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IN THIS ISSUE
New Year, New You Festivals Education Issue 126 January/February 2026 Familiesonline.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.uk Families Magazine
1
FESTIVALS
Best family-friendly festivals 2026 Compiled by Andrew Campbell There’s endless fun for families to have at family-friendly festivals across the UK in 2026. Our selection of festivals below all offer a fusion of music, arts, entertainment and outdoor adventures. The BritFest 2-5 July Ashley Hall, Altrincham, Cheshire
Designed with families in mind, activities include arts and crafts, face painting, an outdoor minicinema and classic funfair rides. There’s also plenty of live music and entertainment suitable for all ages, plus options for camping or glamping for a full weekend adventure. www.thebritfest.co.uk
Y Not Festival 30 July-2 Aug Pikehall, Derbyshire
Y Not Festival is a lively music festival which offers a familyfriendly experience with plenty of activities for children. Alongside its diverse music lineup, Y Not features a dedicated Kids’ Area with arts and crafts, workshops, games and circus skills. There are also funfair rides, storytelling and interactive performances to keep younger festival-goers entertained. Families can also benefit from a dedicated camping area for a quieter night’s rest. www.ynotfestival.com
DevaFest 6-9 August Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire
DevaFest goes all out for families, especially kids, offering unlimited free fairground rides, circus skills workshops, magic shows, puppet theatre, dedicated kids’ entertainment zones, interactive storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, face painting and themed parades. Additional highlights include family discos, character meet-and-greets and treasure hunts. With extensive outdoor play areas and a focus on safety, DevaFest provides a structured, engaging programme to keep children entertained. www.devafest.co.uk
Shindig Festival 21-24 May Charlton Park, Wiltshire
Shindig Festival is a familyfriendly event that blends music, dance and creative arts with a strong community vibe. The large kids’ area is packed with free activities from 9am to 5pm daily, including arts and crafts, circus skills, workshops, games and interactive performances. There are also family-friendly shows, plenty of space for children to play and explore and a packed programme of entertainment for all ages. www.shindigfestival.co.uk
The Long Road Festival 27-30 August Stanford Hall, Leicestershire
A family-friendly celebration of country, Americana and roots music, fusing good time country music, U.S. inspired street food and great entertainment. Kids are entertained in a dedicated area with American camp style games, kids’ tractor racing, crafting and evenings spent around open campfires listening to country music under the stars. www.thelongroad.com
The Great Estate Festival 29-31 May Scorrier Estate, Redruth, Cornwall
Known for its eclectic mix of music, art, theatre and adventure. Families will find a wealth of activities for children, including circus workshops, storytelling, arts and crafts, vintage fairground rides and interactive performances. The festival’s beautiful grounds host woodland trails, secret gardens and quirky entertainment, providing plenty of space for kids to explore and play. It’s a vibrant, welcoming festival perfect for all ages. www.greatestatefestival.co.uk
The Green Man Festival 20-23 August Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Wales
This independent music, science and arts festival nestled in the Brecon Beacons boasts plenty of large and small music venues, plus comedy, film, literature, art, science and playful mischief across dedicated zones. The festival’s Little Folk area offers hands-on workshops, nature activities, science experiments, arts and crafts and interactive performances. There are family-friendly theatre shows, storytelling sessions and dedicated play spaces designed for various age groups. www.greenman.net 2 Families Magazine
Camper Calling 28-30 August Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire
Camper Calling is a true family festival for children of all ages. Kids can dive into creative workshops, music sessions and hands-on arts and crafts. There’s a dedicated Kids Stage, circus skills, woodland walks and adventures. The festival’s safe, friendly atmosphere means families can relax and enjoy live music while little ones explore, learn and play. Adults can enjoy an eclectic music lineup with acoustic sets and emerging talents. www.campercalling.com Familiesonline.co.uk
CONTENTS
Hello!
In this issue
Wishing all our readers good health and happiness in 2026!
4 6 8-9 10 12
Many of our features in this issue relate in some way to the theme of health and happiness too. Our New Year, New You feature offers suggestions for New Year’s resolutions that will improve your life AND that you can actually stick to; in our Health feature, you’ll discover tips for lightening your own mental load this year. Meanwhile, in education, our feature looks at how success in education should be defined, and another article provides tips to parents on how to communicate effectively with the school. And, of course, there’s fun to be had and to look forward to! Despite it being winter, there is still plenty to enjoy locally with your family – take a look at our What’s On guide. Our guide to family adventure holidays should tempt your travel taste-buds too, while, in the UK, we have compiled our recommendations for family-friendly festivals to go to this summer. We also focus on the under 5s in this issue. So, if you have a young baby or are expecting one, read advice on how to interpret your baby’s cries; and find out how to overcome your toddler’s fear of the bath. Finally, we have three Tickit Woodland Trail Treehouses to give away, worth £39.99 each.
Apply inside and also ensure you receive our newsletter with more giveaways and useful information.
Editor: Dale Harry Tel: 07958284983 Email: editor@familiesherts.co.uk Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk /FamiliesHerts Families Herts is a franchise of Families Print Ltd of 75 Lisbon Avenue, Twickenham TW2 5HL. Families is a registered trademark of Families Print Ltd. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.
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NEWS
Are you a busy Hertfordshire family?
Mothers lose pay after childbirth
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Mothers in the UK lose an average of £65,618 in pay by the time their first child turns five, according to new research from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This significant loss highlights the so-called ‘motherhood pay penalty’, which occurs as many women reduce their working hours, switch to lower-paid jobs, or leave work altogether after having children. The analysis shows that mothers’ earnings fall sharply compared to childless women and fathers, mainly due to childcare responsibilities and a lack of flexible work options.
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Children’s Booker Prize announced THE ORGANISED LIVING COMPANY Making a house a home
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The Booker Prize Foundation has unveiled the Children’s Booker Prize, a major new award celebrating contemporary fiction for children ages 8 to 12. Supported by the AKO Foundation, the prize launches this year, with the first winner announced in February 2027. The award carries a £50,000 prize for the winning author, equal to the adult Booker Prize and aims to inspire a new generation of readers at a time when children’s reading for pleasure is at its lowest in twenty years. A shortlist of eight books will be announced in November, with at least thirty thousand copies of shortlisted and winning titles gifted to children across the UK and Ireland.
