Venue: Horiman Museum, 100 London Road, London SE23 3PQ

Myths and Monsters
Until Sun 5 Sept 2010
Cyclops, unicorn, yeti, dragon, the chimera… are these creatures real or imagined? Take a journey into the strange world of Myths and Monsters and unravel the truth behind universal legends and myths. Discover the origin of the Cyclops, the links between dragons and the dinosaurs, and possible evidence for the existence of the yeti.

Featuring a captivating mix of animatronics, specimens and photography, this celebrated blockbuster show explores some of our best known ancient myths and the possible scientific explanations behind them.
Temporary Exhibition Gallery

Adults £5, Concs £3, Children £2.50, Children under 3 FREE
Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £13
Schools (pre-booked) £2 per person
Schools (not pre-booked) £2.50 per person
Family season ticket £26
Online booking available
visit www.horniman.ac. uk/mythsandmonsters

Venue: National Gallery, London

Room B (Level 0, Portico or Getty Entrance)
Admission free

Children from across England will have their work showcased at the National Gallery this spring in Take One Picture.

Each year the Take One Picture scheme invites UK primary schools to use a painting from the National Gallery Collection as a stimulus for learning across the curriculum. For
2008?9 the focus painting was Pierre-Auguste Renoir?s Umbrellas (about 1881?6) and over 200 schools submitted work for selection. The exhibition and accompanying film showcase some of the most imaginative work produced by schools taking part in the scheme, and demonstrate how school children have responded creatively to the featured National Gallery painting.

Highlights of this year's exhibition include: a three-dimensional woven willow sculpture, fashionable corset prints, animations, computer-generated designs, a multi-sensory peep box and a drama production - all inspired by Renoir?s painting.

Various reports have suggested that cultural learning should be an entitlement for all, and has confirmed that the making of meaningful cross-curricular links and the implementation of a flexible, personalised and creative curriculum are fundamental to a child?s development. These core values underpin the Take One Picture programme.

Caroline Marcus, Take One Picture Project Manager, said: Take One Picture encourages teachers to place a painting at the heart of the curriculum and to use it as a springboard to creativity across all areas of learning. Visiting schools participating in Take One Picture has given me a wonderful opportunity to see the excitement and buzz stimulated by this approach as well as many examples of teaching and inspired learning happening in schools around the country.

The schools showing their work at the National Gallery have written the text accompanying the exhibition and will be offered the chance to visit the Gallery for special private views during the summer term.

One head teacher commented, It has reached the parts that the day-to-day curriculum does not reach.

At http://www.takeonepicture.org.uk there are further details about the Take One Picture scheme and professional development courses, free downloadable teaching resources and zoomable images. You can also view the Take One Picture exhibition film and online displays of children?s work in response to other National Gallery paintings.

Venue: Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the world's Festival City. It’s where people come together from across the globe to share their passion for arts, culture and ideas. This welcoming, inspiring and open-minded atmosphere is heightened by the approachable beauty of this breathtaking historial city. With 12 Festivals throughout the year, there’s an endless array of events, performances and spectacles to enjoy.


For all children's events see here http://www.edinburghfestivals....ax1=449

Venue: Cardiff

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Cardiff Festival is a proud example of public and private sector businesses working together to achieve a world class festival. With over 20 events including the Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival, the Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend and new for 2010 Picnic in the Castle supported by Brace’s Bread.

Stretching from 1 July until 4 September, ‘Strawberry fever’ will take over the city with a full programme of events to entertain all the family, with many events being free.

The Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend, WOW on the Waterfront, MAS Carnival, Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival and Cardiff Harbour Festival are a few of the free events that can be enjoyed by all the family.

A full programme of events is once again planned with old favourites returning alongside new.

See here for more details http://www.cardiff-festival.co...s_e.htm

Venue: Cornwall’s Crealy Great Adventure Park

Cornwall’s Crealy Summerfest has arrived with an action packed schedule of summer fun. Rush to Morgawr, the Sea Dragon Roller Coaster, brand new for 2010 and on special days, meet Scooby Doo, Sportacus and Sponge Bob. Plus with great water rides; huge indoor play areas and the friendliest animals, magical adventures are guaranteed. Visit http://www.crealy.co.uk/cornwall for all the magical fun and to save up to £6 for a family of four.

Venue: Nottingham Contemporary

Enjoy a summer of free family events at Nottingham Contemporary; visit the World’s Biggest Photo Booth and see yourselves larger than you’ve ever been before; every day, except Mondays, between 11am and 3pm.

