ENTERTAINMENT TIPS Going on a family holiday is supposed to be an enjoyable event, perhaps even an experience of a lifetime. However, without the right preparation and useful tips, keeping the little ones happy 24-7 can be an exhausting task. An important piece of advice when planning your trip is to involve your children as much as possible. Encourage them to learn about your destination on the internet and in books. Learn the cultures and attractions within your destination. Help them to keep a journal of the fun you had together with leaflets, ticket stubs etc so they have something to remember and be proud of when they return. If your journey is a long one, take books, magazines and crayons. Boiled sweets can ease the ear pain caused when taking off and landing and it is advisable to have some snacks in case your child does not enjoy plane food. An important point is to make sure that your child wears an identity bracelet or card with contact details and any medical concerns. If you also keep a photo of them in your wallet, it may be easier for others to help locate them if they get lost in a crowded area. Most importantly, do not forget it is your holiday too! Take advantage of the childcare on offer so you can have some relaxing evenings to yourself. If your batteries are re-charged then the holiday will be a lot more fun for everyone. THEME PARKS I am sure that if you are planning a trip to America with your children, you will definitely be visiting one of the many fabulous attractions the country has to offer. Florida, known as 'The Sunshine State', boasts theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios but to name a few. As the fantastic weather is practically guaranteed all year round, it is not surprising that this is where it all happens. The Walt Disney World Resort which covers an area similar to that of Manchester, has four theme parks within it. These include Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Disney MGM Studios, all with fantastic attractions. If your child is tall enough to ride Space Mountain or The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, then you may well get dragged along too, but there are plenty of more tame rides if the former ones do not appeal to you. Among the favourites for children are Mickey's Country House and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. There are also water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, which are great when those temperatures start to soar. I trust that with the wide variety of facilities on offer, you will never be stuck for something to do. For more information on booking accommodation www.kissimmee-us192 has a lot to offer. Busch Gardens is an African Adventure in Tampa Bay, Florida. There are close-ups to many of the interesting animals, as well as an assortment of shows. It also has rides, including the Congo River Rapids, which adds to the fun you will experience at this park. SeaWorld Adventure Park in Orlando and California plunges you through some unexpected thrills and brings you face to face with mystical spirits on the incredible Journey to Atlantis water-coaster ride. Hang on for two of the steepest, wettest drops anywhere. Universal Studios is another epic adventure where movies and television come alive in some thrilling rides. Men In Black Alien Attack allows you to chase and zap aliens in this interactive ride, which excitingly never has the same ending twice. Back To The Future The Ride sends you through time and is quite possibly the greatest thrill at the park. And for the more faint hearted, why not enter Nickelodeon Studios or make a visit to the array of fascinating shops. There is also a Universal Studios as well as a Disney Land in California, if your trip does not include Florida. California is host to another theme park, Paramount's Great America as well as the traditional Walk of Fame and fantastic shops in Hollywood. GENERAL TIPS Enough about the theme parks themselves and more about tips to beat the queues. TIME OF YEAR - Pick this wisely with regards to peak times and weather conditions. The busiest times are summer holidays and Thanksgiving (November). If your child is at pre-school or you do not mind them missing a few days, then September is a good time to visit as it is cooler and less crowded. Just after Thanksgiving is also good due to smaller crowds and the Christmas decorations are up too. FASTPASS - The best bet is to get to the parks early as they fill up quickly. Also, Fastpass allows you to beat the queues which can be really helpful in peak times or when new rides have just opened. It's free and they can be found on the Disney World site. VALUE - Food is always going to be expensive, but going for the full buffet option is better value and fun when Mickey Mouse is there too. In addition, every hour through until late evening, a free shuttle bus at Disney transports from park to park and to and from Disney resorts. The parks mentioned are just a few of the many attractions for families that America has to offer, but these are the most popular and if visited, should make any holiday an unforgettable experience.