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Chaired by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the UK’s Children’s Laureate, judging will involve both adults and children. Familiesonline.co.uk
NEWS
Fun, friendship and confidence: Perform’s spring-term classes
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Looking for a fun way to boost your child’s confidence this spring? Perform offers weekly classes in drama, dance and singing for ages 4-7 and 7-12, combining joy, creativity and self-expression. Alongside learning new life skills each week, the children work towards a magical end-of-term performance that gives every child a chance to shine. This term’s programme is packed with confidence-building activities, from expressive communication and listening skills to learning how to be a great teammate – all delivered with Perform’s signature energy and encouragement. Children can enjoy a free trial session before joining, allowing time to discuss individual needs. Productions this spring: Ages 4-7: Midnight in the Toyshop – a toytastic adventure; Ages 7-12: Outlaw – a thrilling retelling of Robin Hood. To book a free, no-obligation trial (Bishops Stortford, Broxbourne, Goffs Oak, Harpenden,Hertford,Hitchin, Knebworth, Letchworth, Potters Bar, Radlett, Royston, St Albans and Welwyn Garden City), Visit www.perform.org. uk/try
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CONFIDENCE
Drama, dance & singing classes designed to help 4–12 year olds shine Venues across Hertfordshire To book visit perform.org.uk/try
SHOW UP AND FEEL BETTER AT GOSLING SPORTS PARK From solo gym sessions to fitness classes with your friends, your local leisure centre is the perfect place to get you moving. Show up your way and join the community. better.org.uk/gosling
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Families Magazine 5
EDUCATION
Redefining educational success By Gavin McCormack In my twenty-five years as a school teacher, I’ve had hundreds of conversations with parents about what would be best for their children. What all those conversations had in common was that no matter what was happening at home, in the classroom or with the children’s learning, what parents wanted most from education was for their children to be happy. And why not? Nothing is more precious than seeing a child truly happy and content in being who they are. Yet many of us still enrol our children in schools that boast about achieving the highest grades, having the biggest swimming pools or ranking highest on national league tables, without considering what these schools do to make our children feel content, purposeful and passionate. The reality of being number one In 2022, the OECD’s PISA rankings named Singapore as the number one school system in the world regarding academic attainment. The country has a regular spot in the top five, alongside Taiwan, Macau and Japan. But does that mean those children are getting the best start in life? Paradoxically, the OECD also releases The World Happiness Report, which ranks the world’s happiest countries. If academic rankings were linked to happiness levels, surely we’d see the same countries in the top positions on both reports? But that’s not the case. Iceland, Sweden, Denmark and Finland all top the happiness rankings. How can that be? There is a clear mismatch between our children’s academic grades and their levels of happiness. Although Singapore’s education system is renowned for its academic rigour and high standards, I’ve heard numerous firsthand accounts that this desire to be the best comes at a cost. Several studies speak to this same cost - alarmingly high levels of anxiety among Singaporean students, primarily attributed to academic pressure - including the 2017 OECD study that found eighty six percent of Singaporean students were worried about getting poor grades - even when well-prepared, compared to the OECD’s global average of sixty six percent (which is still very high).
The study revealed that the pressure stems from various sources, including parental expectations, societal emphasis on academic achievement and the competitive nature of the education system itself, which is not unique to Singapore. A fear of failure and internalising expectations doesn’t sound like a healthy childhood to me. The consequences of chronic stress can be severe, affecting students’ mental and emotional wellbeing, sleep patterns and quality of life. The focus on academic achievement can also lead to losing interest in learning, where the joy of discovery is replaced by the anxiety of performance. Simply put, if we put too much emphasis on our children getting the top grades, competing against each other and avoiding failure at all costs, they will inevitably become more anxious. Interestingly, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark and Finland - the top four countries on the 2022 OECD’s happiness ranking all have one thing in common: their citizens have immense personal freedom, choice and high trust levels within their communities - qualities that all work together to prevent the development of anxiety and depression. If we really want to put children’s happiness first, then we should choose schools that trust them to make their own decisions, learn from their mistakes, have agency over their learning and engage with the real world. This article is an abridged extract from the book Raising Resilient Children by Gavin McCormack, published by Simon & Schuster, available in all good bookshops now.
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Celebrate reading on World Book Day
What do the words ‘best school’ mean?
Help your child celebrate a love of reading on World Book Day, Thursday 5 March.
Before you enrol your child in any school, you have to decide what ‘best’ means to you.
Spark your child’s imagination and encourage them to read for pleasure and join in nationwide activities designed to make books exciting. Schools will distribute special £1 book tokens that children can swap for exclusive new titles or put towards any book in participating shops.
Is the ‘best’ school dictated by the grades, points, scores, facilities and reputation? Or is a successful school journey not about ‘what’ your child becomes but ‘who’?
Many schools also will invite students to dress up as favourite characters and host reading-related events. 6 Families Magazine
In my view, it’s the latter. For me, education is about allowing a child to find their passion and attend a school that embraces the same values and visions for the future that their family holds dear. Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Communicating effectively with your child’s school By Zuzu Jordan
Building a strong partnership between home and school is one of the most effective ways to support your child’s education. Clear, open communication helps parents stay informed, teachers feel supported and children thrive. Nowadays, with many ways to connect with your child’s school, choosing the right method often depends on the purpose of the conversation. Face-to-face meetings Scheduled parent–teacher meetings are designed to talk about academic strengths, areas for improvement and social development. If an issue arises in between, many schools welcome parents booking a short appointment. These face-toface conversations build trust and understanding. Phone calls Sometimes a quick phone call is the most efficient way to share information or ask a specific question. Whether it’s to clarify a homework task, discuss an upcoming trip or raise a concern, speaking directly allows for an immediate response. Schools often have designated times when staff are available to return calls. Emails and online platforms Digital communication is now a key part of school life. Emails provide a written record, making them useful for non-urgent matters or when you want to ensure clarity. Many schools also use online platforms or apps to share updates, homework and messages. These systems help parents keep track of school events and deadlines.
When issues require more detail For more serious matters that require ongoing discussion, it’s wise to create a clear paper trail. Written communication, whether by email or letter, provides a record of what has been agreed and can help avoid misunderstandings. This approach is particularly useful if you need to revisit a matter at a later date. Informal conversations Quick chats at the classroom door or at school events can also be helpful, though it’s best to keep these brief. Teachers often have limited time at the start and end of the day, so use these moments for short updates rather than detailed discussions. Working together Whichever method you use, the key is to keep communication respectful and constructive. Remember that teachers and staff are working in partnership with you to support your child. Choosing the most appropriate way to communicate helps strengthen the home-school connection and shows your child that their learning truly matters. Zuzu is a Mastery for Maths Specialist who has taught primary for eighteen years and is Director of Arnett International. For FREE resources and tips, find her on Instagram @edumate_uk
Keeping your child’s school updated
Communicating about bullying
Schools can offer the best support when they understand what’s happening in a child’s life. While not every detail needs to be shared, there are certain changes that it’s important to update the school about.
