AS THE half-term holiday kicks off, some parents might start to panic as they ponder how best to entertain their children for a whole week.

But with an extensive selection of holiday activities in and around Oxford from today, there is plenty of choice for mums and dads who are trying to keep children entertained.

For a week-long fix to holiday boredom, Supercamps are running five-day activity extravaganzas at different venues across the county, including one at Headington School.

Aimed at children aged from four to 14, the camps offer over 40 activities including gymnastic, lacrosse and archery.

Places cost £38 per day or £174 for five days – visit the website supercamps.co.uk for more details.

If five fully-packed days of sport seems a little too much, or for children who prefer to shine on stage rather than on the pitch, theatres in Oxford are catering for budding young performers with morning or day-long workshops.

There will be some spooky goings- on at the Oxford Playhouse as Sam Gayton holds a Halloween- themed writing and performing workshop at the Beaumont Street theatre tomorrow as part of a week of events.

Learning coordinator Hester Bond said: “It should be a fun-packed day for those looking to do something creative during half-term.”

Pegasus Theatre in Magdalen Road, East Oxford, is also running theatrical workshops including the chance to try puppetry, street-dance or comedy.

For younger children, Barefoot Books Studio in Summertown isholding events daily including a chance to meet Juliet Clare Bell, the author of new book The Kite Princess. Aimed at children aged three to eight, she will read an extract from the story about a tomboy-princess, before a kite-making workshop.

Mum Claire Turnham, from Summertown, said she found the Barefoot Studio a godsend during long holidays.

She added: “The great things about Barefoot is that it’s a great place to meet people that cater for children. They put on so many events.”

The meet the author session takes place on Friday, between 3.30 and 4.30pm.

If you feel your children would still benefit from a little education during their time off, the Pitt Rivers Museum in Parks Road is running Native American Dream, an insight into native American cultures, including the chance to make a dream catcher.

The free sessions run from 1pm to 4pm from Thursday to Saturday.

Out of Oxford, an energetic look at Indian culture is on offer at at Chipping Norton Town Hall today. The morning Bollywood dance workshop is for five- to seven-year- olds Anne Gill, the theatre’s education director, said: “The session will introduce the children to India and give them opportunity to participate in that style of dance with scarves and ribbons.

“The session will finish with a short performance for family and friends.”

Call 01608 642350 to book a place.