Hertfordshire offers a wealth of family-friendly days out, from zoos and historic houses to wide open park spaces. With interactive museums, adventure playgrounds and more, parents can keep the kids entertained across this beautiful county. Here are some of the top attractions and activities for families visiting Hertfordshire.
Hertfordshire Zoo
One of the top attractions in Hertfordshire for families is Hertfordshire Zoo. This zoo has over 500 animals across 110 species, making it a great place for kids to see tigers, lemurs, monkeys, meerkats, and many more up close. Some highlights include feeding times for the giraffes, sea lion shows, and a children’s farm area where little ones can pet and feed the animals. The zoo runs special events throughout the year like Easter egg hunts and Halloween parties. With spacious grounds, a café, gift shop and adjacent adventure playground, Hertfordshire Zoo offers a full family day out.
Hatfield House and Gardens
A fascinating historic house surrounded by impressive gardens, Hatfield House is a brilliant place for families to explore. The Jacobean mansion has stunning interiors, with highlights including the grand marble hallway, the magnificent Great Hall, and the ornate chapel. Kids will love spotting the carved owls and gargoyles on the exterior of the building.
The gardens span over 100 acres with knots, pools and mounted statues to discover. Family activities run through the year like medieval combat demonstrations and craft workshops.
Natural History Museum at Tring
Budding naturalists will adore the Natural History Museum at Tring. Packed full of stuffed animals, bugs and bones, it lets kids get a close-up view of wildlife from around the world. Highlights include the incredible wall of mammals, giant rhino skeletons, and the incredible bird room filled with beautiful feathers. The hands-on Discovery Room lets children handle real animal skins, skulls, teeth and more. Trails and quizzes add extra fun. This free museum makes a wonderful rainy day activity if you are fostering in Hertfordshire, and one that animal-loving children will never forget.
Knebworth House
For a family day out brimming with history and adventure, visit Knebworth House. Kids will be awed by the grand gothic Victorian mansion and extensive picturesque grounds. Inside the house, they can embark on a maze-like adventure following the Egyptian Trail, spotting hieroglyphics, statues and more along the way.
Outdoors, the Dino Trail brings pretend dinosaurs to life, while the Adventure Playground, giant play fort and maze offer endless active fun. Special events like jousting shows bring further excitement.
National Trust Ashbridge Estate
The National Trust Ashbridge Estate in Hertfordshire encompasses 500 acres of woodland, meadows and gardens ideal for family adventures. Kids can roam through the picturesque grounds following the Tree Trail to spot different tree species. Other highlights include the walled garden with its charming greenhouse, dovecote and ice house. The extensive woods offer the chance for den building and fairy spotting missions.
Cassiobury Park
For picnicking, playgrounds and plenty of space, head to the expansive Cassiobury Park in Watford. Highlights for kids include the paddling pool, nut tree maze and the big climbing frame adventure area. Watford Rural Farm located in the park is home to goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys and more, making for a fun hands-on animal experience.
With its blend of wildlife encounters, historic houses, and outdoor adventures, Hertfordshire offers many excellent family-friendly days out. Kids will love getting close to nature, journeying back in time, and burning off energy in the beautiful parks and gardens across this county just north of London.
