Pirate adventure trail for seven to 11-year-olds, August 30-31. A journey to a magical world of caverns, mysterious forests and hidden treasures. Tickets: Pounds 3. Booking: 01446 794848.

CARDIFF: NATIONAL MUSEUM AND GALLERY

As part of a “Megabugs” exhibition, “study a bug” and “date a bug” sessions will take place for six to 13s, August 27-29. Tel: 01222 397951 ext. 276.

SCOTLAND

EDINBURGH

Children’s shows during the festival include: Grimm Tales, August 25-31; Winnie the Pooh and The Snow Queen, until August 31; and the International Science Festival: Secrets of Theatre Explained, August 26-31, in which chemistry,physics, maths and biology combine to create atmosphere and optical illusions. Tel: Festival Fringe, 0131 226 5257.

NORTHERN ENGLAND

CARLISLE:TULLIE HOUSE MUSEUM

Open day, August 27, and a bookmaking workshop, August 29 (10am-3pm). Tickets: Pounds 8,Pounds 6,Pounds 4. Tel: 01228 34781.

NEWCASTLE:DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Family fun science days, August 26,28,30; and megafun with computers, daily until September 1 (admission Pounds 1). Tel: 0191 232 6789.

SUNDERLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

Visual arts focus week for families, August 27-30, with paper marbling and simple books to make on day one, artists’ workshops on days two and four, and a silk painting class on day three costing Pounds 10. Tel: Jo Cunningham, 0191 565 0723.

SUNDERLAND: MONKWEARMOUTH STATION MUSEUM

The Model Engineers Society invites visitors of all ages to ride on locos and make hats and flags, August 28. As part of the “Stupendous Iron Bridge” exhibition, visitors can make a souvenir to take home, August 30 (10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm). Tel: 0191 567 7075.

KENDAL MUSEUMS

At Kendal Museum on August 27 (11am-12.30pm), a woodland birds session for eight to 12-year-olds and, on August 29 (11am-1pm), four to sevens will discover how animals talk (11am-1pm). At the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry, August 30 (11am-1pm), four to sevens will find out “how we used to play”. Pounds 2. Advance booking recommended. Tel: 01539 722464.

NORTHWICH, CHESHIRE:THE SALT MUSEUM

August 27 (10am-noon), birdbox building for the over sevens. Pounds 2. 50 bookable in advance. Tel: Sarah Hotter, 01606 41331.

LEEDS: THE ROYAL ARMOURIES MUSEUM

Until September 28, family activities include: storytelling, object handling and trying-on sessions; adventure trails, assault courses, facepainting, computer interactive programmes and workshops such as mask-making, armour design and music. No extra charge. Tel: 0113 220 1900.

SOUTHERN ENGLAND

GLASTONBURY: SOMERSET RURAL LIFE MUSEUM

Time travel adventure for seven to 12-year-olds, August 31 (2-6pm), Pounds 1. Have your “passport” stamped as you move through six time frames from prehistory to the present. Tel: 01458 831197.

BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS

Hands-on activities, trails, children’s quizzes on the theme of “Survival” until September 1. Plus face-painting, badge-making and other activities. Tel: Stephen Woollard, 0117 970 6176.

WEYBRIDGE, SURREY: BROOKLANDS MUSEUM

Vintage aircraft are flying in to the “birthplace of British motorsport and aviation” on Bank Holiday morning, August 26. Between 12.30 and 2.30 pm, visitors can inspect rare flying machines. Tel: 01932 857381.

LONDON

MUSEUM OF LONDON, EC2

Filmmaking fun, August 25-26 and September 1 (half-hour sessions, 12.45-4.45pm). Find out from expert Richard Rickitt how special effects “matt” pictures are created for films and try it out for yourself. Suitable for the over sevens. No extra charge. Tel: 0171 600 3699 ext. 200.

LONDON ZOO, REGENT’S PARK, NW1

Underprivileged children are invited for a free Metropolitan Police fun day, September 1. Entertainment includes two guest horses and a patrol car. Tel: 0171 722 3333.

BRITISH LIBRARY, WC1

As part of its “Mythical Quest” exhibition, six to 14-year-olds will create their own quest in free art workshops, August 30 (10.30-1pm and 2.30-4pm). Alternatively, all visitors can pick up a copy of “The Questor’s Trail” and embark on a quest through the worlds of Ancient Greece, Persia, India and China to search for monsters, heroes, and the like. The exhibition examines seven stories such as Jason and the Golden Fleece and the voyages of Sinbad the Sailor. Tel: 0171 412 7760.

DESIGN MUSEUM, SE1

While children aged five and above are designing a miniature chair, their parentscarers are free to spend an hour exploring the exhibition, “100 masterpieces: furniture that made the 20th century”, Tuesdays and Thursdays until August 29 (2-3pm). Family trails also available. No extra charge but booking essential. Tel: Lesley Butterworth, 0171 403 6933.

TES AUGUST 23 1996