If you feel your child may be experiencing bullying, it’s important to keep the school fully informed. Schools can only act on what they know and early communication helps problems to be addressed before they escalate.
If your family is going through a big change - such as separation, divorce or the arrival of a new sibling - it can affect how a child feels and behaves at school. Letting teachers know helps them respond with understanding and patience.
Start by speaking with your child to gather as much detail as possible about what happened, when and who was involved. Even if the information feels incomplete, share what you know with your child’s teacher. A face-to-face meeting or a phone call is often the best first step.
Financial challenges can also impact school life, whether that’s difficulty affording trips, uniforms or equipment. Schools often have ways to support families discreetly but they can only do so if they are aware of the situation. Health matters, changes in routine or anything affecting your child’s emotional wellbeing are also worth sharing. Even small updates can make a difference, as they give teachers context for your child’s behaviour and learning. By keeping the school in the loop, you’re helping to create a supportive environment where your child feels secure, understood and ready to learn. Familiesonline.co.uk
For ongoing issues, follow up with an email or written note. This creates a clear record of the issues raised and what actions have been agreed. A paper trail is especially important if the situation needs to be monitored over time. Keep the conversation constructive and solution-focused. Teachers and staff want to provide a safe environment and working together makes it easier to find a resolution. By keeping the school in the loop, you show your child that their wellbeing matters and ensure that they get the right support.
Families Magazine 7
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Resolutions that stick for 2026
Anna Houston is a freelance writer specialising in parenting and women’s lifestyle
By Anna Houston
Plan with purpose A little planning goes a long way. Set aside time each Sunday to reset so you feel calmer and more in control of the week ahead. Check the calendar, lay out uniforms and make a short to-do list. Pair it with a cup of tea, a podcast or a face mask, so it feels like self-care. Look at the bigger picture. Break your year into quarters and plan around family milestones. Avoid starting big projects in the busiest periods. Mapping goals to life’s rhythm makes them more achievable.
Double up on healthy habits Healthy habits can make life more fun. Meet a friend for a walk and takeaway coffee instead of sitting in a café or catch up at the playground and do a few squats while pushing the children on the swing. Pair up with a friend to start a mini ‘cook-along club’ where you try a new healthy recipe each week or introduce a ‘vegetable of the week’ challenge. Pick a fruit or vegetable you don’t usually buy and find ways to add it to meals - it keeps healthy eating creative and fresh.
Greener living, simplified Going green can feel overwhelming, so make one easy sustainable swap each quarter. If you commit to changing just four things throughout the year, by the end of it your life will have improved in four tangible ways. Last year we got a built-in water filter, swapped to an eco-friendly detergent, replaced plastic bottles with stainless steel ones and started growing herbs. They’re small changes but they’ve made our home feel more aligned with the way we want to live. 8 Families Magazine
Just move little and often Regular exercise is a way to care for your body and lift your mood. Think ‘little and often’ rather than ‘all or nothing.’ Walk the school run, take the stairs or park somewhere that adds a fifteen minute walk to your destination. Consider a fold-away treadmill or exercise bike that you can use while replying to emails or watching a film. Twenty minutes of steady movement is far more realistic than a rigid gym routine - and it still counts.
Change your self-talk Healthy living starts in your head, not your kitchen. Much of how we eat, move and care for ourselves depends on how we speak to ourselves. If your inner dialogue is self-critical, it’s time to change the script. Instead of focusing on what you shouldn’t eat, think about what will make you feel energised. Swap ‘I’ve ruined it’ for ‘I enjoyed that; now I’ll make my next choice a nourishing one.’ When you stop labelling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, you stop labelling yourself that way too and you build a healthier, more forgiving relationship with eating.
Family check-ins Life is busy and real conversation can easily go by the wayside. Eat together at least three evenings a week - no phones or screens and ask everyone to share the best and worst part of their day. It keeps family life connected. Although big days out are wonderful, small, consistent moments through the week are just as powerful. This includes time with your partner. My spouse and I hug for twenty seconds every morning. It’s simple but effective and helps us reset and start the day as a team. Familiesonline.co.uk
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU January is full of big promises to ourselves - eat better, move more, stress less. But real growth comes from small, intentional steps that last. These ideas will help you build a calmer, healthier, more balanced life beyond the New Year.
Refresh your supplements Many of us reach for multivitamins without much thought but focusing on specific nutrients can make a difference - magnesium is worth attention. Supporting muscle recovery, hormone balance and deeper sleep, it can also help ease anxiety and improve focus. Low magnesium can show up in countless ways and many people are slightly deficient without realising. Restoring your levels can help you feel more balanced and energised. Everyone’s needs differ, so speak to a health professional if you’re unsure about changes.
The school holiday savings pot
Put a little money aside each month for school holidays so you can enjoy them with less financial stress. Many banking apps let you set up savings pots to stay organised. I have a ‘fun fund’ for my kids that covers days out, café trips and rainy-day activities. I also keep a small ‘pocket money’ pot for myself - guilt-free spending on things I truly want but would usually push to the bottom of the list. It’s a simple form of self-care that reminds me to look after myself too.
Time for fun
Set aside at least an hour each week for something that’s purely for you - a dance class, a puzzle, a walk with a podcast or a hobby you loved years ago. Treat fun as essential, not an afterthought; it recharges your patience and motivation for everything else.
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Lighten the load Little routines make home life feel easier. Have a two-minute tidy-up to a song with the kids before bed or wear comfy ‘house shoes’ to signal it’s time to get things done. The aim isn’t a spotless house - it’s a calmer one. Each month, clear one area - a drawer, your handbag, the car boot or your finances. Sort your purse, redeem old vouchers, cancel unused subscriptions. Decluttering little by little helps you feel lighter and more in control.
Keep a gratitude journal
Keep a notebook by your bed and write down three things you’re grateful for each night or morning. When life feels hard, it helps you notice the positives that might otherwise go unseen and shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s working. Sometimes I just write three short sentences but it always makes me feel thankful for the life I have with my children and partner. It can also create moments of clarity about your goals, helping you see what’s genuinely important.
