...to half-term starts here with our handy things to do guide.

THERE are plenty of activities around the region to keep the whole family entertained during this half-term holiday, whether it's enjoying a colourful theatre production or taking an energetic stroll in the great outdoors. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your time off.

KENDAL

KIDS can enjoy sports and activities at Kendal Leisure Centre during half-term week. On Wednesday, October 27, there will be inflatable fun in the swimming pool followed by activities at the Brockhole Visitor Centre, Windermere; On Thursday, Oct 28, there will be a day exploring Grizedale Forest; and on Friday, Oct 29, there will be an indoor fun session including activities and games in the swimming pool. Rural transport is provided from Ambleside and Windermere. For details call 01539-729511.

SOWETO'S brightest children's theatre company comes to the Brewery Arts Centre on Saturday, Oct 23. Vulavulani Theatre Company from South Africa will be teaming up with the Action Transport Theatre company from the UK to present Tselane's Song, a joyful, upbeat story of traditional and contemporary African culture featuring dance, storytelling and live music. The performance begins at 2pm. For details call 01539-725133.

KENDAL Museum will be hosting activities connected to its Blue Streak rocket exhibition. On Tuesday, Oct 26, children aged 4-7 can make their own space rocket to take home, materials provided; and on Thurs, Oct 28, on a special Space Mission, children aged 8-12 can take an exciting trip round the Blue Streak exhibition and then take part in investigations and activities based around space rockets.

NEWBY BRIDGE

WITCHES, Lanterns and Spooky Stories. provides Halloween horrors aplenty at Fell Foot Tearooms, on Friday, Oct 29 (5.50pm-9pm). Activities involve making a ghoulish lantern. For details, call 015394-46402.

BARROW

ENJOY some colourful nursery rhyme fun at the Hey Diddle Diddle show at Forum 28 on Friday, Oct 29. The show is set in Rhyme Town, the secret place where nursery rhyme characters live when they are not busy with bedtime stories. The show is packed with children's favourites including Wee Willie Winkie, Little Miss Muffet and Incy Wincy Spider. There are two performances at 11am and 2pm. For details, call 01229-820000.

LEARN exciting circus skills at the Unbelievably Terrific Circus Workshop, at Forum 28, on Tuesday, Oct 26, at 11am. For details, call 01229-820000.

THE Dock Museum will be organising special Halloween mask-making workshops on Wednesday, Oct 27, and Thursday, Oct 28. Workshops take place from 10.30am-noon and 2pm-4pm. For details, call 01229-894444.

LANCASTER

LANCASTER Castle is hosting a special kids' activity hour on Wednesday, Oct 27. The session is for children aged 7-12 years. For details, call 01524-64998. There will also be a special guided Halloween tour round the spooky castle on Friday, Oct 29 and Saturday, Oct 30 at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm.

LEIGHTON Moss RSPB Nature Reserve is holding a fun family guided walk to learn more about the reserve and its wildlife on Wednesday, Oct 27, and Thursday, Oct 28. The walks start at 11am and 12.30pm. For details, call 01524-701601. A Halloween mask-making session takes place at 2pm on Friday, Oct 29.

BROCKHOLE

THE Lake District National Park Visitor Centre at Brockhole has a whole host of activities going on over half-term. On Monday, Oct 25, Fearsome Forest Tales includes storytelling, crafts and activities with sessions at 11am and 1.30pm; on Wednesday, Oct 27, an insect expert will be bring along his Bug Box between 1pm and 3pm; on Thursday, October 28, there will be special lantern-making sessions at 11am and 2pm; while on Friday, Oct 29, there will be stories and a walk in the forest with Whispers in the Woodland from 11am to 1.30pm. For details, call 015394-46601.