ART IN THE PARK

Southwark’s parks rangers and three artists are running workshops to show how art interacts with the natural world. The artists will construct works of arts at Chumleigh multicultural gardens using such materials as sticks, fleeces and metals, to complement “Free as air” activities on July 27, August 3 and 10, where children will make bugs and flying insects out of natural materials. “Animal, vegetable, mineral”, a study programme with artists-in-residence, runs in Southwark primary schools until October 19. Details: 0171 277 4068.

UNTIL SEPTEMBER 7

EAST INTERNATIONAL 1996

Events linked to these exhibitions in the Norwich Gallery (Norwich School of Art and Design), and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts include a children’s art club at Norwich Gallery, July 20 and 27 and September 7; and “Create your own space” children’s art workshops at SCVA on August 31. All sessions Pounds 4, booking essential. Details: NG, 01603 610561 or SCVA, 01603 593199.

JULY 21-AUGUST 18

BLITZ ‘96

A highlight of week one of the South Bank’s annual dance festival is “Gigantic Tickles”, a magical mystery tour of the human body for children with choreographer Rosemary Lee and featuring giant squishy sculptures by Jan Niedojadlo. Other attractions include: dance workshops for children, July 30, a tap day on August 4 and the Charles Linehan dance company in open rehearsal on August 5,7,12,13, and 14. Most events are free. Details: 0171 960 4242.

JULY 24

WITCHES, SHAMANS AND MAYAN PRIESTS

Lecture at Maya, the Guatemalan Indian Centre, 94A Wandsworth Bridge Road, London SW6, 6.45-7.45 pm. Afterwards, visitors can join in a practical demonstration to help dispose of their troubles and fulfil their wishes. Pounds 1.50. Details: 0171 371 5291.

JULY 24-SEPTEMBER 1

CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Free Victorian activities at the Ragged School Museum, London E3, and the Geffrye Museum, E2. The RSM kicks off on July 24-25 with treasure hunts, Victorian storytelling (July 31), and life below stairs (August 4), while the GM offers sessions on making a Victorian-style firescreen (August 6), toy theatre (August 7), and bonsai trees (August 8) for children aged ten upwards; and on making a Victorian table decoration (August 6), parasols (August 7), and stained glass style pictures (August 8) for 6-9-year-olds. Tickets allocated one hour beforehand. Details: RSM, 0181 980 6405 or GM, 0171 739 9893.

JULY 26

MEDIEVAL PAGEANT

Authentic reconstruction at the Tiltyard, Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds, 6.30-8 pm, with musicians, jugglers, demonstration of hunting games with falcons and hounds, a joust between fully armoured knights and a feast. Details: 0113 220 1900.

JULY 27-AUGUST 11

EVACUEES

What was it like to be a World War II evacuee, what dangers did children leave behind in the city, what did they do at school, and what toys did they play with? Children can find out by working with actors and visiting the “Evacuees” exhibition at the Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, London SE1, 11 am, noon, 1.30 pm, and 2.30 pm. Booking essential. Details: 0171 416 5311.

JULY 29-AUGUST 2

SUMMER IN THE CITY

Life-size jungle animals made from recycled cardboard and an inflatable rhinoceros are among the fun items to be seen at “Summer in the City”, the Barbican Centre’s annual children’s festival for 2-8-year-olds at Red Exhibition Hall, London EC2. The programme includes workshops (how to make gorilla nests and elephant masks), theatre and puppet shows, demonstrations and games. Tickets: Pounds 4.50, Pounds 1 accompanying adults (in advance). Details: 0171 638 5403.

AUGUST 5-9

INTRODUCTION TO THE ANIMATION INDUSTRY

British Animation Training Scheme summer school at Museum of the Moving Image, South Bank, London SE1, for students aged 16-plus studying A-level or Foundation Arts courses and hoping to make a career in animation. The programme includes a visit to Warner Brothers studios hosted by Steve Burch, special effects specialist. At the end, participants will animate a 10-second extract. Fee: Pounds 85. Details: Yvette Burrows, 0171 815 1376.