End the day calmly
Create a short bedtime routine just for you. We put so much effort into helping our children wind down - bath, pyjamas, story, lights out - yet rarely give ourselves the same care. Turn off screens thirty minutes before bed, wash your face, light a candle and wind down with a book, journal or quiet meditation. These small signals tell your body it’s time to rest, creating better sleep, a calmer mind and a gentler end to each day.
Families Magazine 9
EARLY YEARS
Translating your baby’s cries By Tanith Carey For parents, there’s little more stressful or panic-inducing than hearing their baby cry. At first, your new-born’s cries may all sound like general alarm calls. But by observing your baby over time, the good news is you can start to work out what they are trying to say. The first thing I’d suggest is to simply be open to listening to what they are communicating, rather than dismiss crying as something that infants just ‘do.’ As brand-new arrivals in the world, babies don’t have ‘wants.’ They only have needs. Nor does your baby cry to ‘exercise their lungs’ or ‘control’ you. For the first few months, they are responding to the raw sensations in their bodies and communicating the only way they know how. Put aside the myth too that your baby will get ‘spoiled’ if you pick them up when they cry. Instead, over time they will learn that grownups reliably meet their needs and this feeling of safety will mean they ultimately cry less. To start to learn to ‘translate’ your baby’s cries, the first thing to know is that babies tend to cry for five main reasons: hunger, tiredness, overwhelm, loneliness, pain/discomfort and boredom/frustration. Although all your baby’s cries may sound the same at first, as you tune in, you’ll begin to notice subtle differences in pitch and intensity. Think too about the timings of their cries, asking yourself when they were last fed or changed. Bear in mind too there is a peak in crying between three and six weeks. In this phase, babies may cry between one and two hours a day and often more in the late afternoon and evening, perhaps due to a build-up of overstimulation and tiredness. Some babies also come into the world with naturally more sensitive temperaments which are harder to soothe. Avoid too many comparisons and know that as long as you and your caregivers are responsive most of the time, you are giving your child what they need most now. Of course, there may still be times when your baby cries for a reason you can’t work out and if your baby is hyper-aroused, it
can take time for them to regulate again. Even if it doesn’t seem to work at first, repetition - whether it’s walking them up and down or rocking or singing to them - will help. One study found that walking a baby up and down for five to eight minutes is enough to start to reduce their heart rate, initiating the calming process. At moments when you don’t know what the problem is, it will help to remember that it’s not crying that harms your baby. It’s the feeling that they have been left alone with their distress. If you are holding and carrying and comforting your child, you are doing the best you can. If you can continue to respond to them like this consistently, this will help your baby build a calmer, less reactive nervous system and they will be easier to soothe in the long run. Tanith Carey is author of What’s my Baby Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents with Dr Angharad Rudkin. Crying is one of eighty topics tackled in this book, published by Penguin/DK. Available in Flexibound and audiobook, this guide answers every question about your baby and toddler’s development in their first two years. Find it at www.dk.com
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Types of cry
Calming a crying baby
Hunger - constant and rhythmic; louder than other cries but lower pitched.
Research has found that putting your young baby against your bare skin helps them regulate more quickly. Using a baby sling will also meet their need to stay close and reduce crying episodes.
Tired - often with jerky arm and leg movements, eye rubbing and clenched fists. Overwhelmed – by too much noise or new sensations; they may nuzzle into you to block the outside world as they cry. Distressed/in pain – erratic, higher pitched with faster breaths, fewer pauses and maybe an arched back. Boredom/frustration - on-and-off cries and kicking their legs. Without your attention, this becomes a low, constant cry. 10 Families Magazine
Step away: if your baby’s crying is making you anxious, take a moment to calm yourself with some deep breaths. If you’re dysregulated, your baby will sense this and they will take longer to soothe. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other caregivers so you can take a break. Familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
Overcoming bath refusal By Claire Burgess What do you do when a young child who loves having a bath suddenly stops wanting to go in? As a great ‘wind down’ opportunity before bedtime, it’s natural to worry that this refusal might affect their bedtime routine. Please be reassured that some children go through this phase and it is connected to their stage of development at the time. There are a number of reasons why your child may refuse the bath. These could include a previous experience that upset them, bath times being too long or too late, different sounds in the bathroom, a dislike of hair washing and even worries about being sucked down the plug hole! The following successful approaches may encourage your little one back into the water again. Make bath time fun Use toys. These could be anything from toy animals to watertight balls and glow sticks, blowing bubbles, bath crayons or bath colouring tablets. Use a bath mat This helps your little one feels secure when sitting or standing and helps avoid slipping. Having a bath in the day with no water Think of this as practice in adjusting to being in water. Avoid doing this at a time when your child might be tired or hungry though. Reading books about having a bath can be helpful.
Encourage ‘sink play’ in the bathroom Fill the sink with water (possibly coloured with food colouring) and then put some toys in and around it. Use a step so your little one can reach the sink and let them play as they wish. This can emphasise the fun element of water and familiarise your child with being in the bathroom. Let your child stand, rather than making them sit down This lets you wash your little one while they are standing and playing with toys on the edge of the bath (this is why it is important to have a bathmat to avoid slipping). It’s possible they may only be in the bath for a couple of minutes. This is absolutely fine and you can try to gradually build up the length of their bath. Hopefully, over time, they will feel confident enough to sit down. Put on their swimming costume/trunks/armbands This adds a fun element! You could also play the Cocomelon bath song to make things even more fun. Find it on YouTube. Claire Burgess is a director and family consultant at Bespoke Family (www.bespokefamily.co.uk), which offers tailored support from newborns to teens.
As recommended on Daynurseries.co.uk, please visit to see what our parents say
Quality Care and Education
Providing a fully inclusive service for families with children aged 6 weeks to 5 years from 7.30am to 6.30pm
Dealing with hair washing challenges Many infants do not enjoy having their hair washed and if your child is suddenly unwilling to have a bath, it might be because they associate it with this.
At all our nurseries the warm and welcoming environment ensures that your child’s individual needs are prioritised, and their interests nurtured.
You could consider the following options to help move things forward: If you’ve previously used a shower attachment, use a jug or two of water for the hair wash instead - or vice versa! Get your child to look up at the ceiling while you are washing their hair so that the water drains down their back and not down their face. You can also give them a dry flannel to hold over their eyes to prevent shampoo going in them and so that if any water does come down their face they are able to dry it. Get the hair wash out of the way at the start of the bath; then your child can play and you are ending bath time on a positive note.
