Things to do in Watford with kids

Cassiobury Park

Cassiobury Park is Watford’s principal public park and a Green Flag award winner, according to Visit Herts. Its free water play park has two splash pools, splash pads, water jets and fountains, with changing facilities, toilets and a café kiosk on site.

The splash pools are closed for the season and reopen in spring 2027, according to Watford Borough Council. When they are open, sessions can be booked through the council’s booking app and walk-in places are also offered.

The council’s Cassiobury Park pages also cover the miniature railway, cafés and the forest school. Check them for current details before you go.

Free sessions for under-fives

The Museum of Watford’s Mini Museum Movers is a free dance, play and explore session for confident walkers up to five years old and their grown-ups, with younger siblings welcome. No booking is needed, but spaces are limited and handed out from 15 minutes before each session.

First Thursday of every month at Watford Palace Theatre, with sessions at 10am and 11:15am.
Last Thursday of every month (from September 2026) at West Watford Community Centre, 10am to 11am.

Museum of Watford

The museum’s Lower High Street building is closed while it moves to Watford Town Hall in 2027. The museum says you can still explore its collections and take part in its activities elsewhere.

Shows and days out this winter

Watford Palace Theatre’s A Christmas Carol: The Panto runs from 29 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, is billed as suitable for the whole family and costs a flat £25 a ticket. It includes relaxed performances on 9 and 13 December. See Christmas in Watford 2026.

Hogwarts in the Snow at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden runs from 14 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. The Studio Tour page says tickets must be booked in advance, and Visit London says children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

In the town centre

Harlequin has spacious family toilets, breastfeeding and baby changing rooms and 40 parent and child parking spaces across its four car parks. Gymboree runs sensory, music and art classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers on Level 1 of Queens Car Park.

Visit Herts lists crazy golf, bowling and a cinema among Watford’s town centre attractions, and Oxhey Park has a skate park and an off-road bike track.

Local businesses for families

Browse the family and kids directory for classes, clubs and activities, or family and kids businesses in Watford.

Questions

Are the Cassiobury Park splash pools open?

Not at the moment. The council says they are closed for the season and will reopen in spring 2027. They are free to use when open.

What free things are there to do in Watford with toddlers?

The Museum of Watford’s Mini Museum Movers sessions are free, drop-in and aimed at children up to five. They run on the first Thursday of the month at Watford Palace Theatre and the last Thursday at West Watford Community Centre.

Is Watford Museum open?

The Lower High Street building is closed while the museum moves to Watford Town Hall in 2027, although it still runs activities and shares its collections elsewhere.

Is there a panto for children in Watford this Christmas?

Yes. A Christmas Carol: The Panto runs at Watford Palace Theatre from 29 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, suitable for the whole family, with all tickets £25.

Can children visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour near Watford?

Yes. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and tickets must be booked in advance. Hogwarts in the Snow runs from 14 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.

Does Harlequin have facilities for families?

Yes. It has family toilets, breastfeeding and baby changing rooms and parent and child parking bays in all four car parks.

Sources

Plans can change. Check the organiser’s page before you travel. Spotted a mistake? Email hello@watfordbrew.co.uk.