Kids

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

All ages
There’s nothing like a good, solid day course to bring term time tantalisingly back into view. If you find yourself truly at the end of your tether, try Barracudas (0845 123 5299/ www.barracudas.co.uk), which runs day camps throughout London incorporating activities as diverse
as quad-biking, jewellery-making, archery and karaoke.

Alternatively, your child could learn circus skills at The Circus Space (Coronet St, N1; 020 7613 4141/ www.thecircusspace.co.uk), inline skating with Citiskate (020 7228 3999/ www.citiskate.co.uk), or scuba diving with London Scuba (07000 272 822/ www.londonscuba.com). Feature continues

Age 2-8
South West

Battersea Park Children's Zoo

The animal crackers will love Battersea Park Children’s Zoo (Queenstown Rd, SW11; 020 7924 5826) whose new owners have pitched it just right for small children. The most entertaining residents have to be the playful otters. Other friendly creatures include talking mynah birds, cuddlesome sheep and wide-eyed monkeys. The shop’s strong on pocket-money toys, and there’s space for a picnic if you don’t fancy the Lemon Tree café.

Nearby, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (4 Battersea Park Rd, SW8; 020 7622 3626) is open to casual visitors. There’s a souvenir and accessory shop, a café and a collection of tributes to dogs and their owners. If you’re thinking of picking up a new pet, bear in mind that the adoption process can take several visits.

West
A sunny day can be very pleasantly spent scooting around one of London’s delightful parks. For a posh play alternative however try unleashing your youngsters on the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground (Broad Walk, Kensington Park Gardens, W8; 020 7298 2141). Lots of the equipment can be used by children with special needs. There’s also free entertainment throughout the summer holiday (Mon-Fri 11am, 1pm, 3pm).

You could also wander over to the Serpentine to check out the now definitely fixed and not at all slippery Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain (Near West Carriage Drive, Hyde Park). Better still, take your Time Out 2-for-1 voucher to nearby Wagamama (26 High St Kensington, W8) for a child-friendly feast.

Ragged School Museum

East
There’s not much in the way of play-spaces in Stratford, so community-driven children’s centre Discover (1 Bridge Terrace, E15; 020 8536 5563) is an unexpected delight. It’s an interactive ‘story trail’ where children are encouraged to be as imaginative as possible in their pursuit of fun. There’s a shouting footbridge, a cave where you can manipulate your own echo, and lots for fertile imaginations.

After such a multimedia frenzy it might do your child good to visit the Ragged School Museum (46-50 Copperfield Rd, E3; 020 8980 6405), not least because you will have the satisfaction of seeing them experience life in a Victorian classroom. The museum has a decent basement café and offers plenty of holiday activities and workshops.

Age 5-11
North

S&M Café

If your wee ones want to tread the boards, head to Islington’s Little Angel Theatre (14 Dagmar Passage, N1; 020 7226 1787) – London’s only permanent puppet theatre since 1961. Summer shows commence on Aug 9. Most productions are aimed at audiences aged five and over. The Saturday Puppet Club runs over ten weeks (£70, concs. £50), and culminates in a show for family and friends. If all that emoting has made you hungry, head to the S&M Café (4-6 Essex Rd, Islington, N1; 020 7359 5361). Adults’ mains are £2.50-£7.95, and the children’s menu is around £3.50, plus an extra pound for ice cream. The bangers taste all the better for being served Beano style, poking out of a generous mountain of mash.