Fun for the young

It's the end of term so stick your neck out and let the kids stay up late to watch what promises to be one of the highlights of this year's Greenwich And Docklands International Festival. From France, Compagnie Off bring the incredible Giraffes (above) to the East End of London. It's a nighttime procession of giant puppets that will make their spectacular safari through Mile End Park, accompanied by live music and glorious fireworks. There are displays and workshops from 8.30pm, with the giraffe procession starting at 9.30pm. Mile End Park, E3 (020-8305 1818). Fri 18 Jul, 8.30pm, free.

RHYTHM STICKS

Got a drummer in the family? Then the South Bank's annual percussion festival has to be top of your list this week. It covers every style you can think of --jazz, rock, thrash and classical --and they're also well up on the latest club scene. For families, Urban Strawberry Lunch is huge fun - they make their own instruments using bizarre objects and create some amazing sounds. Bang on. Urban Strawberry Lunch, Purcell Room, South Bank, SE1 (020-7960 4242). Sat 19 Jul, 11.30am, £6, child £4, family ticket £12. For festival details visit www.rfh.org.uk/ rhythmsticks.

PSYCHEDELIC HAIR

Somerset House is a major draw at any time, but this week they're promising four funpacked days to herald the start of the holidays. In the fabulous courtyard (take a change of clothes, the kids will want to play in the fountains), there's a rolling programme of international arts events plus workshops, gallery visits or guided tours of the exhibits. Watch out for Osadia from Spain - they restyle the hair of willing victims using paintings from the collection as their inspiration with fabulously eccentric results. Somerset House, Strand, WC2 (020-7845 4600). Sat 19-Tue 22 Jul, free.

WILDLIFE GARDEN GUIDED TOURS

The Natural History Museum's garden oasis is open all summer. Occupying one acre of the museum's west lawn, it covers woodland, hedgerow, pond and heathland habitats and all the incumbent plant and insect species. Access is limited to small groups of visitors but you can book ahead or join a guided tour at noon or 3pm. A breath of the countryside in South Kensington. Natural History Museum Gardens Cromwell Road, SW7 (020-7942 5000). Mon-Sun noon & 3pm, booking essential, free.