Discover free Play and Learn kits for families in our free international art exhibitions – Diane Arbus and Gert and Uwe Tobias. You can also drop into our free family art workshops every weekend between 1pm and 4pm and enjoy making, creating, music and games.

Come along to our free face painting every Friday 11am - 3pm
look out for more events at http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org or spot our friendly zebras.

Venue: Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park

Devon’s Crealy Summerfest has arrived, with an action packed schedule of summer fun. PLUS special visits from Scooby Do, Sportacus and more TV favourites, whoosh down Vortex, the UK’s newest and biggest triple tube water coaster, hold on tight for the Maximus coaster, explore the Wilderness Woodland and run wild in over 75,000 sq ft of indoor adventure play. Plus book online to save up to £6 on a family of four.

Venue: Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park

On Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August, the National Riding Festival comes to Devon’s Crealy.
A must for all young pony enthusiasts, you’ll have the opportunity to ride Trigger, the UK’s only mechanical horse who can walk, trot and canter.

Plus pamper the Crealy ponies in the grooming
parlour, meet pony breeds from all over the UK and ride friendly ponies. And if you love ponies, you’ll adore visiting the magical unicorns; who’ve taken up residence at Devon’s Crealy this summer. Plus book online to save up to £6 on a family of four.

Venue:

THUNDERING RHYTHMS, EXCITING CHOREOGRAPHY & HIGH ENERGY


http://www.taiko.co.uk


Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers will be on tour in the UK from September - November 2010, with their full concert of powerful taiko rhythms, huge drums,
dramatic choreography & delicate bamboo flute & percussion, presented in a theatrical stage show.


Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers has been the driving force behind the growing taiko movement in the UK since their establishment in 1994. The group have
spearheaded developing taiko as a European art form, through high profile performances, television appearances and extensive touring.



The 2010 concert features the beautiful dance artist Lale Sayoko, described as elegant, graceful, mysterious & mesmerising.



Through years of rigorous touring as Europe's leading taiko drum group,Mugenkyo have developed a gritty passionate style that is uniquely their
own, retaining the traditional spirit of taiko yet creating a contemporary sound and a modern stage show that has captivated audiences everywhere.

Venue: Kew Gardens, London

This autumn the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is celebrating International Year of Biodiversity by inviting families to come and explore our brand new botanical play area, PLANTastic Play, which encourages children to learn about the importance of plants whilst they play. At Kew, we believe that playing and learning should go hand in hand,
which is why we offer a variety of play areas and
activities that are both fun and informative. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Kew Gardens, and with PLANTastic Play and the Xstrata Treetop Walkway, there is double the fun for families.

Professor Stephen Hopper, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, says, "Our new botanical play area,PLANTastic Play, teaches children about the importance of every part of a plant. 2010 has been declared International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations, and with children being the future custodians of the planet, it is more vital than ever that they enjoy, learn, and care about the plants on which our very existence depends."

PLANTastic Play.
Nestled in the grounds near Queen Charlotte's Cottage in Kew's Conservation Zone, the primary message of PLANTastic Play is that 'every bit plays its part' - it's a biodiversity adventure that khows it isn't just pretty flowers that matter. Shaped like a plant, children enter
the play area via the roots, walk through the stem where they will encounter leaves (one with balance beam 'veins', representing a food web) hide between fungi,disappear into a leaf maze, pretend to be bees zooming towards flowers on the zip wire, spin seeds, watch birds make homes in the bird house, and clamber of the timber
stacks to find a variety of insects and micro-organisms. As they explore each part, children are encouraged to consider how it relates to the whole, and to the world around it. At every turn, there is something to learn -
hunting for clues, solving puzzles, and enjoying science in a fun and interactive environment.
Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway.
Autumn is the best time of year to visit Kew's mostpopular attractions - the 18m high Xstrata Treetop Walkway - with views across the Gardens to the London skyline. Admire the beautiful colours of our show-
stopping trees - a haze of golden browns, burnt oranges and deep reds. These vistas reveal the Gardens as never before, and reach out to include Wembley Stadium and the Gherkin. Walk a 200 metre circuit up high in the Arboretum canopy to take in the autumnal transformation of sweet chestnuts, limes and deciduous oaks, planted in
the 18th century. Wildlife watchers will find it easier
to spot birds such as tawny owls and woodpeckers flitting
through the branches and squirrels foraging for winter
food supplies. Visitors journey from a tree's fascinating
root system in the Rhizotron, learning about a tree's
life underground, to the top of the tree canopy to
explore biodiversity from above.
Treehouse Towers.
Treehouse Towers provides a fun family day out at Kew
Gardens and brings together nature and adventure, whilst
also offering educational opportunities for children to
learn about and appreciate trees. Supported by Velvet
Toilet tissue, Treehouse Towers features climbing towers
and wooden play equipment, such as giant swings, zip
wires, scramble nets, slides and a mountaineering ramp.

