To book a space please contact Jules on 07796 134925 or by email.

12.15-1pm: Tots Tennis at Letchworth Sports and Tennis Club. For £5 per child aged 3-5 years they can learn the basics of tennis through fun activities. An adult must be with them in the court. Details here.

Wednesday 29th July

9.15-10.15am or 10.30-11.30am: The open gym sessions are back at Marriotts Gymnastics Club in Stevenage. These are great sessions for children from walking to 5 years, an adult must supervise and the children have to wear no jeans, belts, buckles, zips or jewellery. It’s £5 per child (non-walking children free) It is a drop-in session and first come, first served but now that they run two sessions there’s not normally a problem getting in. They’ll be running these sessions all through the holiday so I’ll list all the future sessions on here.

10am-4pm: T-Riffic Decorating Fun at Frosts Garden Centre, Willingdon. Kids can design and decorate their very own t-shirt. £5.99 per child. Don’t forget the garden centre have also got their beach back this summer which is a fantastic free activity – an absolutely enormous sand pit all under cover complete with copious amounts of buckets, spades, sand moulds, etc. there’s also garden games, play houses and ride-ons. Well worth a visit and I can thoroughly recommend the yummy restaurant in the garden centre. For more details and to book the craft workshops, visit the website.

10-11.30am: Toddlers and Babies Plus holiday session at St. Paul’s Church, Letchworth. If you’ve got toddler aged kids or babies St. Paul’s are running a couple of their Toddlers Plus sessions in the holidays.

10-11.30am: Summer Fun at the Grange Scout Hut. Aimed at 0-5s but older siblings welcome. 

10-11.30am: Dance Beat Princess School Summer Workshop for ages 4-8 years. Learn dance routines to popular Disney Princess songs, Princess games and crafts, party dances and much more. Sandy Village Hall, Medusa Way, Sandy, SG19 1BN. £8.50 per child, places must be booked in advance by email.

11am: Summer Singalong for 0-2 years at The Secret Garden, Sun Street, Hitchin. Fun songs, nursery rhymes and live music.

11am-3pm: Family Fun Day at Hitchin Boys School. £30 for 4 people. Suitable for the whole family this is a great chance for adults and kids to join in and have fun together. Activities include trampolining, gymnastics, archery, tennis, football, ballet, cheerleading, under 5s area, badminton, hockey, judo, table tennis, games and more! For more details call Ally on 07745 569184.

11am-3pm: Discovery Day at British Schools Museum in Hitchin. This week’s theme is Paper Play. £3.50 per child aged 4 and above, adult admission free. For more details visit the website.

1.30-3pm: Dance Beat Princess School Summer Workshop for ages 4-8 years. Learn dance routines to popular Disney Princess songs, Princess games and crafts, party dances and much more. Arlesey Village Hall, High Street, Arlesey, SG15 6SN. £8.50 per child, places must be booked in advance by email.

2-4pm: It’s the first of the popular Family Festivals of Fun run by the North Herts District Council today at Avenue Park, West Avenue in Baldock. These fab free events are fun for all ages with various sports activities, inflatables, beach area, creative arts and crafts area, face painting and an under 5s area.

Thursday 30th July

Baby sensory summer session at The Secret Garen. To book or for more info email Louise.

10am-12pm: Family Festival of Fun at Bancroft Gardens in Hitchin. See Weds 29th for details.

12-.15-1pm: Tots Tennis session at Letchworth Sports and Tennis Club. See Tuesday 28th for details.

1.30-3pm: Dance Beat Princess School Summer Workshop for ages 4-8 years. Learn dance routines to popular Disney Princess songs, Princess games and crafts, party dances and much more. Thalian House, Bridge Road East (opposite B&Q)’ W.G.C, AL7 1JU. £8.50 per child, places must be booked in advance by email.

2-4pm: Family Festival of Fun at Norton Common, Icknield Way, Letchworth.

Friday 31st July

9.15-10.15am or 10.30-11.30am: Open gym at Marriotts. See Weds 29th for details.

10-11.30am: Stay and Play at St Michael’s Church, Letchworth. Aimed at 0-5s but older siblings welcome.

10.30am-12.30pm: Lion King themed Theatre Train session at Jungle Jims Playland in Sandy for aged 4-6. A 2 hour session of dancing, singing and acting for £10 which includes entry to the playland. Call 01767 682808 to book a space.

