Hurray - it's May half-term in Nottinghamshire.

Looking for more family-friendly ideas to keep little ones entertained during the half-term holidays? With a whole week to fill, visit Nottinghamshire for a wealth of activities and events which will inspire and occupy young minds in the run-up to summer.

We'll start with a focus on Lakeside Children's Festival by guest blogger Mark Stretton:

WHEEE! ALL LOVE LAKESIDE’S CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

A RABBIT that has escaped from prison, an amazing inflatable structure, and two brothers fleeing home across a shadow puppet universe – it can only be Lakeside’s children’s festival. Returning for its 9^th year, the popular Wheee! Festival returns for a whole host of shows for youngsters and their families. The International Children’s Theatre & Dance Festival brings world class performances in music, dance, puppetry and storytelling to Nottingham to delight family audiences. This year’s event runs from Saturday 25 May – Sunday 2 June at Lakeside Arts Centre, the University of Nottingham. It will be the biggest Wheee! event yet and is sure to keep children and their families entertained over the bank holiday weekend and throughout half-term. The true international flavour of the festival will continue as Lakeside welcomes the Mass theatre and dance company from the Netherlands which will present Wanted: Rabbit.  This is a hilarious, slapstick comedy performance which tells the story of three police officers who are looking for a rabbit that has escaped from prison! Returning this year is Architects of Air with their latest Luminarium.  These huge, inflatable structures are great for children and their family members to explore.  Their latest creation is sure to amaze and the festival wouldn’t be the same without their presence. There are loads of great performances in music, dance, puppetry and storytelling for children and families to enjoy. To find out more, check out the latest brochure from Lakeside Arts Centre or visit: www.lakesidearts.org.uk Mark Stretton – PR account director at Cartwright Communications ________________________________________________________________ More half term fun...  In Nottingham you’ll find performance-led activities at the City of Caves and Galleries of Justice Museum, and within walking distance is the Nottingham Contemporary, where you’ll find activities including letter writing, and a fun UV drawing extravaganza. Also in the city, join Jason and Jemima on a pirate adventure as Grandpa in my Pocket – Teamwork! returns to Nottingham Playhouse between 23 – 31st May. Tickets now available. Another television favourite, The Octonauts will be visiting White Post Farm on Tuesday 28 May. The characters will be performing throughout the day – with plenty of chances to meet them. There are lots of other activities too, from animal encounters to Morag’s mini golf! For more animal madness, make a stop off at the Tropical Buttefly House, Wildlife & Falconry Centre. During half term week you can visit the Enchanted Fairy Forest with special guided tours and look out for the 7ft dragon hiding amongst the flowers. If you’re looking for crafty activities Funky Pots in West Bridgford invites you to get creative and paint your own pottery – you an even take the finished work home with you! Making it! Discovery Centre, Mansfield also offer great craft workshops including Sewing for Fun and Decorate your Garden. Kids giving you the run-around? Burn off some energy at local theme park attractions. Spend a day at Sundown Adventureland and try out the UK’s first Angry Birds Theme Park, or for soft-play try Pirate’s Play Centre in Sherwood. Make a splash at Water Meadows this half term as the leisure centre are introducing their new Water Walkerz Sessions, allowing you to walk on water! Booking is advisable. For even more great things to do for both young and old, visit our what’s on pages and plan your half term break in Notts. Book early to avoid disappointment.