Top 10 things to do with the whole family

The season for all things fun and hopefully sun is fast approaching! Summer is the perfect chance to spend quality time with all the family but it can be difficult to know where the best places to visit are. Luckily, Dacorum has loads on offer for the whole family and, you are even more in luck, as we have done the research for you!

We have pulled together a list of the best family fun activities for you and the family to enjoy this summer.

Make sure to follow and like us on our Facebook and Instagram to ensure you don’t miss out on more fun things to do in Dacorum.

1. Cloud 9

An indoor play area filled with colorful inflatable structures, including slides and bounce houses. Families and children are enjoying the space, with some playing and others observing. The setting features bright lighting and a playful atmosphere.

Cloud 9 is the UK’s latest multi-interactive leisure destination which provides a variety of activities from a huge inflatable course to bar games such as shuffleboard and pool.

There is something for all ages hence why this is perfect for families! Children can pretend to be on total wipe-out while the adults can sit at the bar and enjoy a wide range of food and drink, or even join the children if they’re up to the challenge!

View more information including how to book.

2. Ashridge House and Gardens

A grand historical castle illuminated at night, featuring turrets and a flag atop the central tower. The entrance is marked by an ornate archway, while a modern sculpture stands in the foreground, contrasting the traditional architecture.

Ashridge House was once a royal residence to Henry VIII and Princess Elizabeth I, today it is an award winning meeting, events and wedding venue. So why not explore the beautiful private gardens at Ashridge House with the family, children can go free after all?

You wouldn’t even need to worry about a packed lunch or running out of snacks for the children as Ashridge House is home to The Bakehouse, a brand new café serving quality coffee, delicious savoury bites and tempting sweet treats.

View more information including the exciting events that Ashridge House are hosting.

3. DJ’s Play

A colorful indoor playground featuring multiple play structures, slides, and climbing areas designed for children. The structure includes vibrant purple, orange, and green components, inviting playful exploration in a spacious environment.

It’s in the name, this is the perfect place for children to play!

Adults can sit back and relax with freshly cooked food while the children tire themselves out on the play frame which includes rope bridges, slides and a giant hamster wheel!

There is even an opportunities to host birthday parties here and with a site at both Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead you are really spoilt for choice.

Find out more about how to book.

4. The Snow Centre

A group of five children and adults stands on a snowy slope, smiling and posing with skis in hand. They are in an indoor ski facility, with a mountain mural in the background, dressed in colorful winter gear.

Looking for a way to cool off from the summer sun? The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is the place for that.

It doesn’t matter if you’re taking your first steps on the white stuff, want to brush up on last year’s skills, or you’re looking for a fun family day out, the Snow Centre got everything you need.

If you would rather not get cold in the snow then visit The Lodge for a great selection of food and drink. It is the perfect place for a night out with the family after a day on the slope.

View more details including costings and menus.

5. The Rex

An elegant theater interior featuring red seating, soft lighting, and a decorative stage with an undraped curtain. The classic architecture is highlighted by intricate details and a stylish overhead design, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Do you and your family want to be transported back to the art deco era?

The rex is a cinema like no other where you can experience movie magic in style. Downstairs, in the ‘stalls’, you sit in big red, swivel chairs at small, round, candlelit tables, with white tablecloths to the floor. You will truly feel like a Hollywood star!

From the Hollywood classics to the newest releases there is a film for all the family to enjoy. There is even a bar on site which also serves snacks for you to enjoy with the movie of your choice.

View more information including the latest listings at the box office.

6. Drift Limits

overhead view of racetrack

Feel like Lewis Hamilton with this thrilling experience!

Drift Limits are very proud to be the only independent Motorsport Academy nationwide to develop a purpose built venue with three unique circuits operating all year round. Our staff are diverse, young (at heart..) and friendly. We realise that beyond all the fancy cars, all the hype and all the pressure that people have the most fun when they are on a level with their co-pilots.

There is so much on offer from tailored under 17 junior drives to stunt driving there is something for everyone.

View the full range of experiences on offer.

7. Tring Reservoirs

View of Tring Reservoirs
Tring Reservoirs

These reservoirs are the perfect way to experience the best of the natural world. Originally built to serve the canal system, the reservoirs have become one of the best birdwatching spots in southern England.

The best part is that these reservoirs are free to access and so is ideal for family day outs. Additionally, if you start feeling peckish and have forgotten your lunch, there is the Bluebells Tea Room serving homemade food, tea and coffee.

Find out how to get the most out of this wonderful location.

8. Chocwork

A colorful assortment of chocolate treats, including dipped cookies and chocolate-covered candies, is displayed in clear plastic bags tied with colorful ribbons. The treats are decorated with sprinkles and various toppings, creating a festive and appealing presentation.

Release your inner Willy Wonka with this mouth-watering chocolate making experience.

We provide a series of different chocolate workshop experiences for the young and the young at heart with the aim being to have fun!

If you succeed at chocolate making then you may even be able to take some tasty treats home!

View more information on all the experiences on offer and which is best for you and your family.

9. National History Museum

A boy gazes curiously at a polar bear exhibit in a museum, while a girl in the background playfully walks by. The setting features various animal displays, creating an engaging educational atmosphere.

Make the family day out a learning experience for all. The galleries at the National History Museum in Tring are packed with over 4,900 fascinating specimens.

From emperor penguins and polar bears to zebras and lions you can see it all!

There is also the opportunity to bring your own lunch and eat in an indoor or outdoor picnic area. Or if you fancy a treat, there is the Ugly Bug Café offering a selection of food and drink.

If it couldn’t get any better, you can access this all for free!

View how to get the most out of this family day out.

10. Gadebridge Park including Splash Park

A scenic park view featuring a paved area with water fountains, surrounded by trees and blooming flowers under a partly cloudy sky.

Right in the heart of Gadebridge Park in Hemel Hempstead, the splash park is the perfect way to cool off after a day in the sun!

There is no booking, a free car park nearby and a stone throw away from the Old Town and Marlowes where you can pick up some snacks to make it a fun family day out.

It is open every day from 10am to 6pm and will close in early September so make sure you head down with the whole family and enjoy while you can.

View more information on this attraction.

If you have enjoyed all 10 of these places why not explore our website for more ideas of fun things to do with the family. Also check out our social media pages for the latest events happening in Dacorum.