THE 50 BEST FAMILY DAYS OUT FOR SUMMER

Entertain the whole family with out essential guide to summer fun!

BY MATT HILL

1. MALAGA’S beautiful coast isn’t only popular with tourists; whales and dolphins love it too, with 15 species spotted around the region in recent years. Seeing dolphins in their natural environment is a magical experience, and there are plenty of boat tours to help you meet your porpoise pals. For more info, visit www.borntobewild.es or www..#64257; rmm.org.

2. Those melodramatic footballers have nothing on the strapping Scotsmen at ABERDEEN’S Highland Games on 15 June. Lifting a massive tree trunk isn’t easy, but doing it in a kilt and keeping your dignity is a real skill! www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

3. With rollercoasters, log flumes and shows, MADRID’S Parque Warner has something for everyone. Anyone who likes a spooky ride mustn’t leave without experiencing the haunted Hotel Embrujado. www.parquewarner.com

4. Holidays rock, but they can roll too, at least for competitors in NICE’S Acrobatic Roller World Cup. Head for the Parc des Sports Charles Ehrmann on 12-13 July and watch skaters twist, turn and jump their way to a medal. www.nice-roller-attitude.com

5. For a really wild time in BELFAST, head to the zoo. Early birds can take part in a behind-the-scenes Rise and Shine Guided Tour on 21 June. For those who prefer a lie-in, why not join a Family Fun Day on either 2 or 3 August? www.belfastcity.gov.uk

6. Glorious food, surroundings and weather (if you’re lucky), are in store for visitors to Taste of BIRMINGHAM at Edgbaston’s Cannon Hill Park (10-13 July). Let the kids run free while you pick up recipe tips from TV chefs and sample delicious local produce. Tickets: +44 (0)121 202 5000; www.channel4.com/life/ microsites/T/taste2008

8. CORK’S Waterworks now provide a fun history lesson in their new guise as Lifetime Lab. Interactive exhibitions add a child-friendly twist to the restored buildings. www.lifetimelab.ie

7. PRAGUE’S most exciting event this summer is, wait for it, a stamp exhibition. Er, okay. Isn’t stamp collecting a little old-fashioned?Not really, it’s educational, intriguing and those bits of paper are worth a bob or two.A first class stamp’s about 32p, right? 36p actually, at the post office, but at the World Stamp Exhibition in PRAGUE (12-14 September) you’ll see some rare stamps worth millions.I won’t bring my cheque book along then. What else is at the exhibition?It’s the Olympics of stamps.The Industrial Palace will play host to fascinating displays from over 60 countries.Sounds different, you’re very persuasive!Thanks. Philately will get you everywhere. www.praga2008.cz

9. Discover the fascinating history of JERSEY from a Blue Badge Guide as you take a stroll along one of the island’s many beauty spots, such as Bouley Bay or Bonne Nuit. www.jerseyheritagetrust.org

10. Thursday nights in PERPIGNAN just got interesting, with jugglers, acrobats and musicians taking to the streets and bringing the city to life during “Les Jeudis de Perpignan” throughout July and August. www.anglophonedirect.com/Les-Jeudis-de-Perpignan

11. Lunchtime picnics in EDINBURGH’S Royal Botanic Gardens won’t be so peaceful between 10-17 August, thanks to the Albert and Friends’ Instant Circus. The clowning around starts at 1pm. Red noses optional. www.rbge.org.uk

12. For a local insight into BERGAMO’S quaint old town, book a guided tour. There’s a variety of trips available, including a gastronomic guide for the more peckish sightseer. www.bergamoguide.it

13. Young riders will return from a pony trek to Omey Island, near KNOCK, tired out but smiling from ear to ear, after a back-to-basics tour of some of Ireland’s most beautiful coastline. Saddle up at The Cleggan Beach Riding Centre in Connemara and let the horseplay begin! www.clegganridingcentre.com

14. IIt’s official, holidays rock! Music festivals are child-friendly these days and there are loads to choose from. Watch indie icons MY BLOODY VALENTINE at Saturday Night Fiber at MADRID’S Juan Carlos I Auditorium on 19 July (www.madrid.fiberfib.com), THE VERVE at Summercase in MADRID and BARCELONA (www.summercase.com) on 18-19 July, or catch REM from 11-13 July at T in the Park, about 40 minutes’ drive from EDINBURGH (www.tinthepark.com).

15. The historical buildings in WARSAW’S Lazienki Park will give the kids plenty of hiding places while the grown-ups can seek out the architecture of secrets such as the Egyptian Temple, the Little White House and the Old Orangerie. www.lazienki-krolewskie.pl

16. The exclusive island of Tabarca is one of ALICANTE’S must-see locations, and only half and hour away by boat. With a walled village, gorgeous beaches and no cars, it’s a peaceful haven, and the crystal-clear sea offers up some spectacular seafood. Catch a cruise to the island, stay at Hotel Casa del Gobernador (www.casadelgobernador.com) and witness the stunning sunset.

