children’s authors and illustrators from both sides of the channel including Quentin Blake, Polly Dunbar and Kitty Crowther.  For more fun family days out see our pick of the best Hallowe'en happenings in London

Golden ProspectsJanuary 3Nottingham Castle’s new family gallery exhibition offers an interactive look at journeys and exploration through dressing up, and exciting quests.Famers MarketJanuary 4For a tasty treat, head to Birmingham’s Upper New Street

in the Year Of The Dragon by hanging your New Year hopes on a special wishing tree.Lift The LidJanuary 8Join a professional artist in this creative family session inspired by the Andy Warhol exhibition at East Sussex’s De La Warr Pavilion.Surround Sound

may want to take less of a regal and more of a raucous approach. Potato-and-spoon races and piñata-whacking sessions work well to burn off energy, while it’s hard to beat quoits, boules and croquet for good old-fashioned fun. If you’ve got a large gang

to decorate. Now shake and watch the sparkly snow fly!2. Wrap up warmly, make up a flask of hot chocolate and set off on a winters day walk. Many National Trust properties hold organised family walks with specially trained grounds staff who can introduce your

.Festive Family Fun Day at Brisbane House HotelJanuary 2Take a relaxing break after the burden of Christmas meals with a delicious two-course lunch at the Brisbane House Hotel in Ayrshire where face-painters, clowns and entertainers will be on hand to keep

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

Easter Fun and TrailApril 6-9Enjoy an Easter trail with a handful of games in the grounds of Kedleston Hall. After burning off some energy, children can relax by listening to a story teller and have a go at some craft activities.Family WalkApril 2

period.Easter Holiday FunApril 2 – 13If you are stuck on something to do Monday to Friday of the holidays, look no further than Gibside park. Each day has a different theme to keep everyone entertained, and it gets the whole family involved in the outdoor

and scrumptious cakes in the beautiful gardens of Bodnant.Easter SundayApril 8Turn in the apron and rubber gloves and treat yourself to a delicious three-course meal with friends and family at Llechwen Hall. After lunch, stroll around the grounds and explore