Alice in Wonderland (Marylebone Theatre)
Tumble down the rabbit hole in this wonderful production based on Lewis Carroll's famous book. It's a lot to cram into a 60 minute show, but kids will be immersed in the more fantastical elements of the story, which are brought to life through fantastic puppetry, a dreamlike stage set (we loved the misty effect), and high-energy performances that involve a lot of physical theatre. I visited with my seven-year-old son Reuben and he was entranced by the Cheshire Cat, with its glowing eyes and teeth. Little girls arrived for the performance dressed as Alice. So, don't be shy about digging around in your fancy dress basket before attending, and there's a merch desk if your little one fancies a pair of white rabbit ears. Daniel Page's panto-style Queen of Hearts was a hoot. Marylebone Theatre is an intimate space with comfy seating. It's perfect for kids' shows because you really can't get a bad seat in this 270-capacity space.
Age suitability: 5-10 years
Running time: 60 minutes (no interval)
Showing: Now until 31 August
101 Dalmatians The Musical (Eventim Apollo Theatre)
Following it's hugely successful UK tour, 101 Dalmatians The Musical will perform for a limited six-week run at the Eventim Apollo Theatre, starring Britain's Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas as Cruella de Vil and JLS' Aston Merrygold as Jasper, while TV presenter Jeff Brazier makes his stage debut as Casper. When fashionista Cruella de Vil plans to swipe all the Dalmation puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there's trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups. The classic book is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and cute puppies.
Age suitability: 5+
Running time: 2hrs 10min (inc. interval)
Showing: Now until 30 August
The Enormous Crocodile (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre)
There are few more pleasant settings for a summer show than Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. So snap up tickets for this fun family musical based on Roald Dahl's book for young readers. An enormous crocodile hopes to fill his hungry tummy with something yummy - and children are on the menu! Only the other jungle animals can foil his plans and clever tricks, but they're going to have to find great courage to stop this greedy beast.
Age suitability: 3+
Running time: 55 minutes (no interval)
Showing: 15 August - 7 September
Horrible Histories (Apollo Theatre & Tower Bridge Quay)
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Horrible Histories Live on Stage and fans can celebrate as Birmingham Stage Company returns to the West End with Barmy Britain 'The Best Bits!' This brand new show brings together the funniest, most fearsome, and farcical moments from British history. Will you survive the plague, stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin, or escape the clutches of Burke and Hare? If you're looking to keep the kids learning while having fun over the summer, then you can't go wrong with a Horrible Histories show. This year also marks the fifth anniversary of Horrible Histories: TERRIBLE THAMES and if you're visiting London with kids this is one of the best family-friendly sightseeing tours. There's no better way to spend a summer's day in London with the kids than cruising on an open top boat tour, while learning about the gory history of the Thames, in an fun and interactive way that involves lots of singing along.
Age suitability: 5+
Running time: Barmy Britain (70mins no interval). Terrible Thames Tours last 45min.
Showing: Barmy Britain 'The Best Bits!' runs 31 July - 31 August. Terrible Thames Tours are booking from now until 3 September.
Rough Magic (Shakespeare's Globe)
From workshops and story-telling sessions to kid-friendly tours, Shakespeare's Globe is a great place to take kids during school holidays. This Olivier Award nominated show is performed in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse - this indoor space, within the Globe complex, is London's only candlelit theatre, and is designed to replicate 17th century indoor theatres. Inspired by Shakespeare's Macbeth and featuring the mischievous Weird Sisters, this interactive production encourages the audience to participate as 'supernatural apprentices' to the witches as they embark on a magical adventure. It's another opportunity to raid your fancy dress box, as visitors are invited to come along to the show dressed as your favourite magical creature; fairies, witches ghosts, or monsters - all are welcome!
Age suitability: 5+
Running time: 1hr 50mins, including a 20min interval
Showing: Now until 23 August
The Smeds and the Smoos (Lyric Theatre/Shaftesbury Avenue)
Blast off on an intergalactic adventure in this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's best-selling picture book. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can't be friends. So when a young Smed and Smooth fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Expect puppets, water pistols and opera-singing slime creatures in this delightful production.
Age suitability: 3+
Running time: 60mins (no interval)
Showing: Booking now until 7 September
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival
If you're looking for FREE outdoor theatre and performance art this summer, then pop the dates for Greenwich and Docklands International Festival in your diary. Expect theatre, circus and dance in public spaces across London for 16 days between August and September. This year's highlights include: French parkour artists Lezards Bleu roof hopping in Woolwich; water-based spectacle ‘The Weight of Water’ performed on a floating staircase in Thamesmead; a bold new collaboration between the UK’s leading Black theatre company Talawa and acclaimed Black British dance company Fubunation; and an all-female high-wire walk above London framed by an iconic panoramic view, presented by Cie Des Chaussons Rouges from Belgium. Families will want to mark 23-24 August in their calendars for Greenwich Fair, when games, installations, and dance take over Greenwich Park. All shows are FREE and unticketed.
Age suitability: all ages
Showing: 22 August - 6 September