Looking for fun stuff to do with the kids before they head back to school? TGIF is here to help, with a roundup of 30 events, places and other family-friendly things to do on O'ahu these last weeks of summer.

We didn't realize until we started compiling all the events and activities how many cool things were happening to entertain keiki of all ages.

GIANT BUGS ON DISPLAY

Budding entomologists will love the gigantic robotic insects on display at two separate exhibits. The Bishop Museum's "Backyard Monsters: the World of Insects" runs through Sept. 7 and features giant robotic critters including tarantulas, butterflies, beetles, caterpillars and wasps more than 10 feet in size. $8.95 kama'aina adult admission, $7.95 children ages 4-12; www.bishop museum.org. Meanwhile, Pearlridge Center's free Giant Insect Safari exhibit runs until Aug. 2, with gargantuan robotic insects (up to 600 times life-size) and other hands-on, fun-filled activities. www.pearlridgeonline.com.

BANK OF HAWAII FAMILY SUNDAYS

The popular third Sunday event at the Honolulu Academy of Arts should definitely make your summer to-do list. This Sunday's theme is "Blown Out of Proportion," where kids learn about the design principle of proportion through hands-on art activities. The day's events include balloon artists, a show by Mad Science Hawaii, a watermelon seed-spitting contest and screenings of the film "Gumby." Refreshments available. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (third Sunday of every month); free; 532-8700; www.honoluluacademy.org.

HAWAII CHILDREN'S DISCOVERY CENTER

Along with three floors of interactive displays and activities geared toward young children, the center will be hosting special events like kids' cooking classes on Thursday and July 30 (registration recommended), and a Countdown to Kindergarten event on July 25.

On Aug. 15, Ziggy Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, will perform a free children's concert, featuring music from his newly released album "Family Time." Albums will be available for purchase after the concert, and Ziggy will be doing an autograph signing. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. 524-5437; www.discoverycenterhawaii.org.

KIDS FIRST! FILM FESTIVAL

Sunday's your last chance to catch the acclaimed Kids First! Film Festival at the University of Hawai'i. Kids ages 5-12 will love the lineup: "Ish," "Wild About Books," The Happy Duckling" and "Heidi 4 Paws: A Furry Tale." The featured flick, "Heidi 4 Paws," is the re-telling of the classic Heidi tale starring real dogs in all the roles (even the goats)! Voiced by Angela Lansbury, Stephen Rea, Julian Sands and Steve Guttenberg. 3 p.m.; UH-Manoa Art Auditorium. free admission. On July 26, UH hosts EarthDance for Families, a compilation of documentaries, comedies, animations and adventures that celebrate humans and nature, one short film at a time (for ages 8 and older). 3 p.m; free. www.outreach.hawaii.edu/summer.

BAYFEST

The huge summer festival features the Black Eyed Peas in concert on Aug. 15. But even if you don't have tickets for the show, there's plenty of fun to be had with kids, with EK Fernandez rides, fireworks, food, and military tanks and helicopters on display. Aug. 14-16; Gates open at 5 p.m. on Aug. 14 and noon on Aug. 15-16. Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kane'ohe Bay; $5 at the gate for general admission; children 5 and younger are free; www.bayfesthawaii.com.

WET 'N' WILD

Along with its new name (it used to be Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park), the Kapolei water park has two new rides — Island Racer slides and Raging River, a whitewater rafting adventure that winds down over 600 feet of canyon walls. $39.99 general adult admission; $29.99 children 3-11; $19.99 kama'aina rate on Wednesday.

Wet 'n' Wild also has special summer events for families. At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the park will be holding a Mega Mid Summer BBQ & Keiki Carnival, with kids' games, clowns, magicians, jugglers, face painting and a climbing wall. And on Friday nights through August, family-friendly movies will be screened, including "The Dark Knight" (tonight), "Monsters vs. Aliens" (July 24), "Quantum of Solace" (July 31), "Surf's Up" (Aug. 7), "Pink Panther 2" (Aug. 14), "Shrek 3" (Aug. 21) and "Confessions of a Shopaholic" (Aug. 28). Movies start at 7 p.m. After 5 p.m. admission is $25.99 adults, $22.99 ages 3-11; www.hawaii.mywetnwild.com.

HAWAII STATE FARM FAIR

Kiddie rides, a watermelon-eating contest, live entertainment, a farmers market, cooking demonstrations, a livestock show and, of course, lots of food. In other words, fun for the whole family at Bishop Museum. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; $5 adults, $3 ages 4-12, free for museum and Hawaii Farm Bureau members; www.hfbf.org.

'BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ON ICE'

World-renowned Russian skaters take the ice to reenact the story of a prince-turned-beast who is redeemed by the love of a young woman (Belle), who sees the good behind his beastly presence. This classic ballet on ice, complete with acrobatic feats, includes cast members who have worked with the famed Moscow Circus. Runs from July 29-Aug. 2 at Blaisdell Arena. Tickets $30-$60; www.ticketmaster.com.

