Families

PORTRAIT OF A NATION -- Children's activities for the Christmas holidays. Create a self-portrait, discover portraits in miniature and draw cartoons to mark life at the beginning of 2002. December 22 until January 7, £1.50 per child. Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds. Details 0113 220 1940.

SHELTER BUILDING -- an activity for young people aged 13-17-years-old. Learn how to build a woodland shelter, pick up a few survival tips and cook your own lunch! December 15, 10am-3pm. Smithills Country Park, Admission is free.

SMITHILLS HALL , Smithills Dean Road, Bolton -- The Hall is now open all year round for visitors to walk around the formal gardens or visit the Hall. Smithills has a family history of over 600 years and a series of rooms covering the period from the Medieval through to the late Victorian. Winter opening times are Tuesday and Saturday 1-5pm, Sunday 2-5pm, Tours and schools by prior arrangement. £3 entry, £1.75 conc, £7.50 family. Details 01204 332377.

THE FOREST AND ME -- interactive fun and multimedia activities for all the family at the Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester. An international exhibition which runs until January 27, 2002. The museum is open from 10am-5pm. For details about admission prices phone 0161 8322244. School or group enquiries ring 0161 833 0027.

BOREDOM BUSTER CRAFT WORKSHOP aimed at four to 11-year-olds. Children will have the chance to make puppets, decorations, treat boxes, masks and cards. Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery, High Street, Uppermill, near Oldham. Saturday December 15, 1-3pm. Tickets can be bought in advance from the museum, £3 per child. Details 01457 874093.

BOOM TING -- an introduction to music and rhythm for 0-5 years olds using song, percussion, instruments and games. £2.50 per session, babies under six months 50p. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Every Friday from 10.15-11am at Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery, High Street, Uppermill, near Oldham. Details for this event only 0161 330 965.

VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS IN HIS WETLAND GROTTO from 12 noon-4pm on Saturday and Sunday December 8 and 9, costs £2.50 includes a parcel. Family activities throughout the Christmas holiday, from Saturday December 22 until Sunday January 6. Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, Burscough, Lancashire. Normal Admission prices are, Adults £5.25, children £3.25, senior citizen £4.25. Details 01704 895181.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY with games, children's entertainer, a visit and a present from Father Christmas, Saturday and Sunday December 15 and 16, 1-4pm, £6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential. Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, Burscough, Lancashire. Details 01704 895181.

Horwich RESOURCE CENTRE, Beaumont Road, Horwich. Childrens drama group every Tuesday 7-8pm, Junior Craft Club second and fourth Saturday of the month, 10am-12 noon. Details 01204 668158.

CORNERHOUSE KIDS EVENTS, 70 Oxford Street, Manchester. Action packed programme for 11-16 year olds every Saturday morning at 11.30am. Tickets £2.50. Details 0161 200 1500.

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE, Water Street, Buxton -- Christmas Pantomime, Dick Whittington, a traditional family show where Dick hopes to make his fame and fortune on the streets of London, opening performance December 14. Box Office 01298 72190.

TATE LIVERPOOL, Albert Dock, Liverpool. Events for families every Sunday between 1.30-4.30pm. 'Art Quest' every Sunday (apart from the last Sunday of the month) for an encounter with Modern British Art. 'Great Art Adventure' (last Sunday of the month) games and studio activities for children age five and up with accompanying adults. No need to book, just drop in. Details 0151 702 7451.

CLIFTON COUNTRY PARK AND VISITOR CENTRE, Clifton House Road, Swinton. Saturday morning activities throughout January and February from 10.30am-12 noon for Under 11s -- Whose Feet? Make your mark in a permanent way, Saturday January 12. Feather Frenzy, find a feather in the park and make something to take away, Saturday January 26. Imagine what it would be like to work in the mines and create drawings to be used as designs for a mural in the park's visitor centre, Saturday February 9 and 23. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please phone to book, admission is free. Details 0161 793 4219.

FIT KID ADVENTURE CLUB at Fit City, Pendlebury, fun-filled sessions for five to 11-year-olds Saturdays 9.30-10.30am and 10.30-11.30am. Details 07970 045972.

FREE FUN AND FIREWORKS on New Year's Eve at The Quays, Salford. Fireworks, fairground rides and fire-eaters, Monday December 31, 4-6.30pm. Admission free Details 0161 743 0576.

FAMILY FUN DAYS at Ordsall Hall Museum, Ordsall Lane, Ordsall, Salford. Mingle with authentic Tudor characters, make pomander or try calligraphy. Harry the hawk will be stretching his wings, weather permitting. Sunday January 6 and February 3, 1-4pm. Admission free. Details 0161 872 0251.