IMPERIAL War Museum Duxford has lots on offer for all the family this October half term, with a host of hands-on activities every day from Saturday October 24 to Sunday November 1, bringing science and history to life. Activities commence at the museum on

IMPERIAL War Museum Duxford has lots on offer for all the family this October half term, with a host of hands-on activities every day from Saturday October 24 to Sunday November 1, bringing science and history to life.

Activities commence at the museum on Saturday (October 24) with The Magic and Mystery of Flight .

This day-long event gives families the opportunity to find out how things fly in a fun and accessible way, with the chance to try on flying equipment from a Lancaster Bomber, assemble a large-scale model aeroplane, see fun and exciting science demonstrations and sit in a real ejector seat.

During the following week, IWM Duxford's Department for Learning presents a wide range of events to satisfy all interests. Activities change on a daily basis, giving families the opportunity to try a wide range of exciting themed events.

Activities include:

Legendary Lancaster - learn what it was like to fly in the legendary Lancaster Bomber during the second world war. Discover more about the aircraft and its crew, handle original objects associated with the Lancaster Bomber and try on equipment worn by real pilots.

(Monday 26, Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, Friday 30 October 10.30am to

12.30pm in AirSpace)

Paper Paratroopers - Create your own paratrooper out of paper and drop him into enemy territory. Then, learn more about the active role of a paratrooper with a visit to the Airborne Assault Museum.

(Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, Thursday 29, Friday 30, Saturday 31 October

10.30am to 3.00pm in AirSpace)

Put that light out! - Duxford's ARP Warden will be on duty next to the Anderson Shelter in Hangar 4. Find out more about Home Front Britain during the second world war. Learn about evacuation, air raid precautions and childhood experiences during the war years.

(Wednesday 28 October 11.00am to 4.00pm in Hangar 4)

Bombs Away - Meet a Bomb Disposal Officer and learn all about the danger of excitement of defusing a second world war German bomb. You can even have a go at defusing a practice bomb!

(Wednesday 28 October 11.00am to 4.00pm in Hangar 4).

Over There - Daring tales of D-Day - Hear the heroic tales of some of the first men to go into action on D-Day from a US Paratrooper. See the range of equipment that troops carried when they were dropped into enemy territory and the weapons that they took into battle.

(Wednesday 28 October 11.00am to 4.00pm in the American Air Museum)

First World War Fighter Ace - Meet a first world war fighter ace next to his DH9 aircraft in AirSpace. Listen to his heroic tales of aerial combat and find out more about those early days of aviation warfare.

(Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 10.30am to 12.30pm in AirSpace)

B-17 Bomber Crew - Meet a waist gunner from Duxford's B-17 Flying Fortress, Mary Alice. Learn about what life was like for the men of the United States Army Air Force in Great Britain, a country that was completely alien to their American way of life. Hear about bombing missions over occupied Europe and the dangers faced by the crews of the B-17 Flying Fortresses.

(Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the American Air Museum)

All activities are included in the standard admission to the museum and, as usual, children go free. No booking is required and all sessions are drop in.

In addition to this, Duxford itself is huge, with over 10 acres undercover, and delivers a wonderful day out for all the family, whatever the weather. Duxford's amazing history is told through its fascinating exhibits and the stories of the men and women who were pioneers in aviation.

Keep an eye on the sky when you visit Duxford, as you may well see some historic aircraft in flight. With our fascinating range of hands-on activities, exciting exhibitions and unique experiences, there is no better place to spend a day this October half term than Duxford.

Imperial War Museum Duxford is just south of Cambridge at junction 10 of the M11.

Ample free parking is available. For a full list of Duxford's air shows and other exciting events in 2009, including half term activities for families, visit www.iwm.org.uk/duxford or telephone 01223 835 000.