12.30-1.30pm or 1.30-2.30pm: Trampolining holiday classes at Hitchin Boys School for ages 3+. £7 per hour or £5 for Sprung Loaded members. Places must be booked and paid for in advance so please call Ally on 07745 569184 or email.

1-3pm: Lion King themed Theatre Train session at Jungle Jims Playland in Sandy for aged 7-9. A 2 hour session of dancing, singing and acting for £10 which includes entry to the playland. Call 01767 682808 to book a space.

Saturday 1st August

10.30am: Two by Two is the Kids Club film at Broadway Cinema.

12-4pm: Try Tennis For Free at Norton Common as part of the Great British Tennis Weekend. There will be free tennis sessions for all ages from 3 to adult. To find out more or to book on to a session, click here.

Phew, that is an action packed week! Hope you all all enjoy and hear no cries of bored kids!!

Summer Holiday 2015 Activities -Week 1 July 17, 2015

Another Summer holiday is nearly upon us so back by popular demand is my Summer Holiday activity blog! Each Friday (hopefully!😉) I’ll be publishing a blog post that lists all the upcoming activities for the following week. Even though most of your kids are still at school until the middle of next week there’s still a few things starting next week and Saturday 25th you’ll be spoilt for choice for fun family activities. So, without further ado, here’s the first week’s blog. I hope you find it helpful, but if you have any questions, suggestions or things you’d like to see listed here then please don’t hesitate to contact me through FB, twitter or by email.

11 July-5th September

2015 Summer Reading Challange. Collect a free starter pack from any Hertfordshire library. Children of all ages are challenged to read six library books of their choice and will be rewarded with stickers when they visit the library to talk to staff about the books they have read. After completing the challenge, children will be invited to attend a special presentation ceremony to receive a medal and certificate.

Tuesday 21st-Friday 24th July

11.15am: Daily 45 minute art and craft activity at the Secret Garden, Hitchin. £12 for one adult and one child which includes craft activity, play and lunch for both of you.  Extra siblings at £3 each. £7.50 if no adult meal required. Suitable for 2yrs plus and older siblings welcome, different themed class each day.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at The Secret Garden. See Website or facebook page for showings.

Tuesday 21st July

Stable day at Harley’s Junior Jox Riding School in  Pulloxhill, Beds. Suitable for kids aged 3 and above. Drop-off between 9 and 9.30 and collect at 2.30pm. £30 per child. Your child can spend a day at the stables to learn about looking after a pony. Feeding, mucking out, grooming, riding lesson, gymkhana and more. To book or for more info call Karen on 07740 564900 or Peter on 07738 640412 or 01234 381156.

Wednesday 22nd July

11am-1pm: Mini stable day picnic at Harley’s Junior Jox Riding School. Aimed at younger kids to build confidence around the ponies. Adults stay with the kids and they get to muck out, groom and ride the ponies and a do a treasure hunt. There’s also ducks, geese, cats, rabbbits, guinee pigs, goat and pigs at the stables. Bring a picnic. £20 per child. To book or for more info call Karen on 07740 564900 or Peter on 07738 640412 or 01234 381156.

11am: Summer Singalong at The Secret Garden. Fun songs, nursery rhymes and live music for 0-2 years.

11am-3pm: Ladybird Larks discovery day at the British Schools Museum, Hitchin. Celebrating 100 years of Ladybird Books. £3.50 for children aged 4 and above. Adult entry free. See the website for more info.

Thursday 23rd July

Baby Sensory summer session at The Secret Garden. Contact Louise on 07446 834072 or by email.

Friday 24th July

10.30am-12.30pm: Disney themed Theatre Train session at  Jungle Jims soft play in Sandy. For 4-6 years, this 2 hour session will teach the kids Disney themed dancing, singing and acting. £10 per child which includes entry into the Playland. Please pre-book your place by calling Theatre Train on 01234 782414 or email.

1-3pm: Disney themed Theatre Train session at Jungle Jims soft play in Sandy. For 7-9 years, this 2 hour session will teach the kids Disney themed dancing, singing and acting. £10 per child which includes entry into the Playland. Please pre-book your place by calling Theatre Train on 01234 782414 oremail.

Saturday 25th July

10am-4pm: Free Willy Wonka Party at the Garden Square shopping centre to celebrate their 40th birthday. Activities include a ‘Mouth-watering Marquee’ with chocolate fountains and fizzy fun, chocolate crafts, Willy Wonka hat making, face painting, selfie booth, golden ticket prizes and guest appearances from the Giant Candy Canes and Oompa Loompas!

