Best beaches for action and activities

There are more ways to relax than lying on a lounger – this selection involves actual physical activity, learning new skills and boogying

12 beaches with wow factor

Close your eyes and picture the perfect beach. The result is bound to look like one of these beauties from Antigua to Polynesia via Greece and France

10 of the best beaches in Europe for families

From the Baltic to the Med, Joanne O’Connor suggests 10 fine sandy strands, and nearby places to stay

Take the kids to … Life Science Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne

This fun, hands-on science centre’s 4D motion ride, planetarium and theatre shows make for a jam-packed family day out. Just don’t call it a museum!

Take the kids to … Story Museum, Oxford

This museum is in thrall to the wonder of words with its Narnia and other themed rooms, and a new ‘Animal’ exhibition should boost its magical appeal

Take the kids to … the MAD museum, Stratford-upon-Avon

It may be small, but this Warwickshire museum celebrates the weird and wacky world of design and invention, where the only limit is your imagination

From Wondercrump to the Witches: where to experience the world of Roald Dahl

With 2016 marking the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s birth, the year ahead is filled with celebrations of his life and much-loved stories. Here’s our pick of the best

Out with the kids this February half-term

From free Harry Potter London walks to stargazing in the remote Kielder Forest, here are late-winter activities that will keep them off the Xbox

New baby, crying, no sleep … retreat to France!

A postnatal wellbeing week – with baby – proved a great way for Stuart Heritage and his wife to recuperate from the chaos of becoming new parents

Quitting school and taking a family travel adventure: what Guardian readers say

The Meek family’s tale of swapping work and school for a year of UK adventures with their kids encouraged readers to share their own experiences – and opinions

‘Our best ever family decision: quitting school and jobs, and taking to the road’

The Meek family swapped mortgage, work and school for a year of adventures around the UK – their home: a caravan, their classroom: the great outdoors

The rise of travelling families and world-schooling

More families than ever are taking ‘edventures’ – long-term trips where children learn on the road. We talk to nomadic parents about the pros and cons of dropping out to travel the world

Top 10 family hotels and campsites in Europe

These small hotels and campsites, all set in gorgeous locations, strike just the right balance between being child-friendly and appealing to parents who don’t want to feel like they are holidaying in a giant creche