Things to make & do

To inspire us all to get outdoors and play with the family, Argos have produced a free Playcation Guide and there's a video to get you in the mood too!

Bees play an essential part in the life cycle of many crops and flowers so for parents and children everywhere, the University of Leeds has come up with the ideal way to have fun this half-term and help the environment at the same time by building a bee hotel.

Turn your garden into a bee-friendly haven with a simple wooden structure that gives solitary bees a place to nest – as seen in the gold medal-winning University of Leeds' exhibit at this year's Chelsea Flower Show.

The Science Museum is to showcase the Universe of Sound - a major new digital installation which sees a virtual Philharmonia Orchestra taking up residence until 8 July 2012 before touring the UK.

Make this hot cross bun bread and butter pudding created by the chef at Camberwell's Crooked Well and celebrate Easter in style.

This Easter (31 March to 15 April), visitors to IWM North (part of Imperial War Museums) in Manchester will be able to experience the magic of stories brought to life through a host of free activities for all the family. With illustration workshops, performances, storytelling and creative sessions, there is something to inspire and captivate all the family. To celebrate this IWM North are offering five sets of books to be won by PWT readers.

From 31 March to 15 April, IWM North is running free Easter activities. Check out the schedule for the agenda.

The Flower Council of Holland (FCH) has created a beautiful free online booklet demonstrating how to bring the joy of spring indoors with flowering bulbs in pots and cut bulb flowers. A creative task to involve your children.

Anne Coates tried out FunMats to produce a unique Mother's Day present from Harriet to Olivia.

Don't get caught out for something to do to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee when we have an extra bank holiday (5 June) – check out the English Heritage events.

At National Trust gardens across the country, they are getting ready to roll out the white carpet as pure snowdrops transform the woodland floor and spring to life after the winter months. From enchanting bulb meadows to the UK’s largest winter garden, experience nature’s new beginnings and lift your spirits with a refreshing snowdrop stroll.

Shake off the post-Christmas sluggishness and explore the winter loveliness of some of the National Trust's properties across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Here are our top 12 places to visit.

Chocolate Advent Calendars are a bit passé and if you have small children you don't want them to get the taste! So a great alternative is the Playmobil Advent Calendar which creates a scene day by day.

Germany may be famous for its Christmas markets but here in the UK, we also know a thing or two about creating the magic of the festive season in towns and villages around the country. This year, Debbi Scholes has selected a few that go beyond the traditional stalls and decorations.

If you've bought a pumpkin to make a scary face for Halloween, why not use the inside vegetable to make this delicious and nutritional soup?

Parenting Without Tears has teamed up with Voucher Codes to offer some great money off savings on key attractions and meals out with the kids.

From Baby's First Year to Mum's Favourite Recipes, Bathtub Admiral has a growing number of photobooks to make your own. Anne Coates tried out the site and produced a lovely book about Harriet.

VisitEngland pinpoints the nation’s best stargazing locations – from a car park to an observatory –  where you can join the hunt for solar storms and catch a true glimpse of celestial glory.