Family fun
It's never a simple task to keep the whole family entertained. During holidays or car journeys, it's even more of a challenge. Help is at hand, though. National Family Week has selected the choicest websites to make sure that all the family has fun, wherever you are. Read on to find out more about the very best family holidays, days out, events, activities and boredom busters.
Activity sheet, puzzles and quizzes
Thanks to the Internet, there's a limitless supply of puzzles, games, quizzes and craft activities available to children online. Quality can vary tremendously, however, so National Family Week has scoured the web and chosen the pick of the bunch.
Handy "one-stop-shop" for activities - 300 pages of colouring-in, crafts, Sudoku for kids and more
Activity Village
Terrific gateway to literally hundreds of great things for children to make and do, including stories and happy songs to download
CBeebies
Gripping adventures, fascinating videos and brain-teasing puzzles about all things geographic
National Geographic Kids
The Woodland Trust's fantastic online wildlife club boasts competitions, puzzles, art and games
Nature Detectives
Easy-to-navigate activities, quizzes and games from everyone's favourite train
Thomas the Tank Engine
Days out and events
One thing that Britain does really well is the family day out. With castles, coastline, theme parks, events and much more, you'll be spoilt for choice. If you can't decide where to go or need some new ideas, explore the guides below for great days out in your area.
Simply type in your postcode to find local walks, forest trails, events and back-to-nature fun
Breathing Places
Easy-to-search website with over 400 historic properties to explore, including castles, ruins, stately homes and palaces
English Heritage
Don't break the bank! Kids Go Free lets you search for free, cheap and discounted events and days out
Kids Go Free
LEGOLAND Windsor has interactive rides, attractions and live shows, providing a fantastic treat for younger families
LegoLand Windsor
Inspiration, ideas and deals for fun-packed family outings, using a simple search facility
Take the Family
Try something new
Looking for something new to do with the family? From science to sculpture and farms to fairies, you'll find something for everyone in National Family Week's selection of ideas.
Useful directory of sports facilities in England. With 50,000 entries, you'll find what you need
Active Places
Eco-friendly indoors and outdoors activities for 4-7-year-olds, developed in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society
BBC Gardening
Lots of great stuff to get involved in, like the Save Our Bees campaign and Darwin in Space
British Science Association
The Fairyland Trust organises fairy hunts, events and competitions - great for fuelling children's imagination
Fairyland Trust
You can't beat a trip to the farm! To find city farms in your area, just click on the map
Federation of City Farms & Community Gardens
Clear, easy-to-use website, jam-packed with new ideas for children who want to get active and play outside
Playground Fun
Search for arts workshops, drama groups, sculpture, brass-rubbing and lots more activities
The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts
Travel advice
Travelling with children can present parents with lots of new challenges. Our selection of essential resources tells you how to help prevent travel sickness, boredom, sunburn and other holiday nasties and enjoy a hassle-free trip.
Simple, sensible steps to keep children protected on holiday, e.g. sun and pool safety
NHS Choices - Live Well
Clearly-written, expert advice for travelling with children, broken down by ages and stages
Parentline Plus
Ingenious games for long journeys, from good old I-spy to new fun, like road cricket
Parentline Plus
Family-friendly holidays in the UK
Organising a family holiday can sometimes feel like a military operation! To make sure that your destination is perfect for all the family, browse the pick of the web's family-friendly travel options.
Helpful round-up of baby-friendly hotels, travel companies, camping holidays and holiday villages
BabyCentre
Butlins offers first-rate activities and entertainment in three beach-side resorts, with contemporary hotels as well as self-catering accommodation
Butlins
Weather-proof your holiday! Explore Center Parcs unique combination of nature and exciting activities, housed within a huge glass dome
Center Parcs
Forget boring, long lists. This bright and breezy Parents' Zone makes searching for offers, events and accommodation fun
Enjoy England
From sailing to riding, this great guide to family activity and adventure holidays covers it all
Kids In Tow
Family-friendly holidays abroad
For the very best in family-friendly travel companies and airlines, look no further. There's also some invaluable advice on travelling with children and keeping them safe and well on holiday.
First Choice provides more kids clubs than any other UK operator, with free kids' places on many holidays
First Choice
Mark Warner offers a slightly more "exclusive" option for hassle-free family holidays with first-rate child care and facilities
Mark Warner
Well-designed website offering a hand-picked selection of camping holidays across Europe
Take the Family
Our supporters
"I am pleased to endorse National Family Week and its aim of promoting and celebrating family life in Britain."
Gordon Brown, Former Prime Minister
"I think National Family Week is a great initiative that will encourage families to come together and realise how important every part of the family is."
Sir Terry Wogan, Radio and Television Broadcaster
"National Family Week is the perfect chance for families to make time for each other and have fun while they are doing it."
Esther Rantzen, CBE, Broadcaster, Campaigner and Chair of The Family Commission
"I look forward to taking part in National Family Week and encouraging others to do the same."
Antony Worrall Thompson, Celebrity Chef
"Encouraging families to get active is a subject very close to my heart, so I am thrilled and delighted to be able to show my support for National Family Week."
Sally Gunnell OBE, Olympic Gold Medalist
"I am delighted to welcome National Family Week. It's full of practical ideas, and it will be great to see organisations from all sections of society join together to celebrate family life."
David Cameron, Prime Minister
"I really hope that National Family Week encourages people to take a moment to realize the importance of the people they have around them."
Amanda Holden, Britain's Got Talent Judge
