St Albans, a historic city in Hertfordshire, offers a wonderful blend of outdoor adventures, interactive museums, and family-friendly attractions that are perfect for families with children. Whether you’re looking to explore its rich history, enjoy the natural beauty of the area, or simply have some fun with the kids, St Albans has plenty to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in St Albans right now for families with children.
1. Verulamium Park
For a day out in nature, Verulamium Park is the perfect spot. This large park is not only beautiful but also rich in history, as it sits on the site of the Roman town of Verulamium. Families can enjoy a peaceful walk around the park’s picturesque lake, have a picnic in the open green spaces, or explore the playground, which is suitable for children of all ages. You can also rent pedal boats to float around the lake, adding an extra element of fun for the little ones. It's a great spot for outdoor games and relaxing in the fresh air.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun, boating, and outdoor games.
2. St Albans Cathedral
A visit to St Albans Cathedral is both an educational and awe-inspiring experience for families. The Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and rich history, offers special family activities, including interactive trails that allow children to learn about the building’s history in a fun, hands-on way. The Cathedral’s large grounds are perfect for a quiet walk or a family picnic. You can also explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the Cathedral and the adjacent Abbey Orchard, which offers a peaceful escape for families.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Sunday services only)
- Ticket Price: Free entry, donations welcome
- What’s on Right Now: Family-friendly activities, interactive trails, and garden walks.
3. The Alban Arena
For families who enjoy the arts, The Alban Arena offers a range of family-friendly performances, including pantomimes, children’s theatre, and family concerts. Right now, families can enjoy fun and engaging performances that are sure to captivate children of all ages. The venue often has shows specifically designed for younger audiences, making it an ideal choice for a day of family entertainment.
- Opening Hours: Varies by performance
- Ticket Price: Prices vary by show
- What’s on Right Now: Family theatre, concerts, and performances.
4. The Museum of St Albans
The Museum of St Albans is a great place for families to explore the rich history of this ancient city. The museum offers fun, interactive exhibits that bring the history of St Albans to life. Right now, children can take part in themed workshops, explore the Roman artefacts, and learn about the city’s role in medieval times. The museum also offers a range of family-friendly events, such as treasure hunts and craft activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £4, Children £2, Family ticket £10
- What’s on Right Now: Interactive exhibits, family workshops, and historical exhibitions.
5. Highfield Park
Highfield Park is a lovely green space that offers plenty of room for kids to run around and explore. This large park is ideal for family picnics, with ample space for games and outdoor activities. The park also features a playground for younger children and a small pond where kids can enjoy feeding the ducks. If you're looking for a peaceful spot to relax while the children play, Highfield Park is the perfect place.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun, picnics, and family games.
6. Willows Activity Farm
A short drive from St Albans, Willows Activity Farm is an exciting destination for families, especially those with younger children. This family-friendly farm offers plenty of hands-on activities, from meeting farm animals to playing in the indoor soft play area. Right now, kids can enjoy animal feeding sessions, explore the adventure playground, and have a blast at the farm’s themed events, which are perfect for creating lasting memories.
- Opening Hours: Open daily, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £16.50, Children £16.50, under 2s free
- What’s on Right Now: Animal feeding, adventure playground, and themed events.
7. St Albans Escape Room
For older children and teens, St Albans Escape Room is a fun, challenging experience that requires teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. Families can work together to solve puzzles and “escape” from a themed room before time runs out. Right now, the escape room offers a variety of themed experiences that are perfect for families looking for an exciting indoor activity. It’s a fantastic way to bond as a family while having a blast solving clues and escaping from tricky scenarios.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Prices vary by group size (approximately £18 per person)
- What’s on Right Now: Escape room challenges and themed puzzles.
8. Verulamium Museum
Located next to Verulamium Park, Verulamium Museum offers a fascinating look into the history of Roman Britain, with a particular focus on St Albans’ role during the Roman period. The museum has interactive displays, including Roman artefacts, mosaics, and even reconstructions of Roman rooms, which are perfect for kids to explore. Right now, you can enjoy the museum’s family-friendly activities, such as Roman-themed craft sessions, archaeological digs, and interactive exhibits.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £4, Children £2
- What’s on Right Now: Roman craft activities, historical exhibits, and interactive learning.
9. Abbey Theatre
For families who enjoy a good show, Abbey Theatre is an excellent venue to visit. Right now, the theatre is hosting a variety of performances suitable for children, including family-friendly plays, comedy, and musical performances. With its intimate setting, the Abbey Theatre offers a more personal experience for families to enjoy live performances together. It’s a great place to introduce children to the magic of theatre in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
- Opening Hours: Varies by performance
- Ticket Price: Prices vary by show
- What’s on Right Now: Children’s theatre, comedy, and family performances.
10. Farms, Parks, and Playgrounds
St Albans is home to many smaller parks, playgrounds, and farm experiences for younger children. Oaklands College Farm allows children to get up close with farm animals, while the Aldenham Country Park offers a great outdoor space for kids to enjoy nature trails, picnics, and even a small boating lake. These locations are perfect for families who want to enjoy a more relaxed and hands-on experience with animals and nature.
- Opening Hours: Varies by location
- Ticket Price: Varies (many are free)
- What’s on Right Now: Animal encounters, outdoor play, and nature walks.
11. Ultimate Activity Camps at St. Albans High School Prep, Wheathampstead
Are you looking for exciting and caring school holiday childcare in St. Albans? Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding, inspiring, and Ofsted-regulated activity day camps with the primary function of delivering a very high level of care and welfare for 4-14-year-olds during the Easter and Summer school holidays. We deliver this childcare through a fantastic range of exciting activities, whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields, or in the woods. We use our many years of experience and enthusiastic staff to create a programme that changes each day and delivers the outstanding levels of care you would expect whilst ensuring that the children of all ages are thoroughly engaged and inspired to try new activities and make new friends.
- Opening Hours: Easter and Summer School Holidays 8am to 6pm
- Ticket Price: Prices vary and early bird discounts available
- Suitable for: Children aged 4-14 years
- Book here: https://www.ultimateactivity.co.uk/locations/wheathampstead-st-albans
St Albans is a wonderful destination for families looking to enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, interactive learning, and creative play. Whether you're exploring the city’s rich history at the St Albans Cathedral and Verulamium Museum, enjoying nature at Verulamium Park or Highfield Park, or having fun at Willows Activity Farm, there’s no shortage of things to do right now in St Albans. With a variety of attractions to suit children of all ages, St Albans is a perfect place for family-friendly fun!