Few phrases are as welcome to parents nearing the end of the summer holidays (and their tethers) as 'free, drop-in event' and 'no tickets required'

If you are rapidly running out of inspiration/cash/the will to live, then do not worry, help is at hand. There are lots of little gems happening for free this summer. Here's our top five.

POLLOK FAMILY DAY

Like ice cream and rainy days, the Pollok Family Day at Pollok Country Park is an essential part of Glasgow's summer.

Pop in any time from 10am until 5pm for a range of entertainment and activities and help the lovely Countryside Rangers celebrate their 30th anniversary.

GO BATTY

You may not have realised this (and why would you?), but August 23 to 25 is European Bat Weekend.

Glasgow's parks (including Victoria, Pollok, Linn and Hogganfield) are encouraging everyone over the age of eight (all children must be accompanied) to find out more about the clever little blighters.

Join the Countryside Rangers on a 'walk and talk' at each location to discover what makes these elusive creatures so fascinating.

It's free, but extremely popular, so booking is essential. Call 0141 276 0927 for more details.

PETERSHILL CYCLE TRIP

Build up your cycle skills and confidence on these summer holiday cycle trips around the city organised by Glasgow Club Petershill.

They are suitable for kids aged from five to 17 and run every Monday, Friday and Saturday from 10am until 12.15pm until August 10. Call 0141 276 8446 for info.

CASTLEMILK FAMILY FUN

For an hour a day every weekday (11am until 12 noon) until August 3, Castlemilk Community Centre is throwing open its doors to families keen to try out new activities and have a bit of fun together. There will be music, creative arts, games and dance for parents and children. Suitable for all ages.

BLANTYRE VILLAGE GALA DAY

THE David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, has had a busy year, what with the 200th anniversary celebrations and all.

On Saturday, August 3, its grounds will host the first Blantyre Village Gala Day for almost a decade.

The parklands surrounding the 19th century home of the famous explorer will be filled with stalls and entertainment, much of it run by community groups.

Entry is free and there will be theme park rides, bouncy castles, competitions, prizes ...the only downside is that the museum, which is a fantastic, family-friendly place, isn't also throwing its doors open for free for the day, which seems a bit of a missed opportunity.