We have trawled through the best summer activities and days out in the area to help you avoid the dreaded "I'm bored" cries and ensure that both you and your children have an action packed summer. From sporting activities and workshops to days out for the whole family, there is something for everyone.

Over the next few pages, there are loads of great ideas both close to home and slightly further afield for you and your family to enjoy - with verdicts from families who've been to try some of the attractions on offer.

And on page 61 there's a fantastic page of money saving vouchers - for everything from York Minster to Magna, Harewood and Eureka! - so you and your family can enjoy a cut-price feast of summer fun.

Read on to see what's out there for you to do and how you can save cash at the same time. We kick off our round-up with a look at some of the area's best-loved attractions...

Conisbrough Castle

More than 800 years of history are waiting to be discovered at one of the finest medieval keep towers in England. The castle, which was restored in 1994, has a host of activities available including the chance to dress up in medieval costumes, historic guided tours and picnic areas. Throughout the summer holidays there will be some special one-off events inlcuding re-enactments taking place throughout the summer. The castle will be open from Monday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.

Admission on non-event days is £4 adults, £2.75 concessions, £2.15 children aged 6-16 years, children aged five and under free and £10 for a family ticket. There will be a surcharge of 50p on event days.

Contact Conisbrough Castle, Castle Hill, Conisbrough, Doncaster on 01709 863329 for more information.

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens

This Victorian country house, built in the 1860s, makes for a great day out featuring exhibitions about Victorian life, a collection of grand gardens in miniature within the extensive grounds and special concerts and activities. There will be concerts and events throughout the summer holidays. Admission to Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Brodsworth, Doncaster is £6.60 adults, £3.30 children and £5 concessions.

The Gardens are open daily from 10am to 5.30pm, the house is open Tuesday to Sunday from 1pm until 4.30pm. Contact 01302 722598 for more information.

Cusworth Hall

The recently refurbished 18th Century house will be open throughout the summer, so whether you simply fancy a look around or want to attend one of the special summer events, it's definitely worth a visit. The hall is open Monday to Friday 10.30am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 1pm until 5pm, admission to the Cusworth Hall, Cusworth Lane, Doncaster, is free, parking charges do apply. Contact 01302 782342.

Potteric Carr Nature Reserve

Children can learn about the environment and the creatures that live in it at the largest and most visited nature reserve in Yorkshire.

Potteric Carr Nature Reserve will play host to a number of summer activities including pond dipping and minibeast hunts. Admission is £1 for adults and 50p for children, plus normal admission price. Potteric Carr is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm, admission is £2.50 for adults, £1.50 for children and £2 for concessions. Contact 01302 570077 to book events.

Doncaster parks and open spaces

Short on pennies? Then what better way to enjoy a day cheap day out at one of Doncaster's parks? Whether its the roaming wide open spaces of Sandall Park or the smaller local parks such as Grove Gardens, there's something for everyone all over the borough. From feeding the ducks, using the play areas or simply letting the youngsters burn off some energy, there'll be enough to keep the little ones entertained for hours - and all for nothing.

Sandall Beat is ideal for getting back to nature and Campsall Country Park is great for getting out and about and exploring the great outdoors.

Libraries

if the weather's not too good - or even if it is - why not consider a trip to your local library to keep the youngsters entertained this summer? All over the borough, the town's libraries will be opening their doors and welcoming families with a wide range of events - everything from fun and games to story times and make and do activities. And of course, children will be able to dip their noses into thousands of books with some of the larger libraries stocking a wide selection of children's DVDs and CDs for hire - so you can catch up on some kiddies' favourites in your own home without breaking the bank.

Indoor play areas

With the British weather always unpredictable, its always wise to have a back-up plan - and a good catch-all fall-back is an indoor play area.

Fundays Funcastle in the town centre has plenty of soft fittings to keep the youngsters entertained if its wet outside while Astrabound, the latest addition to the scene earlier this year, has separate play areas for under twos, 2-5s and 5-12 year olds so everyone is catered for - along with parents who can relax in the large and spacious seating areas - while perhaps tucking in with a wide range of refreshments from the food bar.