Help for School Holidays

Dates: every Saturday from 10am - 12pm.
Location: Aycliffe Road Pitches, WD6 5DZ (look for the ParkPlay flag!)
Price: free, but you must register in advance (click here).

ParkPlay is a two-hour long play session of fun and games for everyone! There is some on-site parking but the organisers would recommend travelling by foot or bike.

Communities 1st hosts weekly Creative Community Cafés where there is crafting, chat and free refreshments. During the school holidays, there will be activities for children such as colouring sheets and card making! Parents must accompany and remain with their children.

The following cafes are available in Borehamwood:

• Aberford Community Centre
  • Aberford Road, WD6 1PL.
  • Wednesdays from 12 noon - 4pm.
• Farriers Way Community Centre (WD6 2TB).
  • 27 Farriers Way, WD6 2TB
  • Thursdays from 10am - 2pm.
• Organ Hall Community Centre
  • 37 Bairstow Close, WD6 4TB.
  • Fridays (excluding bank holidays) from 10am - 2pm.
• Windsor Hall Community Centre
  • Blyth Close, Gateshead Road, WD6 4EE.
  • Mondays (excluding bank holidays), from 10am - 2pm.

Dates: open daily.
Location: Reel Cinema, Metropolis Centre, 84 Shenley Road, WD6 1EH.
Tickets: selected films are priced at £3.99 at some viewings. Click here to book your tickets.

Date: Thursday 19 December from 10am - 2pm.
Location: Farriers Way Community Centre, WD6 2TB.
Price: free.

Start the holiday season with fun and friends at our Festive Cafe - where creativity meets the holiday spirit! Everyone is welcome!

Join us for FREE:
- Awesome arts
- Cheery crafts
- Perfect puzzles
- Great games and prizes
- Refreshments and mince pies

Remember to wear your best festive outfit!

Date: Friday 20 December from 5:30pm - 8:30pm.
Location: Hertswood Academy, Cowley Hill, WD6 5LG.
Price: free.

Free drop-in event for young people aged 11+ with snacks and drinks available. Football, rugby, basketball, and other activities available. For basketball, come along at 5:30pm - other activities start from 6:30pm.

Email community.services@hertsmere.gov.uk or call 07852 767357 for more information.

Hertfordshire Health Walks hosts weekly graded community walks. They are graded from First Steps walks, which are the shortest walks, taking 20-30 minutes on flat even ground, to Grade 4+ walks which are longer than 90 minutes and about 5-6 miles. Visit the website to find out more about the grades system. Health Walks are easy to join - registration is free and you only do it once. You can book a place in advance or turn up 15 minutes beforehand on the day.

The following walks are available in Borehamwood:

• Cowley Hill First Steps Walk
  • Mondays from 10:45am, excluding bank holidays.
  • From St Michael and All Angels Church, 142 Brook Road, WD6 5EQ. (Free refreshments available after in the church hall.)
  • The First Steps walk is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and buggy users. Grade 1-2 walks available.
• Cowley Hill Grade 1-2 Walk
  • Mondays from 11am, excluding bank holidays.
  • From St Michael and All Angels Church, 142 Brook Road, WD6 5EQ. (Free refreshments available after in the church hall.)
• Cowley Hill Grade 3-4 Walk
  • Wednesdays from 11am.
  • From Aberford Community Centre, Aberford Road, Borehamwood, WD6 1PL. (Refreshments available after in the community centre.)
  • Grade 3 walk.

Date: Saturday 21 December from 2pm - 6pm.
Location: Crystal Salt Cave, 113 Shenley Road, WD6 1AG.
Price: £5 - no booking required.

Get ready for a magical encounter as Santa Claus himself pays a visit to the Salt Cave to spread holiday cheer! Bring the whole family for a special Meet and Greet where kids can share their wishes, you can snap festive photos, and everyone can experience the joy of the season.

Date: Every Wednesday from 12 - 4pm.
Location: Aberford Community Centre, Aberford Road, WD6 1PN.
Price: free - no advance booking required.

Hertsmere Borough Council is hosting free bowls sessions this summer which are open to everyone. During the sessions, visit Communities 1st's Creative Community Café in Aberford Community Centre for complimentary refreshments

Date: Wednesday 25 December from 11am - 3pm.
Location: Elstree View Care Home, Edgewarebury Lane, off Barnet Lane, Elstree, WD6 3RG.

This festive season, be part of something special together preventing loneliness at Christmas. Complimentary Christmas lunch will be served along with festive games, and a chance to connect with others. Enjoy a freshly prepared meal made from seasonal ingredients, share laughter and create meaningful memories with new friends.

Limited spaces available; reserve via 020 4505 8505.

Date: Sunday 29 December from 5pm.
Location: Borehamwood Shopping Park,
Price: free - register here.

The annual public Menorah Lighting is free, fun and festive! Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, music, dancing, games, activities and light the NEW giant Menorah! After the Menorah is lit there will be free donuts for everyone! Plus more food and treat options will be available to purchase.

