5 great summer holiday activities for children and grandchildren in Beds, Herts, and Bucks

With the school holidays now upon us, you might be furiously searching for ways to keep your children or grandchildren entertained that don’t involve time in front of screens.

Thankfully, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire are home to an incredible range of days out that will be of appeal to the whole family.

So, continue reading to discover five family-friendly activities you may want to consider for your younger loved ones, with recommendations in Beds, Herts, and Bucks this summer holiday.

1. Get up close and personal with some animals

Animal parks and petting zoos are guaranteed to keep your children or grandchildren engaged over the school holidays.

Not only could they get to see some exotic animals, but they might even manage to get up close and personal with some of the animals, even learning a thing or two about their care.

• In Bedfordshire, the Woodside Animal Farm near Slip End could offer a highly interactive experience. The farm is home to dozens of animals, ranging from rabbits and goats to llamas and wallabies.
• Over in Hertfordshire, the Standalone Farm near Letchworth could provide a more traditional working farm experience. Kids can explore the barns, participate in seasonal activities, and learn more about where the food we eat each day comes from.
• And, in Buckinghamshire, the Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park near Quainton is home to your typical farmyard animals, as well as some rarer breeds, such as reptiles and tortoises. It’s a full day out, complete with indoor play areas and a café.

2. Step back in time and explore history

History can be a fantastic way to capture your children’s imagination, and the three counties are home to several incredible attractions that appeal to younger visitors.

• In Bedfordshire, Wrest Park near Silsoe allows children to take in the beauty of a stunning French-style chateau. While architecture might appeal more to adults, your younger loved ones can explore the 90 acres of grounds, including formal gardens, woodland walks, and an on-site play area.
• Hertfordshire’s Knebworth House could be another exciting day out. The house itself hosts several historical collections, which tell the story of the Lytton family, who have lived there for over 500 years. Then, the dinosaur trail and adventure playground are guaranteed to tire out the children.
• Meanwhile, Buckinghamshire’s Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont St Giles features reconstructed historic buildings such as barns, a blacksmith, and a Victorian school. There are regular events and re-enactments, too, all of which bring history to life.

3. Burn off some energy with an outdoor adventure

With the longer days here and (hopefully) the better weather, summer could be the ideal time to get outdoors. You might even be able to burn off some of your children’s energy and get some time to relax, too.

• If you’re in Bedfordshire, the Priory Country Park offers a mix of exciting activities. Indeed, there’s a large lake for paddleboarding or kayaking, woodland walks, and plenty of open fields perfect for ball games.
• In Hertfordshire, Cassiobury Park in Watford has one of the area’s largest free playgrounds, including paddling pools and even a miniature railway. The River Gade runs through the park, offering a beautiful backdrop, and there are cafés and nice picnic spots for a meal after a day of exploring.
• Over in Buckinghamshire, the Black Park Country Park near Slough could offer a mix of woodland and lakeside paths for a peaceful walk. It’s also home to a Go Ape high-rope course if you or your little ones fancy something a bit more daring.

4. Enjoy some scientific and creative activities

The school holidays might also be an excellent opportunity to encourage creativity, especially if you’re looking for something a bit different.

• In Bedfordshire, the Higgins Bedford is an art gallery and museum with free entry and workshops throughout the summer. Here, children can take part in crafts and dress-up sessions, all while discovering local history.
• In Hertfordshire, the Verulamium Museum in St Albans allows children to explore the Roman crafts of the area through mosaics, artefacts, and reconstruction. Other family-friendly activities here, such as themed trails and storytelling sessions, bring the Roman town to life.
• In Buckinghamshire, the Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury is home to a number of different exhibitions, mainly with a focus on archaeology, natural history, and art.

5. Take some time relaxing at a park

Sometimes, you don’t want to spend your time running after your children in a hectic environment. Even a simple day at the park can be just as memorable, and there are plenty of green spaces across the three counties.

• In Bedfordshire, Harrold-Odell Country Park offers peaceful lakeside walks and an all-natural play area. It can be a great place for bird spotting, climbing trees, or skimming stones, perfect for a relaxing summer afternoon.
• If you’re located in Hertfordshire, Panshanger Park near Hertford is part of a conservation project run by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Here, there’s a dragonfly trail for children, wildflower meadows, and even plenty of animals to spot, such as longhorn cattle.
• Meanwhile, in Buckinghamshire, the Rye in High Wycombe is an incredibly popular spot. As well as the large playground and swimming centre, you’ll find open parkland and a boating lake where you can rent a pedalo for something different.

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This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.