A misunderstood genius in a blue-collar household, Lisa is an eight-year-old mixing earnest intelligence (she’s already become a vegetarian and befriended the McCartneys) with funky rebellion as a budding saxophonist and the simple dreams of a little girl. After all, brainiacs fall in love with ponies, too . . . even if she did strive to come up with an intellectual version of Malibu Stacey (Springfield’s answer to a Malibu Barbie).

Older children get fired up by true stories of achievement and bravery, so they will love museums that tap into that rousing sense of history. A dash of pure girly fantasy is no bad thing either – life isn’t just about homework. And even Lisa couldn’t have failed to be impressed by David Tennant as the latest Dr Who and be tempted to check out the television show’s special exhibitions. Indeed, you get in free if you have a Blue Peter Badge ID Card. Something Lisa would wholeheartedly approve of.

BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL

An annual music festival in the heart of Wales. From the BBC Big Band and Jools Holland to Roberto Pla’s Latin Jazz Orchestra, there’s something for everyone, and the “stroller ticket” allows you to dip into several shows as you take in the town. Various venues, Brecon, Powys (www.breconjazz.co.uk 01874 611622), Aug 9-12, prices vary

CONKERS

Children can play and find out more about the environment at this all-natural theme park. There are lots of summer activities including creative and storytelling sessions. Rawdon Road, Moira, Nr Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Derbys (www.visitconkers.com 01283 216633), Mon-Sun 10am-6pm, £6.70, children £4.70, under3s free

CUMBERLAND PENCIL MUSEUM

Get a feel for how this basic drawing essential is made, then set your children to play in the creative workshops on offer. Southey Works, Keswick (www.pencilmuseum.co.uk 01768 773626), Mon-Sun 9.30am-5pm, £3, children £1.50

DR WHO EXHIBITION

The Dr Who Up Close exhibition isn’t just for fortysomething geeks – children also love to get closer to the costumes, props and models that have contributed to the sci-fi series’ renaissance. Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay (www.doctorwhoexhibitions. com 07818 083843), Mon-Sun 11am-8pm, £5, children £3.50

THE EDEN PROJECT

Architecturally stunning, the Eden Project has quickly become the symbol of how we need to regard and care for our planet. A great big space-age green day out. Bodelva, Cornwall (www.eden project.com 01726 811972), Mon-Sun 9am-6pm (until Oct 28), £14, children £5, under5s free

EUREKA!

Science in all forms can be explored through play at this wonderful children’s centre. Scoot the robot helps children discover how their bodies work, there is an interactive performance Sound Space, with activities especially for the under5s, and an area where kids can find out just what grown-ups do for a living. Discovery Road, Halifax (www.eureka.org.uk 01422 330069), Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, adults and children £7.25, under 3s free

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM

This new museum tells the story of Britain’s most famous nurse and traces the development of hospital life. Exhibits include contributions from 7/7 survivor Gill Hicks and the nurse who cared for her, Louise Danks. 2 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 (www.florence-nightingale.co. uk 020-7620 0374), Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 10am-4.30pm, £5.80, children £4.80

FOSSIL HUNTING

The Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site is 95 miles of coastline with raw archaeological significance. You can get maps on how and where to explore this coast through its website, and information on its “anchor towns” Exeter, Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch. www.jurassiccoast.com

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

You can still sense the grand life of Henry VIII and William III at this wonderfully preserved palace, with magnificent gardens and a world-famous maze. Surrey (www.hrp.org.uk 0870 7527777), Mon-Sun 10am-6pm (until Oct 27), £13, children £6.50

HAREWOOD BIRD GARDEN

Lisa loves to find out about conservation. Here, visitors can learn about the threatened species housed in carefully developed environments. Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds (www.harewood.org 0113-218 1010), Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, £14.50, children £9

HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM

Journey up in a state-of-the-art cable car and enjoy magnificent views of the Peak District. Your children can get a real sense of how the landscape formed as they look at the geology, plant life and wooded hillside of this park, which first opened in 1780. Matlock Bath, Derbys (www.heightsofabraham.com 01629 582365), Mon-Sun 10am-5pm (until Nov 4), £10, children £7.50, under5s free

KIDS WEEK

Organised by the Society of London Theatre, Kids Week aims to encourage children to enjoy live theatre through backstage tours, special events and free children’s tickets for show. Various venues, London (www.kids week.co.uk 0870 4000800), Aug 17-31, times, prices and venues vary

THE LOWRY

Be inspired by the art on show at this modern Salford art gallery then try out a variety of craft activities in the bright, shiny children’s Art Zone. Pier 8, Salford Quays (www.thelowry.com 0870 7875780), Mon-Sat 9.30am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm, free. Art Zone workshops every Wed through Aug, noon-3pm, free

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

It might be well known for its dinosaurs, but this place explores all aspects of nature. A new exhibition, “Ice Station Antarctica”, reveals the freezing, dark and challenging world at the southernmost point of the planet, as well as reminding young visitors that penguin colonies are actually pretty whiffy. Cromwell Road, London SW7 (www.nhm.ac.uk 020-7942 5000), Mon-Sun 10am-5.50pm, free

PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL

This music and arts festival is based on the England/Wales border near Hay-on-Wye. Children’s activities include storytelling and puppet theatre. Presteigne, Powys, Wales (www.presteignefestival.com 01544 267800), Aug 23-28, times, prices and venues vary

ROALD DAHL MUSEUM

Although this museum does tell the story of Dahl’s life, and features fun exhibits themed around his wonderful children’s stories, it also celebrates creative writing, inspiring visitors to use their own imaginations. 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, Bucks (www.roalddahlmuseum.org 01494 892192), Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, £4.95, children £3.50, under5s free

ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH

The refurbished Observatory is about much more than standing on the Greenwich Meridian time line, cool as that is. Look at the science of astronomy and check out the brand new planetarium. The National Maritime Museum at the bottom of Greenwich Park has some wonderful seafaring exhibits, too, and a whole gallery devoted to Horatio Nelson. National Maritime Museum, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 (www.nmm.ac.uk 020-8312 6565), Mon-Sun 10am-6pm (until Sept 2), free

SEA.FARI ADVENTURES OBAN

These are family-friendly marine tours on a high-speed RIB (rigid inflatable boat). Spot porpoise, dolphins, whales, otter seals and seabirds in the company of the crew – a skipper and a naturalist. Ellenabeich, Easdale, Argyll (www.seafari.co.uk 01852 300003), Mon-Sun, times and prices vary

TATE BRITAIN

From girls who love paintings of swooning princesses, to bookish young ladies who have already discovered the poetry of Shakespeare, there are some iconic paintings at Tate Britain that can spark a lifelong love of art. Check out Odilon Redon’s Ophelia Among the Flowers or something floaty by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Millbank, London SW1 (www.tate.org.uk 020-7887 8888), Mon-Sun 10am-5.50pm, free

VICTORIAN FAIRY TRAIL

One of many children’s activities at Kenwood House this summer. A trail leads children to a number of fairies, each one based on the photographs of Arthur Conan Doyle. Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, London NW3 (www.english-heritage. org.uk/kenwoodhouse 020-8348 1286), Mon-Sun 11am-5pm (until Oct 31), free. Fairy trail, Aug 11, 11am-4pm, £1

Simpsons cultural survival guide #3

On the Loch Ness Monster Homer: “We’re gonna find that monster no matter how long it takes. Besides, I’m getting kind of used to wearing a kilt. Can you believe I’m a size four?”