The first 40 people to register will receive a light-up Chanukah head bopper for you to keep! Plus every registration gets an exciting Chanukah gift.

This event is suitable for all ages, and hosted by the Jewish Life Centre and Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue.

Dates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12pm - 6pm, and Saturdays from 10am - 3pm.
Location: Elstree and Borehamwood Museum, 96 Shenley Road, WD6 1EB.
Price: admission is free.

The story of Elstree Aerodrome - an interactive exhibition looking at the history of the aerodrome which has been functional for nearly a century! Fly the plane and become part of it.

Note: the museum is closed from Monday 23 December - Thursday 2 January.

Dates: Mondays (Chatter Tables) and Thursdays (Welcome Café) from 11:30am - 3pm.
Location: St Michael's Church, 142 Brook Road, WD6 5EQ.
Price: free.

From 11:30am - 3pm: free tea and coffee, 12:30pm - 1pm: free hot meal served. All are welcome!

Please note that these events will not be taking place between 23 Dec 2024 and 6 Jan 2025

Date: Sunday 29 December from 4pm.
Location: Bushey Chabad, Bushey Rose Garden, WD23 3HH.
Price: free - click here to book your ticket.

Enter the Bushey Chanukah ICE Fest for a Chanukah experience like no other! Be amazed as a master Ice sculpturer creates a giant two-meter tall stunning Menorah in front of your eyes using chainsaws, chisels, grinding tools, blowtorches, and two giant blocks of pure ice! This is sure to be an incredible experience!

• Hop on the snowboard simulator for an epic snowboarding experience!
• Try your hands in ice excavation!
• Chisel away and see how many chocolate coins you can get.
• Make a real dreidel ice sculpture!
• Warm yourself up with delicious hot chocolate
• Enjoy delicious donuts
• Lighting of the giant ice Menorah

This is perfect for adults and children alike.

Dates: Saturday 21 and 28 December from 11:30am - 1:30pm.
Location: The Phoenix Community Centre, 4 Farrington Avenue, WD23 3DG.

Open every Saturday from 11:30am-1.30pm, the cafe is a welcoming, friendly space where you can catch up with friends, spend time with family, play with toys, or enjoy free Wi-Fi. A variety of sandwiches and toasties, homemade cakes, waffles, ice cream and hot and cold drinks are on offer, on a pay-as-you-feel basis. 

Hertfordshire Health Walks hosts weekly graded community walks. They are graded from First Steps walks, which are the shortest walks, taking 20-30 minutes on flat even ground, to Grade 4+ walks which are longer than 90 minutes and about 5-6 miles. Visit the website to find out more about the grades system. Health Walks are easy to join - registration is free and you only do it once. You can book a place in advance or turn up 15 minutes beforehand on the day.

The following walks are available in Bushey:

• King George First Steps Walk
  • Tuesdays from 10:30am.
  • From King George Cafe, King George Recreation Ground, King George Avenue, WD23 4NT.
  • The First Steps walk is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and buggy users.
• King George Grade 2-3 Walk
  • Thursdays from 10:30am.
  • From King George Cafe, King George Recreation Ground, King George Avenue, WD23 4NT.

Dates: Thursdays - Sundays from 11am - 4pm.
Location: Bushey Museum and Art Gallery, Rudolph Road, WD23 3HW.

Exhibitions include: local history, How Artists Work - the use of photography and sketchwork in works of art, The Portraits of Hubert von Herkomer, and Chandos Reprise - all kinds of everything.

Visit the website to learn all about current and future exhibitions.

Dates: Sundays at 9am - check the Facebook page for updates.
Location: King George Recreation Ground, King George Avenue, WD23 4NT.
Tickets: free to join, but please register online before your first run. If you have already registered with parkrun, bring a scanable copy of your barcode.

King George Junior Parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds). The aim is to have fun; come along and join in whatever your pace! You can even grab a post-parkrun coffee at the leisure centre's cafe after.

Date: Mondays from 12pm - 3pm
Location: Phoenix Centre, 4 Farrington Avenue, WD23 3DG.
Price: free.

My Yard has teamed up with the Red Trust Bushey to bring you Monday Moments: for zumba, creative tips, chair aerobics and pamper sessions at Bushey Warm Hub.

If it's your first time attending and you want to say hello before coming, email hey@myyard.org.uk or call 07939 917800.

Date: Wednesday 25 December from 11am - 3:15pm.
Location: The Salvation Army - Harpenden, Leyton Green, AL5 2TG.
Price: free but booking is essential. Please contact Tanya or Kenneth on 01582 469399.

You are invited to share Christmas dinner at The Salvation Army. Join in for a free three-course meal seated with other local residents. After your meal, there will be time to relax and socialise until finishing off your day watching the King's speech.

Local transport can be arranged - please mention this when you book.

Date: Sunday 22 December from 10am - 2pm.
Location: Lower High Street, AL5.

