Discover the Joy of Junior Parkrun this Summer for ages 4 - 14 years!

Summer holidays can feel long, especially when you’re trying to keep kids entertained, off screens, and doing something meaningful. If you're looking for free, fun ways to spend time together as a family while making a positive impact, volunteering might be the perfect fit.

Across Hertfordshire, there are a wide variety of ways to get involved, whatever your family's interests — from cheering on young runners to building bug hotels or gardening alongside your children.

Discover the Joy of Junior Parkrun (and How to Get Involved)

Looking for something active, social and community-focused? Junior Parkrun is a free, weekly 2k event held every Sunday morning for children aged 4–14 — and it’s not just about running. Junior parkruns are organised entirely by volunteers, and families are at the heart of it. You might find a mum marshalling with her toddler in tow, a grandparent high-fiving kids at the finish line, or siblings volunteering side-by-side. The atmosphere is always welcoming, inclusive and full of energy.

You don’t need any previous experience to join in as a volunteer. Roles include:

• Timekeeping
• Barcode scanning
• Course marshalling
• Token sorting
• Cheering!

Volunteering as a family is a great way to model community spirit and encourage physical activity, while also building new friendships. Many young people also use it to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteering hours — and often inspire the rest of their family to join in.

Find your nearest parkrun event at parkrun.org.uk, then get in touch with the event team to volunteer. Whether you help out once or every week, your support makes a difference.