Take the kids to … HMS Victory, Portsmouth
A history-filled and fun day out exploring the story behind one of the nation’s greatest ships plus a trip around the harbour at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Take the kids to … Eden Project, near St Austell, Cornwall
The world’s largest indoor rainforest certainly delivers the wow factor, but the focus on fun and educational activities, sustainability and healthy food also helps to create a great family-friendly excursion
Family fun: kids attractions here for one summer only
If your kids like owls, books, Harry Potter, Shaun the Sheep, Bob the Builder or Charlie and Lola, take them to one of these temporary attractions this summer
Take the kids to … The Helix, Falkirk, Scotland
This new park is famous for its horse-heads sculpture but it’s also great fun for kids (and adults), with cycling paths, climbing frames, water activities and more, within easy reach of Glasgow and Edinburgh
What’s new in your favourite UK holiday spots
What with electric bicycles, giant underground zipwires and inland surfing there’s a whole lot of new outdoor adventures to be had in the UK’s holiday hotspots, even if it’s pouring
Take the kids to … the National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Spectacular caves, towering stalagmites and a herd of model dinosaurs will keep the offspring thoroughly entertained, if only for a few hours
Take the kids to … the Bluebell Railway, East Sussex
Bucolic Sussex is an ideal place for kids to let off steam, especially if you shunt them to East Grinstead and the recently added northern terminus of one of the UK’s oldest heritage railways
Treehouse Hotel, Port Lympne Reserve, Kent: hotel review
They’re not actually in trees, but new Treehouse suites offer a very stylish option at this Aspinall Foundation safari park. But pity the toddler at risk of getting her fingers bitten off by an out-of-control door
Take the kids to … Kidzania, London
It’s all work-work-work for children visiting this new theme park concept, but not so for parents, who can chill out in their own room and check their digital wristbands to ensure their offspring aren’t slacking
Take the kids to … Treetop Nets, Lake District
Children are free to clamber among the trees without a harness in this huge network of tunnels, walkways and trampolines
Welcome to Berge Street, Paris’s brilliant child-friendly space on the Seine
The mile-long Les Berges is a creative playground and cultural space for children and adults on Paris’s Left Bank – where it’s free to play, party and even snooze
Take the kids to … Shrek’s Adventure, London
This new immersive storytelling experience whisks children off on a 4D virtual tour of Shrek and other Dreamworks films
Take the kids to … Powderham Castle, Kenton, south Devon
It’s not crowded, there are great interactive shows, a wooden fort, pets’ corner and woodland trails, plus a 600-year-old castle for history enthusiasts
A family adventure in the Alps … whooping all the way
Richard Lakin, winner of the family category in our travel writing competition, went on a multi-activity break in France’s Ecrins national park
Summer holidays in the Alps: eight great ideas
Winter ski holidays in the Alps can be extortionate but come summer prices tumble and there are bargains to be had on both activities and a huge choice of accommodation