WITH the school holidays now upon us, the Maritime Museum in Falmouth is the perfect place to visit and take advantage of the host of family fun it has to offer.

Newly opened is the Dragon’s Den, the museum’s new interactive Vikings and dragons play zone. Explore the world of Viking myths, monsters and legends with games galore and fun for kids of all ages. Dress as a Viking and become a raider or trader, take on the giant magnetic Viking picture puzzle, climb inside the lair of Fafnir, the fearsome dragon, or slide down his neck if you dare. There’s also the Vile Vikings’ Trail where you can take the search and sniff challenge and explore the aromas of the Viking age.

As if that wasn't enough, the museum’s make and take activities are now also back. From monster masks to pirate hats there are free creative craft activities every day and different themes every week, including Mythical Monsters, Pesky Pirates and not forgetting those Vulgar Vikings.

As part of each week’s theme, on selected dates throughout the summer, they’ll also be spellbinding storytelling and theatre performances, including Viking sagas and a piratical puppet show.

Every Thursday of every school holiday is "Thorsday" where visitors can meet the Norse men and women from the Viking Voyagers exhibition, experience living history with Morvleydh, the Sea Wolves and make your own authentic "Eric Bloodaxe" Viking age coin to take home.

There will also be a number of firm favourites returning for the summer, including crabbing from the museum’s pontoon. Weather and tides permitting, crabbing sessions take place every day until September 2. The museum will give you the line, bait and bucket and even do the messy bits.

All of these activities, trails and storytelling sessions are free with your museum ticket and best of all when you pay once to visit Cornwall’s multi-award winning all-weather attraction you can return as many times as you like for a whole year.

For more information on opening times and admission prices visit www.nmmc.co.uk or call 313388.