1. Much like any creature (humans included!) a foolproof way to tempt feathered friends into your garden is to offer them a nibble of their favourite food. Although ready-made bird feed mixtures are available to buy, it is far more fun to make a

for a festive performance including carols and seasonal readings.Christmas CruiseSunday 11, 18All aboard! Cruise serenely down the Linlithgow Canal, enjoying a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings.Christmas Craft WorkshopDecember 17Deck your

the cornflower (right) in gardens during summer. It grows to 80cm.2. Cowslip This yellow, sweet-smelling flower is rare, but you may find it in woods and meadows from April to May. It grows to 15cm.3. Scarlet Pimpernel Found across theUK, but rare inScotland, its

and 18, the highly sought after party planners will be holding sessions for children aged 4–12 where the entertainment on offer ranges from sporty racing fun to scrumptious chocolate and sweet making sessions.Or, for those who wish to indulge in a super

Experience the AuroraJanuary 2Experience the thrill of the  Northern Lights at Armagh Planetarium this year with this fabulous new family show for 2012 – an out of this world day out!Robots From TV And The MoviesUntil January 12Children with a taste

IRN-BRU Carnival 2012December 23–January 15Revel in some post Christmas excitement with this annual carnival at the SECC in Glasgow with over 60 great attractions, rides and stalls for children and adults alike.Mince Pie SpecialsDecember 31–January

in the woods, foraging is an activity that children and parents can enjoy together. Some parents might be hesitant because of possible dangers. It’s true that some plants can scratch or sting; others can be poisonous and there is also the chance of pollution

Winter BabiesJanuary 1–February 19Meet the adorable newborn lambs, piglets and goats in Longcot Farm, Oxfordshire during twice daily meet the animals sessions.Celebrating Chinese New YearJanuary 4–January 31Drop in to Banbury Museum to welcome

 delicious British loaf.Stargazing LiveJanuary 16, 17Wrap up in your warmest winter woollies and ascend the spiral staircase at Lincolnshire’s Tattershall Castle for an evening of celestial spotting in conjunction with the BBC’s Stargazing Live programme.Chinese New

1. Paying a visit to a local farm will not only be a fun day out for young children, but an educational one too. Children who live in rural areas should find they have their pick of local growers whilst city-dwelling families can track down