Be uplifted at the National Museum and Gallery Cardiff from 14 to 31 August. A series of workshops encourages kids to explore the world of flight by taking part in the Great Paper Plane Challenge and entering a competition to dream up a futuristic flying machine. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm. Adults £3.50, children £2, family £10. Phone 029 2039 7951.

Sometimes kids just want to mess about with great big machines, so give them a break at Diggerland. The adventure park in Strood, Kent, lets them get very hands-on with a whole range of JCB diggers and dumper trucks. There are non-motorised activities for younger children. Open 10am-6pm, seven days a week. All-day wristband allowing unlimited rides costs £18. Phone 08700 344437.

Shakespearean fight scenes and workshops might stop the children fighting and get them to channel all that energy into something more creative instead. Stokesay Castle, near Ludlow, will stage some of the bard's most dramatic scenes before inviting children to take part in a workshop where they can learn theatrical rolls, punches and falls. Performances at 12.30pm and 3pm on 18 and 19 August. Phone 01588 672544.

Edinburgh is not just for grown-ups and this year it's more child-friendly than ever. The Royal Mile has always been a hub of Fringe activity for kids but this year's addition of a Family Area ensures there is a carefully planned programme for younger culture vultures. Today is Fringe Sunday, traditionally the festival's biggest family day out, but the fun continues until 27 August. You can book tickets on 0131 226 0000 or online at www.edfringe.com.

The National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford is running workshops for children alongside its usual programme of media-related exhibits. Held from 11am to 4pm daily, each week has a different theme to coincide with what is on show in the IMAX cinema. The museum is open 10am-6pm. Phone 01274 202030.