Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Summer Fun
Kool Kidz Camps
Kool Kidz are a well established provider of action packed holiday camps for children aged 4-12 years. They offer parents superb childcare as well as a ‘special treat’ for children during school holidays. Kool Kidz embrace children’s diversity and this is reflected in the daily planning of activities to ensure everyone has fun. The staff are qualified, professional and very enthusiastic and all are DBS checked. Kool Kidz staff really take pride in and enjoy their work and this ensures that the children will shine and enjoy their experience even more!
Visit www. koolkidzgroup.co.uk or call 01582 723449
Activity Day Camps
Our fun packed Ofsted registered Activity Day Camps at Willows Activity Farm run from 8.30am to 5.30pm for children from 3-12 years with all meals, drinks and snacks included in the price. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor fun guaranteed to keep the kids entertained all day long.
All Day fee £51.00, Half Day fee £36.00, Early and Late Clubs £3.50 each. Early Bird discounts available
Book online willowsactivityfarm.com
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Nursery
Looking after children from 6 weeks to 5 years old Willows Farm Day Nursery and Pre-School offers a special place for your child’s early years promoting a wholesome and nurturing environment with experiences to encourage learning opportunities throughout the day. As well as an outdoor classroom and play area there is also access to Willows Activity Farm. To find out more and book a visit call 01727 829535 or visit willowsfarmdaynursery.com
Wahay!! This summer sees “beach parties” at Rye-Assic Adventure Park, introducing our brand new attraction, the “SPLASH ZONE”.
The splash zone is a safe, fun environment where the kids can cool down during hot weather “play days”. With fountains, water sprays and nozzles galore your child can “splash” to their hearts content. All you need to bring is a towel and a swimming costume and of course …sun cream ! “it’s always sunny at Rye-Assic Adventure park…”
The price is £12.50 per child (age 01-12 years) Adults FREE. Includes: Entry into the Park, a “Dino” lunch box, children’s entertainer/host (Reggie the dinosaur), messy play and of course FREE ENTRY INTO THE SPLASH PARK. There will also be a raffle with great prizes too!
With the holidays in full swing, the sand pit and “shake” shack will both be available, as well as all the other features you know and love.
For further information visit www.ryeassic.co.uk or call 01992 460 895 Ext 1
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MARY POPPINS SUMMER COURSE 2018 FOR 4-17 YEAR OLDS
Come and have a jolly holiday course with Mary and Friends this Summer. Join the Banks family in their search for a new nanny as they are whisked away into a world of dancing on roof tops with “Chim Chim Cheree” or playing in the park with “Let’s go Fly a Kite”, we will have a super-cali-fragil-istic-expi-ali-docious week. From day one children will learn the dance, songs and lines ready for an amazing performance on the last day of the course. Performed in professional venues, Top Hat Summer Courses are great for children to meet new friends. If your child is brand new to performing or a seasoned veteran, all are welcome.
POTTERS BAR COURSE at the Wylyotts Theatre EN6 2HN
Mon 30th July – Fri 3rd August 2018, 10am-3pm each day (10am-1pm for 4-5 years)
ST ALBANS WEEK 1 COURSE at the Sandpit theatre, Sandringham School, AL4 9NX
Monday 6th- Friday 10th August 2018 (10am-3pm each day) 10am-1pm for 4-5 years
ST. ALBANS WEEK 2 COURSE at the Sandpit theatre, Sandringham School
Monday 13th- Thursday 16th August 2018 (10am-4pm each day) 10am-1pm for 4-5 years
COSTS:
£150 for 6-16 years for the week
£100 for 4-5 year olds
www.tophatstageschool.co.uk
Summer activities at Chiltern Open Air Museum
Join us for our famous Terrific Tuesday every Tuesday in Bucks School holidays. These are themed activity and craft days with all activities included within the Museum’s standard admission price. Take part in the national Arts Award Discover every Thursday throughout the summer holidays. On these Creative Thursdays artists and crafts people will be demonstrating on site and children can have a go at arty activities.
From 23 – 28 July you can book your child a spot on an archaeological dig next to the Museum’s Iron Age roundhouse. For 9 – 13 year olds book them onto the Museum’s Go Wild in the Woods holiday club (6 – 10 August) where children can learn how to create fire, make a bow, have a go at archery, purify water, build a tarp shelter and much more.