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T: 01707 392999 E: hertfordbarns.nursery@childbase.com Hertford Barns Day Nursery, Cole Green, Hertford, SG14 2NL
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Families Magazine 11
HEALTH
The invisible mental load and psychology of rest
By Dr Sasha Hall
As a psychologist and a parent of two young children, I have seen both professionally and personally how easily the invisible mental load builds up. This load is the ongoing, often unseen mental effort required to keep family life functioning. It includes not only the physical tasks of daily life but also the constant background thinking that ensures these tasks happen at the right time and in the right way. It is the invisible spreadsheet running quietly in the mind, updated in real time as family needs change. For many parents (generally mothers), this mental load can feel like carrying an endless list of responsibilities in their minds. It might include planning meals, remembering school events, booking appointments, checking that uniforms are ready and ensuring everyone has what they need for the day ahead. Alongside this are seasonal or longer-term considerations such as holidays, birthdays or preparing for school transitions. Even positive events, such as planning a family outing or helping with a costume for school, can add to the mental noise. These are all small, individual thoughts that combine into a continuous mental hum. In homes shared with partners or older children, there can also be what psychologists call cognitive unloading, where others rely on one person to hold or manage the shared mental information. Questions such as: ‘Where are my keys?’ or ‘What are we having for dinner?’ might seem trivial, but they represent moments where someone else is temporarily renting space in a parent’s mind. Over time, these repeated small intrusions can add to feelings of exhaustion and reduce the sense of mental clarity that is essential for wellbeing. When this happens frequently, the parent may begin to feel as though they are the project manager of the household, responsible for doing, remembering, prompting and anticipating. Research shows that cognitive rest is just as important as physical rest. Rest is not merely the absence of doing; it is the presence of mental recovery. When we rest effectively, the brain has the opportunity to consolidate memories, regulate emotions and restore executive functioning. These are the higher-order
skills that allow us to plan, problem-solve and make decisions. Just as muscles need recovery after exertion, our brains also need space to decompress and reorganise. Without sufficient rest, the brain’s capacity for emotional regulation and attention control diminishes. This can lead to increased irritability, forgetfulness and a sense of being mentally overloaded. For parents, especially mothers carrying multiple invisible demands, this may mean feeling less patient with children or partners and finding it harder to remain present in moments that should bring connection and enjoyment. The psychology of rest reminds us that rest is not indulgence but maintenance. It allows us to sustain the very skills that underpin both parenting and professional life. Creating even small opportunities for rest throughout the day can help regulate the nervous system and restore emotional balance. This might include brief moments of quiet reflection, mindful breathing or simply allowing the mind to wander without purpose. When rest is prioritised, parents often describe feeling more grounded, more able to engage meaningfully with their children and more confident in managing the continuous mental load. In essence, rest is not about doing less but about replenishing the mental space that allows us to think, care and respond effectively. Recognising and sharing the invisible work that goes on in our minds is the first step toward valuing rest as a psychological necessity rather than a luxury. Dr Sasha Hall is an HCPC-registered Senior Educational and Child Psychologist and founder of Hall & Co Educational Psychology Services (www.hallandcoeps.co.uk).
Make the invisible ‘visible’
The science of mental rest
Much of the mental load remains unseen because it is carried silently. Psychological research shows that when cognitive effort is invisible, others are less likely to appreciate its weight.
Mental rest does not always require sleep or silence. Research into attention restoration suggests that simply engaging in gentle, absorbing activities such as walking outdoors, listening to music or spending time in nature allows the brain to recover from focused thought. During rest, neural pathways related to creativity and problem-solving become more active. This helps restore a sense of clarity and perspective, enabling a parent to return to their daily roles with improved focus, emotional balance and a stronger sense of self.
Externalising these thoughts can help make them visible. This might involve sharing responsibilities through open discussion, writing down tasks that occupy mental space or gently drawing attention to how much co-ordination is involved in daily life. When the invisible becomes visible, families can develop a greater appreciation of one another’s mental and emotional contributions. 12 Families Magazine
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TRAVEL
Top family adventure holidays for 2026 By Ellie Malt
Best for ages 6+
Ice cream and swimming are the usual highlights of a family holiday with children under age 10. Then it gets more complicated: once they have phones, family time must compete with constant updates from friends and let’s face it, hanging out with mum and dad isn’t quite as cool. No wonder adventure holidays designed specifically for tweens and teens are increasingly popular. Here are our top picks for 2026, for every age, taste and budget. Best for ages 6+
Best for ages 10+
Wild nights under the stars
Paddle and sail in the Lake District The Lake District is perfect for hardy families who love the outdoors. Try sailing on Windermere where sheltered bays make this manageable for beginners. Family-friendly sessions teach children to handle a small sailboat. Evenings can be spent around a campfire, with the mountains as a backdrop.
Safari adventure: Kruger National Park, South Africa Lodges near Kruger National Park offer game drives, opportunities to spot lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos. Teens can learn about animal behaviour, ecosystems and photography, while the thrill of close encounters keeps them fully present.
Wild camping gives families a taste of freedom. Scotland is one of the few places where it’s legal almost everywhere, making the Cairngorms a perfect base for pitching a tent in breathtaking landscapes. Dartmoor National Park also offers wild camping and gentle trails. Sweden’s Right to Roam policy allows camping across much of the countryside; while Norway’s fjords and Finland’s lake districts provide safe trails and the chance to cook over a fire beneath the stars. Best for ages 10+
Snowdonia multiadventure Snowdonia offers a range of activities in one location. Older children and teens can soar on Europe’s fastest zip line at Zip World, while younger kids enjoy trampoline caverns. Families can also try guided rock-climbing or mountain biking on the park’s trails.
Best for ages 5+ Best for ages 8+
Rainforest thrills in Costa Rica and Sri Lanka
Caves, lakes and rapids: Slovenian adventures Slovenia offers a mix of outdoor thrills. A small train takes families deep into Postojna Cave, where vast chambers look like something from a fantasy film. Lake Bled is ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. For older children, Slovenia’s emerald-green rivers provide rapids through dramatic gorges. Some operators, like Green World Holidays, have group adventures aimed at single parents with teens.
A snorkelling adventure in Mexican caves Unlike full cave diving, snorkelling is typically shallow and safe. In the Sac Actun cave system, you can float in crystal clear freshwater with visibility often over thirty metres and experience stunning rock formations. Small fish and freshwater wildlife add to the adventure. Perfect for families who want to explore a cave system without the technical diving. Familiesonline.co.uk
Many eco lodges cater to children while ensuring activities remain safe but challenging. Spotting monkeys on jungle hikes and rafting gentle rivers keeps kids moving. According to family adventure specialists, Stubborn Mule Travel, the rainforest is more appealing when flying through it on a zip wire or riding on the back of a bullock cart!