10am-3pm: Open Day at North Herts Leisure Centre. A whole day of free family activities. FREE swimming (from 11am) free gym and classes, free children’s sports and activities, treasure hunt (with prizes from Cuthberts toys), bouncy castle, beat the goalie, BBQ, competitions and more.

10.30am: Book of Life is the kids club film at Broadway Cinema. Tickets are only £1 so booking recommended.

Enjoy the start of the holidays, see you next week!

May Half Term May 21, 2015

Another school holiday is nearly upon us so ‘what’s going on for the kids this half term?’ I hear you cry! Well cry no more for here’s the lowdown:

Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May

Watercolour Challenge at Dot to Dot, The Wynd, Letchworth. A fantastic activity for kids (and adults) of all ages this half term. Pop in to Dot to Dot any time during the week and collect your competition pack for just £3 which includes cartridge paper, tips on painting with watercolours and all the competition information. Watercolour paints can be bought there or they can be borrowed for a fully refundable deposit. There will be some great prizes to be won and all entries will be separated in to age categories starting. At 0-4s so get the kids painting and give it a go!

Saturday 23rd May

Letchworth outdoor swimming pool opens today and will be open every day through the summer. Fingers crossed for some nice warm weather this half term so we can get the kids down to the pool! If you’ve got more than one child then I’d really recommend checking with the pool what adult to child ratio they will allow in because last year it was quite small and they were pretty strict about it!

10.30am: Postman Pat the Movie is the kids club film this weekend at Broadway Cinema, Letchworth. Tickets are only £1, booking recommended.

Sunday 24th May

10.30am: Kids club at Broadway cinema is Postman Pat the Movie.

Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May

Hertordshire County Show, Herts County Showground, Dunstable Road, Redbourn, Herts, AL3 7PT. This annual show is absolutely packed with family activties, stalls, shows and displays including a circus, the Devil’s Horsemen, falconry displays, Titan the Robot, etc, etc. There really is so much to see and do check out the website where you can also purchase advance tickets that will save quite a bit on the gate price.

Monday 25th – Friday 29th May

All week Dot to Dot will also be at Standalone Farm hosting fab craft activities with the theme of ‘the farm in the past’ these will be:
11am-12pm: Tractor cardboard collages
12-1pm: Poetry and story writing with objects
1-3pm: Clay and fabrics mash-up 
Tuesday 26th May

10am-2pm: The Beach is back at Icknield Infant and Nursery school, Archers Way, Letchworth. Free drop-in organised by the Letchworth and Baldock children’s centre for under 5s but older siblings welcome. Outdoor stay and play with large sandpit and baby corner. Bring a picnic lunch.

11am: Free craft activity at The Secret Garden, 10 Sun Street, Hitchin, SG5 1AE. This holiday The Secret Garden are offering free craft activities included in the entrance price to this fab indoor play venue For children aged 0-5. Today’s activity is junk modelling.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at the Secret Garden.

Wednesday 27th May

9.15-10.15am or 10.30-11.30am: Marriotts Gymnastics open gym sessions, Stevenage for walking to 5 years. No need to book these sessions but they do get pretty popular (especially if it’s raining!) so best to get there in good time for whichever session you choose. £5 per child and only 2 children per adult. Kids must not wear jeans, belts, zips, buckles or jewellery and girls hair needs to be tied back.
11am: Biscuit decorating at The Secret Garden, Hitchin.

12.45-2pm: Jackmans stay and play with the Children’s Centres at Jackmans Community centre, Ivel Court. Aimed at under 5s but older siblings welcome.

1.30-3.30pm: Wild About Play family day. This is a free taster session of some of the activities that will be on offer at this Summer’s NHDC play scheme. Taking place at Letchwotprth Centre for Healthy Living, Rosehill Hospital, Hitchin Road, Letchworth, SG6 3NA.  Activities include bug hunting, scavenger hunt, den building and back to nature crafts. There will be a messy play space for the under 5s and fruity snacks and treats on the fire for all!

2pm: Free film and popcorn at The Secret Garden.

Thursday 28th May

10-11.30am: Boredom Busters at St Mary’s Hall, Baldock, SG7 5AD. Free drop in stay and play session with messy play with the Children’s Centres for 0-5s but older siblings welcome.