17. Going on safari in NICE isn’t as unlikely as it sounds. At Domaine du Haut-Thorenc, you can follow Bison and Przewalski horses as they wander among the gorgeous scenery. www.haut-thorenc.com

18. LISBON’S Mercado da Ribeira (Avenida 24 de Julho) market is great for local delicacies. The hustle and bustle of traders, music and dancing will wear the kids out, so you can sample your tasty purchases in peace, come bedtime.

19. With beautiful scenery and eagles soaring overhead and, the mountainous Parque Natural de Sierra Espuna, southwest of MURCIA, makes for a gorgeous picnic spot. Drivers beware – the cliff-top route is safe, but not for the faint-hearted.

20. Those magnificent men in their flying machines are celebrating 90 years of the RAF. Join them at Newark Air Museum, near NOTTINGHAM, and see how a bmibaby flight compares with a ride in a Vulcan, Tiger Moth or Gloster Meteor. www.newarkairmuseum.org

21. The storming of the Bastille in PARIS on 14 July 1789 wasn’t pleasant for everyone, but today the public holiday is more famous for revellers than revolutionaries. Oooh and Aaah at fireworks in NICE, PERPIGNAN and BORDEAUX, follow the parade in Paris, or dance the night away at the Cour d’Estienne in MARSEILLES.

22. For a once-in-a-lifetime dinner, grab your hard hat and head for the underground eatery at KRAKOW’S Wieliczka Salt Mine. Thanks to the mine’s salty atmosphere, visitors always have healthy appetites, and if the traditional dishes need seasoning, there’s always a ton or two of salt to go ’round! www.kopalnia.pl

23. When Doctor Who returned in 2005, the sci-fi series became instantly cool, with millions tuning in to follow the Time Lord’s adventures – filmed in CARDIFF. Now, visitors to the Welsh capital can meet K9 and the Cybermen thanks to the popular Doctor Who Exhibition at the Red Dragon Centre. Make note of where the stairs are though, in case the wiley but wheely Daleks decide to “exterminate!”. www.doctorwhoexhibitions.com

24. More of a conservation centre than an animals-in-cages zoo, ROME’S Bioparco is the perfect place for the family to see wildlife living as it should. www.bioparco.it

25. Entertaining youngsters during the summer leaves most parents needing another holiday, but a dose of retail therapy is the next best thing. Grab some souvenirs at AlgarveShopping (northwest of FARO). There’s plenty of entertainment on offer too, if you’ve some energy left. www.algarveshopping.pt

26. Dads can share their cheesy jokes (did you know Edam is “made” backwards… ahem) at the traditional market in Edam, north of AMSTERDAM. It takes place on Wednesday mornings throughout July and August and sees the giant cheeses transported to market by barge. Witnessing the time-honoured cheese delivery is Gouda, but tasting it is even Feta (told you the jokes were cheesy!). www.edam.com

27. Getting around BARCELONA’S unique Poble Espanyol open-air village is hard work – unless you grab a special backpack available to would-be explorers on gymkhana days.

28. Ooo, arrgh landlubbers! Climb aboard Sopot’s pirate ship for a lively 40-minute cruise up the Gulf of GDANSK. Don’t worry. If you can’t speak Polish, you won’t be made to walk the plank, the organisers reassure us. www.piratustka.pl

29. For a day away from MARSEILLES, hop on the train to Cassis. Relax on the pretty fishing village’s beautiful beaches or hire bikes and stage your own mini Tour de France. Contact the tourist office on omt@cassis.fr.

30. Escape the hot Spanish sun with a trip to the Caves of Genova (five kilometres west of PALMA DE MALLORCA). www.mallorcawebsite.com/htmls/ cuevasgenova.html

31. Forget what the weatherman says about summer in Scotland, GLASGOW gets piping hot in August as the International Piping Festival (11-17 August) fills the city with sound. www.pipingfestival.co.uk

32. Miss your pets while you’re away? Don’t fret. The organic Ridammerhoeve Farm in the AMSTERDAM Bos Forest is a great substitute, with goats, sheep, lambs and calves waiting to be stroked, fed, and even milked. www.geitenboerderij.nl

33. Forget the sights of PARIS or ROME. Kids would much rather a city to themselves, just like Cité des Enfants (www.cite-sciences.fr) or Explora (www.mdbr.it/inglese), children’s museums in the capitals of France and Italy respectively. The interactive exhibits are fun and educational – and if you ask nicely, they might let grown ups in too!

34. NEWQUAY’S South Fistral beach is always a sight to behold, but time your visit right and you could witness the excitement of a surfing competition. Catch the Quicksilver King of the Groms Comp on 5-6 July. www.britsurf.co.uk

35. If you’ve spent all summer on a beach, why not finish the sunny season helping the Marine Conservation Society (www..mcsuk.org) keep one tidy?