Harpenden Farmer's Market boasts 70 stalls offering a wide range of produce including: meats, pies, fish, preserves, pickles, jams, honey, cheeses, fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants, fresh bread, cakes and pastries, eggs, beer, wine and liqueurs.

Harpenden Skatepark in Rothamsted Park is made up of metal ramps on a tarmac base. It features a mini ramp with a quarter pipe coming off the side. Another quarter pipe completes the back-and-forth layout, with funbox in between. There’s also a grind rail and ledge.

Hertfordshire Health Walks hosts weekly graded community walks. They are graded from First Steps walks, which are the shortest walks, taking 20-30 minutes on flat even ground, to Grade 4+ walks which are longer than 90 minutes and about 5-6 miles. Visit the website to find out more about the grades system. Health Walks are easy to join - registration is free and you only do it once. You can book a place in advance or turn up 15 minutes beforehand on the day.

The following walks are available in Harpenden:

Rothamsted Grade 3 Walk

• Thursdays from 10:30am.
• Three mile route lasting approximately 60 minutes.
• From the Conference Centre Car Park, Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise, West Common, AL5 2JQ.

Date: every Sunday from 9am.
Location: Katherine Warington School, Lower Luton Road, AL5 5FH.
Price: free! Register online before attending this event.

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds). The aim is to have fun. Please come along and join in whatever your pace.

Every week, the group grabs a post-Parkrun coffee at the Marquis of Granby - everyone is welcome!

Date: Mondays from 3:45pm.
Location: Harpenden Library, 27 High Street, AL5 2RU.
Price: £4 - book at the enquiry desk.

Suitable for ages 5-12.

Dates: Saturdays from 11am - 12pm
Location: Harpenden Library, 27 High Street, AL5 2RU.
Price: free - book at the enquiry desk.

Children will have the chance to meet and read to one of the lovely, friendly Pets As Therapy dogs! Sessions last for 15 minutes. Bookings can be made up to one month in advance at the enquries desk.

Dates: Mondays - Saturdays from 10am - 12pm.
Location: High Street Methodist Church, High Street, AL5 2RU.

Wesleys Community Café offers good company for everyone, free wifi and space to relax. The café has no fixed prices for anything on the menu, instead offering a chance to give a donation as you leave.

Dates: every Sunday from 9am.
Location: Furzefield Leisure Centre, Mutton Lane, EN6 3BW.
Tickets: free to join, but please register online before your first run. If you have already registered with parkrun, bring a scanable copy of your barcode.

Furzefield Junior Parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds). The aim is to have fun; come along and join in whatever your pace! You can even grab a post-parkrun coffee at the leisure centre's cafe after.

Hertfordshire Health Walks hosts weekly graded community walks. They are graded from First Steps walks, which are the shortest walks, taking 20-30 minutes on flat even ground, to Grade 4+ walks which are longer than 90 minutes and about 5-6 miles. Visit the website to find out more about the grades system. Health Walks are easy to join - registration is free and you only do it once. You can book a place in advance or turn up 15 minutes beforehand on the day.

The following walks are available in Potters Bar:

Railway Station Grade 2 and 3 Walks

• Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30am, excluding bank holidays.
• From Potters Bar Railway Station Memorial Garden (adjacent to Holland and Barrett), EN6 1AJ.
• Choice of a Grade 2 or 3 walk.

Oakmere First Steps Walk

• Fridays from 11am.
• From Oakmere Library, High Street, Potters Bar, EN6 5BZ. Free refreshments are available after in the library.
• This First Steps walk is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and buggy users.

Dates: open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2.30-4.30pm, and Saturdays from 11am-1pm (subject to Wyllyotts Centre being open).
Location: Wyllyotts Centre, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, EN6 2HN.
Price: £2 for non-members, £1 for members.

Potters Bar Museum tells the story of the growth of Potters Bar from a tiny village on the Great North Road to the thriving present day town. The museum opened in 1990 and offers a delightful nostalgic jumble of items relating to Potters Bar and the local area. It is in one of the earliest known sites of interest in the area, facing the timber-framed Wyllyotts Manor, part of which dates back to the 14th century (now used as a restaurant and a public house).

There are some natural history items, including fossils, geological specimens such as Hertfordshire puddingstone and Mesolithic stone implements used by the earliest known inhabitants. A collection of Roman silver coins found as a treasure hoard in the district is on display together with examples of Roman clay ware made in a kiln excavated in the Parkfield open space in the 1950s.

The current exhibition is They All Live Round Here: showcasing famous and notable Potters Bar residents throughout history.

Dates: Tuesdays from 12 noon - 4pm.
Location: Phillimore Community Centre, Phillimore Place, WD7 8NN.
Price: no need to book, this is a free community café.

Communities 1st hosts weekly sessions for crafting, chat and free refreshments. During the school holidays, there will be activities for children such as card and postcard making! Parents must accompany and remain with their children.