11am: Messy Play at The Secret Garden.

11am-12.30pm and 2-3.30pm: Puppets workshop at Letchworth Arts Centre for children aged 5+. £5 per chil, booking essential via Letchworth Arts.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at The Secret Garden.

Friday 29th May

9.15-10.15am or 10.30-11.30am: Marriotts Gymnastics open gym sessions for walking to 5 years. For details see Wednesday above.

11am: Happy Imaginations at The Secret Garden – making collages by gluing and sticking every day objects.

11am and 2pm: The Magic Porridge Pot and other Tasty Tales at Letchworth Arts Centre for aged 3 and up. Theatre show with puppets and original music. Tickets £8 adult, £6 child booked at Letchworth Arts.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at The Secret Garden.

Saturday 30th May

10am-5pm: All day at Standalone Farm today there will be story and dance sessions with Disco Duck. Introducing the very first Disco Duck story book “Wakey, Wakey Disco Duck” the story sessions will include the Disco Duck puppet and then the kids can take part in an upbeat dance session. There will also be free colouring sheets and stickers.

10.30am: The House of Magic is the kids club film this weekend at Broadway Cinema, Letchworth. Tickets are only £1, booking recommended.

Sunday 31st May

10.30am: The House of Magic is the kids club film at Broadway Cinema.

Easter Holiday Activities April 2, 2015

it only seems like yesterday that I was writing the February half term blog but here we are again staring down the barrel of another set of school holidays! So without further ado, here goes with the activities:

Saturday 28th March – Sunday 19th April

Easter Eggstravaganza at Willows Activity Farm,  Colney Heath, Herts. A choc-o-bloc programme of Easter family fun especially for the Easter holidays.  The Easter Bunny will be visiting every day, there’s an Easter Egg and Bunny Hunt with free chocolate treats for the kids, NEW Pig Racing and Goat Milking, family shows, adventure play, funfair rides, Tristan the Runaway Tractor and plenty of farmyard animals in our outdoor pens and our under cover animal barn. Full details here.

Wednesday 1st-Monday 6th April

Meet the Easter Bunny at Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Waldon, Essex. Take a train ride into the woods to meet the Easter Bunny and take the Easter trail. £8 per person. All details here.

Friday 3rd-Saturday 4th April

Easter in the gardens and park of Knebworth House. There’s an Easter quiz trail, the play area, bouncy castle, dinosaur trail, maze are open and there will be a vintage bus tranporting guests to and from the playground and gardens. Details here.

Friday 3rd-Friday 17th April

Easter activities at Standalone Farm including crafts, face painting, hay bale maze, Easter egg hunts, story time, planting vegetables, sack racing, bunny hops and special appearances from Peter Rabbit (on Saturday 4th April). Not all the above activities are available on all the days so check before you come if there’s something specific you’re interested in.

Friday 3rd-Saturday 18th April

Easter egg hunt around Letchworth town centre. Collect your trail from the Tourist Information Centre on Station Road then visit all the shops listed to find letters written in eggs and collect stickers. When you have found all the letters, write down the secret phrase and exchange it for a chocolate egg at the Tourist Information Centre.

Saturday 4th April

All day: Spring market in the Wynd with lots of stalls and free Easter card making and pottery/fabric/canvas painting with the Craft Cocoon.

10.30am: Broadway Cinema Kids Club are showing Rio 2 this morning. These kids club films are only £1 a ticket and usual really popular so book in advance if you’re interested.

Tuesday 7th April

All day: Spring craft activities at the Craft Cocoon, the Wynd, LGC. Make sun catchers, clay hanging decorations and decorated tote bags. £4 per child.

10-11am and 11.15am-12.15pm: Name plates and fun fonts workshop at Dot to Dot, the Wynd. Drawing and assembling names in interesting lettering. £5 per child or two for £8. These workshops must be pre-booked so email Frances to book your place.

11am: Paddington at Broadway Cinema Kids Club, only £1 per ticket.

11am: Creative crafts at the Secret Garden, Sun Street, Hitchin. Lots of Easter themed crafts suitable for all ages and abilities. £3.50 per 0-14 months and £5.50 for 15 months up or £7.50 to include lunch bag.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at the Secret Garden.

Wednesday 8th April

All day: Messy play day at the Craft Cocoon. £3 per family with structured crafts available too.

