SCHOOLS break up for half term-next week, so here are some great ideas on your doorstep of things to do and places to go with your youngsters to make the most of the time off...

1. Making a Welsh "Potty Woman" is on the menu at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Head of learning Jane Richmond, who is leading the sessions, said: "I know it sounds a bit 'potty' but a Welsh 'potty woman' is a traditionally dressed woman made out of flower pots. It is definitely a fun activity and something all the family will want to get involved with, we are sure."

Family activities run at the garden from Monday to Friday, and as well as making your very own potty woman you can try your hand at Grow Your Own, Crafts for the Garden and the ever-popular Grape Escape.

On the Monday and Tuesday, experts will be offering tips on growing your own salad and veg.

On the Thursday and Friday there are craft-making sessions where you can create a potty woman, scarecrow head or jazzy plant labels. And, on Wednesday, why not try your hand at making a raft out of recycled plant material then sail it down the garden's beautiful rill?

All activities will run from 11am to 3pm and will be free with normal admission prices.

Star-gazers have their fingers crossed for a good view of some heavenly bodies at the National Botanic Garden on Friday, February 17.

Organisers from Swansea Astronomical Society are praying for clear skies because, as this is a moonless night, it is the ideal opportunity to see Jupiter and its moons.

They are also going to have their telescopes trained on lovely Venus, dashing red Mars, the Orion Nebula and a host of other deep-sky objects. Swansea Astronomical Society member Colin Miles said: "If you have been inspired by Brian Cox and the BBC TV programme Stargazing Live — maybe you've even bought a telescope or are thinking of buying one — come along, bring your telescope and talk to the experts."

In addition to the telescope clinics, fellow Swansea Astronomical Society member Brian Spinks will give a talk entitled Sunspots and the Weather at 7.15pm. Brian Stokes's talk at 8.15pm is called The Wonders of the World and Universe — Part Two.

There will be cawl and coffee on sale in the licensed restaurant to keep out the chill.

The Star Party is on from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and entrance is £3, or free for under-16s.

For more information about events at the garden, go to www.gardenofwales.org.uk or call 01558 667149.

2. Wake Up to Wildlife over half-term at Colby Woodland Garden, Amroth, and check out the first signs of spring.

The National Trust and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority are teaming up for these ranger- led events and families are invited to discover what's coming to life in the woodlands.

Sessions will take place Monday from to Wednesday, February 15, at 11am and 2pm and cost £3 per person, including admission.

Booking is essential so call the Colby Shop on 01834 811885 or the National Park Centre, Tenby, on 01834 845040 for further information and to reserve your place.

The National Trust will also be offering free family woodland activities at Lodge Park Woods, Stackpole, on Monday, Wednesday, February 15 and Friday, February 17, at 11am and 2pm.

For more information call 01646 661425.

3. Aberglasney is a great place to take the kids, especially if they want to see some fabulous spring flowers.

There will be a Winter Gardening Weekend on Saturday, February 18, and Sunday, February 19, from 10.30am to 4pm.

4. It's Welsh Culture Week at Dinefwr Park and Castle over half-term.

From crafting to learning Welsh, there will be activities for all the family to enjoy.

Learn Welsh, watch a fashion show, learn the history of the house on a Welsh family trail, see the bilingual conservation room or try your hand at crafting

For more information call Dinefwr Park and Castle on 01558 824512/823902 or go to dinefwr@nationaltrust.org.uk

5. Castles always make a great day out and we are spoilt for choice in Carmarthenshire.

Two of the greatest are Carreg Cennen Castle, near Llandeilo, and Kidwelly Castle.

Carreg Cennen's defences exploit the natural environment to great effect, glued to the sheer cliff-face on all sides.

The stronghold led a chequered life however, falling into Welsh and English hands during the troubled medieval period.

The castle is open daily from 9.30am to 4pm.

For further information call 01558 822291.

Kidwelly Castle is one of the greatest in Wales.

If you want a truly medieval moment, catch a glimpse of Kidwelly shrouded in early morning mist. Spine-tingling stuff — so complete and well-preserved it's a match for any of the great castles of Wales.

The earliest castle on the site was Norman and made of earth and timber. The town itself is equally ancient, established around 1115 AD.

Kidwelly benefited from the latest thinking in castle design. It had a concentric design with one circuit of defensive walls set within another to allow the castle to be held even if the outer wall should fall.

Kidwelly Castle is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.

For further information on Kidwelly Castle call 01554 890104.

6. Carmarthenshire has great beaches too — you can even combine beach with castle at Llansteffan.

Parking in the picturesque village is free as is entry to the castle.

A walk along the beach is also well worthwhile — but keep an eye on the tide.

7. February can be cold and wet — so what better place to go than a nice warm theatre...

The Lyric in Carmarthen has the wonderful, heart-rending adaptation of The Velveteen Rabbit on Saturday.

The Velveteen Rabbit is an inquisitive toy, he has bright button eyes and soft and velvety fur, and he doesn't have any cogs or gears or clock work.

He is just a rabbit with big dreams.

Don't miss the annual performance by the Carmarthen Youth Opera. This year's show is The Sound Of Music, which runs from Monday to Saturday.

For further information go to www.sirgaerfyrddin.gov

8. Carmarthenshire Museum is a great place to visit over the school holidays.

See how county folk used to live over the centuries and imagine being a child in the Victorian schoolroom.

The museum is open Monday to Saturday and admission is free.

For further information go to www.carmarthenmuseum.org. uk

9. If we're blessed with some mild spring weather, it's great to get out on the bike — and there are some tremendous cycle trails in the Brechfa Forest, north of Carmarthen.

For further information go to www.forestry.gov.uk

10. Carmarthenshire is blessed with beautiful countryside and parks.

We have Pembrey Country Park and Gelli Aur, too, with its deer park. Llyn Llech Owain, in Gorslas, is especially popular with families.

The park's central feature is the lake itself, which is surrounded by peat bog.

The rest of the park consists largely of coniferous woodland planted by the Forestry Commission during the 1960s, but there are also areas of dry heath and broad-leaved woodland.

A network of footpaths provides for some enjoyable walking.

Many paths are well-surfaced and accessible to push chairs, and a specially constructed path allows safe access over the peat bog and around the lake.

A forest track provides a longer walk or cycle ride around the country park, and there is a rough mountain bike trail for the more adventurous cyclist.

For further information contact the visitor centre on 01269 832229. There is a parking charge of £2.50.