Perform in the Park–

London’s festival of children’s theatre

Children's drama school Perform is hosting London's first ever children’s theatre festival this summer in Coram’s Fields, Bloomsbury.This six-week festival features professional actors across four musicals, two of which are original productions. Shows run daily from 22 July to 28 August.

The line-up includes The Three Billy Goats Gruff, a smash hit musical adventure for 2-7 year olds. For 3-8 year olds, Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! will be staged, based on Mo Willems’ wonderful books. Perform’s brand-new Caribbean adventure, Mermaids & Pirates, will be presented for ages 4-11. Finally, for ages 7-14, another original show from Perform, The Dream, inspired by Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, rebooted for a new generation.

As well as these four fantastic musicals for children aged 2-14, there are special guest evening events for teens plus a charming all-day café and, of course, all the usual child-centred delights of Coram's Fields.

Tickets start at £14.50. Visit performinthepark.uk for more information and to book tickets.

Head to the gardens’ natural play areas for an hour of children’s storytelling, crafts and music.

Hever Castle & Gardens

Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk

July and August weekends

Jousting Tournaments

The Knights of Royal England entertain visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Tudorfilled Royal box.

Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

Kew TW9 3AE www.kew.org

Spectacular plants and views, plus a children’s garden where your little ones can climb, run, jump and explore everything that a plant needs to grow.

22 July - 28 August

Alice in Wonderland

A part-promenade theatrical performance: journey down the rabbit hole into a fantastical world inhabited by curiouser and curiouser characters.

Paddington Bear Walking Tour

From Paddington Station W2 1HB www.visitlondon.com

Weekend dates

Follow in the footsteps of the famous Paddington Bear, taking in the picturesque locations featured in the much-loved books and feature films, finishing with a picture with the bear’s own statue.

BABIES & UNDER 5s

Bach to Baby

Various venues and dates www.bachtobaby.com

Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for babies and their grownups. Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like!

8 July and 5 August in Balham

21 July and 25 August in Clapham & Battersea

15 July and 26 August in Kew & Richmond

10 August in Putney

29 July and 26 August in Wimbledon