FROM experiencing a human spaceflight, encountering rare species of monkeys, to going wild in the forest, Leicestershire is ideal for keeping young minds engaged during the school holidays.

Leicester and Leicestershire boast many award-winning family-friendly attractions that not only offer hours of fun and excitement for all ages, but also provide a host of hands-on, educational and learning opportunities - perfect for keeping young minds engaged during the Easter break.

The National Space Centre in Leicester, the UK's largest attraction dedicated to space science, offers families the opportunity to take a truly awe-inspiring journey through six interactive galleries including amazing space rocket, satellite and capsule displays, and hundreds of interactive hands-on activities - like the out-of-this-world astronaut challenge - Human Spaceflight: Lunar Base 2025.

Easter will see the launch of the attraction's new ExoMars Robot (better known as Bridget). Visitors will be able to meet Bridget and her technical team, as well as take part in robot work shops and craft sessions.

Or for something a little more energetic, families can go back to nature at the award-winning Conkers in Moira - set in heart of The National Forest. The attraction offers a unique mix of indoor and outdoor experiences including over 100 interactive exhibits, four amazing discovery zones, a simulated tree-top canopy walk, long lakeside nature trails and even an assault course. Easter activities include egg trails around Waterside during 17-18 March and special Easter egg treasure hunts during 22-24 March.

Families can also experience a fun and educational day out at the award-winning Snibston in Coalville, another attraction set in the heart of The National Forest. The attraction explores the impact of technology on every day lives with over 90 indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits.

Families can take a tour of the historic colliery buildings with a real life miner and find out what it's like to work underground, learn about Leicestershire's industrial heritage, including seeing a working steam beam engine in action.

Activities are planned throughout the Easter break which will include a unique egg rolling ceremony, egg decorating and a chance to take part in the famous parade in the local area, taking place on March 22.

For animal lovers wanting to encounter exotic wildlife from across the world, a visit to Twycross Zoo in Atherstone, the UK's centre for conservation, is a must.

The zoo is set in 50 acres of parkland and houses nearly 1,000 animals, many are rare and endangered. The zoo is famed for its comprehensive primate collection, from tiny Pygmy Marmoset to huge western Lowland Gorilla. Also on offer is a fascinating South American tropical house.

Easter activities include special Easter trails and the zoo's very own Easter bunny handing out treats. Visitors will also have a chance the visit the new arrivals - triple pygmy goats in pets corner.

An exciting variety of family rides and activities is also on offer at Twinlakes in Melton - set in 60 acres of glorious countryside. Whatever the weather, action-packed indoor and outdoor activities will keep families enthused for hours. Families can also enjoy fascinating flying displays in the falconry centre, friendly animals, ferret racing and birds in the Red Rooster Farm centre. The attraction will offer its famous egg hunts during the holidays, as well as workshops and fun Easter activities for the whole family.

Make learning fun for less with the Stay, Play Explore family-fun short break package The Stay, Play, Explore family-fun short break brings together these five attractions and allows a family of four to pick any three to visit at a discounted rate of just £50 - that's a saving of 45 per cent off the normal admission price.

Six family-friendly hotels are also participating in the short break package, offering superb overnight accommodation for as little as £49 per family room (inc breakfast). For more information, please visit www.stayplayexplore.co.uk