Ten UK activities to keep your kids busy during half term – and some are free
SCHOOL’S out again next weekend, so how about doing something different with the kids?
Let them explore their horizons by introducing them to fun activities they have never had the chance to try before, such as skydiving, farming, boating or motor racing.
Here, Trisha Harbord looks at ten super-experiences across the UK.
UNDER THE SEA
AS the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid splashes down in cinemas next week, how about showing your kids what it is really like under the sea.
Diving association PADI has courses at 200 centres across the UK for children, starting with Bubblemaker, the first level for those at least eight years old.
DOWN TO EARTH
THERE is some ginormous fund to be had with interactive dinosaurs.
The beasts come to life as Birmingham Botanical Gardens stages Jurassic Gardens from May 27 to June 6.
SPACE ENCOUNTER
IT’S question time at Jodrell Bank as space experts hold sessions for youngsters from May 29 to June 2.
There is also a new 360-degree immersive show called We Are Guardians, which looks at how satellites can save the planet.
FAST AND FURIOUS
WITH the Grand Prix season in full swing, introduce your little Lewis Hamiltons to motor racing.
Silverstone Museum has 60 interactive exhibits showcasing the history of racing cars and the engineering behind them, and hear from F1 drivers.
Families can take part in a pit stop, test their skills behind the wheel and ride in a multiple-motion simulator at the Northants museum.
Walk around Silverstone’s old and new circuits, beginning at the medieval abbey, see the car and bike collection including Nigel Mansell’s 1992 world championship-winning Williams Red 5, and Lewis Hamilton’s racing overalls.
There’s also a Scalextric of the circuit, and outside play area and cafe.
WILD AT HEART
WHIPSNADE ZOO is playing its trump card this half-term by pitting children against animals.
Youngsters will be given a limited-edition Top Trumps card at the entrance of the attraction, near Dunstable, Beds.
In London, adult from £31, child £21.70. See londonzoo.org.
REACH FOR THE SKY
YOUR little fledglings will love flying like birds at one of four indoor skydiving centres.
Kids from as young as three can experience floating through the air at the iFLY centres.
After training and guidance from instructors, you are kitted out in a suit and helmet before entering the wind tunnel for the flight of your life, which can be filmed.
For family and friends who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, there is a viewing platform.
Anyone aged over eight can also wear a VR helmet to experience real skydiving over places such as the Swiss Alps and Hawaii.
The attractions, in Basingstoke, Hants; Milton Keynes, Bucks; Man-chester and London’s O2, are also accessible for the disabled.
GO: Flight packages start from £24.99. See .
DOWN ON THE FARM
TAKE your flock to TV’s Countryfile farm for a day of hands-on experiences.
They can bottle-feed lambs and there are plenty to go at, with 800 born at Cotswold Farm Park in Gloucestershire this spring – the largest lambing event in the UK.
SHOUT FROM THE RAFTERS
IF your kids are rollercoaster fans, they will also love the wild white-water rafting.
FLOAT YOUR BOAT
SAIL away with your mini-crew on Britain’s canals or the River Thames.
Board a narrowboat, equipped with a kitchen, for eight to 12 people from one of Drifters’ 17 bases after being taught how to steer, moor and work the locks.
There are various routes including leaving from Gayton, on the Grand Union Canal near Northampton, and travelling to Stoke Bruerne, home of the canal museum.
Operator Le Boat offers stays on Magnifique, sleeping ten, to sail along the Thames from Kingston to Oxford, through the countryside of four counties.
Attractions to visit along the way include theme parks Legoland Windsor and Thorpe Park in Surrey.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
GO: Canal boat hire from £10 per person a day, see .