On a hot, lazy day in London there’s no better remedy for lethargy than its many green spaces. Hyde Park, central London’s largest, even houses its own galleries – the Haywood and Serpentine are both pioneering modern art venues. Every year they commission a temporary pavilion to stand in the park. Zaha Hadid and Ai Weiwei have created beautifully barmy buildings and this year’s offering is designed by Burkino Faso’s Diébédo Francis Kéré. Strolling around and enjoying their strange designs is one of the great perks of Hyde Park.

When: 23 June – 8 October

Where: Serpentine Pavilion

So much more than a tennis competition, Wimbledon is an institution. Queue up for day seats and soak up the jolly atmosphere even before you get to the courts. Strawberries on Henman Hill, watching the big screen, champagne in the posh bar, or sitting very still during an important point court side are all quintessential experiences. Put on your best straw hat and your sunglasses and enjoy Wimbledon village’s own celebrations, from tennis ball inspired floral displays to rooftop bars screening the big games.

When: 3 – 16 July

Where: All England Club, Wimbledon

This charming theatre, right in the centre of a park, is decked out with fairy lights and the stage is lined with a backdrop of trees – a truly open air experience. This year, there will be two productions based on the novels of Charles Dickens – A Tale of Two Cities and Oliver Twist. The latter is perfect for families with kids over the age of six. Cheer on poor Oliver as he navigates the rough side of the streets of London – by the end of the first half, you’ll be asking for more.

When: 7 July – 5 August

Where: Regent’s Park 

On a steamy night in Mississippi, a Southern family gather to celebrate Big Daddy’s birthday. The scorching heat is almost as oppressive as the lies they tell. Brick and Maggie dance round the secrets and sexual tensions that threaten to destroy their marriage. With the future of the family at stake, which version of the truth is real – and which will win out? Sienna Miller stars as Maggie alongside Jack O’Connell as Brick in Tennessee Williams’ searing, poetic story of a family’s fight for survival.

When: 13 July – 7 October

Where: Apollo Theatre

The Butterfly Lion, War Horse, Kensuke’s Kingdom, beloved children’s author Michael Morpurgo has delighted a worldwide audience with his books – many of which feature very special animals. The V&A’s delightful Museum of Childhood plays host to his stories in this special exhibition, perfect for story lovers, animal lovers and budding writers. See his manuscripts and illustrations, and meet Joey, the life-sized horse puppet that was the star of the National Theatre’s adaptation of War Horse.

When: 22 July – 25 February 2018

Where: V&A

The eight weeks of Proms have been occurring in London since 1895 and get bigger every year. These are informal, democratic performances with something for everyone. Maybe you want to sink your ears into a difficult piece of Wagner, hum along to the infectious film score soundtracks or go to something like last year’s Dr Who themed night. The last night, Proms in the Park, packs out Hyde Park with a big, riotous and surprisingly patriotic event – and a lot of bombastic music from Elgar.

When: 14 July – 19 September

Where: Royal Albert Hall