Half-term activities for the kids

Belinda Fisher of DoubleScoop.co.uk unlocks her little black book and provides top tips for keeping the kids busy and happy over half term

A Country Affair
If you’re in London but want a flavour of the countryside, make tracks to the debut of A Country Affair at Clapham Common. Traditional fairground rides, archery, curling, climbing and football will keep the more energetic young visitors entertained. The “country” aspect kicks in with sheep-shearing and Morris dancing. 26-28 May. www.claphamcommonshow.com

UBS Openings at the Tate Modern
A four-day celebration of film, music and visual art. Kids will love the gigantic sound installation by artist Mathieu Briand, the pin-hole camera van and the smoothie bar. On Sunday they can ride a giant carousel made from recycled objects. 25-28 May www.tate.org.uk/thelongweekend2007

Puppet Barge
One of London's more elusive treasures, this is a barge moored in Little Venice with a 50-seat theatre in it. Kids over four years old are treated to a daily performance of Brer Rabbit visits Africa during half term. This play tells of Brer Rabbit arriving in Africa wearing his new waistcoat and feeling rather proud of himself. 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com

Zippos Circus
This is good old-fashioned fun under a big tent. Pies in faces, dancing horses, ladies in sparkly outfits hanging from the ceiling—Zippos has it all. Their tour will find them at The Fairfield at Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey from 31 May-5 June. www.zipposcircus.co.uk

Legoland
If you want high octane fun that will help ensure the kids have a great night’s sleep, go to Windsor and check out Legoland. Children aged two-12 years can take to the road, soar through the skies and sail the seas in complete safety. There are over 50 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland.  www.legoland.co.uk

Mini Tennis
Have a budding Andy Murray at home? Hyde Park and Regent's Park now have mini tennis courts at their tennis centres. Kids aged eight and under can play for free. Monday-Friday, 3pm-6pm. 

Hever Castle
A moated castle where actors dressed as Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn roam is the highlight of this perfectly formed day out.  Check out the yew maze planted in 1904 and the water maze complete with water jets and stepping stones. www.hever-castle.co.uk

City Farms
Swap the smell of exhaust fumes for the smell of farm animals and take the kids to your local city farm. There are almost 60 of these volunteer run urban mini farms across the UK. Free and fun. www.farmgarden.org.uk

Bob the Builder
With up to six shows a day, Bob the Builder is hard at work at his first live interactive show. Three to five-year-olds visiting the Science Museum in London can watch Bob and his skilled team fix areas of Sunflower Valley by helping to lay paving stones, plant flowers and build walls, all using eco-friendly methods. 0870 870 4868 or visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Bob Books
Don’t forget to record all this fun you are having on your digital camera—and any time you have left over can be spent downloading and designing your very own personal photo book to give to granny, from www.bobbooks.co.uk