However, just before you find the boarding school application forms there are still some activities out there that will certainly capture your children's attention - without breaking the bank.

Legoland Windsor Viking Firework Spectacular

This ever-popular event is a firm family favourite and this year should prove to be extra special as Legoland celebrates the end of its tenth season. The firework show really is spectacular with guests able to cheer on heroic Vikings as they journey on land and sea, through myth and legend, battling dragons and monsters. The show culminates in a gripping battle of good versus evil in this amazing pyrotechnic display.

The show is a wonderful finally to a great day out for the family who can enjoy five new attractions and three brand new rides in the Windsor park. For those not with in easy reach of the park, there is some excellent ticket plus accommodation packages available with short break specialists http://www.superbreak.com.

A Theatre Trip to see Scrooge!

With Christmas approaching there is no better way to get into the festive mood than treating the

Children will be enchanted by the specially created illusions by magician Paul Kieve who developed the magic effects in the Harry Potter films, while the whole family will enjoy the fantastic musical score. Scrooge! really is the perfect way to get you in that Christmas mood and is guaranteed fun for the children.

For further details try http://www.scroogethemusical.co.uk

Two for one at Alton Towers!

Alton Towers is a fantastic venue for a weekend break for all the family...and for the last days of the season you can pay for one day and get the second one free. Alton Towers is the UK's greatest theme park, home to legendary thrills like Oblivion, Nemesis and Air - and now, new this year, Rita - Queen of Speed. Rita is faster than a shuttle take-off, speedier than a Ferrari, boasts more lift than an airplane, and is more explosive even than Nemesis and Oblivion. This great deal enables a family of four into the park for two days at a price of only �98.

Overall, if you put in a little research there is plenty of great activities out there to keep the kids occupied in the run up to Christmas. With a bit of luck you will find enough to keep you sane - and the kids out of boarding school!
About the Author

Robin is a freelance travel writer and webmaster of www.travel-tips.co.uk