Climbers and Creepers.
Climbers and Creepers is an innovative indoor facility.
The interior space is packed with games and adventures
that provide an exciting encounter with a magical
landscape of super-sized plants. The undulating floor of
Climbers and Creepers invites children to get down to the
business of play in a hands-on way. They can climb into a
flower to pollinate it, get swallowed by a giant pitcher
plant, and crawl through a bramble tangle while some of
the plants respond in speech and sound. Simple principals
of botanical science form the basis of each component,
introducing ideas about plant reproduction and survival,
and their vital relationships with insects and mammals.

Venue: National Tour

The all-new 90-minute musical adventure Thomas & Friends(TM) Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes To Town - a fabulous stage show experience for the whole family packed with audience singalongs, high-energy dancing and thrilling adventures

Making its UK premiere at The Orchard Theatre Dartford on 10 September followed by a UK tour (see listings below)

Thomas the Tank Engine(TM), Percy, James, Gordon, Sir Topham Hatt and townspeople from the Island of Sodor live and in person! They're joined by a colourful cast of circus performers in an engaging story that demonstrates the importance of friendship and under the Big Top co-operation.

When Thomas makes a big mistake, all the engines on the Island of Sodor must work together to prepare for exciting event under the Big Top and Thomas, must prove he's a really useful engine once again

About Thomas & Friends

Thomas the Tank Engine was created by a father for his son 65 years ago and today is enjoyed by families in more than 145 countries. The blue engine and his friends invite children to enter a world of imagination through the tracks of a train and the words of a story. Children embark on adventures with their engine friends while experiencing timeless life lessons of discovery, friendship and cooperation.

Presented written and produced by Premier Productions one of the foremost leading players in the UK children's theatre circuit. They have a fantastic reputation amongst theatre managers the length and breadth of the UK which is second to none with their great stable of children's favourite characters which have included Postman Pat, Fireman Sam, Thomas and Friends, Tales of Peter Rabbit, Barney, Fifi and The Flowertots and the Mr Men. Just some of their acclaimed live theatre productions, which often mark children's first ever visit to live theatre.

For further press information please contact TARGET LIVE - 0203 372 0958 - Jennifer.eldridge@target-live.co.uk
See website http://www.thomaslive.com/

NATIONAL TOUR 2010 - Further dates to be announced

Fri 10th Sept Sun 12th Sept
The Orchard Theatre, Dartford Kent
1pm & 3.30 Saturday, 11am & 2pm Sunday
01322 220000 http://www.orchardtheatre.co.uk/

Sat 25th Sun 26th Sept
INEC Killarney, EIRE
1pm & 4pm Sat, 11am and 2pm Sunday
064 667 1555 http://www.inec.ie/

Fri 1st Sun 3rd Oct
Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth
1pm & 4pm sat, 11am & 2pm sun
0845 146 1460 http://www.plymouthpavilions.com

Sun 10th Oct
Millennium Forum, Londonderry, Northern Ireland
1pm & 4pm sat, 1pm and 4pm Sunday
028 7126 44

Friday 22nd - Sun 24th Oct
Brighton Centre, Brighton
11.00am & 2pm sat, 2pm Sunday
0844 847 1515 http://www.brightoncentre.co.uk

Friday 29th Saturday 30 Oct
Theatre Royal, Norwich
11 & 1.30pm Fri, 11, 1.30 & 4pm
01603 630000 http://www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Friday 5th Sunday 7th Nov
Venue Cymru, Llandudno
1 & 2pm Saturday 11am Sunday

Saturday 13th - Sun 14th Nov
Swansea Grand Theatre,
5pm sat. 11am and 2pm sun
01792 475715 http://www.swanseagrand.co.uk

Venue: Bodiam Station, Kent and East Sussex Railway

On the 11 and 12 September, visitors to Bodiam station can enjoy a whole weekend of “opping nostalgia” as the Kent & East Sussex Railway hosts its tenth annual Hop Pickers Weekend.