HONOLULU FAMILY FESTIVAL

Four days of family fun with rides, games, food and entertainment. All the money raised helps refurbish Ala Moana Park. 5-10 p.m. July 30, 5 p.m.-midnight July 31, 10 a.m.-midnight Aug. 1 and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 2. Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park. Free admission; www.honolulufamilyfestival.com.

CENTRAL O'AHU CARNIVAL

The second annual carnival to benefit the Armed Services YMCA will feature EK Fernandez rides, games, food, displays, live music and a Circus Thrill Show featuring a flying trapeze act. Central O'ahu Regional Park, 94-801 Kamehameha Highway, Waipahu. Starts at 6 tonight, and at noon Saturday and Sunday; free admission and parking; wristbands for unlimited rides $20.

MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S GLEAM

Bring the kids to Foster Botanical Garden on Saturday for food, music, dragon dances and kid games. Free after 4:30 p.m. And as part of Foster Gardens' Twilight Summer Concert Series, there'll be a special Teddy Bear Picnic on July 30, with children's activities at 5 p.m. and a harp ensemble concert at 5:45 p.m. Bring a picnic, mat and umbrella. Free; 522-7066.

MERMAIDS HAWAI'I WATER SHOW

Synchronized swimmers will perform cute, funny and glamorous routines to Hawaiian, classical and modern music. At least one mermaid will make an appearance at this family-friendly water show at Makiki District Park Pool. Bring an umbrella for shade. Noon July 25; free; www.mermaidshawaii.com.

'DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: SUMMER CELEBRATION'

Although Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens aren't part of this touring show, it's still gonna be a blast seeing a cast of performers portraying all of our favorite East High characters, and singing and dancing to more than 15 popular "High School Musical" tunes. Blaisdell Concert Hall; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8; $60-$150 VIP; 877-750-4400; www.ticketmaster.com.

'SLAVA'S SNOWSHOW'

This visually arresting, interactive production will be returning to Hawai'i for a two-week run in August. The international stage show, which features French clowns and spectacular visuals, has been heralded as one of the best and funniest touring shows around. It's been seen by 3 million people all over the world. Recommended for older children. Tickets range from $30-$80. Shows run Aug. 12-23 at Hawai'i Theatre. www.hawaiitheatre.com.

'PETER PAN'

With acclaimed choreography by Septime Webre, Ballet Hawaii presents this timeless story about a boy who doesn't want to grow up. Designed for the whole family, characters will soar through the air in spectacular style. Matinee performances at 1 p.m. Aug. 15-16 at Blaisdell Concert Hall; $35-$75; www.ticketmaster.com.

CHILDREN'S STORYTELLING

Award-winning storyteller Diane Ferlatte will be one of the featured performers as part of this year's Hawai'i State Public Library System's Summer Reading Program. Ferlatte uses dialect, movement and music to spin her dramatic multicultural tales. Her 45-minute performance is recommended for all ages. She'll be at the McCully -Mo'ili'ili Public Library (973-1099) at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Emmy Award-winning author Jim May, who wrote the critically acclaimed children's book "Farm on Nippersink Creek," will also be coming to Hawai'i. May has long been entertaining audiences of all ages with his tales about life on the farm and children's stories based on folk legends, myths and ghost stories. He'll be at Kaimuki Public Library (733-8422) at 1 p.m. July 26.

CRY BABY MATINEES

For movie buffs with little ones in tow, here's your chance to catch the latest flicks without worrying about shushing your babies. Nine Consolidated theaters on O'ahu and Maui offer showings of first-run movies during the day, with the lights only partially dimmed and the volume kept lower to allow for sleeping infants. Although some family fare is shown, many are R-rated films suitable only for grownups, so you might want to leave your older toddlers at home. Stroller valet and diaper booths are also available. See the schedule at www.consolidatedtheatres.com.

PICK YOUR OWN FRUIT

For a unique eco-excursion, take the keiki to Frankie's Nursery in Waimanalo to pick your own fruit. With specialists on hand to answer questions, the orchard includes 400 tropical fruits, including mangoes, grapes, lychee, breadfruit and plums. Most of the fruit trees were imported from Central America, Southeast Asia and South America. The owners take biannual trips to see how fruits around the world are cultivated. Enter for free; you pay only for the fruit you pick. For a one-gallon container, prices range from $7.50 for cocoa to $150 for a rare variety of durian. 41-999 Mahiku Pl. 259-8737.

'NIGHTINGALE'

The emperor is never satisfied, demanding more of everything. Only the Nightingale, a plain yet wondrous bird, has the power to save him. Based on the story by Hans Christian Anderson, this fantastical fairy tale performed by the Honolulu Theatre for Youth offers spectacular costumes and choreography. For ages 4 and up. Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew's Cathedral. Opening Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m., running Saturdays through Oct. 3 at 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $16, $18; 839-9885; www.htyweb.org.