Hertfordshire Health Walks hosts weekly graded community walks. They are graded from First Steps walks, which are the shortest walks, taking 20-30 minutes on flat even ground, to Grade 4+ walks which are longer than 90 minutes and about 5-6 miles. Visit the website to find out more about the grades system. Health Walks are easy to join - registration is free and you only do it once. You can book a place in advance or turn up 15 minutes beforehand on the day.

The following walks are available in the Radlett - Aldenham areas.

• Church Lane Grade 3 Walk
  • Fridays from 10:30am.
  • From The Green (opposite St John the Baptist Church), Church Lane, Aldenham, WD25 8BF.

Dates: every Thursday from 3pm - 5pm (when the library is open).
Location: Radlett Library, 1 Aldenham Avenue, WD7 8HL.
Price: free.

Free knitting session in a friendly, relaxed environment. All abilities and ages are welcome!

Date: Monday - Saturday from 10am - 4pm, excluding bank holidays.
Location: The Radlett Centre (Downstairs Gallery and upstairs Apthorp Gallery), 1 Aldenham Avenue, WD7 8HL.
Price: free.

Radlett Art Society Exhibition (downstairs gallery)
An exhibition of work by a group of Artist members of the Radlett Art Society. Artists meet at weekly Thursday afternoon society Workshops throughout the year including 2 months of En Plein Air painting, outdoors, during the summer months. This is a regular space for artists to meet and paint in a supportive and relaxing environment. There will be many different styles of art exhibited.

Lisa Patnick Exhibition (upstairs gallery)
Lisa’s exhibition are brightly coloured paintings in acrylic. Art was initiated through a breast cancer diagnosis. During chemotherapy Lisa was sent on an Art Therapy course and has been painting ever since.

Date: Saturday 21 December from 9am - 11am.
Location: St Albans Cycling Hub, Cottonmill Community Centre, Old Oak, AL1 2EF

A Christmas-themed cyclecross extravaganza! Download the Spond app and join the group using code: SMDKB.

Dates: Wednesdays from 9am - 11am.
Location: St Albans Community Pantry, Fleetville Community Centre, Royal Road, Al1 4LQ
Price: free.

Open to all, no booking required. Free hot cooked breakfast. Surplus food rescued from local bakery available to take home.

Volunteers speak a diverse range of languages including Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian, French, Arabic, Spanish and Polish.

Dates: Tuesdays from 10am - 12pm.
Location: LeeAnnas Wish, Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre, Old Oak, AL1 2EF.

Pop along and say hi for good conversation, meeting new people, and fun weekly activities. Cuppa / cake / bacon roll priced at only £2-£3.

Dates: Mondays from 12pm - 2pm.
Location: St Albans Community Pantry, Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre, Old Oak, AL1 2EF.
Price: free.

Open to all, no booking required. Free hot cooked lunch, free haircuts, benefits advice, IT tuition, and more! Surplus food rescued from local supermarkets available to take home.

Volunteers speak a diverse range of languages including Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian, French, Arabic, Spanish and Polish.

Dates: usually open daily from 11am - 5pm. Closed on 24, 25, 26, 31 December and 1 January 2025.
Location: St Albans Museum + Gallery, Town Hall, St Peter's Street, AL1 3DH
Price: free.

Inspired by St Albans Museum + Gallery's cells and courtroom this exhibition explores the history of criminal justice and the different ways in which local communities have dealt with crime, from the Iron Age to today. 

"Catching the Chain" is a phrase used in prison communities to refer to leaving prison and re-entering society. The exhibition partners include a wide range of organisations and individuals with lived experience inside and outside the criminal justice system. 

Please note the videos in the exhibition contain flashing lights, strobe effects and rapid image transitions that may affect some viewers. Please speak to museum staff for further advice.

Dates: daily until Tuesday 24 December.
Location: St Albans City Centre.
Price: free.

This fun, free, family-friendly trail, invites visitors to explore the city centre and find our festive characters, take photos and make memories.

1. Collect a trail map from St Albans Museum + Gallery (open daily 11am– 5pm) or St Albans Cathedral (open daily 9am – 5pm). Or view the online version at enjoystalbans.com.
2. Find Felipe’s friends as marked on the map. Each character can be found in the window of a St Albans city centre business or shop.
3. Write the letters you see on each one on the map and complete the festive word.

For the chance to win, fill in your details on the form provide, carefully cut/tear it out and post it into Santa’s postbox (marked on the map) for a chance to win a prize. The postboxes is located inside the St Albans Museum + Gallery and St Albans Cathedral. Three winning entries will be drawn out with each winner receiving a £50 St Albans Gift Card!

Dates: Friday 20 - Sunday 22 December and Tuesday 24 December from 9am - 3pm.
Location: St Peter's Street and Marketplace, AL1 3DH.
Price: free entry.

Seasonal gifts, general market and international street food.

