Only Tools and Forces, Glasgow
There's so much going on during this special event at Glasgow Science Centre that you'll need to allow a whole day to fit it all in. Melt metal at 200C, build and launch rocket balloons, design and build a car from cartons and plastic bottles and watch as GSC's team of display scientists demonstrate Newton's three laws of motion to great effect with skateboards and buckets of water. Live science shows run at noon, 2pm and 4pm, with interactive workshops in between, so kids will have a chance to watch, learn, and then get their hands dirty having a go themselves. Be sure not to miss the potentially gruesome finale involving a deadly bed of nails.
Plus there's always a visit to the Planetarium to be had, and GSC has its own Imax cinema with Scotland's largest cinema screen.
When: September 23-27.
Good for: Workshops are designed for kids aged eight to 14, but a trip to GSC caters for virtually any age.
Details: Entry costs £6.95 for adults and £4.95 for kids, but you can get a joint ticket for entry to the Imax cinema at an extra £3 each. Access to the Planetarium costs an additional £2pp. For more info call 0141-420 5000, glasgowsciencecentre.org.
Noisy Kids, London
Possibly the coolest event of the year - with the assistance of two experienced onstage hosts, 85 musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra take over London's Royal Albert Hall to play a range of famous orchestral pieces, from film theme tunes to well-known classical pieces to solos and back. But this is no mere concert, as kids are invited to bring something along with them that makes noise, whether that be a musical instrument, their voice, a bucket, or anything at hand so they can "join in" with the RPO. The aim is for the whole ensemble to create a new piece of music as well as giving all the old classics an impromptu, if not noisy, twist.
When: October 27.
Good for: Kids who want to put "played with the Royal Philharmonic, aged 10" on their future CVs. Suitable for kids aged four to 12 and their families. All kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Details: Although there's room for 3,000, the event is expected to sell out so prior booking is advised. It runs 11.30am-12.45pm, admission is £5/£8 for children/adults; group/ family tickets are £20 for four people. Box office: 020-7589 8212, royalalberthall.com.
Orange AIM, Castleford, Rossendale, Warmwell
The Orange AIM series is the UK-wide competition tour for freestyle snowboarders and skiers. Traditionally, the events have always been a great chance for spectators to watch some of Britain's best skiers and snowboarders in action. But it's not all about watching. Catch the last three dates of the tour to try either skiing or snowboarding yourself.
For a free one-hour lesson from BASI (or equivalent) qualified instructors, where all equipment is provided (although bring your own sturdy clothes), simply sign up online and turn upon the day. Anyone six years old and upwards is welcome - so no excuse for mums and dads to not try it - and everyone goes home with a free goodie bag.
Where and when: Xscape, Castleford (today); Rossendale Ski & Snowboard Centre, Rawtenstall (September 17-18) and Dorset Snowsports Centre, Warmwell October 1-2).
Good for: Kids and adults of any age.
Details: All AIM Series events are free to watch, though there's a small entry fee for competitors. Lessons run 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm on Saturday, and noon-4pm on Sunday. You'll need to pre-register at orangeaimseries.com as places fill up fast.
Ghosts in the Castle, Lulworth, Dorset
A week-long spooky fun festival is going on at Lulworth Castle through half-term. Kids will listen to spooky stories from costumed storytellers, explore the depths of the castle (and its dingy dungeons) and go on a ghostly treasure hunt. There will be plenty of other activities to keep even little monsters amused, including face painting, quizzes with prizes, and, of course, a bouncy castle.
Don't miss the spooky themed menu laid on in the Stable Cafe. Kids are invited to come dressed in their favourite Halloween costumes, but everyone can join in the fun with the chance to make their own black bat and mask.
When: October 23-28.
Good for: Harry Potter lovers aged four and upwards.
Details: The castle is open 10.30am-6pm. Admission is £7/£4 for adults/kids, £6 for senior citizens. Family tickets cost £13.50/£21 for one/two adults and up to three children. Under fives go free. For info call 0845 4501054, visit lulworth.com.
Backyard Jam, Brighton
Watch some of the world's best BMX riders doing their stuff on this massive indoor street course at The Brighton Centre as they battle it out for a share of £40,000 prize money. There's a public course open throughout the event for kids to try BMXing for themselves, with sessions lasting for 15 minutes. All equipment (including protective pads and helmets) is provided, and there will be various pro BMXers on hand to offer advice. The pros' airborne antics, include the highest air contest on Sunday, the best trick contest on Saturday and the UK's first highest bunny hop contest on Friday.
When: October 21-23.
Good for: Any kids interested in bikes, and their families.
Details: Admission costs £8/ £6 for adults/kids on Friday, £10/£8 on Saturday and £12/£10 on Sunday. There's room for 3,000 spectators but this event sells out quickly. Book tickets online at backyardjam.com.
