11 Free Days Out and Things to Do With Kids in Hertfordshire (Updated 2025)
Ahoy there money-savvy adventurers.
If you're looking for a fun and free day out then check out these things to do with the kids in Hertfordshire. Whether it's crafting at Stevenage Museum or letting off steam at Howard Park, there's options to suit all ages, whatever the weather.
I've tried to make sure that all the details on here are up to date, but please do double check on the websites I've linked to before you travel in case anything has changed. Especially important: double check parking costs to avoid any nasty surprises on a day out that was supposed to be cheap, and obviously, be careful if you're visiting places with kids, especially where the terrain is dangerous (ruins, cliffs, beaches, slippy paths etc).
Happy adventuring!
Lucy
Learn all about the natural world with lots of hands on activities and exhibitions, including a polar bear, and dressed fleas. Check out their programme of events before you go.
40 hectares of a mosaic of habitats including reedbeds, grassland, woodland, and a lake. See what wildlife you can spot, including dragonflies, and herons.
This 15th century castle is packed with history, it was once home to Queen Elizabeth I. Check out this link to see free events that are held there, including a teddy bears picnic, cars at the castle, and music festival.
3 floors showcasing 2,000 years of history, as well as contemporary artworks. You can also visit the restored octagonal courtroom, and subterranean cells.
Waytemore Castle
Bishops Stortford
The remains of an 11th century motte and bailey castle. It was an early stronghold of the Bishops of London, and still has traces of the keep.
Divided in 2 by a road, the Hillshott side has formal gardens, while Howard Park has a playground, a seasonal splash pad, open spaces, and wildflowers.
An award winning park, with 250 acres to explore. There are seasonal splash pools, a bandstand that hosts free live events in summer months, a miniature railway (£2.50 a ticket), ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, a local nature reserve, and 2 playgrounds.
Learn all about the culture and history of the local area. They host free family craft events one saturday a month.
Learn some local history, with family friendly displays, holiday activities, and themed walks and talks. Check out their website for the programme of events.
Housed in a former silk mill, and packed with local history, including that of Roman history. There's lots to keep kids engaged.
A Jacobean mansion in a 273 acre estate. There's a small charge to enter the house or you can explore the ponds, meadows, formal gardens, and woods. There's a farm, (£3 for over 16s) and a museum with lots for kids to do including trail chests, and role play. There's also an adventure playground in the woods.
Feeling a Little Frazzled?
Here's a few things I've made that'll hopefully make your life a little bit easier, a little bit more fulfilled, or simply a little bit more fun. Check out these bits along with loads of other parenting aids on the link below.
Make your little mermaid's party perfect with these personalised printables including invites, signs, bunting, crafts and games.
You know what the kids need? An epic activity pack! And it should be filled with easy activity ideas, and stickers, and personalised!
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