36. If you thought taking the kids to the theatre was daft, wait till you see plays like We Dance, Wee Groove, a dance extravaganza for clubbers aged 0-4. It’s all happening during the Bank Of Scotland Imaginate Festival which tours SCOTLAND in June. www.imaginate.org.uk

37. How do you get to sample vintage wine and keep the kids happy? Head to the BORDEAUX Wine Festival (27-29 June), grab your glass and tasting notebook, and let the kids marvel at the fireworks display while you wow the locals with talk of bouquet, blend and barrels. www.bordeaux-fete-le-vin.com

38. The 56km-drive from NEWQUAY to Newlyn, Penzance is worth it simply for the views of St Michael’s Mount. But thanks to the town’s fish festival (25 August), visitors can also witness the most impressive display of fresh fish and sample sumptuous crab sarnies. Yum! www.newlyn.#64257; shfestival.org.uk

39. Blues fans look away now. A trip to MANCHESTER isn’t complete without a visit to Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United. Stadium tours run throughout the summer, and let footy fans see where Ronaldo and Rooney prepare for big games; where the many trophies are displayed; and even where Alex Ferguson puts his used chewing gum (eew!). “The Stadium is the largest regional club venue in the UK with a capacity of 76,212 and the extensive tour takes visitors behind the scenes to places normally inaccessible,” says stat-loving club spokesperson, Sharon Burns. “The club has 139 million core fans across the world,” she adds modestly. If you can’t beat them (and few teams can) join them, by booking a visit on tel: +44 (0)870 442 1994.

40. Why travel to the coast when you can get your toes sandy in PARIS? Flip-flop over to the Stade de France and play beach soccer, volleyball and rugby on the 3,500 tons of sand covering the pitch during the Coca Cola Sports Session from 25 July – 3 August. www.stadefrance.com/en/coca-cola-sports-sessions.html

41. Watersports are making a splash this summer. While CARDIFF Harbour (www.cardiffharbour.com) and Lisbon’s Oceanário de Lisboa’s Nautical Centre (www.parquedasnacoes.pt), offer the chance to have a go at canoe polo, windsurfing and sailing, visitors to GDANSK can get a duck’s eye view of the city on a kayak tour (Gdansk kayaks, tel: +48 (0)5 8301 0499). A similar tour is available along Jersey’s coast (www.jerseykayakadventures.co.uk), while GLASGOW’S River Festival (www.glasgowriverfestival.co.uk), from 19-20 July, will see thousands of rubber ducks battle to win their owner a brand new car (our money’s on the yellow one!).

42. If going to the home of Manchester United isn’t an option, then a drive to Preston’s National Football Museum – 40 minutes from MANCHESTER – will stop soccer-mad family members kicking their heels, with amazing footy artefacts and ingenius interactive displays. www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

43. Get your little monkeys into shape at Aberfoyle’s Go Ape, 30 miles from ABERDEEN, where they can go bananas on zip wires and do their best Tarzan impressions on giant rope swings. www.goape.co.uk

44. Remember playing with the engrossing Playmobil toys as a child? Then the brand’s FunPark south of PARIS is a great way to get nostalgic. Oh, you might want to let the kids come along too. www.playmobil.com

45. MARSEILLES’ mistral (the Mediterranean wind) plays a vital part in Provence’s unique climate, making the sea chilly, the air healthy and kite fliers very happy. Go fly a kite with the experts during the annual Festival of Wind, running from 17-21 September at the breezy but beautiful Plage du Prado. Tel: +33 (0)4 9155 3795

46. Volcanoes! Icebergs! Jungles! Nappy-changing facilities! Faunia Parque Biológico de MADRID has everything a family of keen geographers needs to keep them entertained. Learning about wildlife and the environment has never been so much fun! www.faunia.es

47. Introduce the kids to the world of theatre with an experience they’ll never forget. Gulliver’s Travels (a fun musical playing from Aug 18-22) will be performed at The Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, about an hour from NEWQUAY. This truly unique open-air theatre is perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the ocean. Pictures can’t do it justice, but it must rate as the most amazingly situated theatre in the world. See if you can keep your eyes off the view and on the stage! Tickets for the theatre’s entire season are on sale now. www.minack.com

48. English stately homes such as Chatsworth and Burghley House (72km and 83km from East Midlands airport respectively, not too far from NOTTINGHAM) , always make a great day out, but things get really cool in July and August when Sleeping Beauty arrives... on ice. Get your skates on and book your ticket! www.imperialicestars.com

49. Parents running short of summer holiday ideas will be inspired at the Kids Fun Ideas Show at MANCHESTER Central on 5-6 July. The kids will forget what “bored” even means as they dash between the exciting exhibits. www.kidsfunideasshow.com

50. You don’t have to bring a suitcase of toys on holiday, just stop off at the Toy Museum at the PRAGUE Castle, where old and new gadgets and games will keep everyone entertained. www.prague.net/toy-museum