Museums across Britain are ready for half term.

Half term is on its way and museums across Britain have organised a multitude of family events. Here are some examples.

From February 10 children can explore the fascinating lives of creepy crawlies at the Edinburgh Royal Museum. They will encounter real live mini-beasts and enjoy interactive activities, which will enable them to see like a fly and conduct an insect orchestra.

To the left in Falkirk, at the Temporary Exhibition Galleries, Callendar House, adults and children of all ages will be able to admire a fantastical array of intricately carved wooden creatures, used to tell comic and tragic stories by the Sharmanka Travelling Circus. Performances start from February 20.

Take a journey 300 feet down into the ground! © Big Pit National Mining Museum of Wales.

Down in Blaenafon, Wales, between February 18 and February 26 at the Big Pit National Coal Museum, children can be mini-miners for a day.

Alternatively, on February 19 at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, they can be virtual marine scientists and find out about the creatures which populate the sea floor of the Bristol Channel.

Across the sea in Northern Ireland, there are a number of family events at the Ulster Museum. On February 12, for example, the “To Mum, all my love…” workshop will give children inspiration for making Valentine cards.

The National Waterfront Museum, where children can see a replica of the world's first locomotive, the Penydarren.

At the World Museum in Liverpool on February 21 brave children can attend an edible insects event and on February 23 at 2 pm the cutaror will introduce them to the world of bats.

Nearby at the Manchester Museum, between Monday 20 and Friday 24 February, children have the opportunity to learn about endangered species through museum trails, workshops and handling sessions inspired by the recent animation Madagascar.

The Discovery Museum in Newcastle Upon Tyne is also ready for half term with many events including a Bollywood Day on February 20 and a chance to ‘get crafty’ with artist Sandra Goldsmith on February 24.

A chance to go batty and eat insects (if you dare!) at the World Museum in Liverpool.

In Leeds, between February 18 and February 26 at the Royal Armouries Museum, children will be able to discover the truth about the Olympics and have a go at some unusual sports.

A bit of time travel is also available at the Birmingham Museum on February 25 and 26, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Children and adults will be able to dress like eighteenth century ladies and gentlemen.

The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences at the University of Cambridge offers a “Fabulous Fossiliferous Family Fun Day” on Saturday 18 February 2006, from 10 am to 4 pm.

February 20 is Bollywood Day at The Discovery Museum in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Down in London, the Old Operating Theatre, Museum & Herb Garret has some unusual events for children with a taste for the macabre. On February 15, for example, they can learn all about the Black Death, its causes and cures.

At the South London Gallery, on Sunday February 13, families are invited to discover the hidden secrets of the local area and create a series of temporary structures inspired by the work of Daniel Roth.

In Kent the Historic Dockyard Chatham reopens its gates to visitors for the new season, with plenty of extra activities running during half term.

A Timber Gridshell building at The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton, West Sussex.

If you fancy a day in the outdoors, at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, in Singleton, near Chichester, West Sussex, children can acquire countryside skills and learn about hibernation and regeneration.

From February 18 to February 26 at the National Maritime Museum in Corwell, children will be challenged to make their own model 'survival raft', an activity inspired by the Endurance and Survival exhibition, starting on February 11.

These are just some of the many family events taking place in museums and galleries over half term. So, if edible insects, the Black Death and creepy crawlies are not your children's favourite subjects, check out what else is happening near you by using our search box - or if you need more kid's museum activities and games visit our children's zone at www.show.me.uk