Top 5

Here are our top picks of the best ways to spend this June with the whole familY.

Not now Bernard

The Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com To 1 July “There’s a monster in the garden and it’s going to eat me,” said Bernard. “Not now, Bernard,” said his mother. David McKee’s iconic picture book, loved by children and adults for over thirty years, is vividly brought to life in a brand new version directed by Sarah Argent (Baby Show, Seesaw). An astonishingly clever, sometimes melancholic and outrageously funny play for children over 3, and a must-see for parents. From £6.

Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue WC2H 8DP www.bearhuntlive.com 4 July - 2 September Although it doesn’t open until July, make sure you don’t miss this smash-hit production as it returns to the West End in director Sally Cookson's fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower's versatile lively score. Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick, oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure. Ages 3+, from £15.60.

Century of the child, Nordic design for children 1900 to today.

V&A Museum of Childhood Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Throughout June The 20th century’s most iconic and influential Nordic designs for children, from BRIO to LEGO, Marimekko and the Moomins have been brought together for the first time in this stunning new exhibition at the wonderful Museum of Childhood.

Explore the influences which have helped forge Nordic design and examine how children have inspired some of the century’s most progressive designs, architecture and literature. In celebration of children’s creative freedom, there is a host of Nordic inspired interactives for families to explore and enjoy.

The exhibition runs until September – make sure you don’t miss out!

Open House Families: At home with Sir Richard & Lady Wallace.

The Wallace Collection Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org 9 June What was life like in a big house in London in Victorian times? On this interactive family tour, learn not just about the owners of this house - Sir Richard and Lady Wallace - but also about their thirty-four servants. Using carefullyselected documents, plans and photographs, as well as the building itself, you will discover all about their jobs and living conditions and discover the secrets of the house before it became a museum. After the tour, design your own room using the Wallace Collection as inspiration. This workshop is suitable for children aged 8+, 11am-1pm, free but booking essential.

Pirate takeover festival

Museum of London Docklands Canary Wharf E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museumlondon-docklands 16-17 June Ahoy there maties! All aboard for this pirate adventure! Prepare as you set sail on a journey beyond all imagination. Along the way loot the captain’s locker for your fearsome pirate costume, hunt for treasure or sit back, relax and listen to tales of the sea. Who knows, you may even bump in to a few crew members along the way. Come along, bring all, no pirate shall be left behind! This festival has been developed by year 12 students.