A SHOPPING trip with the kids during the summer holidays doesn't need to be an ordeal, with shopping centres across Gwent putting on a host of fun events to keep youngsters occupied.

FRIARS WALK

The lawn in Usk Plaza will have a selection of free games, seats and activities all summer long. Weather permitting.

Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 - The Big Splash. One of the highlights of Newport's annual calendar, the free event will include performances by acrobatic troupe Mimbre on Saturday, while Sunday will include New Orleans-style jazz from Mr Wilson's Second Liners, comedy chefs the Schmutter Brothers and Newport performers Mr and Mrs Clark. Family shows and walkabout performers will also be entertaining crowds in John Frost Square.

Saturday, July 29 - Colourful family favourite characters Shopkins, Trolls and Paw Patrol will be at the shopping centre to meet young and old between 11am and 4pm.

Saturday, July 29 - The Capital FM Street Stars will be out and about all day giving shoppers the chance to win a hefty handful of shopping money.

Saturday, August 5 - Titan the Robot comes to Friars Walk with a unique blend of comedy, street theatre and music creating a fascinating show. All day.

Saturday, August 12 - The Capital FM Street Stars will be out and about all day giving shoppers the chance to win a hefty handful of shopping money.

Saturday, August 12 - A host of colourful characters from fairy tale princess to heroic superheroes will be on hand to meet shoppers. All day.

Saturday, August 19 - A fearsome troll will be let loose in Friars Walk. Fierce, but friendly, he will be out and about looking for new friends. All day.

CWMBRAN CENTRE

The Beach at Cwmbran Centre will be open from Saturday, July 29 until Sunday, September 3.

Saturday, July 29 - Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Nathan Wyburn will be creating sand portraits of some famous faces. A ‘footprints in the sand’ workshop will also be taking place and bracelet-making and glitter tattoos will be on offer.

Also beach games and activities hosted by Flying Tiger Copenhagen.

Monday, July 31 - Holiday camp-style entertainment throughout the day, as well as beach scene scratch art workshops, glitter tattoos and balloon modelling.

Wednesday, August 2 - Volleyball tournament in Gwent Square hosted by Torfaen Youth Service. Midday-2pm

Saturday, August 5 - Beach games and activities hosted by Flying Tiger Copenhagen.

Monday, August 7 - The Wandering Showman will be entertaining shoppers with stories, songs and performances throughout the day. A handcart will also be roaming the centre selling seaside treats and hosting giveaways. Flip-flop sun-catcher painting workshops and balloon modelling will also be on offer.

Wednesday, August 9 - Ring toss games at The Beach hosted by Torfaen Youth Service. Midday-2pm.

Saturday, August 12 - Beach games and activities hosted by Flying Tiger Copenhagen.

Monday, August 14 - The Giant Balloon Guy will be performing throughout the day. Personalised postcards and windmill-making will also be available.

Wednesday, August 16 - Frisbee games with Torfaen Youth Service. Midday-2pm

Saturday, August 19 - Beach games and activities hosted by Flying Tiger Copenhagen.

Monday, August 21 - Uncle Tacko’s flea circus will host shows throughout the day. Face painting will also be available as well as a hanging port hole aquarium workshop.

Wednesday, August 23 - Touch rugby games hosted by Torfaen Youth Service. Midday-2pm

Saturday, August 26 - Beach games and activities hosted by Flying Tiger Copenhagen.

Monday, August 28 - Captain Hook will be hosting his pirate show along with a treasure hunt and special pirate loot grand prize. A tin can alley side stall will also be offering special goodies and a pirate hat-making workshop.

FESTIVAL PARK, EBBW VALE

The UK's longest supertube run. Open every day during the school holidays, 10am-5pm Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm Sunday. £6 for five rides.

Free Red Dragon's Adventure Castle, including swings, zip slides, crawl tubes and ropes. Open every day.