If it's sunny...
In the unlikely event of a spell of good weather, getting out and exploring weird phenomena is a great way of enjoying the sunshine. The International Crop Circles Weekend, happening today in Alton Barnes, Wiltshire, can provide maps of good places to go hunting for these mysterious formations as well as talks and helicopter rides over some of the best ones. Phone 01225 774 222. Local tourist offices will have information on your area.
If it's raining...
Get well away from it all underground - but to somewhere nearly as damp - by visiting some caves. Dotted all over the country, they can be high on gore and spook value depending on the story behind each one. Cheddar Caves, Somerset, were formed by underground rivers, occupied by primitive communities and now offer a Fantasy Grotto with light and laser show. Phone 01934 742 343. Adults £7.50, children £5.
What a family can do for...
...free
• Local and national parks offer a great range of walks and events over the summer months, such as the evening bat walks from Lymm Dam Ranger Cabin, Warrington, Cheshire, on 19 and 20 July (free, but book places on 01925 758 195). Check your local park for details or visit www.anpa.gov.uk for links to national parks.
under £10
• Go on a tour of your local theatre. Many offer behind-the-scenes tours for a small entry fee, among them Oxford Playhouse (01865 247 134) and the Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke (01256 465566).
under £20
• The National Centre for Popular Music, Sheffield, allows visitors to mix, make and perform music through a series of workshops and exhibits as well as have a go at designing an album sleeve and to learn about the massive impact of popular music. Phone 0114 296 6060. Family ticket £18.
under £50
• Experience the thrill of speed, at a price, on a go-karting track. Go Karting for Fun (01206 322726) offers 15 minutes of thrills and spills from £10 per person in Eastleigh, Aldershot, Andover, Crawley and Gosport. The Raceway Group (01275 817 011) holds limited family sessions in Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham for approximately £10 for 15 minutes. A list of tracks is available from the National Karting Association on 01206 322 726.