Dates: Saturday 21 and Monday 23 December from 2:15pm.
Location: St Albans Library, The Maltings, AL1 3JQ.
Price: free.

Date: Saturday 21 December from 10:30am - 1:30pm.
Location: St Albans Library, The Maltings, AL1 3JQ.
Price: free.

Help make a big gingerbread house on the wall and some decorations to take home! This simple and fun crafting session is drop-in and open to all ages. Donations welcome.

Hertfordshire Health Walks hosts weekly graded community walks. They are graded from First Steps walks, which are the shortest walks, taking 20-30 minutes on flat even ground, to Grade 4+ walks which are longer than 90 minutes and about 5-6 miles. Visit the website to find out more about the grades system. Health Walks are easy to join - registration is free and you only do it once. You can book a place in advance or turn up 15 minutes beforehand on the day.

The following walks are available in St Albans:

Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre First Steps Walk

• 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 12pm.
• 20-30 minutes on a flat, even surface at a gentle pace.
• From in front of the basketball court, 12 Old Oak, AL1 2EF.

Greenwood Park Grade 3 Walk

• Fridays from 2pm.
• Three mile route lasting approximately 60 minutes.
• From Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green, AL2 3HW.

Highfield Park Grade 3 Walk

• Mondays from 9:30am (including bank holidays) and Tuesdays from 1:30pm.
• Three mile route lasting approximately 60 minutes.
• From YMCA Highfield Park Centre, 59 Russett Drive, AL4 0DB.

Date: Saturday 21 December from 5pm - 7pm.
Location: The Speckled Hen, Hatfield Road, AL4 0XG.
Price: free - booking via the pub or on 01727 866856 is advisable.

Come and join in the festive fun!

Date: Saturday 21 December from 1pm - 4pm.
Location: Cottonmill Community Centre, Old Oak, AL1 2EF.
Price: free - booking is essential.

Bring your holiday spirit and join in for an unforgettable Christmas celebration featuring: delicious food, fun games for all ages, face painting, craft activities, and Christmas Eve bags.

It's the perfect way to get into the festive mood with family and friends.

Date: Tuesday 24 December from 4pm - 5pm.
Location: Marshalswick Library, The Ridgeway, AL4 9TU.
Price: £4.

LEGO Club for children aged 5-12 (under 8s must be accompanied by an adult). Limited places: first-come, first-served.

Dates: Mondays from 3:30pm - 5:30pm.
Location: Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre, Old Oak, AL1 2EF.
Price: free.

Free hot food, hot drinks, arts and crafts, table tennis, activities for kids and relaxation-time for grown-ups. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Dates: Sundaay 22 December from 10am - 12pm.
Location: Dark Fire Café, Unit 8 Gavel Centre, Porters Wood, AL3 6pQ.
Price: £4.50 per child.

Every Sunday morning is Pokemon morning at Dark Fire Cafe! Bring your little trainers for a morning of card trading and games! We also have a local Pokemon professor on hand (certaind days) to help young traders build decks and learn to play. Ages 5+ and all children must be accompanied by a parent.

Hertfordshire Health Walks hosts weekly graded community walks. They are graded from First Steps walks, which are the shortest walks, taking 20-30 minutes on flat even ground, to Grade 4+ walks which are longer than 90 minutes and about 5-6 miles.

Visit the website to find out more about the grades system. Health Walks are easy to join - registration is free and you only do it once. You can book a place in advance or turn up 15 minutes beforehand on the day.

The following walk is available in Redbourn:

Redbourn Grade 4 Walk

• Four - five mile walk lasting up to 90 minutes.
• From the Cricket Club car park, Marquis Lane, AL5 5AA.

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, 2-5pm.
Location: Redbourn Village Museum, Silk Mill House, The Common, AL3 7NB.
Price: admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Redbourn Village Museum is hosting a brand new exhibition on the Redbournbury Mill!

Dates: every Sunday at 9am.
Location: Verulamium Park (by the museum park), AL3 4SW.
Tickets: free to join, but please register online before your first run. If you have already registered with parkrun, bring a scanable copy of your barcode.

Verulamium Junior Parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds). The aim is to have fun so join in whatever your pace! You can even grab a post-parkrun coffee in the Inn on the Park (AL3 4SN).

Activity: Verso Care Cafe
Dates: every Monday from 10am - 12pm.
Location: The Vineyard Christian Fellowship of St Albans, 7 Brick Knoll Park, AL1 5UG.

Everyone is welcome to join us for some breakfast or early lunch at The Verso Café, completely free of charge - whether or not you are using Verso Care services. The friendly team look forward to getting to know you over a cup of tea and a chat. Guests can access several services at Verso Care that are available to offer support, whatever their circumstances. Click here to learn more. There is also a Stay and Play session for younger children taking place at the same time.

Activity: Refuel Club
Dates: Wednesdays during the school holidays.
Location: The Vineyard Christian Fellowship of St Albans, 7 Brick Knoll Park, AL1 5UG.

