THE NEXT half-term school holiday is rapidly approaching but panicking parents should not worry - there is plenty going on to keep the kids busy whatever the weather.

Southend has masses of ideas for half-term fun with plenty of indoor and outdoor play ideas.

Grab a wristband and play all day at Adventure Island on the seafront, take a dip in The Lagoon or grab fish and chips and brave the sea during a day at the seaside.

The Planetarium in the town centre is the only one in Essex and really deserves a visit too.

Put your legs into action and have a walk down the 1.3 mile long pier or kick back and enjoy a train ride along the pier instead.

There is more seaside fun to be had at Brightlingsea, which will holds its annual Regatta on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28.

The whole family can enjoy boat races, competitions, displays and general fun on the water, culminating in a fantastic fireworks display on the Saturday evening with excellent views over the waterfront. Along the coast is Maldon’s Promenade Park - this has plenty going on to ensure everyone in the family has a good day out, including their beautiful beach huts which over look the pirate play area and splash park. Book your hut via the town's tourist information centre.

The Steam Fayre, which has a selection of steam powered attractions and rides, will be back at the park from Saturday, May 27 until June 4.

Kids love the fresh air and May is National Walking Month, so there is no excuse not to take in some of the beautiful open spaces in Essex.

The county's country parks have some great walking trails including The Gruffalo Trail at Thorndon and The Stick Man at Weald, plus children out can try the Sky Ropes courses at Great Notley.

Hadleigh Park is also a historic site, with the remains of Hadleigh Castle standing proud overlooking the Thames estuary and with stunning views over to Kent.

Families can cycle or walk here which makes sure you all get a blast of fresh air.

Learning and fun activities can be had at any one of the Essex Wildlife Trust’s reserves and Visitor Centres; you can try out den building and pond dipping at Fingringhoe Wick or learn how to build a bat box at Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre on Saturday, June 3.

Colchester's Castle Park will be getting a creepy visit from Colchester Zoo's mini beasts on May 27, while the Waltham Abbey Gardens also have Wild Mini-Beast Wednesdays.

Find out more about bats with a family bat walk at the Saffron Walden Common on June 2 and discover crawlies and slugs at Beth Chatto Gardens.

There is a chance to feed the lambs and watch the sheep being sheared at Lee Valley Park Farm or have a little flutter on the Wacky Races at Barleylands, which sees sheep, chickens, donkeys and goats race around a track.

Little ones can also be a Little Farmer for the day at the Billericay farm and learn more about what it takes to keep the farm running.

Hylands House in Chelmsford will also be hosting the Great British Pet and Country Show on May 28 and 29. 28th and 29th May.

Rainy days can be spent in the county’s museums including the East Anglian Railway Museum which will hold Victorian Days, while the Royal Gunpowder Mills have Live History Shows.

The Museum of Power at Langford will also let kids explore for free on Sunday May, 28.

Audley End House will also hold week of royal fun where you can learn to curtsy, bow and entertain – get it wrong and it will be "off with your head!"

For more details or to discover more about what's going on in Essex, go to visitessex.com/whatson