If you like nature then the RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve makes a great day out.   Situated in Stanstead Abbotts in Essex this place is a haven for wildlife.  If you're a keen walker or bird watcher then this is certainly the place for you.  Kids will also love the activities on offer including the Explorer Backpacks they can borrow full of fun things to do.  Don't forget to bring a picnic!  Look out for special events taking place throughout the year such as Feed the Bird days.

Located in the Waltham Abbey area of Essex this lovely farm will appeal to families especially those with small children.  With animals including Ella and Eve the goats and Tallulah and Barbara the pigs younger children will delight in meeting and learning about the various farm animals.  Other attractions on the farm include the new indoor soft play area where children can moo like a cow while whizzing down the big cow slide or dive into the ball pools.  Look out for a range of activities taking place each weekend and during school holidays such as sheep shearing, bottle feeding the lambs and even pig racing.  When it's time to sit down and recharge your batteries head for the Orchard Cafe or one of the ready made picnic areas.

This attraction is currently under construction but we are looking forward to it opening in early 2011.  The philosophy of the Discovery Centre is 'healthy body, healthy mind, healthy planet and aims to change people's attitudes and actions towards our planet.  Educational as well as fun there are plenty of activities such as outdoor sport pitches, cycle and walking trails and indoor activity rooms.  This is a unique attraction for the whole family.

Chessington World of Adventures has a well deserved reputation and one of the best theme parks in the UK the site is crammed with rides for adrenaline junkies including Vampire rollercoaster which fly's through Transylvania and the Tomb Blaster which is not for the faint hearted the site also boasts a fantastic Sea Life Centre and a range of attractions for younger children including daily shows and talks.

Adventure Island costs nothing to enter and there is an array of rides and attractions on offer. The Big Adventure rides include the Dragon's Claw, Rage and Vortex.  For younger children there is just as much fun on offer with rides like the Cow Jump, Over the Hill and Dragon. Mini Rides include the Choo Choo Train, Crooked House and Flying Jumbos.  When you have ran out of energy you could have a wander round the gift shop and perhaps buy a souvenir of your day.

Colchester Zoo is a fantastic place to visit with something for all the family.  Wander around and see the array of animals in excellent habitats.  Don't forget to visit the Leopards at Ussuri Falls, this new expansion can be located opposte the White Tiger Valley and the Medellin Momkeys.  Other popular areas of the zoo include Tiger Taiga, Chimp World and Wallaby Walkabout.   Look out for special events throughout the year such as Shriek Week on Halloween.  If you book tickets online you can obtain a discount of 10% and are also fast tracked on entry to the zoo - a great idea in the school holidays.

This is a museum with a difference and a must see if you are into horse racing.  You can take guided tours around the museum or choose to wander round yourself admiring the exhibits.  New for 2010 is a Junior Fun Tour which is ideal for children.  Simply ask the gallery staff for a Fun Tour pack when you enter the museum and kids can answer questions and spot clues and tips on the way round.  One of the most popular recent exhibitions is the Thoroughbred: State of the Art exhibition in Gallery 5 on until 31st October.  Check out their websites for the latest exhibitions.

RHS Garden Wisley is an excellent choice for a day trip, offering excellent value for money all year round. A yearly membership is available so visitors can take advantage of the parks attractions as often as they wish. On entry to the park visitors can pick up a family trail which offers suggestions of places within the grounds to visit and explains all the fun things to do in the garden. There are many areas to explore including the beautiful Rose Garden, the amazing Glasshouse and the Café which served home made locally sourced food.