THERE are plenty of places all over the South coast that have special events planned to coincide with the celebration of Easter and the school holidays, which officially start on Monday, April 2.

Those who have children have plenty to choose from to keep their little ones occupied, come rain or shine.

Why not pay a visit to Marwell Zoo this Easter and get a new view of a favourite animal. This Easter, Marwell Zoological Park will open its re-developed Encounter Village with a whole new Australian twist. Come face to face with some of the weird and wonderful animals from this island in the amazing "walk-through" Bush Walk. Step (or hop!) in the footsteps of one of Australasia's most popular mammals - the lovable wallaby.

Or why not visit Paultons, the family theme park with over 50 wonderful rides and attractions included in the admission price, which also has two terrific new attractions for 2007.

Not forgetting the other great favourites at the Park such as the awesome Cobra ride, Paultons largest and longest roller coaster yet, featuring turbulent turns and thrilling twists!

There's an amazing variety of things to see and do including big rides, small rides, play areas, live entertainment, Romany Experience and Village Life Museums and an astonishing collection of exotic birds, all set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland. Paultons really is way too much fun for one day!

Open every day, Adventure Wonderland in Bournemouth could also be the place to be this Easter, with even more extra treats in store, over and above the 25 rides and attractions that make it Dorset's number one theme park for boys and girls alike.

After the long winter months all the park characters such as Alice and The Mad Hatter have woken up, brushed themselves down and have been in serious training ready to provide a great Easter start to the season.

There will be plenty to see and do at The Tank Museum this Easter, with a packed timetable promising maximum entertainment - whatever the weather. The explosive Tanks In Action displays return for the Easter Holidays, and visitors can expect to see a variety of tanks and armoured vehicles put through their paces. It is sure to be an Easter holiday you'll remember!

There's a lot to see and do at the Poole Easter Festival Sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre and Sibbett Gregory, which runs from 2nd - 7th April 2007. Featuring children's activities, a food festival and the Beales Easter Bunny Hunt.

Or why not dive into a new experience at the Oceanarium, Bournemouth this Easter to celebrate the official launch of the World's First Interactive Dive Cage. This breathtaking new experience allows you to come face to face with great white sharks, dolphins and manta rays, without getting wet! Interactive touch screens take you through a series of breathtaking experiences and animations, with exciting games and challenges.

Alternatively, come along and join in the fun at Lulworth Castle and park's giant Easter Egg Hunt from Saturday 7th to Monday 9th April from 10.30am to 6pm. This Easter Eggstravaganza welcomes the Easter Bunny to join in for an egg-citing giant Easter Egg Hunt in the grounds of Lulworth Castle & Park.

What better way to spend a day over the Easter Holiday weekend than at the grand Craft and Garden Fair at Somerley. This is a rare opportunity to visit this beautiful estate which is not normally open to the public. A larger than ever display of exquisite craftwork will be on show and for sale in huge marquees on the lawns with the eighteenth century house as a backdrop and thousands of daffodils growing in acres of rolling parkland.

With so much to see and do over Easter, you're bound to feel peckish so why not head to The Riviera Hotel. Nestling within the beautifully wooded area of Alum Chine and renowned for it's relaxed, friendly and hospitable atmosphere, modern comforts and fine cuisine, Easter Sunday Lunch truly is a delight. With many diners enjoying fine views of the Bay and over to the Isle of Wight, it's no wonder The Riviera enjoys an enviable reputation for all round value for money and an experience not to be missed. Don't worry about children, they can also keep themselves entertained in the games room or the whole family can enjoy a relaxing time within the indoor leisure facilities.

For plenty of monkey business this Easter head for the Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, which includes a woodland walk, half-hourly keepers' talks, cafés, gift shop, several picnic areas and the UK's largest Great Ape Play Area for Kids. Open every day and fascinating for all ages, Monkey World's 65-acre park provides a natural and scenic environment where the haven's many different primates are free to be themselves and enjoy life in large enclosures.

The south coast has so much to offer, so make sure you are out and about this Easter.