London's summer pirate invasion

London will be playing on its nautical history when it hosts a series of pirate themed exhibitions this summer.

Kids will get the chance to meet pirate Grace O'Malley on August 18th 2006 at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, and learn more about her exploits at sea.

Inspired by her tales, children will be able to create their own pirate accessories to take away. This event is suitable for children aged seven and over. Tickets cost £2 per child, and are free for accompanying adults.

Throughout the summer the internationally famed toy shop Hamleys will also be pirate themed.

Pirates will go wild every day and stage a live mutiny at 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00 as well as hosting fun free events at the store, until September 4th 2006.

The Natural History Museum also has a nautical-themed exhibition for children and adults to enjoy.

The museum is exhibiting beautifully illustrated first editions of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, along with a genuine pirate chart from the museum's archives.

Admission is free and the event takes place at 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00 on August 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th 2006.

For evenings out you can take advantage of London Kids Week's special theatre discounts for children running from August 18th until September 1st 2006.

One child (aged 5-16) can go free to any participating show when accompanied by a full paying adult, and another two children can go for half price.

There is an extensive line up of shows participating this year including Babe, The Sheep-Pig, Chicago, Les Miserables, Guys and Dolls, Blood Brothers and Mary Poppins.

In east London there will be a celebration of International Clown Week in the first week of August.

Canary Wharf will be hosting various special events including a Children's Circus Activity Week from August 3rd - 6th 2006. Clowns, mime artists and magicians will entertain the crowd and a circus skill workshop will also be available.

Activities are free and will take place daily throughout the retail malls from 11:00 to 16:00.

Further west, the Kew Bridge Museum will host a variety of new exhibitions and displays this summer.

Younger visitors will be able to take part in free drop-in family activities, including a chance to play with an interactive sewer robot, as well as saving Freddie the Fish. Entry is free for children aged 15 and under. XXX