WILD CONCERTS

Pack a picnic and mat and head to the Honolulu Zoo for the remaining Wildest Show in Town concerts, held on Wednesday nights through Aug. 12. This super family-friendly series takes place on the zoo's stage lawn, and features top local artists, including Rolando Sanchez (July 22), 'ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro (July 29), Natalie Ai Kamau'u (Aug. 5) and Jimmy Borges & his All Star Jazz Band (Aug. 12). Be sure to get there early to stake out a good viewing spot on the lawn. Another big perk: There's a playground in case the kids get antsy. 6 p.m. Wednesdays (gates open 4:35 p.m.); $3 donation; www.honzoosoc.org.

MORE THAN JUST A BOOKSTORE

Both Barnes & Noble locations at Ala Moana Center and Kahala Mall offer regular children's events, sometimes with characters in full costumes. At the Kahala store, Clifford the Big Red Dog arrives on Aug. 8, while Peter Rabbit will make an appearance Sept. 12. Kahala will host other keiki reading events on July 19, 21 and 28 and Aug. 2 and 4, while storytelling at Ala Moana takes place on July 18, 19, 21, 25 and 28. www.barnesandnoble.com.

LEGO FUN

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, Ala Moana Center will hold an interactive event for its new Lego store, which opens July 23. Lego Master Builder Dan Steininger will lead the construction of 8-foot and 10-foot Lego surfboards on centerstage. Children are invited to help build the surfboards or create Lego sandcastles. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 14-16; www.alamoanacenter.com.

WINDWARD MALL

With its wildly popular indoor play area, 808 Bounce, Farrell's and Borders, Windward Mall might very well be THE most kid-friendly shopping center on O'ahu. The colorful indoor play area — next to a pet store, no less — is safe, gated, clean and free. Plus, there's seating, including massage chairs, for parents. 808 Bounce, located on the second floor, offers bouncy houses and slides. It's $7.75 for an all-day pass and free for parents with children. Also on July 24, from 5-8 p.m., Regal Cinema will host a "G-Force" premiere party at Windward Mall's Center Court. Activities include a keiki identification station and demonstrations on how assistance animals are trained.

ICE PALACE

Just because it's Hawai'i doesn't mean you can't have your share of winter fun — even in the summer. Cool off with a visit to Ice Palace, with daily public skating hours. If you're new to ice skating, lessons go for $89 for eight individual lessons. 4510 Salt Lake Blvd., 'Aiea; 487-9921. www.icepalacehawaii.com.

HIT THE BEACH

It's hardly summer in Hawai'i without numerous trips to the beach. We all have our favorites, but if you're taking the keiki, here are some of the most family-friendly beaches on O'ahu: Ala Moana Beach Park/Magic Island, Bellows, Hanauma Bay, Hale'iwa Beach Park, Ka'alawai Beach (near Black Point) for tidepool exploration, Kaimana Beach, Kailua Beach Park, Ko Olina Lagoons, Lanikai Beach, Pupukea Beach Park for tidepool exploration and Waimanalo Beach Park.

KID FLICKS

If the idea of kicking back in an air-conditioned theater with a tub of popcorn and mochi crunch sounds ideal, be sure to catch family-friendly movies like Jerry Bruckenheimer's "G-Force," a comedy-adventure opening July 24 about guinea pigs who are secretly government spies, and the comedy "Aliens in the Attic" with Ashley Tisdale, which premieres July 31.

FREE MOVIES

Catch free 'ohana-friendly flicks like "Kung Fu Panda," "Madagascar 2" and "Hotel for Dogs" at Regal's Free Family Film Festival every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 & IMAX is the host for this event. 528-3653.

DOLE PLANTATION

Dole Plantation offers year-round Plantation Garden Tours on the Pineapple Express ($7.75) with frequent stops to watch free pineapple-cutting demonstrations. The Pineapple Maze holds a record as the world's biggest maze — two acres and 2.46 miles ($6). 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa; 621-8408.

WAIKIKI AQUARIUM

Watch an octopus extract its dinner from a jar and see seadragons slurp up shrimp. Kids take part in an exclusive after-hours animal feeding at Marine Munchies, held Mondays 4:30-6 p.m. ($12 children, $16 adults for members; $15 children, $20 adults for nonmembers). Children can also discover if fish sleep or seadragons doze during an after-dark flashlight tour through Aquarium After Dark, 7-9 p.m. Aug. 11. For both activities, children must be at least 5 and accompanied by an adult. 923-9741; www.waquarium.org.

HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE

Walk the tropical gardens, catch live Hawaiian music and hula and, of course, check out the wildlife — penguins, turtles, flamingos, parrots, fish — all for free. If you go on Friday evening, stay for the fireworks, which start at 7:45 p.m. 949-4321; www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com.