If you need a break somewhere far-flung and exotic (but without all the travelling, packing and expense), then go for a sensory adventure instead. The perfect place to do this is in the greenhouse network at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

plastic tea set will keep your toddler busy for hours (and will be good training for later life).Give large paint brushes and a ‘paint pot’ of water, then let her paint the garden fence or outside of your house.Let her water your flowers. Give a big bucket

medal for their efforts. Special Olympic packages will also be available throughout the periodSummer At The MuseumJuly 2–August 12The National Museum Of Scotland in Edinburgh will be running a six week programme of free activities for children during

activity day. Children can go on woodland discovery walks, try to spot The Gruffalo and take part in art & craft activities. August 4–11Maiden City FestivalThis week-long celebration of diversity in Northern Ireland is sure to have an exciting event to suit

and, pleasingly for those who remember cruising around in their childhood, has remained true to its original design. Cozy Coupe £54.99, by Little TikesDon't miss...  Little Tikes' Activity Garden in the Best Toy Design (0 - 2 years) category

Grootbos Nature ReserveWhere? The Garden Route, which runs along the south-eastern coast between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.Why go there? For the lush indigenous forest, free flowing rivers, sun-kissed beaches and majestic mountains. Self

Teddy Bears' PicnicJune 24, July 8, 22Your child can choose her favourite furry friend, pack up a picnic and head to Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire for one of these merry activity afternoons with organised al-fresco lunching and more fun and games

in Four Weddings And A Funeral. There’s ample space among the spectacular grounds – designed by renowned landscape gardener Lancelot “Capability” Brown – for children to explore, seeking out the pet cemetery and stepping stones of the Secret Garden, while

but not before they help to save Picton Castle from evil foes and take part in out-of-this-world craft activities.Pictiwrs PlantAugust 21Pack some popcorn and pop along to the The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth who will be screening classic Welsh

, talking animals and mysterious adventures.Langwathby Scarecrow FestivalJul 14, 15See swathes of shabby, straw-stuffed creations spring up in gardens throughout the Cumbrian Village of Langwathby during this annual family festival. The programme will also