have the opportunity to master their craft at Diggerland. With four locations around the country, Diggerland offers the opportunity to drive real diggers and ride on plenty of other park attractions and is suitable for all children over 90cm tall

touch of California cool at Chavasse Park, Liverpool this summer with 240 tonnes of golden sands and beautiful azure paddling facilities for little feet. Now in its second year, this city centre seaside features children’s rides and attractions and a

out  from the safety of the parental cocoon is an essential part of growing into a confident young man. Encourage your son to try something new every day whether it’s climbing up high in an adventure playground, riding a skateboard or trying an exotic

at Groomsport and join in with some traditional spooky fun including pony and trap rides, crafts, a creepy creatures display and local music. For more fun family days out, see our pick of the best autumn activities in Northern Ireland

will revel in a terrifying tractor ride through the castle grounds whilst hunting things that go bump in the night, followed by a ghost story in the spectacular ballroom. Halloween MasksOctober 22Creative types of all ages are invited along to this papier

with themed fancy dress, owl encounters and the chance to ride in a working vintage steam engine. Perfect your wizardry at the spellbinding magic displays and indulge your family’s competitive spirit with coloring and fancy dress competitions.Punkie Night

as your favourite pantomime characters and begin your day with a traditional sleigh ride into a winter wonderland complete with carol singers. As well as a full programme of racing, this family friendly event offers Christmas gift shopping from

views over the Olympic Park and the endless amenities of Europe’s largest urban shopping centre within easy reach.EyeskateNovember 20–January 5The opportunity to combine a whirl around this bijou rink on the South Bank with a ride on the colossal

of Durham which for one weekend will be taken over by a giant craft and gift marquee and local food producers market. Entertainment throughout the weekend will include reindeer, sleigh rides and a children’s lantern processionThe GruffaloDecember 3Head to

.MidlandsAlton Towers New Year’s EveDecember 31–January 1Propel yourself into 2012 with an overnight New Year’s package at Alton Towers. As well as staying in one of the resort's themed hotels and enjoying a selection of children’s rides and attractions, guests