REFUEL Club provides fresh and healthy cooked lunches for children in receipt of Pupil Premium or families on a tight budget. Fun-filled sessions start with with theme-based games, crafts and activities and then the club sits down together for a tasty hot lunch. These popular sessions make a great lunchtime for the whole family, so booking is essential!

To book your place, email office@verso.church

Dates: Friday 19 December from 2pm - 5pm and Saturday 20 December from 11am - 5pm.
Location: H'arts in Mind Art Hub, The Galleria, Comet Way, Hatfield, AL10 0XR.
Price: free.

Come and decorate a festive bauble!

Dates: every Sunday at 9am (seasonal dates may vary).
Location: King George V Playing Fields, Beehive Lane, Welwyn Garden City, A7 4BP.
Tickets: free to join, but please register online before your first run. If you have already registered with parkrun, bring a scanable copy of your barcode.

Beehive Junior Parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds). The aim is to have fun; come along and join in whatever your pace! You can even grab a post-parkrun coffee at the Cafe2U van after.

Date: Wednesday 25 December from 12pm - 2pm.
Location: Revivall Church, Unit 2 Sterling Court, Mundells, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1FT.
Price: £5 per person - booking is essential.

Pay £5 in-person to Schnotte or email the church office at info@revivallchurch.com.

Date: Sunday 5 January from 11am - 12:30pm.
Location: Moneyhole Lane Park, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 2RT.
Price: family tickets priced at £6 - £12 depending number of people - click here to book.

This family-friendly Forest School is designed for parents and children under 12. Enjoy a fun-filled outdoor adventure where kids can explore nature, climb trees and learn bushcraft skills, all while making lasting memories. It's the perfect way to connect with nature and each other.

Dates: Saturday 21 - Sunday 29 December
Location: The Galleria Outlet Shopping Centre, Comet Way, Hatfield, AL10 0XR.
Price: free.

At The Galleria this holiday, your kids can get their faces painted near the Get Wild indoor play area on Saturday 21 December from 11am - 3pm. You can also try to find the sensational juggling elf who will roam around the centre bringing festive charm and fun on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December from 11am - 4pm. You can book to see Santa (click here).

The following festive performances are also taking place over the holiday period:

• Danny Janeway Festive Performance - Saturday 21 December from 12:30pm - 2:30pm
• Busking Duo Bill and Brook - Thursday 26 December from 1pm - 3pm
• Busking Duo Bill and Brook - Sunday 29 December from 1pm - 3pm

For more information, click here.

Campus West Cinema in Welwyn Garden City is offering 'Films for a Fiver' (or £3.99 if you have a Zebra Discount card).

Click here to visit their website and choose your screening.

Dates: Tuesdays from 9:30 - 11am.
Location: The Attimore Hall Pub, Ridgeway, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 2AD.
Price: this Hub is pay-as-you-feel though the minimum suggested donation is £5 for two shopping bags - donation covers the transport cost of recovering the food. 

The Food Rescue Hub's mission is to recovery perfectly good food which is otherwise going to waste and redistribute it to the community. Please bring your own reusable “bag for life’ as many items we have are loose and unpackaged.  At this time we are limiting the offering to two bags per rescuer (18 years +): one bag produce, and one bag bread and other.

Dates: open daily from 9:30am - 6pm on weekdays, and 9am - 6pm on weekends.
Location: The Jim McDonald Centre, McDonald Court, High View, Hatfield, AL10 8HR.
Tickets: £4.20 per child, adults and under 1s go free.

Freddie's Den is an indoor soft play venue that's fun, safe, and low cost. For ages 0 to 8 years to play, run, climb and explore. There is a Junior Area for children aged 2-8 years, and a Baby Area for the 0-2s. Child minders who are registered with Ofsted can use Freddie's Den for only £2.50 per child Monday to Friday (proof of registration will be required). A range of food and drinks are available to children and adults. Visit the website for more information.

Please note: Socks must be worn at all times on the play frame. 

Hertfordshire Health Walks hosts weekly graded community walks. They are graded from First Steps walks, which are the shortest walks, taking 20-30 minutes on flat even ground, to Grade 4+ walks which are longer than 90 minutes and about 5-6 miles. Visit the website to find out more about the grades system. Health Walks are easy to join - registration is free and you only do it once. You can book a place in advance or turn up 15 minutes beforehand on the day.

The following walks are available in Welwyn and Hatfield:

Beehive Lane Grade 3 Walk

• Fridays at 10am.
• Three mile route lasting approximately 60 minutes.
• From behind The Pavilion, King George V Playing Fields, Beehive Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4BP.

Brookmans Park Grade 1-2 and 3 Walks

• Thursdays at 10.30am.
• Grade 1-2 walks last up to 45 minutes and cover a 1.5 - 2 mile route.
• Grade 3 walks cover a three mile route lasting approximately 60 minutes.
• From The Brookmans Pub, Bradmore Green, Brookmans Park, AL9 7QW.

