WITH six glorious weeks of freedom ahead school children, not to mention their parents, will be desperate to find ways of keeping their minds occupied.

JESSICA BEST looks at some of the events on for youngsters this summer.

Newport Newport city council has a whole range of boredom-busting ideas for the next two months, with more than 1500 activities on offer.

From archery to DJ-ing and skateboarding to softplay, every day is a chance to learn something new.

On Monday the Newport Centre will hold trampolining sessions between 2pm-3pm, and the coucil’s mobile skate park will visit Newport International Sports Village from 10am-3.30pm.

Play schemes for 5-12 year-olds are running every weekday between 10am-3.30pm at 20 schools and community centres across the city, and under-16s can swim for free at selected sessions at Newport International Sports Village, Newport Centre, Bettws Leisure Club and Lliswerry Leisure Club.

For a list of venues full programme including prices visit www.newport.gov.uk/summerfun, or call 01633 656757.

For those with an artistic flair, Tredegar House is holding weekly craft sessions as part of their Summer Friday programme from July 24 to August 28.

Each session will focus on a particular crafty skill, with colouring in and other activities for all ages. The free sessions will run between 1pm-3.30pm. For more information telephone 01633 815886.

Monmouthshire Whether it’s tiny tots or troublesome teenagers who need entertaining, Monmouthshire’s range of play schemes should do the trick.

Abergavenny Leisure Centre, Caldicot Leisure Centre, Chepstow Leisure Centre and Monmouth Leisure Centre will cater for 5-11-year-olds five days a week between July 27 to August 21.

Parents and toddlers can relax at Wiggle Giggle sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at each of the four venues with bouncy castles, soft play and cafe facilities.

For 11-18 year-olds, Abergavenny Youth and Community Centre, The Zone in Caldicot, CKs in Chepstow and Monmouth’s The Attik will act as free drop-in youth centres five days a week.

Kids can choose between sports and games, or take part in activities organised as part of each of the schemes’ “themed” weeks.

These will include the “Big Eye” week - an opportunity to learn film making techniques both in front and behind the camera. For more information contact Richard Simpkins on 01633 644285.

Torfaen Torfaen’s leisure centres are offering children traditional sports such as football, badminton and swimming, but there are also more unusual ways to have fun and the chance to find a new hobby.

Brazilian soccer, dodgeball, snorkelling and ultimate frisbee are being offered at Bowden Active Living Centre, Cwmbran Stadium, Pontypool Active Living Centre and Fairwater Leisure Centre.

Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre is also encouraging kids to get creative with six week-long workshops.

The five day courses, for children aged 5-13, began this week and continue on July 27 exploring world art, while the week of August 17 will focus on the solar system and extra terrestrial life in a week of outer space crafts.

The scheme will finish with a food themed week on August 24.

Workshops cost £10.50 per day for each child, and places are limited. For details and booking telephone 01633 483321.

Blaenau Gwent Play schemes across Blaenau Gwent will run until August 20 at Tredegar Sport Centre, Ebbw Vale Sports Centre, Nantyglo Sports Centre and Abertillery Sports Centre.

Open five days a week between 10am-3pm, fun on offer will include football, cinema visits, mud sliding, and flour fights.

Activities are open to children between 8-12 years and each day is charged at £3.50 which includes lunch. Libraries across the authority will also be providing magical mysteries with a Harry Potter theme providing fun and adventures at Abertillery, Blaina, Tredegar, Ebbw Vale and Cwm libraries.

Contact individual libraries for times and details.

Bryn Bach Park is a great space to give kids some fresh air but on August 5 there will be even more ways to enjoy the sunshine with a climbing wall, kayaking and other sporting activities as part of National Play Day.

The event is free and open to children and families of all ages between 10am-4pm.

Caerphilly Parents and kids can play together with mixed basketball sessions at Risca lesiure centre from 6pm-7pm on Wednesday evenings, while children over the age of five can earn themselves a gymnastics certificate with a crash course from August 24-28. Call 01633 600940 for details of other activities and booking.

Cefn Fforest and Newbridge are running programmes including volleyball, canoeing, water polo and snorkelling. Contact individual centre for details.

Budding actors and actresses can take to the stage with drama workshops at Blackwood Miners’ Institute. Drama classes for 7-10 year olds will run from Monday to Friday from July 27, while 11-16 years olds can tread the boards the week of August 1.

Both groups will work towards a performance for their family and friends on the Friday of each week, and the whole course costs £30 per child.

Booking is advised by calling the box office on 01495 227206.