Every summer I tell myself I’ll have six weeks of exciting activities planned before the school holidays even begin.
Then reality arrives.
The washing basket seems to double overnight, the weather can’t decide whether it’s raining or 30 degrees, and before long I’m hearing those familiar words…
“What are we doing today, Mummy?”
If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone.
Living in Hertfordshire, we’re incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful places right on our doorstep. Some are completely free, some are worth spending a little money on, and all of them have the potential to create lovely family memories.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration this summer, here are some of my favourite places to explore with children.
🌳 Best Free Days Out
Heartwood Forest
If your children need to burn off some energy, this is one of my favourite places to visit.
There are miles of walking trails, open spaces for picnics and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. It’s one of those places where children naturally begin exploring without needing organised activities.
Perfect for: Picnics, scooters, nature walks and den building.
Verulamium Park
One of Hertfordshire’s best-loved parks for a reason.
There’s plenty of space to run around, a fantastic playground, beautiful lakes and lots of ducks that children always seem to enjoy watching. Bring a football, a picnic and you’ll easily spend a few hours here.
Perfect for: Picnics, children’s play area, mini golf, toddler splash park and more.
Fairlands Valley Park
If your family enjoys being outdoors, this is well worth visiting.
Walking trails, lakes, cycling routes and plenty of open space make it ideal for children of all ages. During the summer there are often additional activities available too.
Perfect for: Sailing, splash park, woodland and more.
💦 Perfect For Hot Summer Days
When the weather is anything like it has been recently, water becomes everyone’s best friend.
Splash Parks
If your children love cooling off, it’s worth checking your local council website for splash parks and paddling areas nearby before you travel, as opening times can vary depending on the weather. You can find a list of a few here.
Don’t forget:
✔ Sun cream
✔ Water bottles
✔ Spare clothes
✔ Towels
You’ll thank yourself later!
🐑 Animal Lovers
Standalone Farm
This has become a favourite with so many local families.
Children can meet farm animals, enjoy the outdoor play areas and learn a little along the way without it feeling like a lesson.
If your child loves animals as much as Eloise does, it’s a lovely day out. Best to pre-book your tickets
Willows Activity Farm
A classic Hertfordshire family day out.
There’s always plenty happening, especially during the school holidays, from animal encounters to adventure play. It’s not the cheapest option on the list, but if you’re looking for a full day out, it’s definitely worth considering.
Highly recommend booking your tickets online.
🌧 Rainy Day Ideas
Let’s be honest…
This is Britain.
At some point during the summer holidays it’s almost guaranteed to rain.
Some of our favourite rainy-day ideas include:
• Visiting the local library.
• Exploring a museum or a gallery.
• Indoor climbing.
• Soft play.
• A family café visit followed by charity shop treasure hunt.
Sometimes those slower days are exactly what everyone needs.
🍦 Simple Days Are Often The Best
One thing I’ve realised over the years is that children rarely remember how much something cost.
They remember chasing bubbles.
Finding the perfect stick in the woods.
Sharing an ice cream.
Splashing in puddles after an unexpected shower.
Watching ducks steal someone else’s picnic.
Some of our favourite family memories have been completely unplanned.
As parents, it’s easy to feel pressure to fill every day with exciting adventures, especially during the summer holidays. The truth is, children don’t need every day to be extraordinary.
Sometimes they just need time with us.
A Few Things I Always Pack
No matter where we’re heading, these are usually in my bag:
💧 Refillable water bottles
🍎 Snacks
🧴 Sun cream
🧢 Sun hats
🌧 A lightweight waterproof jacket (because… Britain!)
🩹 A few plasters
📖 A book or colouring activity for quieter moments
If you’re spending the summer holidays exploring Hertfordshire too, I’d love to hear your favourite places to visit. I’m always looking for new adventures to add to our list, and I’m sure other parents would love the recommendations too.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer filled with sunshine, laughter and lots of special memories.
Bonita x
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