The Seven Wonders of the World (for kids)

Kids can visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, or SantaPark, a theme park built in the side of a hill and packed with amusement rides. You can also go sledging or do snowmobile trips for real family thrills.

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Baja California, Mexico
The sheltered, warm waters of this west coast peninsula attract loads of friendly creatures that animal-loving kids can get close to. The lagoons attract grey whales, who travel over 5,000 miles from the Bering Strait to mate, give birth and nurse their young. Curious calves are known to approach boats to be petted. Sea lions, dolphins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans and beautiful desert flowers also make for fascinating viewing in lagoons such as Scannom, Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio. Adventure-seekers can go on a sea kayaking expedition up the Sea of Cortez where they will see giant blue whales also taking in the winter sun. The months to see the creatures are January, February and March.

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Dude ranches, United States
Supposedly dude ranches are where city slickers go to become cowboys. There's a lot more to the dude ranch than this stereotype, although some do ham up the cowboy theme. What these ranches really do is teach kids about a different way of life and imbue a respect for animals and nature, all while they're having fun.

Many ranch getaways are luxury holidays with horses an added bonus where you'll spend most of the day in the saddle - after a huge breakfast. A few take their horsemanship very seriously and some allow guests to get in on the cowboy act, doing chores and really living the experience.

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Alton Towers, Staffordshire, UK
Alton Towers is the UK's greatest theme park, home to legendary thrills like Oblivion, Nemesis and Air. Alton Towers boasts an array of activities for all ages, although very young children might find the height restrictions, the queues and the walking a bit tedious. But smaller rollercoasters such as the runaway mine train are open to younger thrill seekers providing they are accompanied by an adult.

New for 2005 is the latest ride; Rita Queen of Speed which is said to be faster than a shuttle take-off and faster than a Ferrari, with speeds up to 60kph!

• Get more information on how to enjoy Alton Towers with the kids

For further information on hundreds of great value holidays, visit www.teletextholidays.co.uk, or tune in to Teletext Holidays TV on Sky, channel 665.

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