Thames Barrier Park, LondonDiscover how the barriers work and learn about regeneration of wildlife in the Thames Plus 22 acres of parkland Open: daily, dawn Free (020-7511 4111)19. Royal Stafford Ceramics Factory, Stoke-on-TrentCreate your own ceramic design at the factory shop, or fill in a pre-drawn design with your own colours.Open: daily, 9:30am Free Pay for objects you are painting (01782 525419).16. Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham, South YorksHuge outdoor water play area with displays on water treatment and facilities for children to learn about industry and science.Open: daily, 10am. Satrosphere, AberdeenGives children a chance to explore the world of science and technology with many exciting interactive exhibitions Open: daily, 10am £5.50; senior, £4; child, £4 (01224 640340)17. Otterton Mill, DevonHouses a 16th-century working water mill, a bakery, shop full of local produce, a restaurant and a gallery selling works by local artists.Open: daily, 10am Free (01395 568521)15.

£5; concessions, £3.75; child, £3.50; family (two plus two), £16.85 (01659 74387).13. Oare Gunpowder Works, Faversham, KentRestored works with new visitor centre, woodland and waterside trails Open: Mon-Fri, 9am; weekends, 10am Free (01797 361445)14. £9; child, £7; family (two plus two), £28, (two plus three), £30 (01709 720002).10. Mapledurham House and Watermill, OxfordshireLast working watermill on the Thames. Mapledurham has unusual 17th- and 18th-century wood carvings.Open: Sat, Sun and bank holidays, 2pm £6.50; child, £3 (0118-972 3350).11. Museum of Flight, EdinburghFirst and Second World War airfield with four hangars housing displays, including one on Concorde.Open: daily, 10am £5; child, free; Concorde boarding pass £3, child, £2 (01620 880308).12. Museum of Lead Mining, Wanlockhead, LanarkshireGuided tours down a former working mine.

Try your hand at panning for gold or view specimens discovered on site Open: daily, 10am. Eureka! Museum for Children, HalifaxFour hundred hands-on exhibits aimed at under-12s. Learn about the body, do the week's shopping, deliver letters from the Post Office, and discover the science of sound Open: daily, 10am £6.50; under-three, £1.95 (01422 330069).7. Herstmonceux Observatory, East SussexAstronomers' delight, with a telescope tour and displays on gravity and time Also a display of medieval machines.Open: daily, 10am.