On this page we've included a list of other resources that offer information about indoor and outdoor activities and days out.

If you know of any other web sites or offline resources that you think would be useful to parents please let us know and we'll add them to the site. Email us at contributions@forparentsbyparents.com.

Mapminder is the UK's most comprehensive online mapping service. If you're stuck for ideas during the school holidays, mapminder can help. With up to date entertainment listings mapminder can show you what's going on at nearby museums and what's showing at the theatre and cinema.

Visit their site at www.mapminder.co.uk to register for a FREE no obligation 30 day trial.

From exploring crazy mazes and finding fossils on remote beaches to picnicking with lemurs or becoming a dancer for a day, Let’s Go Out is jam-packed with inspiring locations and places for you and your family to discover together.

www.lets-go-out.co.uk

The Home Reading Initiative, launched by the Scottish Executive in August 2002, encourages parents and carers to share books with their children from a young age.

Children love stories and books and time spent with them in this way is extremely well spent. Not only do children who are familiar with books find learning to read easier, there are also great benefits to be gained by both parent and child in sharing the pleasures of reading.

Every month there will be a selection of recommended books available on the website to help parents, carers and children to establish personal libraries through which to build a love of books and reading.

www.readtogether.co.uk

"I think reading to our children helps them a great deal. Not only to sit and listen like they have to learn in school But also helps in there speech and development and broadens there little minds." Ann

The BBC Parents' Music Room is a new web site that offers a practical guide to give you the confidence to support your child's music development and music education. There are also with some great ideas for things that you can do at home. Click on the link below and then select the appropriate age group.

www.bbc.co.uk/music/parents/yourchild/index.shtml

www.kididdles.com is a place where you can find the lyrics to your favorite kids' songs, send out a request for a long lost song, or maybe help somebody else find the one they're looking for.

www.free-craft-for-kids.com - Free craft for kids is just that, craft ideas available for you at any time or sent to you via their newsletter. This site is designed for parents, with loads of additional kids stuff and tips. The focus is on kindergarten crafts as the lady who runs the site has young children but she welcomes suggestions and requests for kids of all ages.

www.wizziwiz.co.uk - This site gives you up to date information on kids clubs, sports and activities as well as great days out. Their coverage of the UK is growing all the time so it's definately worth a look.

www.gameskidsplay.net - This site provides a huge list of childrens games, including instructions on how to play them

www.activitykidz.co.uk - A fully searchable directory of children's activities, events and services for Dorset and the surrounding area. They have activities, both large and small, suitable from antenatal to late teens and everything in between.

www.parents-guide-to-plymouth.co.uk was created by a parent who recognised the need for an information source for other parents in and around Plymouth. It provides both local residents and visitors with everything they need to know either on the site or through links. From what's going on in Plymouth to childcare facilities, where to find swimming lessons or shoes for 'awkward to fit' feet, from where to go in town to breastfeed to outlets for a budding actress.

www.fun4families.org is a family website designed to be a one stop shop for Family Friendly Arts Activities in London. The organisations you will find on the site offer theatre, art, circus, music and other arts events and workshops for the whole family to enjoy.

www.thomasthetankengine.com - on this site you can find out when and where Thomas is appearing around the country - on the home page select the clock face and then the option for the UK.

"My son loves Thomas the Tank Engine and really enjoyed visiting our local steam railway when they held a special Thomas Day."

www.bigeyedowl.co.uk - This 'early years experience' web site is intended to provide help and ideas to all those involved with young children, including parents and educators in Playgroups, Nurseries or Schools. Inspired by the difficulty of finding concise, relevant information for young children, this web site contains information that has proved to be helpful together with a growing collection of new resources and ideas.

www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies - the cbeebies site on bbc.co.uk contains a whole host of activities to keep the children amused, including stories, colour and make activities and games, all based around your favourite cbeebies characters!

Do you know of another web site? Are you aware of events happening in your area? If you can help with any ideas for local or national events please let us know and we'll add them to the site. Email us at contributions@forparentsbyparents.com

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