1 / 6Hertfordshire is one of the easiest counties in the country for a family day out, packed with world-famous attractions and green space just north of London. Whether your kids dream of casting spells at Hogwarts, meeting big cats, or bouncing around an activity farm, here are six confirmed family days out worth planning a trip around.
🎟️See things to do in Hertfordshire on GetYourGuide →Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
A vast behind-the-scenes attraction on the real film sets used across the eight Harry Potter movies — walk down Diagon Alley, the Great Hall, Hagrid's Hut and Dumbledore's office, with authentic props, costumes and effects. It's pure magic for Harry Potter fans of all ages: ride a broomstick on green screen, step onto Platform 9¾, taste Butterbeer and wander the huge model of Hogwarts. A 3–4 hour indoor day out that's completely rain-proof. Found in Leavesden, Watford.
Hertfordshire Zoo (formerly Paradise Wildlife Park)
A conservation-focused zoo of 800+ animals across themed habitats — big cats, lemurs, reptiles and a walk-through Dinosaurland with animatronic dinosaurs. Lion and tiger feeds, an animatronic dinosaur trail, soft play, a splash park and paid animal experiences make it a full family day, and it's consistently voted a top UK outdoor family attraction. You'll find it in Broxbourne.
Knebworth House, Gardens & Park
A Tudor-Gothic stately home set in 250 acres, with formal gardens and a maze, but for families the real draw is the outdoor adventure zone. Kids love the Dinosaur Trail of 72 life-size models, the big Fort Knebworth adventure playground with zip wire, slides and water play, plus the deer herds and acres of parkland to run in. Located in Knebworth.
Willows Activity Farm
An all-inclusive activity farm just off the M25 with 300+ farm animals and 40+ shows and attractions, home to the official Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground. It's perfect for toddlers and younger children: hand-feed goats, enjoy tractor rides, a giant sandpit, bouncy haystacks, indoor soft play and daily Peter Rabbit meet-and-greets — one ticket covers it all, indoors and out. Find it in London Colney, St Albans.
Verulamium Park & Museum
A large free public park on the site of the Roman city of Verulamium, with lakes, the remains of a Roman hypocaust and city wall, plus a museum of everyday Roman life (the nearby Roman Theatre is separately ticketed). It's a budget-friendly day out with a splash park and playgrounds, ducks and lakes to walk around, and hands-on Roman history — kids can see real mosaics and imagine life in a Roman town. Located in St Albans.
Hatfield House & Park Farm
A grand Jacobean house (built 1611) with landscaped gardens, extensive parkland trails and an adjacent traditional-breeds farm. Families can feed and meet the animals at Park Farm, roam the adventure playground and walk or cycle the parkland, with seasonal events and open-air space making it an easy family outing. Found in Hatfield.
Tips for a family day out
- Book big attractions ahead: the Harry Potter Studio Tour sells out weeks in advance and only admits visitors at timed slots, so never turn up without a pre-booked ticket.
- Mix indoor and outdoor: pair a rain-proof option like the Studio Tour with an outdoor day such as Knebworth or Hatfield so the weather never spoils your plans.
- Go early: arriving at opening beats the queues at zoos and activity farms and gives younger children energy for the full day.
- Pack for all ages: spare clothes for splash parks, sun cream, and snacks keep costs down and toddlers happy.
FAQs
What is the best family day out in Hertfordshire?
It depends on your children's ages — the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is unbeatable for Harry Potter fans and older kids, while Willows Activity Farm and Hertfordshire Zoo are ideal for toddlers and younger children.
Which Hertfordshire days out are good in the rain?
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is largely indoors and rain-proof, and Willows Activity Farm and Hertfordshire Zoo both have indoor soft play, so a wet forecast doesn't have to cancel your plans.
Are there free family days out in Hertfordshire?
Yes — Verulamium Park in St Albans is a large free park with a splash park, playgrounds and Roman history, making it a great budget-friendly option.
🎟️ Top things to do in Hertfordshire
Skip the queues with pre-booked tickets. Compare prices across GetYourGuide and Tiqets — both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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