Best for ages 8+
Hopping across Europe by train
Best for ages 10+
Easier than you would think, few adventures feel as liberating as exploring with a backpack and a rail pass. Families can hop between Paris and Vienna or take slower routes through less-travelled cities like Ljubljana or Bratislava. Older children particularly enjoy the freedom of waking up in a new country each day, learning planning skills and navigating stations. Families Magazine 13
What’s On listings for all the family If you would like to feature a listing in a future issue email editor@familiesherts.co.uk Don’t forget to sign up for our digital magazine for more content at familiesmagazine.co.uk/go We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.
Places to Go St Albans Museum St Albans www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk Built on the site of one of the largest Roman cities in Britain, Verulamium Museum is filled with ancient treasures and some of the finest mosaics. Tots Tales at Verulamium Museum – 23 Jan, 27 Feb Fun sessions for young visitors and their grown-ups. Enjoy a story and craft activity as well as a museum treasure hunt linked to the story. Suitable for children aged 2-4 accompanied by an adult. Archaeology for Families – 16-20 Feb A fun, family friendly introduction to archaeology! Learn how archaeologists record what they find in the ground by analysing genuine finds. Suitable for children aged 7-12 accompanied by an adult. Dragons and Dragon Eggs Modelling Workshop – 20 Feb Make your own dragon or dragon egg from colourful polymer clay. Look at our small display of dragons in the upstairs gallery for inspiration or come with your own dragon ideas! For children, and adults! For children 5 and over. Hertford Museum Hertford www.hertfordmuseum.org Toddler Tuesday – 3 Feb, 10.30am Crafts, singing, stories and fun for the Under 4s! £4.50 per child, includes a drink and a snack. Booking only, via www. ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/18bull-plain/hertford-museum. Half Term Family Activities – 17-19 Feb, 10am-1pm Lots of crafting fun. Get creative! All ages welcome, £4 per child. Gosling Sport Park Welwyn Garden City better.org.uk/leisure-centre/ welwyn/gosling-sports-park A wide range of facilities for all the family including indoor play area, skiing, cycling, tennis, and gym activities for all ages. Our World from Space – 18 Feb Stevenage stemdiscoverycentre.co.uk Take part in a range of hands-on activities. You’ll have the chance 14 Families Magazine
to explore captivating exhibits, experience a stunning 3D film showcasing the Seven Wonders of the Solar System, and witness the latest prototype of the ExoMars rover. Tickets are £9 per person (under 2s go free).
Laser Tag at FunZone Hatfield www.funzonehatfield.co.uk Light up the fun, for an unforgettable adventure! Laser Tag Parties are available at Hatfield Kids FunZone on weekday evenings and weekends. With parties made up of a mix of solo and team games, the FunZone can be enjoyed in a whole new way as party guests climb and swing their way to victory throughout 90 minutes (weekdays) and 120 minutes (weekends) of high-energy fun! For 6-14 year olds. Party cost: Mon-Fri (£250), Sat-Sun: (£330). Natural History Museum Tring nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring The galleries at Tring are packed with fascinating specimens. SENDsational Mornings - 1 Feb 10am-12pm SENDsational mornings offer children with neurodiverse conditions, including autism and other sensory processing difficulties, the chance to take part in activities and enjoy the galleries with their families away from the hustle and bustle of the general public. For children aged 5 to 15. Cold-blooded Animals – 17-19 Feb Take an up-close look at and handle specimens in this freeflowing tabletop activity. Touch their scales or feel their smooth skin as you find out how these animals keep themselves warm and cope during cold weather. Ages 3 and above. Harpenden Farmers Market – 25 Jan, 22 Feb Takes place on the 4th Sunday of the month from 10am-2pm. The
market hosts an array of artisan and local traders selling homemade or locally sourced goods and produce. With approximately 70 stalls, the market runs northbound along the Lower High Street from Sainsbury’s Supermarket to Strutt & Parker. Fabulous Fossils at Royston Museum – 19-22 Feb, 10am-4pm Royston www.roystonmuseum.org.uk/ what-s-on A hands-on adventure into the world of fossils! Children can dig, discover, and create as they explore the secrets of prehistoric life. From crafty creations to fun activities, it’s the perfect way to spark curiosity and imagination. 5 to 12 years old. £3.50 per child. The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead thesnowcentre.com Hosting a range of skiing and snowboarding lessons for adults and children from 3 years old, lift passes, freestyle sessions and the ultimate sledging experience. Rye House Hoddesdon rye-house.co.uk A popular destination for families with young children. Karting, laser combat, nerf wars and Rye-Assic Adventure Park, an indoor and outdoor play area for 0-12 year olds. Soft play, arcades, trampolines and more! Apollo Activities Centre St Albans springfielduk.co.uk Includes children’s Crossbow Experience for ages 4-9. Also offer birthday parties. Mr Mulligans Adventure Golf Stevenage mrmulligan.com/stevenage With two epic adventure golf courses plus a fantastic bar and a restaurant, there’s something for all the family. Family Entertainment at Campus West Welwyn Garden City campuswest.co.uk Discover Welwyn Garden City’s premier family entertainment destination. Enjoy movies, soft play, roller skating, bouncy castles, and Humphrey’s café lounge.