The Museum also offers a host of family experience days. And if that’s not enough there is a special living history event every weekend! Visit www.coam.org.uk
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Stagecoach Holiday Workshops
Children and teenagers can make friends, have fun and develop new skills at a Stagecoach Holiday Workshop. The workshops are designed for 7-18 year olds, with some areas offering workshops for youngsters aged 4-6 years old. No previous dancing, singing or acting experience is needed and there are no auditions, all that’s needed is the willingness to give it a go!
Stagecoach has years of experience in delivering high quality, fun performing arts lessons to children and teenagers. The professional teachers work with each student to improve their confidence in all three disciplines.
As soon as they arrive, your child will start making friends, having fun and learning some great new skills! By the end of the workshop your child will be more confident, more socially aware and fitter. A highlight of the week is the showcase when the participants can exhibit their new-found singing, acting and dancing skills to family and friends at the end of the week.
For term time performing arts classes at your nearest Stagecoach school, see advert on page 9. The schools below are also offering Stagecoach Holiday Workshops, please contact them to find out more and to book – places are limited!
Stagecoach Barnet, Stagecoach Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead, Stagecoach Harpenden, Stagecoach Potters Bar and Stagecoach Welwyn-Hatfield
Rock Up & Climb at the all-new Rock Up intu Watford!
An exciting new venue for kids & families of all ages & abilities to enjoy - offering 27 indoor climbing walls reaching 8m high, for an adventure like no other.
Complete with soft play to keep the younger ones entertained, an on-site cafe serving delicious drinks & hot food, there's something for everyone!
Opening Summer 2018!
For more info visit www.rock-up.co.uk/watford
Foxholes Farm
Enjoy 25 acres of fantastic views, come and see our cows, donkeys, alpacas, goats, sheep, small animals and so much more, our Farm Park is open 11-3pm every day throughout the summer holidays. Granny Smith’s Tea room serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, also explore our farm shop and butchery selling local and regional produce including cakes, fresh vegetables, condiments, ready meals, delicious cooked meats, fine cheese, tasty pies and our very own grass fed beef, so enjoy six weeks of summer fun here at Foxholes Farm!
St Albans Museum + Gallery now open!
St Albans Museum + Gallery opened its doors with a flourish in June. Make sure you make the most of this gem in Hertfordshire’s heritage crown this summer with a packed programme of events for families to enjoy. From drop in crafts to bookable workshops there really is something for everyone starting with a free Family Festival on Saturday 28th July where you can try out their new city centre trail and map. Check out all the events here www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk.
Intu Watford
This summer enjoy free fun and games at intu Watford, challenge us to a game of table tennis, chess or how about a game of four in a row? With over 130 stores packed with your favourite brands and family dining options including Ed’s Easy Diner and Pizza Express there is plenty to keep the whole family happy. Join the intu Family club to stay up to date with the latest offers and events today find out more at intu.co.uk/Watford
Enjoy the summer at Stevenage Leisure Park with a whole host of family fun! Choose from a variety of popular dining, leisure and fitness activities including Cineworld, Mr Mulligan’s Lost World Golf, Oxygen Free Jumping and lots more! Plus we’re open late with over 1,200 free parking spaces! For more information visit stevenageleisurepark.co.uk or like us on Facebook.
Lee Valley Park Farms invites you to explore its three themed fortnights of adventurous fun between 21 July to 2 September. Each event showcases a different group of animals paired with engaging activities for your little ones. The Summer of Adventure includes Hawking Around (21 Jul – 3 Aug), Horse Play (4 – 17 Aug) and Critter Crazy (18 Aug – 2 Sept). For just £18pp, you and your herd can grab the Summer Pass and enjoy unlimited visits to the farms throughout the entire summer.
Barracudas Activity Day Camps offers fun holiday childcare for working parents
- UK’s No.1 activity day camp provider with 40+ locations
- Fantastic range of 80+ activities for 4½ to 14 year olds
- Extended hours to suit working parents
- Rated ‘OUTSTANDING’ by Ofsted more times than any other comparable provider
- Qualified and experienced staff with high staff to child ratios
- Money Back Guarantee for first time bookers
- All childcare vouchers accepted
Barracudas has been entertaining kids between the ages of 4½ to 14 years for over 25 years. This family-run company is a leader in the field, offering an amazing experience for children in fantastic settings. With a choice of varied activities for every session including archery, fencing, arts & crafts, motor sports and dance & drama it’s no wonder Barracudas is the UK's No.1 choice.