Digswell Park Grade 3 Walk

• Mondays at 10am (including bank holidays).
• Three mile route lasting approximately 60 minutes.
• From Welwyn Garden City Bowls Club, 288 Knightsfield, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7NQ.

Hatfield Town Centre First Steps Walk

• Wednesdays at 2pm.
• First Steps walks are wheelchair and buggy-friendly, lasting 20-30 minutes on a flat, even surface at a gentle pace.
• From the centre of Market Place (near the Town Inn), Hatfield, AL10 0LJ.

Sherrardspark Wood Grade 2 and 3 Walks

• Thursdays at 10am.
• Grade 2 walks cover two miles and last approximately 45 minutes.
• Grade 3 walks cover three miles and last approximately 60 minutes.
• From Campus West, Cinema Entrance, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX.

Date: every Tuesday from 4:15 - 5:15pm.
Location: Hatfield Library, White Lion Square, 26-32 Town Centre, AL10 0LD.
Tickets: £4 - please book in advance at the library as places are limited.

Date: Saturday 28 December from 11am -  12pm.
Location: Welwyn Garden City Central Library, Campus West, AL8 6AJ.
Tickets: £4 - please book in advance at the library as places are limited.

LEGO builds stem skills! Come along for fun challenges that build problem solving skills and creative thinking.

Suitable for children ages 5-12. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Date: Sunday 22 December from 2pm - 5pm.
Location: St Mary's Church, Welwyn, AL6 9LX.
Price: free - places are limited so please book by emailing milnerrobert1@me.com or calling 07540 847599.

A festive workshop for children aged 7 and up. Learning and singing Christmas songs and giving a concert at the end for friends and family.

Dates: open on weekdays from 9.30am-4pm (with the kitchen closing at 3.20pm for hot food). (Seasonal openings may vary).
Location: Sparks Community Cafe, Queensway House, Hatfield, AL10 OLW.

Sparks Community Cafe is, for the most part, a Pay-What-You-Can cafe. There are a small number of items charged for such as drinks.

Dates: Saturdays from 10am - 12pm.
Location: King George V Playing Fields, Beehive Lane, AL7 4BP.
Price: free - but you must register online before attending.

ParkPlay is for everyone and the fun and games sessions are designed to suit a wide range of abilities and fitness levels. Children are welcomed but must be accompanied by an adult.

Date: Saturday 21 December from 9am.
Location: Gosling Sports Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6XE.

Welwyn Wheelers is an inclusive cycle racing club in Hertfordshire, welcoming riders interested in road, track, cyclo-cross and audax.

Dates: daily until Tuesday 24 December.
Location: The Howard Centre, Welwyn Garden City, Al8 6HA.

• Saturday 21st December
  • Tree-Cycle: drop in crafting event for making Christmas decorations from 11am – 4pm.
  • Parkinsons: organ playing Christmas performance from 10am – 3pm.
     
• Sunday 22nd December
  • Movie Day: free screening of cartoon Grinch at 11am and Home Alone at 2pm.
  • Cutie Mark: face painting available.
     
• Monday 23rd December
  • Rock Choir
  • Gym Group: spin the wheel for the chance to win from 4pm – 5pm.
  • Movie Day: free screening of Arthur Christmas at 12pm and Elf at 3pm.
     
• Tuesday 24th December
  • Look out for a special festive visitor!

Warm Welcome

Dates: Wednesdays from 10am - 3:30pm.
Location: Rosedale Community Church, Andrew's Lane, EN7 6LB

All are welcome to come into the space. Hot drinks and a simple lunch is available, but feel free to bring your own refreshments if you prefer.

Wellbeing Space

Dates: every Thursday from 10am - 1pm (seasonal dates may vary).
Location: Dunstable Community Halls, Manchester Place, Dunstable, LU6 1HT.

Drop in, stay and enjoy, with refreshments, gardening and food growing activities, a place to socialise and meet new people, board games, signposting to support and advice.

Saturday LEGO Club

Date: alternate Saturdays.
Location: Goffs Oak Community Library, Goffs Lane, Waltham Cross, EN7 5ET.
Price: donations welcome.

Booking is essential at the library. Suitable for accompanied children aged 5-10 years.

Community and Internet Cafe

Dates: Thursdays from 9am - 1pm (seasonal dates may vary).
Location: Highfield Community Centre, Fletcher Way, HP2 5SB.

Thursday Coffee and Cake Mornings

Dates: Thursdays from 10am - 11:30am (seasonal dates may vary).
Location: Stoneyhall Community Centre, 29 Wornham Avenue, off Popple Way, SG1 3UG

Free tea, coffee and cake. Everyone is welcome! For more information, email carly.sportinginspirations@gmail.com.

Natural History Museum at Tring Events
The museum can be found on Akeman Street, HP23 6AP. Click here to visit the website and view all events.

