We’re going on a fairy hunt

Believe it or not, there is an organisation for the protection of fairies – every child’s dream! The Fairyland Trust is a charity that celebrates these mythical nymphs and elves.

It organises fairy themed events throughout the UK, as well as competitions, which are a great way of fuelling your kids' imagination.

The website itself is a great way of keeping kids occupied on a rainy day, as it has a map of all the fairy sightings in the UK and encourages contributors.

In case you're worried that this is just too airy-fairy, the Trust's aim is to educate people about conservation by discovering nature's magic, introducing nature to our lives; and celebrating magical places.

For more information visit www.fairlylandtrust.org

The greatest outdoors

The Kielder waterpark in Northumbria is an outstanding place to visit for all members of the family. Take your bikes and hit one of the many trails; put your best foot forward for a walk, stopping for a picnic on the way; go fishing or even horse-riding.

A favourite with most families is the art and architecture dotted around the forest and water park. There over 20 pieces to see, set in an area of 16 square miles, making the park the largest outdoor public art gallery in the UK.

Sculptures are made from a range of materials and objects, and include an adventure playground, with castle, and even a mini-golf course. The exhibition has won several national architectural awards including a Civic Trust Award and the Northern Culture Award for 'Best Use of Public Open Space'.

Entrance to many of the attractions is completely free. In most cases you just have to pay a one-off car-parking fee of £3 for a whole day.

For more information call 01434 250 232 or visit: www.visitkielder.com

Dine with Henry VIII

Locations around the UK are holding events to celebrate the 500th anniversary of King Henry VIII coming to the throne.

Hampton Court invites visitors to join in the wedding celebration of Henry and his last wife, Kathryn Parr. Other highlights include an exhibition dedicated to all six of Henry's wives and a Tudor cookery workshop. A new Tudor garden is being opened in his honour.

Those excited by armour can visit the “Dressed to kill” exhibition at the Tower Of London. And older children may enjoy the exhibition at the British Library, Henry VIII, Man and Monarch, curated by Dr David Starkey.

For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk (0844 482 7777) and www.bl.uk/henry (0870 333 1183)

Just keep walking

The London-based Saturday walkers club organises walks around South-east England – and they’re free. All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes. It’s not just Saturdays – Sundays and evenings are also included.

All the walks start and end at train stations about an hour from central London and everyone is encouraged to join in. It’s a great opportunity to get the kids out of the house and visit parts of the country you – and they – have never been before.

The routes are aimed primarily at adults - so if you are concerned that some of your family may not be up to the whole distance, why not just use the site for inspiration and create your own shorter versions...

For ideas visit www.walkingclub.org.uk

Holiday playschemes and after-school sports clubs

The best way to get your kids off the sofa and away from the TV is by involving them in some sort of sport. As well as keeping them fit, it’s a great way for them to get motivated and make new friends.

Most schools organise after-school clubs or holiday playschemes for their pupils, so enquire at school, phone your local eduction authority, or check out their website.

Holiday sports clubs are great fun, and kids really look forward to getting up in the morning and getting involved. One organisation running such camps is Kings Sports camps, which are available throughout the UK.

Kings runs day camps during the school holidays – and the length of time varies, depending on the location and the sports involved. These sports camps are registered with Ofsted and offer several assisted places that help with costs.

For more information on the Kings sports camps visit www.kingsfoundation.org