IT'S the summer holidays and that can mean only thing - keeping the kids entertained.
Of course it is not the usual summer holiday for most families this year with staycations and day trips the order of the day.
So where to take your children for an affordable day out?
The County Times shares the top ranked outdoor attractions for families to enjoy with their children.
Of course, Powys is full of great attractions and offers something for everyone so let us know if any other places deserve special mention.
Powis Castle - Welshpool
This medieval castle, originally built as a fortress, houses one of the most beautiful and extensive collections of treasures from India.
However you do not have to venture indoors to enjoy Powis Castle - the famous Red Castle of Welshpool.
Families who venture to Powis Castle can explore a paradise in Wales.
Dating back 300 years, the world-class gardens are steeped in history and an experience of dramatic terraces, sophisticated flower borders, fantastical topiary and superb views.
As you explore the rest of the garden, there’s lots to discover including ‘flower snap’ in the formal garden. Hunt amongst the roses and in the shade of foliage to find matching pairs of flowers. How many times will you shout snap?
In the Daffodil Paddock hunt for bugs and see if you can spot the bees, ladybirds and other creatures which live at Powis, then wander through the wilderness and search for the place where ‘X’ marks the spot.
Powis Castle in Welshpool. Picture by Stuart Owen.
The Warren - Hay-on-Wye
This beautiful riverside meadow, which for hundreds of years has been known locally as the Warren has been used by the people of Hay for recreation.
It is a unique meadow and has been designated an area of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) in Wales. It is believed that this area in medieval times was used for the breeding of rabbits for food, hence its name.
In the 1970s a scheme was proposed to convert this area into a caravan park, but several local businessmen and residents, horrified at the loss of this beautiful area, decided to club together to purchase the field so that it could continue its existence as an unchanged meadow.
These days kingfishers, otters and of course rabbits have been seen within the vicinity and ranked among the favourite attractions in the border town.
Part of The Warren in Hay on Wye. Picture by Eric Pugh.
Falconry Experience Wales - Machynlleth
The award-winning Outdoor Venue of the Year in both 2018 and 2019 and Small Business of the Year in 2019, offers a day none of the family will forget.
The site is home to birds of prey, including a Bald Eagle and Northern Hawk Owl
Set amidst 120 acres of oak wooded areas and rolling open hills where you can relax and enjoy an informative presentation on all aspects of evolution, species identification, physiology, and natural behaviour for each individual bird
Families are advised to book ahead and select from a host of packages, each providing an impressive insight into the world of birds of prey.
A Bald Eagle. Picture: Wikipedia.
Elan Valley - Rhayader
The dams, reservoirs and 73 mile aqueduct of the Elan Valley were built a hundred years ago to supply desperately needed clean water to Birmingham.
It was an epic feat of civil engineering set within an area of outstanding scenic beauty.
Today, the dams and reservoirs provide a lasting amenity in their own right for visitors to enjoy as well as safeguarding the natural habitats of numerous species of flora and fauna.
There is open access over most of the 70 square mile estate and there are over 80 miles of designated rights of way.
There are many walks and trails with a good mixture of lengths to cater for all, including nature trails and scenic walks.
The Elan Valley Trail is a particular favourite with its surfaced paths which follow the route of the old Elan Valley Railway. It is for use by walkers, horse riders and cyclists and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs and also popular among dog walkers.
Summer time in Elan Valley. Picture by Sorcha Lewis.
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales - Pen-Y-Cae
Voted Britain’s Finest Natural Wonder, and the winner of all major environmental and tourism awards.
There are three exceptional caves to experience - Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave.
In Dan-yr-Ogof you walk through beautifully decorated passageways for just under one kilometre; in Cathedral Cave you walk through enormous caverns, carved out millions of years ago.
At the end of this cave you will walk behind 40 feet high waterfalls that cascade around you in the ‘Dome of St Paul’s’, an exceptional end to a truly breathtaking cave.
In Bone Cave learn why 42 human skeletons are buried there, and why our ancestors used caves all those years ago.
The world’s largest collections of life-sized dinosaur models includes more than 220 models while The Shire Horse Centre offers the excitement of two indoor children’s play areas as well as friendly horses.
Dan yr Ogof. Picture: Wikimedia.
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