Yesterday, the Victorian Artillery Fort, on Portsdown Hill Road, in Fareham, held demonstrations filled with anti-spy falcons and crime-busting dogs for the whole family.

Visiting her parents in Chichester, Julie Stuckey, 43, said her five-year-old son Bryce had enjoyed every minute of their day out.

'The whole thing was very good,' she said. 'Bryce couldn't get enough of the police dogs during their demonstration, and the falcons were brilliant.

'We all had a great time. I'm over here on holiday from Dubai, and we came especially to see the Fort today, and it lived up to our expectations.'

WHAT TO DO TOMORROW:

BEST FREE EVENT: Open day at Fort Nelson
Fort Nelson is a restored Victorian Artillery Fort home to the Royal Armouries collection of artillery; with more than 350 guns charting the history and development of artillery from the earliest times to date. Live firing takes place every day and professional actors recreate history by bringing to life the past. Free guided tours are available.

WORTH PAYING FOR: Calshot Activities Centre
This water sports centre runs a range of activities for young people including weekly club sessions in climbing and sailing and week-long Adventure Holidays in Multi Activity, Water sports Adventure, RYA Dinghy Sailing and RYA Windsurfing. Call (023) 8089 2077 for more info.

GO THE EXTRA MILE: Mid-Hants Railway Watercress LineExperience 'More than just a Train Ride' on board this train travelling through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire countryside between Alresford and Alton stations. For train times call the Talking Timetable on 01962 734 866.

OLD FAVOURITES: Portsmouth PlayZone
PlayZone is the biggest indoor play area and entertainment centre on the south coast - it's perfect for kids play parties. Open from 10am to 7pm every day.

HAVE A WANDER: Exbury Gardens in the New Forest
The Gardens are a spectacular 200-acre site, offering hundreds of plants and loads of pathways to explore. You can even let the train take the strain on a 20-minute journey or ride a chauffeur-driven buggy to tour the Gardens. Open daily from 10am to 5pm.

BE ACTIVE: Sea Service at the Royal Marines Museum
Training sessions for young people to show just what it takes to be a Royal Marine. Youngsters can undertake a variety of tasks lead by an instructor who is sure to give them a good run-around. Royal Marines Museum Family holiday events take place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

BE CLEVER: The Royal Navy Submarine Museum's Magnificent Bubble Show
Blowing up bubbles of all shapes and sizes, filling them smoke and magically getting them to hover in mid-air, this show investigates the science behind soap bubbles. Free with a valid museum ticket. The museum is open from 11am.

MOVIE MAGIC: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Trouble-prone Percy Jackson is having problems in high school - but that's the least of his challenges. See it at Vue Cinemas at Gunwharf Quays at 11am, or Vue Cinemas in Eastleigh's Swan Centre at 10am.

NOT GOING OUT: Make a movie
Many households have camcorders. Keep a blank tape or DVD around for rainy days. Let your kids create a story to be made into a movie. Do a few dress rehearsals before the taping and this rainy day activity will turn into a cherished memory in years to come.

LOOKING AHEAD: Dance Summer Schools
A thrilling week of dance, an opportunity to learn different styles and dance techniques and develop your choreography skills. All levels are welcome. Costs £60. Tutor: Laura Doye.
To book your place contact the box office on (023) 9264 9000.