Five brilliant ways to keep kids thrilled this summer
1 THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA
Judith Kerr’s perennially loved children’s book is about a tiger with a giant appetite who turns up at a little girl’s house for tea one day. Adapted for the stage at the Vaudeville theatre, it follows similar hits there such as the Gruffalo and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Expect songs, mayhem and a big, friendly orange cat.
Until 4 Sept, Vaudeville Theatre, the Strand, WC2R 0NH. Tickets £12.50-£15.50
www.thetigerwhocametotealive.com
2 PERICLES RE-IMAGINED
The Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park has developed a reputation for excellent adaptations of Shakespeare plays aimed at younger audiences. Aimed at kids of six and over, this tells the story of the Prince Pericles on his adventurous odyssey. Until 23 July, 1.30pm weekdays, 9.45am Saturdays and 10am and 1.30pm Sundays, Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park. Tickets from openairtheatre.org
3 JEPPE HEIN’S APPEARING ROOMS
Over at the Southbank Centre, Danish artist Jeppe Hein’s hugely popular Appearing Rooms water jets installation has returned, giving kids another opportunity for a total soaking. Jets of water shoot into the air, creating “rooms” that disappear as quickly as they emerge. Until 18 September, Southbank Centre. www.southbankcentre.co.uk
4 HAMPTON COURT JOLLY DAY OUT
Running all summer at Hampton Court Palace, the Jolly Day Out festival provides an eclectic array of kids’ shows and performers, including live versions of Horrible Histories and Charlie & Lola. There’s also pig racing, welly wangling and crazy golf, and plenty of arts, crafts, games and food stalls. Four days from 26th – 29th August,, Hampton Court Green. Tickets £25 for 13 years and over, kids 12 and under go free. Each adult ticket entitles you to two free kids tickets. www.jollydayout.com
5 NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM KIDS’ ZONE
The new Kids’ Zone has castle-themed climbing frames, assault courses, dressing-up costumes and more. www.nam.ac.uk