THE NATIONAL Garden of Wales could be the ideal place to take the kids this summer.

The stunning Great Glass House with it's myriad of exotic plants is a marvellous centrepiece for any day out, but add to that a new children's playground, a mini-farm, an eight-foot high maize maze, as well as some cute miniature horses, and you've got something for all ages.

The biggest plus of all is that it is free all summer for kids under 12. Other great features for kids are pond-dipping sessions at weekends, a toddler and babies play area and a little stream which meanders through the site.

The maize maze is the latest addition - cut in a Celtic design. Let's not forget the huge variety of flora and fauna from Argentina to Australia and the many different gardens you can wander through. Refreshments-wise, there's plenty going on, including the all-important ice-cream parlour, a pizzeria and a Mediterranean caf.

Tickets are £7 for adults and £3 for children over 12. To get to the National Botanical Garden of Wales take the M4 to junction 49, and from there follow the A48 for Porthyrhyd, until you see the clearly marked signs.