Phuket Fantasea: OK, the holidays have been a marvellous success; you and the family have had an exciting, unique and educational holiday, so on that last night a celebration would seem to be in order. We don’t yet have Disney in Phuket, but we’ve got the next best thing. Phuket Fantasea has been created on a 140 acre site which combines special effects, glamour and spectacles to create an unforgettable evening out. Themed on Thailand’s rich and exotic history, the extravaganza offers a Carnival Village of exciting atmospherics and culminates in a grand buffet offering Thai and International cuisine, which you enjoy whilst watching a Las Vegas style entertainment.

All agents accept bookings and transport is available from most hotels to the site at Kamala at an inclusive rate. For more information, see wwwphuketfantasea.com.

Phuket Aquarium: This is usually a hit with families visiting Phuket. It provides a profusion of exhibits and easily acquired knowledge about the diversity of southeast Asian fresh water and marine plants, and wildlife. The facility has display themes which cover sandy beaches, rocky shores, coral reefs and mangrove habitats. More than fifty species are featured – an aquatic education in an afternoon’s visit. Contact Kuhn Tu on +66 (0)87 693 3965 or go to www.phuketaquarium.org. There, you’ll find a satellite map, which will take you to the door or you can follow the signs to Cape Panwa.

Explore Phuket's National Parks: Khao Phra Thaeo Park contains the only virgin rainforest left on the island, and is home to langurs, barking deer, mouse deer, bears, wild boar, monkeys, gibbons and more than a hundred species of birds. Guides can be hired.

Inside the Park is Bang Pae Waterfall – a beautiful, shaded cascade with a pool at its foot where kids can cool off. Near the waterfall is the Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre dedicated to saving these delightful creatures, which are threatened by poaching and destruction of habitat. Why not assist? Visit www.gibbonproject.org for more information.

Near the park headquarters is Ton Sai Waterfall with a restaurant alongside – a delightful setting for lunch. To get to Khao Phra take the north road from Phuket City towards the airport and turn right at Thalang after 20 kilometres. The park gates are reached after seven kilometres.

Sirinat Marine National Park on the northwest of the island comprises Nat Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Kao. The park is a fascinating combination of mangrove swamp and shallow coral reef. There’s a visitors’ centre. Again take the north road and turn left onto highway 4031 after Thalang. There’s another pretty waterfall at Kathu. From Phuket City take the Patong road and turn right opposite the Loch Palm Golf Club. Like all the falls, Kathu is at its best during the rainy season.

Dinopark Mini-golf: The young and young-at-heart will enjoy the challenge of this fun course situated in a Jurassic theme park, complete with dinosaurs and an active volcano. Located in Kata on the Karon Road. For more information go to www.dinopark.com.

Phuket Zoo: For a quieter day out, how about a trip to the zoo? It’s set in lush tropical gardens shaded by giant trees with intriguing paths which invite you to stroll from island to island. The zoo has a host of multilingual and willing staff who will be happy to answer those eternal ‘why’ questions of the young and curious. There are crocodile, monkey and elephant shows every day. Open 8:30am until 6pm. Find the zoo on Soi Palai off Chao Fa East Road near Chalong. Tel: +66 (0)76 381227, +66 (0)76 38133. Web: www.phuketzoo.com.