Peace of mind is priceless for parents looking for school holiday childcare. All Barracudas camps are Ofsted registered, with more ‘Outstanding’ ratings than any other comparable provider. Each venue is easily accessible and they offer added flexibility for busy parents with their Early & Late Clubs to ease the pressure of the commute.
Barracudas is an excellent holiday childcare solution for children and parents alike!
Where will your child play…?
Bishop’s Stortford College
SUMMER: 16th July – 24th August
Abbot’s Hill School, Hemel Hempstead
SUMMER: 23rd July – 17th August
Haileybury, Hertford
SUMMER: 23rd July – 24th August
St Christopher School, Letchworth
SUMMER: 23rd July – 17th August
Sandringham School, St Albans
SUMMER: 23rd July – 17th August
Watford Grammar School for Boys
SUMMER: 23rd July – 17th August
Sherrardswood School, Welwyn
SUMMER: 23rd July – 24th August
If you’re interested in booking Barracudas then don’t wait around, they sell out fast, so to secure your child’s place for summer 2018 call now on 0845 123 5299 or visit www.barracudas.co.uk.
Big Bounce – Fri 3 August
Join us for summer fun in our HUGE auditorium filled with softplay, bouncy castles, ball pits, giant balloons, music and lights!
Recommended for Toddlers to 8 years old.
Big Fish Little Fish – Sun 23 September 2018
Award winning, bonkers family fun with Big Fish Little Fish family rave in Watford! World class DJs on the decks playing classic club tracks with bubbles, glowsticks, glitter, crafts, play, club visuals, giant balloons, legendary parachute dance, licensed bar and so much more!
Recommended for 0 to 8 years old.
Linton Zoo is open every day throughout the summer holidays and with an admission fee of £10.00 for an adult and £7.50 for children 2 to 13 years, we’re sure you will find your family outing fantastic value for money. There is also a basic children’s play area, free parking within the zoo grounds, coffee shop and all other usual facilities. For more information, visit our website www.lintonzoo.com , call us on 01223 891308, email lintonzoo@hotmail.co.uk or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for all the latest news, stories and cute pictures, just click on the link from our website.
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The weather is warm and bright, birds are singing and butterflies are gliding – it’s time to get outside in nature!
What better way, than to visit RSPB Rye Meads over the holidays?
Every day you can take part in pond dipping, our Summer Trail, hire binoculars or rent an explorer backpack! Explore our reserve and see the blue flash of kingfishers and the glittering wings of dragonflies. We have fresh coffee, hot tea, chilled drinks, snacks and artisan ice cream.
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Seaside #byRiverside will be returning this summer on the 21st July at Riverside Shopping Centre, Hemel Hempstead. You’ll be able to make the most of the summer sunshine with the beach being open every day from 10am – 4pm. We’re also making sure the little ones are kept entertained with free activities and games taking place, take a look at our website or Facebook page for further information. The beach will be leaving Riverside Shopping Centre on the 2nd of September.
Standalone Farm has its traditional summer of fun, with a different special event on every week of the summer holidays, all included in the price of admission. This year’s big feature is displays by Andrei Burton, the UK’s #1 mountain bike trial athlete, and his team of daredevils – they will be performing 20-24 August. There’s also circus skill workshops, falconry displays, dog and duck shows and donkey rides – check out standalonefarm.com for all the details.
There’s plenty on for kids at Letchworth’s Broadway venues this summer. Little artists will love the new exhibition for children at Broadway Gallery – Great and Small: Animals in Craft. Down the road at Broadway Cinema & Theatre, there are Kids Club cinema screenings for just £1, and right at the end of the holidays The Amazing Bubble Man is coming to Broadway Theatre (Sat 1 Sept)! Don’t forget to check out the new autumn theatre season that’s now on sale.
If you are looking for an adventurous day out for the children or an action packed family challenge then XC is for you! XC, in Hemel Hempstead offers caving, climbing, a high ropes course and a skatepark. If your 8 – 14 year old just cannot choose which activity to take part in then our ‘Extreme Holiday Experience’ is highly recommended. This full day, from 10am – 4pm packs in all of the activities, with lunch included! Book online now: www.thexc.co.uk. *Skatepark included if you bring own equipment, helmet essential.
