Summer in the city needn’t be all about sticky crowds and stuffy traffic fumes. This year cosmopolitan city-dwellers can seek out their own little slice of paradise in the midst of the madness with the sun, sand and sea of a pop-up urban beach

pm (Sun–Weds), 10am–10pm (Thurs–Sat). Cost: £8.50 (adults), £7.50 (children). East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.Hyde Park Winter WonderlandNovember 19–January 4Thrill out with ice rink, fairground rides and Christmas market at Hyde Park's mammoth

Action-packed days1. Follow a snorkelling trail, Dorset The clear waters at Kimmeridge Bay provide a great place to discover sea life. Snorkellers must be over the age of five and confident swimmers. Tel: 01929 481044 or visit www

ShowJuly–8Taking place at Henry VIII's old haunt, the annual Hampton Court Palace Flower Show has a feast of fun to delight little visitors. Children can hang out amongst a bounty of beautiful blooms, enjoy life music and picnic amongst Britain

The Land of Me, the brand new interactive adventure from Ladybird, will be showcasing in Pedlars' flagship store in Notting Hill from June 14–25. The entire bottom floor will be transformed into a emporium for creative endeavour, with computers, scissors, glue, crayons and craft ...

selection of Beatrix Potter’s whimsical paintings featuring her well-loved characters at Lyme Park, Cheshire. Children can also enjoy potter-inspired crafts, storytelling and dressing-up. Sam’s Musical VoyageJanuary 14Set sail on a seafaring voyage

scenery of Rhossili Bay, near Swansea on this 90 minute trail.Treasure HuntJanuary 7–8Curious children should wrap up warmly and use their cunning to solve various clues around the grounds of Plas Newydd Country House and Gardens in Llanfairpwll

rockets by soaring skywards, Willy Wonka-style, in a cool glass elevator. Sure-fire crowd pullers are the stellarium, where the 525 stars nearest the sun aremarked out with pinpricks of light; the 3D Simulator, which transports you to Europa, Jupiter

, providing a sensory experience where all ages are invited to view, touch and feed their imagination.Family X-Factor By dismantling the barriers between nature and sculpture, this day out is the perfect introduction to modern art for younger children. Whilst

SEETransformations 3What: An exhibition of oversized film packaging boxes designed by artist Leo Fitzmaurice.Why: It’s a technicolour pick-me-up. When: Until September 5, 10am–8pm (Mon–Sat), 10am–6pm (Sun).Where: The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ; www.thelowry.comEATTeddy ...