Power P arent

A new year means a whole new raft of school holidays to plan (insert rolling eyes emoji). Here are some family-friendly events sure to stimulate, educate, and entertain the under 10s without boring the over 40s

SWITZERLAND SNOW POLO WORLD CUP

While polo originated in Persia some 2,600 years ago, snow polo was first played in St Moritz in 1985. Since then the Snow Polo World Cup, played on a frozen lake in the magnificent alpine town, has become the pre-eminent winter polo tournament in the world. While admission to the polo is free, there are plenty of VIP and invitationonly events for those who prefer their sport with a side of glamour. Ultimately, though, the focus will be on the intrepid players as they battle it out for the coveted Cartier Trophy. 25–27 January snowpolo-stmoritz.com

TAIWAN THE LANTERN FESTIVAL

Held this year in Dapeng Bay in the northern city of Pingtung, the lantern festival promises magical light displays, a theme park-style lantern village, and performances by dance troupes. Some 12,000 local volunteers have been engaged to bring to life an event that promises to spread Taiwanese culture and folk history to the world. 19 February to 3 March taiwan.net.tw/2019taiwanlantern

UK LATITUDE FESTIVAL

Thousands of music lovers flock every year to the picturesque Suffolk countryside, where the Latitude Festival pops up for one long weekend. Although it’s ostensibly a music festival, there are plenty of other attractions to keep you and your family entertained, with food, comedy, visual art, dance, and theatre all being showcased in different tents around the sprawling site. 18–21 July latitudefestival.com

US ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA

The Rio Grande valley in New Mexico provides the backdrop for this otherworldly mass ascension of hot air balloons. More than 500 multicoloured giants float into the sky, which is said to be at its bluest at this time of year. 5-13 October balloonfiesta.com

AUSTRALIA THEMARRIAGEOFFIGARO

Get your kids off their iPads and into the opera house with Opera Australia’s rendition of Mozart’s classic comedy. At the iconic Sydney Opera House, this fast-paced stage extravaganza is witty, melodic, and full of love triangles. It will be spring in Sydney, so the family can enjoy the warm weather and jump on a ferry to Manly or Watson’s Bay for a seafood dinner afterwards. 18 October to 2 November sydneyoperahouse.com