WITH half-term on the horizon, now’s a good time to plan those boredom-busting outings with the kids.

As ever, National Trust properties across the area have pulled out all the stops to entertain, educate and inspire – and introduce children to sights and sounds of the great outdoors in their stunning grounds and gardens.

Take a Closer to Nature trail, from February 18 to 26, at Hinton Ampner, near Alresford.

This is a new nature-themed family trail around the fascinating nooks and crannies in the gardens there, with lots of intriguing facts to pick up along the way.

At Uppark House and Garden at Harting, families can hunt for signs of spring on a family trail around the property’s easy to navigate grounds.

This runs from February 18 to 25 too, and takes in the famous dolls’ house, underground tunnels and servants’ quarters inside as well.

There is a suggested donation of £1 for both trails.

Unearth answers, track down items and complete missions on a Scavenger Hunt at Winchester City Mill, from February 18 to 25.

There are lots of other activities on offer there too, from watching the fast-flowing river Itchen as it roars beneath the fully-restored working watermill – called ‘the thrill of the mill’– and watching CCTV footage of the resident otters.

There is a baking demonstration on February 25, from 11am to 3pm.

Watch the bakers make a variety of seasonal sweet and savoury treats from the mill’s very own flour, and take home recipe cards for a small donation. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.

On Friday (February 10), at 7.30pm, a Stargazing Evening is taking place at Butser Ancient Farm, with an introduction to the night sky and viewing through state-of-the-art telescopes.

And during half-term, from February 18 to 26, there will be an astro-themed family trail, where children and adults can learn about astrology and astronomy in a fun and interaction challenge.