Half-term is almost upon us and parents everywhere will be busy racking their brains trying to find things to occupy their young charges during their week off. Education reporter Haydn Lewis takes a look at what's on offer in and around York.

TRYING to entertain the kids over the half-term break doesn't have to mean just plonking them down in front of the TV or leaving them languishing on the couch.

Making sure your youngsters get out and about and stay mentally and physically fit needn't cost the earth either.

Parents in York will spend an estimated £1.7 million on things like DVDs and fast food to keep their kids happy this half-term. That is according to a survey by Yorkshire Bank who are trying to get parents to save for their children's future rather than spoiling them with too many treats now.

The bank's Stephen Porter said: "We're not saying don't treat the kids next week, but why not think about the longer term benefits and better ways for you to use the money where your children really will appreciate it more in the future."

City of York Council's Carolyn Clarke said: "The Council's School's Out newspaper lists a whole host of activities for children and young people across the city.

"For some activities there is a charge, but many are free and geared towards parents looking for something to occupy their children."

Here are a sample of a few fun activities being held next week: Saturday.

Music and Break Dance Workshop For any age, at the Melbourne Centre, Escrick Street, from 1pm to 4pm. Learn how to make electronic music or how to break dance with the Soundweavers and York Break Dance. Loose clothing should be worn and you should bring something to drink. Phone Cube Media on 01904 626965.

Monday.

Wacky Holiday Club For teenagers aged 13 to 19 at Fulford Youth Centre. It only costs 30p and is a general youth club, arts and crafts, cookery, sport and much more. Phone 07767 318145 or turn up from 7pm to 9pm.

Tuesday to Friday.

£1 Basketball For youngsters aged five and over at Oaklands Sports Centre in Acomb. Under- eights must be accompanied by an adult. £1 per person, no need to book, just turn up. Balls can be borrowed for a £5 deposit. Noon to 1pm.

Wednesday.

Kidz Painting For children aged between two and eight at Rawcliffe Bar Country Park. It's free and an opportunity for your child to work with a professional artist, Agnes McMonagle. Kids can make a masterpiece and must be accompanied by an adult. To book a place, phone 07767 318103. It is on between 1pm and 3pm.

Thursday.

T-shirt printing Ages five to 14 at St Georges Methodist Church, Tang Hall. £3. Personalise your T-shirt with transfer paints and fabric pens. Bring a light coloured T-shirt and an apron or old shirt to paint in. Under-eights must be accompanied by an adult. Phone 01904 416676 to book. Between 9.30am and noon.

Friday.

Lifecycles - ages eight to 13 at St Nicholas Fields This is free and allows youngsters to find out about all the different stages in the lives of butterflies, ladybirds and frogs. Play animal games and make lifecycle crafts to take away. They need to wear suitable clothes for the weather. Phone 01904 659570 to book. The event runs from 10.30am to noon.

Copies of Schools' Out are available in community centres, libraries, leisure centres and council receptions.