When the ducklings have hatched, watch them taking their first swim in their very own pool. WWT wardens will be on hand to explain how the ducklings have developed and about their behaviour and habitats.

To keep your own brood amused during the school holidays you can also take part in the family activities at the London Wetland Centre. Take a self-guided Easter Egg trail around this beautiful wildlife haven to learn more about courtship displays; make your own fingerprint blossom picture or decorate eggs in the spring craft workshops or, for those with a sense of adventure, join in the scrap challenge.

April is the time when wild ducklings start to hatch. Fat, fluffy mallard ducklings chase after their mother across the ponds in the sunshine and stripey Great Crested Grebe chicks hitch a ride on their parents’ backs (right).

As warm sunny days become more frequent primroses poke their noses above ground, willow branches are decked in their soft, shiny catkin baubles and the first lizards wake from four months asleep. Other floral highlights at London Wetland Centre are daffodils, marsh marigold, blackthorn, colt’s foot, blue anemones, sweet violets and common field-speedwell.

The Easter duckling displays and family activities take place from Saturday, April 9 until Monday, April 25. For full details of events and times see www.wwt.org.uk/london

Justin gave sculptors a sitting late last year in New York where hundreds of precise measurements were taken, the figure then took four months to complete at a cost of £150,000. Justin’s figure will be unveiled at Madame Tussauds Amsterdam and New York on the same day.

The 16 year old star’s figure will be “headlining” in the interactive music zone where guests can step on stage with a host of major music stars from Lady Gaga to Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix to Michael Jackson.

And after posing with your favourite Hollywood star there is plenty more interactive experiences to enjoy. From posing with Lady Gaga to standing outside Number 10 with Prime Minister David Cameron, joining Britney Spears on stage to taking part in a penalty shoot out with Ronaldo! AND let your little heroes try out the heroic Marvel Super Heroes 4D. Three themed floors bring to life some of Marvel’s best loved heroes through a mix of fun interactives, startlingly realistic Madame Tussauds wax figures and an awesome 4D film finale. There’s really something to amuse the whole family at Madame Tussauds this half term.

Madame Tussauds is open seven days a week from 9am with last entry at 6pm. Tickets start at £14.40 with discounts for online booking. For further information check out www.madametussauds.com/London

If you want a taste of what the show is like have a look at this trailer

Go to this website for more details.

There is something for everyone including many free events.

Look here for more details.

Of course Christmas wouldn’t be complete without Santa, so bring the children to meet him in his cosy log cabin grotto set among the firs and pine trees. He’ll be there throughout the weekend (11am – 12.30pm, 1pm – 4pm). £5, includes goodie bag.

There is also a wide range of children’s activities and festive fun throughout December and the Christmas holidays.

Minimum age: 7

FREE

Sunday, 12 December, 12.00 – 15.30

7th November at 7.30pm in Victoria Park

Now six years old, the London Children’s Film Festival gives families the chance to watch the best feature and short films from around the world, create their own films and participate in a wide range of arts activities.