Saturday, July 24

SANDSCALE Haws, at Barrow, is today's location for an afternoon of children's pond dipping (from 2pm). Call 01229-462855 to book.

GUIDED tours around Carlisle Castle (running until Sunday, August 1) will delve into the historic building's history from the time of the Roman occupation to the turbulent times of the Tudors. Tours start at 10.30am, 12.15pm and 2pm and include a visit to the Roman Dig exhibition. Tel 01228-591922 for more details.

A GET Creative' event for children takes place at North Walney Nature Reserve this weekend. Featuring a huge sand mural, paintings and poems, the two-day event should entertain those with an artistic flair. Tel 01229-822274.

Sunday, July 25

IF you are a family of animal-lovers, you are bound to enjoy a trip to the Wainwright Shelter a rescue centre for animals at Grayrigg today. From 1pm-4pm visitors will get the chance to see some of the rescued residents and the life-saving work of the carers. The open afternoon will also include a raffle and home produce stalls. Call 01539-824293.

Monday, July 26

JOIN some of Cumbria's finest basketballers and pick up some dribbling, marking and shooting skills during a week of coaching at the Sands Centre, in Carlisle, from today until Friday. Eight to 16 year olds are welcome at the 9am-12noon sessions you'll be dazzling spectators with your on-court action in no time. For details call 01228-625222.

CALLING all Gandalfs, Merlins and Harry Potters the Lake District Visitor Centre, at Brockhole, has two Wizard Workshops taking place from 1pm and 3pm. Explore the magical grounds and collect natural materials to decorate a wizard staff or wand. Dress for mess and call 015394-46601 to book.

Tuesday, July 27

FUN With Feathers is the artistic workshop at Kendal Museum today (11am-12.30pm) for youngsters aged between four and seven. Tel 01539-721374.

CHILDREN on wheels can spin across the dance floor to the latest chart-topping hits with the Sands Centre's Roller Disco's today and Thursday (1.30pm-3.30pm). Call the Carlisle venue on 01228-625222.

A CHILDREN'S activity day at Kendal Museum will see youngsters aged between four and seven having fun with feathers today. Children can take home anything made during the craft session which will run from 11am-12.30pm. Call 01539-721374 to book.

Wednesday, July 28

MAKE a splash and weave your very own funky willow fish to decorate with paint, beads and feathers at the Lake District Visitor Centre, at Brockhole, from 1pm and 3pm. For kids aged seven to 16. For more information call 015394-46601.

TODDLERS (two to four years olds) can enjoy a Tiny Tots Treasure Chest morning at Kendal Museum today from 11am-11.30am. Guess which animal is hiding in the chest, listen to a story and explore the museum. Call 01539-721374.

Thursday, July 29

A CHILDREN'S path finder day will show eight to 11 year olds the meaning of map symbols, country codes and how to navigate the area's beautiful landscape from 1pm at Ullswater Information Centre. Call 017684-82414.

VISIT Yew Tree Farm, in the Borrowdale Valley, to meet the farmer, watch the sheep dogs in action and find out how a traditional Lakeland sheep farm is run. Meet at Rosthwaite Car Park at 10.30am. More details on 017687-74649.

AMBLESIDE Traditional Lakeland Sports takes place at Rydal Park from 12pm5pm. The only remaining full traditional Lakeland sports meeting features Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling, hound trails, guide and fell races, cycling, and more than 100 trade and craft stands and displays. Details on 015394-34087.

YOU can investigate a recreated archaeopteryx (thought to be one of the earliest birds on earth) and make a bird table for our living, feathered friends at Kendal Museum between 11am-12.30pm today. Eight to 12 year olds. More details on 01539-721374.