By Community Correspondent Ching Lee

Keeping the family entertained doesn’t have to break the bank. There are loads of free things to do in and around London for families during the May Half Term.

For example, the South Bank Centre has plenty of free events on for children and families during the May half-term this week, with most taking place in the Clore Ballroom. This includes drop-in family workshops that will get all the family working and playing together, a poetry show to inspire young poets and a singing workshop in which groups of children and their families learn different parts of well known songs.

For more active options, take advantage of two initiatives that provide free swimming and free tennis. The government is encouraging people to adopt more healthy lifestyles and to support this, many local authorities now offer free swimming for under 16 year olds (and over 60s). The Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Kingston and The Malden Centre, New Malden are both participating in this scheme. Those eligible must first register so contact your local pool for details. You can find a list of other local authorities in London where who are supporting the initiative on:
http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/sport/5982.aspx

It’s not just swimming. Tennis for Free is an initiative to allow the public to play tennis for free. There's a list on their website of local authorities by area who are providing free courts and free coaching.

Another idea for a great day out, especially if you’re a motoring fan is Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands in Weybridge. Free May Half Term activities include spectacular shows from the Silver Arrows Display Team, passenger laps and F1 presentations.

Living in London means that you have access to world class and lesser known museums, with most offering free admission. All have special activities for the May Half Term. Try the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the British Museum for a free day out.

Contact Ching Lee at www.go2research.com