10-11am and 11.15am-12.15pm: Design your own bag workshop at Dot to Dot, the Wynd. Using fabric paint or pens or cutting fabric collage to decorate your own tote bag. £5 per child or two for £8. These workshops must be pre-booked so email Frances to book your place.

9.15-10.15am or 10.30-11.30am: Marriotts Gymnastics open gym sessions for children walking to 5 years. These holiday sessions have always been so popular that parents have been arriving earlier and earlier to get a space so this year they are running two sessions each morning which should make things easier. The sessions are £5 per child and make sure your children do not have any jewellery, jeans, buttons, belts and zips. Only two children per supervising adult. 

10am-12pm: NHDC Family Festival of Fun at Bancroft Gardens, Hitchin. If you haven’t been to one of these free sessions yet I’d really recommend them, they are brilliant fun for all ages with a creative arts and crafts area, face painting, a beach for making sandcastles and digging for treasure, an active area with all sorts of sports equipment and games, an area dedicated to under 5s and a bouncy castle or slide. There really is something for everyone and it’s all free!

11am: Easter egg painting and decorating at the Secret Garden, Sun Street, Hitchin. Suitable for all ages and abilities. £3.50 per 0-14 months and £5.50 for 15 months up or £7.50 to include lunch bag.

11am: Easter singalong for 0-2 years at the Secret Garden.

12.45-2pm: Jackmans stay and play session at Jackmans Community centre, Ivel Court with Chestnut Tree Children’s Centre. Aimed at under 5s. 50p dontation, no need to book.

1-3pm: Cookery Eatery for 4-11 years at the Secret Garden. £20 per child where they can make Spring rainbow loaf and chocolate cups.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at the Secret Garden.

2-4pm: NHDC Family Festival of Fun at Norton Common. For details see above for the one at Bancroft.

Thursday 9th April

Story art sessions at the Craft Cocoon. £3 per child.

10am-12pm: Easter Fun at the Beach with Icknield Children’s Centre on Icknield school field. Aimed at under 5s but older siblings welcome, bring a picnic.

10-11am and 11.15am-12.15pm: Tea party sculpture workshop at Dot to Dot, the Wynd. Make a tea set, cupcakes or picnic with found objects, card, fabric and paints. £5 per child or two for £8. These workshops must be pre-booked so email Frances to book your place.

10.30-11.45am: Stay and play with the Children’s Centres at St Michael’s Church Hall, Broadway. Aimed at under 5s. 50p donation, no need to book.

11am: Easter cardboard boxes workshop at the Secret Garden, Sun Street, Hitchin. Suitable for all ages and abilities. £3.50 per 0-14 months and £5.50 for 15 months up or £7.50 to include lunch bag.

11am: Frozen singalong at Broadway Cinema Kids Club. This one is always a popular one so best to book tickets in advance.

1.30pm: Kindy drama workshop for 3-5 year olds at the Secret Garden. £5 per child.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at the Secret Garden.

2-4pm: Another Family Festival of Fun, this time at Avenue Park in Baldock.

Friday 10th April

Structured spring craft activities at the Craft Cocoon. For all ages, drop in sessions £4 per child.

9.15-10.15am or 10.30-11.30am: Marriotts Gymnastics open gym sessions for children walking to 5 years.  For details see Weds 8th April.

10-11am and 11.15am-12.15pm: Teddy or pet portraits workshop at Dot to Dot, the Wynd. Bring a favourite teddy or picture of a pet. £5 per child or two for £8. These workshops must be pre-booked so email Frances to book your place.

11am: Squishy plates workshop at the Secret Garden, Sun Street, Hitchin. Create squishy sensory artworks. Paper plate shapes full of glitter, bright buts and bobs in a squishy gel bag. Suitable for all ages and abilities. £3.50 per 0-14 months and £5.50 for 15 months up or £7.50 to include lunch bag.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at the Secret Garden.

Saturday 11th April

9.30-11.30am: Biker Tots stay and play taster session at Shefford Lower School Hall. A fun session for kids walking to age 5 to learn and practice on a selection of balance bikes and ride-ons. All equipment provided, you can borrow helmets or bring your own. £2.50 per child, no need to book.

10-11.30am: Satuday group at Lime Tree Children’s Centre. 50p donation, no need to book.

10.30am: Tarzan at Broadway Cinema Kids Club.

Monday 13th April

9.15-10.15am or 10.30-11.30am: Marriotts Gymnastics open gym sessions for children walking to 5 years.  For details see Weds 8th April.