Bodiam was an important area for hop picking and the weekend re-lives the days when Londoners came 'dahn 'opping' for a summer break.



Each summer hop pickers used to arrive in specially timetabled trains from London and this year the railway is celebrating 52 years since the last Hop Pickers Special arrived in Bodiam station.


For hop pickers from the East End of London this was their annual holiday where they could enjoy time in the fresh countryside air.



In memory and recognition of this important tradition, every year the railway personally invites all the hop pickers from across the country to join in the celebrations and re unite with old friends.



Over the weekend former hop pickers re live memories whilst visitors experience the hop picking way of life first hand in the recreated hop garden and hopper’s hut where typically pickers would have stayed, sometimes for as long as six weeks. These huts were often given a "homely" feel with wallpaper and pictures added to brighten them up!



Visitors will have the opportunity to try their hand at the testing skill of hop stripping, something which was either very easy or very difficult depending on the weather and the state of the vine.



There will also be memorabilia on display at the station together with period tractors and steam driven road vehicles. An open top heritage
double-decker bus will be making frequent trips between the station and Bodiam Castle.



Live entertainment throughout the weekend, including Morris Dancers, will create a fitting atmosphere, especially on Saturday night when visitors are invited to join the hop pickers in a sing along around the camp fire.



Everyone on the hopping weekend can purchase delicious food from the BBQ or enjoy a variety of beverages including fine local ales available from the bar. There will also be a tea tent.



The event is open from 10.30am to 6:00pm each day. Saturday’s evening entertainment is free to enter and the beer tent and BBQ will be open.

Tickets including return train travel to Bodiam are - Adult £12.80, Senior Citizen £11.80, Child (3 - 15 years inc.) £7.80 and Family (2 adults + up to 3 children or 1 adult and up to 4 children) £34.00. Advance tickets can be obtained by telephoning: 01580 765155. Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.



Please see the website for train times. http://www.kesr.org.uk



Tenterden and Northiam stations have free parking and visitors are advised to park and ride from these stations.. Bodiam station has no public parking however; visitors wishing to start their journey there can park at the castle for £2 all day. The castle's post code is: TN32 5UA and their phone number: 01580 831322. Bodiam station is a short walk from the Castle.



For more information please visit http://www.kesr.org.uk

Venue: London - start at Tate Modern

Join us, 11 September 2010, on a walking adventure through the historic heart of London. Explore the streets of London, taking in many of the famous bridges, landmarks, churches and tourist attractions including the Mayor's Thames Festival. There will be three routes of 1.5miles, 3 miles or 10 miles to suit all ages and abilities. Everyone gets a t-shirt, an adventure pack and rewarded a medal at the finish line.
We'll be welcoming you at the start line at London's Tate Modern to begin the walk at 10.30am. Please be sure to arrive with plenty of time to register and receive your free map and t-shirt (recommended arrival time is 9.30-10am). From then on, you can take your time along whichever route you choose, and enjoy some of London's most famous sites along the way.
Admission (optional) Adults £10, Children £5, Under 3s go free. To register online please follow the link https://donate.childrenssociet...?id=198
Please see http://www.walkandexplore.org.uk for more details.

Venue: Chiddingstone Castle

Suitable for all ages the day is a unique opportunity to try your hand at countryside crafts including wood turning and wattle and daub.


Countryside experts will be on hand throughout the day to explain and show visitors why the woods of the weald are so important to people and wildlife,both today and in the past.



The themed activity day will take place between 12 noon and 5pm.



Inside the Castle you can see the wonderful and intriguing collections of the late and gifted antiquarian Denys Eyre Bower.



There is a recreation of Denys’ study complete with letters and photographs which provide a fascinating insight into the life of this gifted and eccentric collector.



Discover the Housekeeper’s room and Castle Kitchen, as well as a number of beautifully furnished rooms complete with paintings from artists including Sir Peter Lely - who was the portrait artist to Charles I and served Oliver
Cromwell before being appointed as principal painter in ordinary to Charles II in 1660.



Visitors to the Castle can see a rare and interesting display of treasures from the Egyptian, Japanese, Buddhist, Stuart and Jacobean periods.



Outside, the Castle’s 35 acres offer the ideal place for children to explore the surrounding gardens, complete with lake, woodland and award winning Orangery. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a picnic on the lawn or visit the Victorian Tearoom for a light lunch or cream tea with freshly baked scones.



Chiddingstone Castle is close to the pretty village of Chiddingstone which is owned by the National Trust.




