School's out! Aargh...what to do with the kids?

Well, the time has come and the school summer holidays are just about here. Whether you adore all the extra time you get to spend with your kids, or you are already shuddering at the thought of how on earth you are going to fill every day, then we've got some great tips to help!

Firstly, forget the notion that you have to entertain your children for every minute of every day. It's good for them to be bored occasionally - leave them to it in the garden on a warm day, and you'll be amazed at just how inventive little minds can be. Building camps, collecting leaves and insects, or practising their ball skills don't need mum hovering over them every second.

If the thought of endless trips out, long queues, your kids getting hot and bothered, all topped off with the high cost of many local attractions fills you with horror, then rest assured, you're not alone! I'd recommend sticking to planning a few day trips further afield over the summer, but instead of criss-crossing the length and breadth of the UK to reach your destination, try to stick to an hour or so maximum in the car or on the train. You don't have to be out all day, as younger kids especially struggle to keep going in hotter weather.

Give your kids a few choices and help them plan their time with you as they always love to be involved. Select Kent or Sussex venues such parks, beaches, animal parks and themed venues which are plentiful within a 40 or so mile radius from Cranbrook. Camber Sands, Hastings Old Town, the Hop Farm at Paddock Wood and the wild deer parks at Knole in Sevenoaks are all tried and tested, and come highly recommended.

Within Cranbrook and the immediate surroundings, there's also plenty to choose from. For younger ones, it's hard to beat getting involved with the Cranbrook Children's Centre. Special summer events include a Teddy Bears Picnic on Monday 26th July at 12 noon on Cranbrook Primary School Sports Field. Bring a rug, teddy and picnic and join in the fun! Or, how about joining the 'All About Me' classes? Starting on the 16th August for 6 weeks from 2.00-3.00pm, your children can work on creating a beautiful keepsake book all about them, their achievements and unique story. Call 01580 713296 to book.

If your children adore arts and crafts, then Charlotte Snow (a qualified art and primary school teacher) is running classes each Tuesday and Wednesday between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Card craft, painting, fun foam, inks and printing will all be covered. Call on 01580 20192 to find out more.

For the sportier ones amongst your kids, then you can't beat a trip to a local sports centre. The Weald Sports Centre offers year round activities designed with children in mind such as Jumping Gyminis, a soft play session for 0-4 year olds, and Gym Sessions for 10-15 year olds to enable them to start using the weights and running equipment under supervision. Or, how about booking a course of swimming lessons, or enrolling them on a tennis academy? Call 01580 710720 to find out up-to-the-minute information about what's on and when. Cranbrook Rugby Club are hosting a 3 day intensive rugby coaching course, and a few places are left for boys (and girls!) aged between 7-17 years old. Visit www.cranbrookrugby.com to book.

Beautiful Bewl Water is also a real paradise for children of all ages, and several new attractions have recently been added which continue to add to the fun. A high-adrenaline zone, hydroball, mini-golf, boules, model boating, children's fishing, watersports and woodland play areas will ensure your family is kept entertained for hours. Join Peppa Pig at Bewl on Sunday 1st August, and then from the 2nd to 6th August, daily Teddy Bears Picnics will be held where children can even meet the 3 Bears - and Goldilocks! The 9th - 13th August is a 'Wind in the Willows' week, where children can join Mr Toad as he causes mischief at Bewl. Pirates Week is on from the 16th - 20th August - but watch out as they take over the water for the week! See www.bewlwater.co.uk for more details.

Just 10 minutes away from Cranbrook is Bedgebury Pinetum, which features a huge variety of events over the summer. One tip - if you plan to visit regularly, then it's really worth investing in membership, or purchasing a '7 Wonders of the Weald' pass to ensure free parking (normally £8.00). Wild Life Safari Days are planned for the 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th August for children aged over 5, or how about the Seed Gathering Sunday event on the 26th September? Call the Visitor Centre on 01580 879820 for more information or to book.

Whatever you choose, enjoy it - and the chances are your children will too! If there's an event happening over the summer in and around Cranbrook that you'd like to tell others about then post details too. Have fun!