10am: Meet at the outdoor swimming pool for a buggy walk to Standalone farm. Places must be booked in advance so call the Children’s centre on 681334.

11am and 2pm: Biscuit decorating at the Secret Garden, Sun Street, Hitchin. Lots of Easter themed crafts suitable for all ages and abilities. £3.50 per 0-14 months and £5.50 for 15 months up or £7.50 to include lunch bag.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at the Secret Garden.

Tuesday 14th April

10-11am and 11.15am-12.15pm: Name plates and fun fonts workshop at Dot to Dot, the Wynd. Drawing and assembling names in interesting lettering. £5 per child or two for £8. These workshops must be pre-booked so email Frances to book your place.

11am: How To Train Your Dragon 2 at Broadway Cinema Kids Club.

11am and 2pm: Creative crafts at the Secret Garden, Sun Street, Hitchin. Lots of Easter themed crafts suitable for all ages and abilities. £3.50 per 0-14 months and £5.50 for 15 months up or £7.50 to include lunch bag. 

2pm: Free film and popcorn at the Secret Garden.

Wednesday 15th April

9.45-10.45am: Marriotts Gymnastics open gym sessions for children walking to 5 years.  Just one session this morning. For details see Weds 8th April.

10-11am and 11.15am-12.15pm: Design your own bag workshop at Dot to Dot, the Wynd. Using fabric paint or pens oe cutting fabric collage to decorate your own tote bag. £5 per child or two for £8. These workshops must be pre-booked so email Frances to book your place.

10.30am-1pm: Free stay and play session at Oughton Children’s Centre, Hitchin. Bring along a picnic.

11am and 2pm: Easter egg painting and decorating at the Secret Garden, Sun Street, Hitchin. Suitable for all ages and abilities. £3.50 per 0-14 months and £5.50 for 15 months up or £7.50 to include lunch bag.

12.45-2pm: Jackmans stay and play session at Jackmans Community centre, Ivel Court with Chestnut Tree Children’s Centre. Aimed at under 5s. 50p dontation, no need to book.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at the Secret Garden.

Thursday 16th April

Story art sessions at the Craft Cocoon. £3 per child.

10-11am and 11.15am-12.15pm: Tea party sculpture workshop at Dot to Dot, the Wynd. Make a tea set, cupcakes or picnic with found objects, card, fabric and paints. £5 per child or two for £8. These workshops must be pre-booked so email Frances to book your place.

10.30-11.45am: Stay and play with the Children’s Centres at St Michael’s Church Hall, Broadway. Aimed at under 5s. 50p donation, no need to book.

11am: The Book of Life at Broadway Cinema Kids Club.

11am and 2pm: Easter cardboard boxes workshop at the Secret Garden, Sun Street, Hitchin. Suitable for all ages and abilities. £3.50 per 0-14 months and £5.50 for 15 months up or £7.50 to include lunch bag.

1-2.30pm: Explorers Walk with Icknield Children’s Centre at Norton Common. Meet at the park by the outdoor pool. Older siblings welcome.

1.30pm: Kindy drama workshop for 3-5 year olds at the Secret Garden. £5 per child.

2pm: Free film and popcorn at the Secret Garden.

Friday 17th April

Structured spring craft activities at the Craft Cocoon. For all ages, drop in sessions £4 per child.

9.15-10.15am or 10.30-11.30am: Marriotts Gymnastics open gym sessions for children walking to 5 years.  For details see Weds 8th April.

10-11am and 11.15am-12.15pm: Teddy or pet portraits workshop at Dot to Dot, the Wynd. Bring a favourite teddy or picture of a pet. £5 per child or two for £8. These workshops must be pre-booked so email Frances to book your place.

11am and 2pm: Squishy plates workshop at the Secret Garden, Sun Street, Hitchin. Create squishy sensory artworks. Paper plate shapes full of glitter, bright buts and bobs in a squishy gel bag. Suitable for all ages and abilities. £3.50 per 0-14 months and £5.50 for 15 months up or £7.50 to include lunch bag. 

2pm: Free film and popcorn at the Secret Garden.

Saturday 18th April

10.30am: The Lego Movie at Broadway Cinema Kids Club.

And that’s about it! If you’re looking for details of holiday camps and playschemes then check out details from Letchworth Partnership of Schools here.

Happy Easter!