For more information please call 01892 870347 or visit
http://www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk


Chiddingstone Castle is open until 27 September, Sunday – Wednesday 11am
–5pm; last entry is 4:15pm. Please note the Woodland Craft Day commences at
12pm.



Admission – Adult: £7, Child (5-13) £4; Child (2-4) £2 (to cover the cost of
materials and entertainment); families: £19.50 (2 adults and 2 children).
Parking is £2.50. The event is free to Annual Pass holders.

Venue: The Kent and East Sussex Railway

The Kent & East Sussex Railway are hosting their popular Day’s Out With Thomas on 18, 19, 25 and 26 September 2010, when children can meet Thomas
and Friends and enjoy a variety of activities at the station.


Come along to the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden on 18, 19, 25 and 26 September 2010 for an amazing day out where children can meet Thomas and some of his friends from the famous railway stories.

There will be plenty of chances to ride in carriages pulled by Thomas and his friends Annie & Clarabel as these children’s favourites will be at Tenterden station all day on these special dates in September. Children can also meet Charlie the Clown and Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller.

Tickets will include a one hour return steam train ride to Wittersham Road Station and an action packed programme of free activities including station scenarios, a chance to watch Thomas’ DVD, ‘Hero of the Rails’ on a Big TV
screen and enjoy colouring and crafts at the Imagination Station. There will also be free face painting and roundabout rides!

Every child will also be treated to a special sticker and an A5 size Junior Engineer’s Certificate to remember their special day!

Tickets include a one hour return train journey as well as all the activities shown above – Prices from Adult: £12.50, Child: (18 months -15
years inclusive) £9.50, Babies under 18 months: Free

At 3:05 each Saturday, families can choose to enjoy a ‘Teatime trip with Daisy*’ while tucking into a special teatime snack box during their journey. Tickets for children and adults are £12.50 (no lunch box for adults).

Visitors can enjoy a variety of hot and cold meals in the Refreshment Rooms at Tenterden Station or something from the delicious take away BBQ.

The Railway’s Thomas souvenir shop will also be open and selling a variety of special Thomas gifts.




TRAIN TIMES


Trains depart Tenterden Town Station at the following times for a one-hour
return trip:

10.25am - 11.05am - 11.45am - 12.25pm - 1.05pm - 1.45pm - 2.25pm - 3.05*pm

Trains depart promptly so please make sure that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your booked departure. No refund will be given for missed
trains. Seats on later trains cannot be guaranteed and if possible will be subject to an administration charge of £2 per person.

The Kent & East Sussex Railway will be open from 10am over the weekend to allow visitors to take full advantage of all the activities on offer.



To book tickets contact the K&ESR Booking Office on 01580 765155, weekdays between 9am and 5pm, weekends between 9.00am and 2.00pm or visit the website
http://www.kesr.org.uk

Venue: Various venues in Bath

For more information about all the fantastic events on offer see here : http://www.bathkidslitfest.co.uk

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Visitors to Bodiam Castle can discover medieval life in Britain when they meet real characters including the last and most important private owner of the castle, ‘Lord Curzon’ at a special event taking place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September 2010.


The acclaimed Bodiam players provide visitors with snap shots of medieval life as they act out fascinating stories in full authentic costume. Therewill be a variety of characters to meet each day, offering visitors a varied and entertaining insight into medieval Britain.



The highlight of the weekend will be special appearances by ‘Lord Curzon’,the castle’s last private owner, whose restoration work and archaeological research transformed the castle into the monument we are able to enjoy
today.



George Nathaniel Curzon, ‘Lord Curzon’, is a figure of enormous importance in the history of architectural conservation in Britain. After first
restoring monuments in India, ‘Lord Curzon’ returned to England where he introduced the first act for the Preservation of Ancient Monuments.



After his return he became captivated by Bodiam Castle and purchased it in 1917, with the intention of restoring it into a habitable castle. After considering the work behind this project, ‘Lord Curzon’ decided upon a more
conservative restoration plan in 1919, when he set about restoring the castle for public viewing. Throughout the restoration, he came across many artifacts including cannon balls, pieces of armour and the wooden footings
for the original bridges to the castle.



It was thanks to ‘Lord Curzon’ that Bodiam became suitable for public viewing and upon his death; he left the castle to the National Trust, who
continue to care for it.





Visitors can hear about ‘Lord Curzon’s’ fascinating restoration first hand and admire the magnificent castle ruins, including the castle’s original wooden portcullis in the gatehouse. Also discover the battlements and towers, which provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.