With the holidays in full swing, it gets increasingly trickier to keep the kiddos entertained. But don’t lose your summer mojo – here is our top 20 things to do this August in and around London to keep the little ones happy.
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1. Professor Brian Cox and Daniel Harding bring a symphony of science to the Royal Opera House with Symphonic Horizons. (Until 4)
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Expect action-packed family-friendly content at Wimbledon Children’s Festival, which aims to introduce children to the power of live entertainment, music, and theatre. (Until 11)
3
Little Angel Theatre’s Children’s Puppet Festival returns for its second year, showcasing different styles of puppetry. (From 2)
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Set against the backdrop of the lake at Kew Gardens, the critically acclaimed, outdoor theatre production of The Wind in the Willows is based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic story of life on the riverbank. (all month)
5
Delve into a range of books at the musical adaptation of the best-selling Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. (20 to 26)
6
Follow inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek behind the scenes at the local museum, meeting some incredible historic figures along the way in the smash hit musical Fantastically Great Women. (all month)
7
Let imaginations run wild at the Garden Museum’s Festival of Fairytales, with pop-up performers, creative arts workshops, live storytelling and theatrical performances on offer. (11)
8
Take part in a summer of fun with Messy Monster and friends at Messy goes to The Postal Museum. (all month)
9
Head to Battersea for free family-friendly sports and activities and live sporting action on the big screen in Power Station Park at The Battersea Games. (all month)
10
Enter the world of Shakespeare’s magical characters as Macbeth’s wonderfully wayward Weird Sisters cook up a supernaturally silly adventure in Rough Magic. (Until 24)
11
Head to Somerset House for Summer in the Courtyard – a series free or affordable events with community and family at heart. (Until 31)
12
Grab your bucket and spade and join The Big Dippers for slapstick adventure and summertime fun at Canary Wharf, part of the Alfresco Arts Family events. (18)
13
Catch Blippi and his friends as they return to London to the Harold Pinter Theatre for The Wonderful World Tour. (all month)
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The Vikings have arrived and taken over a Saxon settlement at The Chiltern Open Air Museum for the Viking Raid. (25 to 26)
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Enjoy all the things you are not allowed to do at home at Brainiac Live, like exploding dustbins, supercharged spinning chairs and live daredevil stunts. (Until 24)
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Hear from the wives of Henry VIII as they turn back the clock and take to the stage in the musical Six to reclaim their crowns and retell their stories of love and loss. (all month)
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Learn all about the nasty bits of history at Horrible Histories: Rotten Royals, a compilation of sketches featuring some mad monarchs. (11 to 14)
18
See Mr Punch as he and his friends help the wiley Serpina get her man in Mr Punch at the Opera, a perfect introduction to classical music for children. (21 to 24)
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As darkness falls, make your way to the London Wetland Centre for Junior Bat Walks and see bats as they fly in at night to feed over the lakes and ponds. (15, 22, 29)
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It is time for an ultimate Pirate Takeover at The Golden Hinde. Don your finest pirate attire, grab your eye patch and join this swashbuckling adventure of discovery. (all month)
If you like our 20 things to do in August, why not hit the button below for more things to look forward to.
