STUCK for ideas about where to take the family this summer? Help is at hand from a new online travel service.

Designed by parents for parents, TaketheFamily.com offers advice, destinations and booking all in one place.

"We're hoping to make it easier for parents to become more adventurous in planning trips," founder Andy Cook said.

"Family holidays don't have to be just bucket and spade, although the best ones still often are.

"Nowadays families can do pyramids and sphinxes, lions and tigers, whales and dolphins and even bungee-jumping and white-water rafting."

Supported by travel and leisure expert lastminute.com and award-winning family holiday specialists Real Holidays, the new site includes a wide range of things to do, from adventure holidays in the Far East to family musicals in the West End.

"We developed this service because we found as parents that there was a real gap in the market," said Mr Cook.

"When you've been given seat 12C on an aircraft and your kids' seats are 16C and 17F, you know there has to be a better way! That's what we're trying to create.

In addition to the usual booking services for flights, accommodation, trains and car hire, the site also offers advice on family friendly destinations, what to take, what to buy and even what games to play en route.

The site currently covers more than 40 hand-picked destinations and features special offers from family-focused providers including Center Parcs and Hilton International.

There's also a feedback section.