Don't have a Scooby what to do? Here's our advice ...

H alf-term is nearly upon us, a time when youngsters demand constant attention and frazzled parents look for ever more desperate measures to keep them entertained.

Here are some of The Guide's pick of the best events and days out that will enable harmony to reign and to give the kids a holiday to remember.

This year, the fact half-term coincides with Halloween means the children throwing a strop in the back of the car will not be the only frightful thing happening.

National Railway Museum York

That Peruvian bundle of furry fun known as Paddington Bear will be popping up, complete with marmalade sandwiches during the half-term week.

Nine days of storytelling, magicians and dressing up will keep the kids enthralled and the adults reminiscing

Entry to the museum is free but you are generally asked to make a suitable donation. Some of the rides and events incur a charge.

Where & when: National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York. From Saturday, October 27, to Sunday, November 4. Visit www.nrm.org.uk

Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens

The first weekend of the half-term sees Burton Agnes Hall transformed into a bustling street fair. Street performers will keep visitors entertained throughout the weekend along with traditional fairground rides, sword dancing and even a traditional fair organ.

With Halloween in the midweek of half term the Hall staff will be daring visitors to take an eerie treasure hunt around the spooky woodlands, where carved pumpkins will hold clues that will solve a spooky puzzle.

Watch out for giant spiders en route back to the Hall where you will be rewarded with a ghoulish treat if you complete the terrifying trail.

Where & when: Burton Agnes Hall, near Driffield. Michaelmas Fair, on Saturday and Sunday October 27 and 28. Pumpkin Trail: From October 27 to November 4. Opening Times 11am to 5pm. Entry: Adults £5, OAPs £4.50, Children (5-15 years) £3, under-5s free. Visit www.burtonagnes.com

Whitby Abbey brings Dracula back from the dead

Dracula comes back to life with a cast of four actors reliving Bram Stoker's gothic tale. Acted out in "promenade style" around the Abbey grounds, this trip will certainly be something to get your teeth in to.

Where & when: Whitby Abbey, from Thursday, November, 1 to Saturday, November 3. Family performance at 5.30pm. Adults only performances at 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Tickets available in advance from Customer Services on 0870 333 1183 or in person from the site. Prices vary. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

National Media Museum, Bradford

A bit further afield but it is worth getting your Mystery Mobile out and heading to the NMM for a Scooby-Doo extravaganza.

Step into Scooby-Doo's animated world to help him solve some spooky mysteries. Kids can drop in behind the scenes and make their own super-scary Scooby-Doo animation, then get hands-on and create spooky Scooby-Doo sound effects. Pesky kids brings on a whole new meaning.

Where & when: National Media Museum, Bradford. Open from 9.30am during half- term. Entry is free, but some exhibits and attractions might incur a charge. Visit www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk

Ghost walk at Hornsea Freeport

As part of a programme of Halloween events, outlet shopping centre, Hornsea Freeport, will be hosting a spooky ghost walk on Sunday, October 28, in partnership with Ghost Hunts Hull.

The walk, which will be in aid of Hornsea Freeport's charity of the year, Dove House Hospice, will take place on the old railway line in the woodland area surrounding Hornsea Freeport from 5pm.

Visitors should be prepared for things to go bump in the night, with a range of monsters and ghosts set to pop out along the way.

Trick or treat prizes will also be available for everyone who takes part.

Also, before the walk gets started, the Hull KR Dance Academy will be at the centre, performing to spooky classics including Thriller and the Monster Mash.

Where & when: Hornsea Freeport. Tickets cost £10 for families (two adults and two children) or £5 per person. Call 01964 534211. Visit www.hornseafreeport.com