SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!
Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained over the school summer break? Why not try searching Ents24's fantastic Days Out section for a variety of events and attractions to discover over the holidays? From roller coasters to science centres, there are activities for all the family on our detailed Days Out section.
As a helping hand, here are a few popular destinations to visit across the UK that will certainly entertain the children whilst expanding their minds outside of the classroom this summer!
THEME PARKS
A favourite UK family destination, where you can swashbuckle your way through Mutiny Bay, join Charlie on his amazing journey through Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory or plummet into Oblivion before splashing out in the water park! New for kids this year is Sharkbait Reef by SEA LIFE and Cloud Cuckoo Land!
Explore even more at LEGOLAND Windsor in 2009, with another new land, Kingdom of the Pharaohs. Journey deep into 1920s Egypt and unearth the brand new rides Laser Raiders and Scarab-bouncers. Armed with laser guns you must shoot targets and battle enemies on a journey to uncover lost treasure, but beware, who knows what you might find lurking in the dark. LEGOLAND Windsor brings out the hero in everyone. There's over 50 amazing interactive rides, attractions and shows for the whole family.
DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK, Tamworth
For total family entertainment, visit the award-winning Drayton Manor Theme
Park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire. New for 2009 is a sensational 4D Cinema.
Families can also Join Thomas the Tank Engine and friends at Europe's first
Thomas Land. For the brave, Drayton Manor has some of the biggest, wettest
and scariest rides around, as well as a zoo.
SCIENCE & LEARNING
THE ROALD DAHL MUSEUM & STORY CENTRE, Great Missenden
Situated in the village where legendary author Roald Dahl lived and wrote for 36 years, the Museum was created as a home for the author's unique archive and to inspire a love of stories and creative writing in all of their visitors. The museum holds numerous workshops to keep the kids, and adults alike, creatively entertained in the world of Roald Dahl's masterful creations.
Workshops are at an extra cost and need to be booked in advance.
CAMERA OBSCURA & WORLD OF ILLUSIONS, Edinburgh
Where seeing is not believing! Scoop people up and hold them in the palm of your hand. Catch your shadow, shake hands with your ghost, walk on water and reveal the monkey in you with the morphing machine. See amazing optical illusions with endless hands-on fun!
THINKTANK BIRMINGHAM SCIENCE MUSEUM, Birmingham
Thinktank is Birmingham's museum and science attraction. It examines the past, investigates the present and explores what the future may bring. Thinktank's job is to help us all understand how science and technology shape our lives. This summer, the museum is home to the 'BBC Walking With Dinosaurs Exhibition', which explores the science and technology behind the award-winning TV series and will allow Thinktank visitors to walk with dinosaurs.
EUREKA! THE NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, Halifax
Eureka! is the UK's National Children's Museum, a place where children play to learn and grown-ups learn to play. Everything at Eureka! has been designed to inspire children to find out about themselves and the world around them through 100s of hands-on exhibits. This summer EUREKA! is host to 'Blast Off', an exhibition that shows how technology is used in space exploration, and allows you to have a go at making your own rocket!
ZOOS & WILDLIFE
Bristol Zoo Gardens has a continuous reputation for excellence, innovation, and dedication to conservation. It's the fifth oldest zoo in the world and the oldest outside of a capital city, and a long established major tourist attraction in Bristol.
PAIGNTON ZOO ENVIRONMENTAL PARK, Paignton
Paignton Zoo is home to thousands of amazing animals and plants. Visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. Use your senses to discover the wild world: look around, listen out - you'll even need your sense of smell! It's a great day out for everyone.
COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK & GARDENS, Burford
Cotswold Wildlife Park is set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens around a listed Victorian Manor House and has been open to the public since 1970. The Park is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world and aspires to show animals to people - so that they can come to understand and respect all forms of wildlife; to understand what is special about each species, and how the various species have evolved over very long periods of time, adjusting to survive in habitats from many parts of the earth.
PENSTHORPE NATURE RESERVE, Fakenham
Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, provides a unique natural haven for some of the UK's rarest and most endangered wildlife and is also home to 'BBC Springwatch'. Whether you're an avid wildlife watcher or a family looking for a fun day out, Pensthorpe's commitment to getting you closer to nature right in the heart of Norfolk makes it a 'must do' for everyone!