Woody’s Play Barn Ware woodysplaybarn.co.uk Vibrant play area with an array of slides, ball pits, an interactive floor, a mini football pitch and exciting cannons! Outdoor area with swings, slides and an outdoor musical panel. Plus crazy golf, splash pad, bungee trampolines, a skyrdier and electric go karts. The XC Hemel Hempstead thexc.co.uk Whether you climb, skate, or thrill seek, XC has the perfect adventure for adrenaline junkies of all ages. Rock climbing wall, skate park, cave and high ropes. All offers kids parties. Planet Ice Hemel Hempstead planet-ice.co.uk/locations/hemelhempstead Fun indoor ice-skating arena with skate hire and push along penguins for little ones. Lessons, shows, discos and children’s parties. Hertfordshire Zoo Broxbourne hertfordshirezoo.com Lots of wild animals including lions, tigers, snow leopards, and zebras. Plus, dinosaurs, soft play, playgrounds and more! Also on offer are special zoo experiences - including behind the scenes tour, big cat and tiger feeding experience, meet the meerkats. Perfect as a treat for yourself or a gift for a friend. Ardeley Church Farm Nr Stevenage churchfarmardeley.co.uk Meet the animals, access the farm trail, woodland play, bear hunt and more. Visit the new fairy trail. Lamb bottle feeding starts February half term. Aldenham Country Park Radlett aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk Explore 100 Aker Wood, go on a nature trail. Adventure playground is open weekends during school term and daily during bank and school holidays. Standalone Farm Letchworth standalonefarm.com Closed in January, reopens in February. A delightful, small working farm with animals, Familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON adventure playground, adventure trail and indoor play barn. Willows Activity Farm St Albans willowsactivityfarm.com Farmyard animals, adventure playground, funfair rides, shows, meet and greets, indoor soft play and tractor rides. Hertfordshire Nature Reserves hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/naturereserves Explore Hertfordshire’s many nature reserves and enjoy a family adventure in the great outdoors. From woodlands to wetlands. Lots to do and explore. Fairlands Valley Park Stevenage Enjoy 120 acres of parkland, sailing centre, children’s play area, outdoor activity centre three lakes and a woodland to explore. Royston Cave Royston www.roystoncave.co.uk See intricate carvings in this subterranean location. No records of its age or purpose exist. Some theories suggest it was used by the Knights Templars, others by King James I. Leaf Cafe Hertford leafcafe.co.uk Children’s bookshop and café. Toys for children to play with and free weekly morning activities. Storytime 11.15am, Mon-Fri term time. East Herts Miniature Railway Ware ehmr.org.uk Independent miniature railway located in the Hertfordshire countryside, within the grounds of Van Hage Garden Centre in Great Amwell (near Ware). British Schools Museum Hitchin britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk A host of activities to enjoy: Gardening and Crafts Club for pre-schoolers (Fridays 10.45pm); Storytime (Mondays 10.45am); Messy Play (Tuesdays 10.45am); Baby and Toddler Dancercise (Wednesdays 10:45am); PreSchooler Singing (Thursdays 10:45am.) Stevenage Museum Stevenage stevenage.gov.uk/stevenagemuseum Small, family-friendly community museum telling the story of the town. Runs holiday activities and under 5s sessions. Museum at One Garden City Letchworth Garden City letchworth.com/museum Beautifully designed, welcoming, interactive and vibrant micromuseum exploring the social history of Letchworth. Offering Familiesonline.co.uk
something for everyone, young children can play at a full-size shop with counter and original working till. Pots of Art Hitchin and St Albans www.potsofart.co.uk Fun pottery painting. Create your own colourful pottery masterpiece. Glazed Creations Royston glazed-creations.co.uk Glazed Creations is a pottery painting studio providing a friendly, relaxed environment to enjoy painting, pottery and create homewares, gifts and treasures. Hertfordshire Libraries hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/ There are regular Baby Rhyme Time and Storytime sessions as well as LEGO clubs at many libraries throughout Hertfordshire. See website for full timetable. Hertfordshire Health Walks www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ healthwalks Walking is a great way to look and feel good. It helps boost your mood, maintain a healthy weight, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve stamina. Group walks are fun, social and a great way to explore local green spaces and the countryside. Walks are coordinated by Hertfordshire County Council with the help of more than 300 volunteers.
Theatre The Sandpit Theatre St Albans sandpittheatre.co.uk Velocity – 5-7 Feb The theatre transforms into Hawkins, Indiana, where nothing is quite as it seems. Embark on a thrilling dance and musical journey inspired by the secrets, shadows, and supernatural energy of Stranger Things. A Sandringham School production. Beam Hertford beamhertford.co.uk Out Of The Box – 25 Jan A family friendly circus comedy show, which sees an unlikely character and his box bring audiences together through joyful awe, never knowing what to expect next. Wifi Wars – 22 Feb A live comedy game show where you play along! Log in with your smartphone/tablet and compete in games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show! Hosted by comedian Steve McNeil. For ages 6+. Abbey Theatre St Albans abbeytheatre.org.uk Beauty and the Beast – 10 & 11 Jan Hurst Children’s Theatre Group
are ready to make you laugh, cry and sing along with their rendition of the classic story. The Alban Arena St Albans alban-arena.co.uk Cirque Enchantment – 26 Feb A breathtaking winter spectacle for all ages. Since captivating its first audiences Cirque Enchantment has thrilled thousands with its unique blend of circus, music, and show-stopping performances. The Eric Morecambe Centre Harpenden the-emc.co.uk K-Pop Party – 21 Feb Get ready to sing, dance, and party like never before at K-Pop Party – the ultimate live concert experience of Korea’s global music phenomenon! Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage gordon-craig.co.uk Dick Whittington & His Cat – up to 18 Jan Playing the title role of Dick Whittington will be EastEnders and Dancing on Ice star, Matt Lapinskas. West End icon, Darren Day, will be taking on the role of Fitzwarren. Snow White – up to 24 Jan A wonderful pantomime. Journey to meet Dame Dotty, Herbie the Huntsman and the magnificent seven as they journey through the enchanted forest together! Wyllyotts Theatre Potters Bar wyllyottstheatre.co.uk Goldilocks and The Three Bears – 15-17 Jan Expect outrageous comedy, magical madness, talking animals, and toe-tapping tunes in this laugh-aminute family pantomime bursting with heart, humour, and sequins! A non-professional production by The Warren. Ministry of Science Live – Science Saved the World – 19 Feb The UK’s favourite science team are back and more explosive than ever! Expect 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds, exploding oxygen and hydrogen balloons, fire tornados, hydrogen bottle rockets, ignited methane and even a self-built Hovercraft! K-Pop Live – 20 Feb Expect jaw-dropping choreo, visuals, fan-chants, and bops that hit different. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering them, this is your chance to go full K-pop mode. The Radlett Centre Radlett radlettcentre.co.uk The Tiger Who Came To Tea - 5-7 Feb Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long
songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised! Utterly Revolting Science Show – 15 Feb Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team’s hilarious, hightech, highly-explosive new journey through the human body, packed with burp biology, fart physics and revolting edible chemistry. Teddy Bears’ Picnic – 20 Feb The show is full of songs, games, stories, fun and laughter and is suitable for under-5s, mums, dads, grandmas and grandads and teddy bears! South Mill Arts Bishop’s Stortford southmillarts.co.uk Taylor Swift Tribute by Xenna – 17 Feb Step into the world of Taylor Swift in this tribute show featuring the incredible Xenna, as Taylor. A celebration of the iconic pop sensation’s music, style, and unrivalled stage presence. Utterly Revolting Science Show – 20 Feb Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team’s hilarious, hightech, highly-explosive new journey through the human body, packed with burp biology, fart physics and edible chemistry. Broadway Theatre & Cinema Letchworth Garden City www.broadway-letchworth.com/ theatre/whats-on/the-three-billygoats-gruff/ The Three Billy Goats Gruff – 14 Feb On a grassy hill lived The Three Billy Goats Gruff - and they’d eaten everything in sight! With no food left The Three Billy Goats Gruff, set off on a wild adventure. Packed with catchy songs, funky dances, and even a rapping troll. Age 3 and over.