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The Galleria
Schools out for summer! Looking for a fun weather-proof day out for all the family? Look no further! Run wild at giant indoor adventure playground Get Wild! Treat them to a great movie at The Odeon and end your perfect family day out with a great meal at one of the many family friendly restaurants. Plus look out for some surprise guests during your trip, some fun characters will be treating guests to sweets and treats on selected days. All this and the opportunity for a look around the shops and some retail therapy for you, bliss! www.thegalleria.co.uk
At 360 Play, adults are encouraged to join in the fun in a safe and secure environment and all of our six (soon to be seven) UK centres are designed with the whole family in mind. The wide range of facilities on offer ensures that there are activities and opportunities for all ages and abilities. Our full-sized play frames and slides are sized for parents to play on with their children and you’re never too old to enjoy whizzing around the dodgem track. For the imaginative guests there’s 360 Street where you can try out different careers, dress up in the boutique and visit the supermarket. Our messy play area is a must for all those essential, messy, mucky things parents would love to have the time and inclination to do with their children. We have messy play activities specifically designed for our younger customers during term time that they can enjoy with Mum or Dad. When the weather permits, our outdoor area play area* offers even more challenges and experiences.
Follow us on Face book or visit our website www.360.play.co.uk
Summer of Monster Fun at Gulliver’s
See the characters of Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation at Gulliver’s Theme Parks this summer. Use the voucher in this magazine for £59 family entry. Enjoy a massive selection of rides and attractions across three great locations. Gulliver’s rides and attractions are perfect for children aged 2 to 13. Join the characters of Hotel Transylvania 3 at Gulliver’s Warrington, Milton Keynes and Matlock Bath from Saturday 7th July until Sunday 2nd September Discover a summer of monster fun only at Gulliver’s Theme Parks. Please see voucher for offer terms and conditions. www.gulliversfun.co.uk
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Van Hage is more than just a garden centre; not only do we offer a treasure-trove of exciting and practical ideas for gardeners and home lovers, we have a Miniature Railway on site, a FREE Animal Garden, Ventura Wildlife’s Zoological Garden plus exciting events throughout the year and catering to delight you on every visit. During the Summer Holidays, John Lawson’s Award Winning Circus will be returning 18th - 27th August. This exciting show will include many new acts, both children and adults will enjoy. To find out more and to book online visit www.vanhage.co.uk
Come and visit over 800 exotic animals and 30 life-sized moving dinosaurs at Paradise Wildlife Park this summer. Enjoy our amazing Big Cats or cheeky Small Monkeys, 5 adventure play areas, Paradise Lagoon paddling pool, our BRAND NEW World Of Dinosaurs attraction plus loads more to see and do! It really is the perfect family day out with something for everyone. We are located in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QA – Call us on 01992 470 490 or visit www.pwpark.com for more information!
Re:play Summer Holiday Club 2018 is full of fun!!! We can't wait for it to start!
We have a jam packed programme of fantastic activties this year! Book now to join all the fun!! replay5905@ntlworld.com
Re:play provides a safe and fun place for all 4-11 year olds to play. There's plenty going on to suit all ages & interests, with a wide range of toys & equipment, really exciting workshops, amazing activities, cool & crazy games & sports PLUS lots of outdoor fun!
Our enthusiastic, qualified & experienced staff team are looking forward to meeting you all!
British Schools Museum
This summer we are truly bringing learning to life with our creative, hands on discovery days. We will be exploring a different theme each week of August based on a school subject you know, but with a little Victorian twist. Get creative with crafts, experiments, challenges and games to fuel your imagination. For children aged 4-11 years old. Every Wednesday and Thursday in August, 10.00-12.00 and 13.00-15.00. £5 per child which includes a drink and a biscuit. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Join the fun at Knebworth House, Park, Gardens, Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail.
Park & Garden Admission: £9.50, Family Ticket £34, Season Ticket £40, under 3’s go free.
This season’s special events include:
Garden Theatre Dr Dolittle – 9th August
Multi-award winning theatre group, Illyria, returns with Hugh Lofting’s Dr Dolittle. Suitable for ages 5+. Gates open 6:00pm, 7:00pm start, running for approximately 1 hour 40 including 20-minute interval. Price: Adult £14.00, Child £10.00, Family (4 people) £42.00.
01438 812661.
This summer we are delighted to welcome Luna Cinema for children to Hatfield House for the very first time! Parents and children can enjoy a fun cinema experience together in the fresh air and summer sunshine. Families can take their pick from 16 screenings at Hatfield House, including new blockbusters and award winning classics including Trolls, Paddington 2, Beauty and the Beast! To see a full run down of the films and times please visit www.hatfield-house.co.uk
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