Six glorious weeks of summer holidays lie ahead - if you're a child. Six weeks of entertaining if you're a parent. But whatever your budget and whatever the weather, there are some great family-friendly activities.
ArcelorMittal Orbit slide
The world's longest and highest tunnel slide is at the ArcelorMittal Orbit in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. One journey down the 178m slide takes around 40 seconds, circling the UK's tallest public artwork 12 times then finishing with a 50m straight run. You must be at least eight/1.3m tall.
How much? Adults £15, children £10.
When? Open now.
arcelormittalorbit.com/whats-on
BFG Dream Jar Trail
To celebrate the centenary of author Roald Dahl's birth and the release of The BFG movie, there are family trails around London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow and Manchester. The BFG Dream Jar Trail in London consists of 50 giant dream jars, inspired by the ones used by the BFG in the film. Holding the dreams of celebrities and artists, they will be auctioned for Save the Children. Visit the website for maps.
How much? Free
When? Until August 31
visitlondon.com/things-to-do
Science in the City
The week-long Science in the City festival is part of Manchester's European City of Science celebrations. Family-friendly events include live, interactive experiments, the Inflatable Museum for under-fives, storytelling sessions, film screenings and a pop-up science lab complete with fun experiments.
How much? Free.
When? July 22-29
manchestersciencecity.com/science-in-the-city-festival
Family music festival
There's music for everyone at the Jewish Museum in London, with a special one-day festival including a sing-along session for five year olds and under, make your own gramophone workshop for ages six to 10 and DJ-ing workshop for 10 to 15 year olds plus a silent disco.
How much? Free with museum entry - adults £7.50, children £3.50
When? July 31
jewishmuseum.org.uk
Sherlock Holmes at Madame Tussaud's
Help Dr Watson to find Holmes at the new interactive Sherlock Holmes: The Experience at Madame Tussaud's in London, with visitors taking an interactive journey through the most famous places and moments in the stories.
How much? Adults from £23.79, under-16s from £20.65.
When? Open now
madametussauds.co.uk/london
Buckingham Palace Tour
The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace have a child-friendly event as part of its summer opening, a Rex the Corgi storytelling session on August 29. Entry is included as part of the visit to one of the world's few remaining working royal palaces.
How much? Adults £30.50, under-17s £18.20, under-fives free.
When? July 23 – October 2
royalcollection.org.uk
Free theatre tickets
Kids Week might be better called Kids Month - children can see West End shows for free during August, including The Gruffalo, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Wicked, plus workshops. Each full price adult can take one child for free, two more for half price.
How much? Adult tickets vary, kids from free.
When? August 1-31
kidsweek.co.uk
Family Fun at IWM North
Animals and fashion are the focus of the family summer workshops at IWM North. The branch of the Imperial War Museum near Salford Quays has family storytelling sessions about animals and war, plus Open Studio events where you can handle exhibits, try craft activities and discover wartime fashion including blackout jewellery.
How much? Free
When? Every weekend and every day throughout the school holidays.
iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north
Art at Ben Uri Gallery
Be inspired by the Unseen photography exhibition at Ben Uri Gallery in London, featuring three of the world's great cities, and create your own imaginary cityscape at the gallery's family events. Aimed at kids aged five and up.
How much? Free
When? July 31, August 2, 9 and 16
benuri.org.uk
