University gardens above the Dee estuary: terraces, wildflower meadows, family trails and a proper playground, with Wales across the water.
Under-5s free, quieter than the National Trust circuit, and the kind of place grandparents and four-year-olds rate equally, which is a rarer achievement than it sounds.
What it costs: Adults £8.50 (£9.25 with Gift Aid), children 5 to 16 £4.50 (£4.85), under-5s free, family of two adults and three children £21.50 (£23), concessions £7.50 (£8.15). Open daily 10am to 4pm, last admission 3.30pm. Buy online or on the day at the Visitor Centre.
A book-themed Halloween trail round Ness Botanic Gardens, 24 October to 2 November, 10.30am to 3.30pm. It takes about 40 minutes and suits 5 to 12s. The sheet is free with admission; bring a pencil.
A book-themed trail round the gardens for 5 to 12s, about 40 minutes: spot favourites from children's books along the way and work out which one the witch has not read. The trail sheet is free with garden entry, but bring a pen or you will be buying one in the shop. Half term also has a Halloween family workshop, and an autumn colours workshop on Tuesday 27 October.
Father Christmas reads a story by the fire at Ness Botanic Gardens on Sundays 6 and 13 December, then chats and has a photo with each child. £9.50 a child includes a gift and their garden entry. Max 20 children a session.
Elf and Safety is an hour of slapstick Christmas comedy in the Ness Gardens lecture theatre on 12 and 13 December, at 11am and 3pm. Every child gets a gift afterwards. Tickets £11 through Blue Jay Theatre.
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One email a week: what is on this weekend within a sensible drive, and the places worth booking before they go.