• Rudolph Christmas Trail
  • Daily until Sundaay 5 January 2025.
  • Help Father Christmas round up his reindeer from their holidays. Search the galleries and help Father Christmas track them down by using clues from the postcards the reindeer sent from their travels. Suitable for all ages.

Social Walk

Dates: every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:20am (seasonal dates may vary).
Location: WTBL Hub at Wormley Community Centre, Fairfield Drive, EN10 6DX
Price: small charge for refreshments every Thursday.

To join a walk, call 01992 217077. Walk at a comfortable pace, improve your mental health and physical wellbeing, spend time with others in a social, safe and friendly environment, explore the local surroundings by foot. A small charge covers refreshments every Thursday in the hall, where you can relax and catch up over a cup of tea and a biscuit. Please note that walks are not suitable for pushchairs or dogs.

Hertfordshire County Council have put together a list of fifty ‘no cost’ or ‘low cost’ activities in the county, providing a whole world of wonder for you and your children.

Hours of fun and discovery await in our Fifty Thrifty Adventures, and these can be easily tracked down on foot, by cycling or by scooting – and there’s always the bus with discounted £2 bus fares to help get you going places.

• Summer adventures
• Autumn adventures
• Springtime adventures

Breakfast Club

Date: weekdays from 7:45am- 8:30am, starting Monday 14 October (seasonal dates may vary).
Location: Studio Room, Wormley Community Centre, Fairfield Drive, Wormley, EN10 6DX
Price: free.

Free breakfasts for anyone in the community from 14 October. Whether the kids need feeding on their way to school, you want to grab a quick bite before you start work, or you'd simply like to start your day with a nice chat in a warm space with a full belly, come down to the Breakfast Club!

These meal deals are available nationwide. For more information, visit the Money Saving Central website.

Kids Eat Free (£5 or less total spend):

• ASDA Cafe
  • Kids eat for £1 all day, every day with no adult spend required.
     
• Hungry Horse
  • Kids eat for £1 on Mondays.
     
• IKEA Cafe
  • Kids can also enjoy Kids Pasta with Tomato Sauce and a soft drink for 95p or any other Kids Meal for £1.50 every day from 11am.
     
• Morrisons
  • Spend £5 on the hot menu and get one free kids meal. Available all day, every day.
     
• Pausa Cafe at Dunelm
  • Kids get one mini main, two snacks and a drink free with every £4 spend after 3pm.
     
• Pizza Hut
  • Free kids buffet until Tuesday 5 November daily until 3pm with the code 'SPOOKY'.

This information comes from the Money Saving Central website - click here for full information.

Cineworld
Movies for Juniors offers screenings daily at 10am and 10.15am for £2.50 per ticket for adults and children.

Odeon
Adults pay children's prices (£5) every day in holidays. This can be used in conjunction with Meerkat Tuesdays BOGOF. Odeon Kids also offers early morning screenings for £3.25.

Vue
Super Saver Seats are £4.99 all day every day, and can be used in conjunction with the Meerkat Tuesdays BOGOF offer. Vue Mini Mornings are 10am daily during the holidays - adults and children pay £2.49 per ticket (online).

You can book cheap tickets to big attractions online if you're in receipt of certain benefits, including Kew Gardens, Kensington Palace, London Zoo, Tower of London, and more!

Click here for more information.

The Trussell Trust has teamed up with English Heritage to offer people facing hardship a voucher for a free visit to their local English Heritage site. Over 100 food banks in the Trust's network are taking part.

Mum's Guide to is a must-visit site for parents and carers, catering to children and families in St Albans, Harpenden and Welwyn, among other locations.

NB. options listed on these sites are often priced higher than £5 per person.

There are lots of options for making fun for free - you're probably aware of all the usual ones like building a blanket fort, or getting creative with cereal boxes and old toilet roll holders, but here are a few lists of epic fun you can have for free:

• 24 Cheap Summer Activities for Kids
• School Closure Activity Ideas
• 87 Fun Things to do at Home

Blue Light Card provides those in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces with discounts online and in-store. There is a registration fee of £4.99, but that gives two years access to a range of exclusive offers on products, experiences and services such as car insurance and holiday bookings.

• Register for a card.

Did you know that you can enter many UK attractions for free with a Blue Peter badge? Nor did we!

Children aged 5-15 years can apply for a Blue Peter badge. If you or they already have a badge, you will need a Badge Card to accompany it: click here to apply.

Check out all the attractions via Blue Peter's Interactive Map.

Charity Worker Discounts provide discounts for charity workers, fundraising staff, office-based staff and volunteers. This discount scheme is free and offers exclusive deals for charity workers.

• Learn more via the website.

Olio is an app that lets you pass on what you no longer need to people who live nearby. You can find produce from local businesses nearing its sell-by date, spare home-grown vegetables, breads from your local baker or even groceries from your neighbours.

• Visit the website to learn more.

Too Good To Go is a free app which lets you rescue unsold food from restaurants, cafes and supermarkets at reduced prices.

• Visit the website to learn more.