Clubs & Classes
Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes perform.org.uk Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Venues at Bishops Stortford, Sheering (new!), Borehamwood, Broxbourne, Harpenden, Hertford (new!), Hitchin, Knebworth, Letchworth, Radlett, St Albans and Welwyn Garden City. To book a FREE class visit www.perform.org.uk/try Families Magazine 15
WHAT’S ON Courtyard Arts Hertford www.courtyardarts.org.uk/ product-category/art-classeshertford/ Comic Club – Jan-Feb A Saturday-morning 9-week course for children aged 8+. Learn how to draw and develop comic cartoon characters. Children will be involved in various activities to build their artistic skills and confidence in their ability to draw a comic strip. Cost: £130.50. Fun Art – Jan-March A Saturday-morning 11-week course for children 5+. Children build confidence and explore their creativity. Children will try out a range of fun and messy techniques together, including paint, collage, model-making and clay. Cost: £159.50. Dreamers and Doodlers – JanMarch An exciting after-school art class focused on creative learning. Children will be actively encouraged to explore a wide range of materials, ideas and techniques. Thursdays (4pm-5pm or 5.15pm-6.15pm). Ages 6+. Cost: £110. Exploring Art – Jan-March Mixed media class for children of all abilities (9+), with the opportunity to work with clay. Chosen artists and objects will serve as inspiration to develop individual’s ideas and to help discover new ways of creating. Cost: £130.50.
Centre (Wednesdays). Equipment is provided. For 7-15 year olds. For further information email moirahutton@everyoneactive.com
Code Ninjas Hemel Hempstead codeninjas.co.uk Master the secrets of Redstone – Minecraft’s engineering marvel, or perfect your Roblox Development skills at the new Code Ninjas Dojo in Hemel. All hardware and software included.
Monkey Music Music classes for babies and toddlers. A supportive and nurturing environment with interaction and music. Harpenden, St Albans, harpenden.stalbans@monkeymusic.co.uk; Hertford, Welwyn Garden City, Ware and Bishop’s Stortford, hertford@monkeymusic.co.uk; Hitchin, Knebworth, Shefford, Baldock and surrounds, baldock.hitchin@monkeymusic. co.uk.
Tick Tock Music St Albans www.ticktockmusic.co.uk Fun and interactive musical theatre classes taught by professional actors, for the Under 5s. There are new songs each week which are linked together with fun role play, costumes puppets and props. For more information email abiticktock@ yahoo.co.uk or call 07933153054
Musicale Music Lessons Harpenden musicale.co.uk Engaging music lessons for budding musicians! For 4 to 7 year olds. Southern Maltings Ware southernmaltings.co.uk Mini Masterclass: Communication, Language and Literacy – 9 Jan to 3 Feb Classes to develop young children’s confidence. For ages 3 and 4. After School Art and Craft Club – 8 Jan to 12 Feb Learn new skills and techniques, try different art mediums. For ages 7-11. St Albans Museum stalbansmuseums.org.uk Messy Monday Mornings Weekly drop-in messy play and creative activities for under 5s. £6.50 per child. Museum Minis – 10 Jan and 14 Feb Story and craft session for ages 2-4. £6.50 per child. Baby Massage, Babe Club, Mum and Baby Yoga sadiecentre.org Offers a great range of sessions for parents and babies.
Tappy Toes St Albans and Harpenden, Hertford and Ware, Hitchin and Stevenage tappytoes.com Active and energetic dance and movement classes for children aged 6 months to 5 years, tailored to support early development.
KMDT Self Defence Harpenden, Hatfield kmdt.co.uk KMDT is an all-inclusive, friendly club, encouraging families, juniors and adults to train together and earn grading belts (if they choose). Learn and train in the skills to keep you safe, including techniques to deter bullies. Learn how to protect yourself and how to evade threats and make distance between an aggressor to keep from harm. The classes are lead by experienced instructors that communicate the skills in a clear and structured way. The techniques that KMDT teach will stay with you for life.
Play Pickleball St Albans Ever tried the racket/paddle sport pickleball? Play the game in a safe, fun and friendly environment at Westminster Lodge Leisure
SAADI Gymnastics St Albans saadigymnastics.co.uk Range of classes from parent and child for 2-3 year olds, preschoolers class for 3-4 year
16 Families Magazine
olds and classes for 4+. Also offers Play Gym for ages 0-5 which is parent supervised. Sapphire Gymnastics Hemel Hempstead sapphiregymnastics.co.uk From crawlers up to 6 years. With lots of soft play equipment and apparatus, you and your little one will have free roam of the gymnasium in this popular unstructured session. Splodgers - Arts, Crafts & Messy Play Hatfield House, Hatfield Weekly drop-in session for under 5s. Weds 10am-11.30am. £3.50 per child. Cha Char Chimps St Albans and Redbourn Ccchimps.com Weekly entertainment shows for pre-school children. Fri 10am in St Albans, Mon 10am in Redbourn. Imagination Dance Stevenage, Hitchin, Welwyn Garden City, Hertford
Imaginationarts.co.uk A range of sensory and creative dance classes specifically aimed at those with suspected or diagnosed additional needs. Imagine and Move class for ages 3+, Magic Movers class for ages 7+. Volunteer with Home-Start Royston, Buntingford www.hsrsc.org.uk/home-startvolunteer Are you a parent, grandparent, carer or have experience of caring for children and wondering what to do with your free time? Local people needed to join a volunteer team as a Trustee or Home Visitor. As part of the Home-Start team you will receive ongoing guidance and support throughout your volunteering journey. You could be the vital support a family needs to help change their life, and while you’re doing it, it might just change yours! To find out more call 01763 262262 or email admin@hsrsc. org.uk www.hsrsc.org.uk/homestart-volunteer
Ravensburger Disney Puzzle Bundles Giveaway 12 x 49 piece puzzle sets in each bundle Featuring Disney scenes and characters including Winnie the Pooh, Moana, Stitch and Encanto Ages 5+
Worth £29.96
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