ARTS & CULTURE Entertain the kids during S

PEND a day with dinosaurs, learn swordplay, take a free boat trip or check out a jigsaw festival – they’re just some of the events on offer in the Kirklees area and beyond for families during the long summer break.

Our guide to 15 different summer days out and ideas for things to do includes something for everyone – from arty youngsters and animal lovers to active families and those who want to travel slightly further afield. Some events are free of charge.

They’re listed in date order and cover the six weeks of the school summer holiday. of children’s workshops themed around circus animals. The activities at 1pm, 2pm and 4pm are free and don’t need to be booked. For a list of other sessions visit the communitydirectory.kirklees.gov.uk on what is now Yorkshire Day. The bell above the west gate will be rung at 10am, signalling the beginning of trading. It promises a selection of bars and restaurants and there will be celebratory activities all day. seaside holidays of yesteryear. There will be a giant sandpit, a train ride to Hope Pit, and the chance to see pit ponies. All for £5 per child and adult. But tickets must be booked in advance. Call 01924 848806.

Thursday, August 10, Great Expectations, Oakwell Hall and Country Park, Birstall: Charles Dickens’ classic novel is brought to life by Chapterhouse Theatre Company in the walled gardens of the Elizabethan Hall. Take blankets to sit on and a picnic. Tickets are £10 to £15 from 01924 324761. Grounds are open