Waterville Valley, New Hampshire — This summer, vacationers need to find some extra time between rounds of golf, tennis matches and mountain biking to enjoy the music, theatre and cultural productions being offered in Waterville Valley by its growing arts community. From July through August, the resort’s spectacular mountain location is now also home to classical concerts, children’s theatre, art exhibits and the newly formed Rey Center and Curious George Cottage. Even Skakespeare is in the Valley entertaining and delighting families at the Theatre Under the Stars outdoor stage.

Shakespeare in the Valley opens July 19

This is not your ordinary Shakespeare. Professional actors and local favorites perform on an outdoor stage (bring along a blanket or chair) in an interactive style. They speak directly to the audience and the audience is encouraged to respond in return. July’s o pening weekend features a bold new production of The Most Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet (PG 13) on Thurs., July 19 and Friday, July 20 (also showing July 26 and 28, August 3, 9, 11 and 17). As You Like It (The Musical), PG rated with something for everyone, opens Sat., July 21 (additional shows July 27, August 2, 4, 10, 16 and 18). The curtain goes up at 6:30 pm and tickets for adults are $18 on Thursdays and $20 on Friday and Saturdays. Sunday matinees are at 2:00 pm and tickets for adults are $15. Children’s tickets for ages 12 and under for all shows are $10. Parents can introduce their kids to Shakespeare during interactive family matinees of “Sugar Coated Shakespeare” offered free at 4:00 pm. “Big Bad Bard” will show on Tuesdays and “Lions and Tigers and Bards … Oh My!” will show on Saturdays in July and August. For weekly performance dates, visit www.shakespeareinthevalley.com or call 603-726-0098.

Curious George Family Festival August 10 and 11

The Curious George Cottage in Waterville Valley is the former summer home of Margret and Hans Rey, creators of the Curious George books. In honor of their spirit of curiosity and natural exploration, the Rey Center was founded in the Valley to provide nature walks, literary groups, writers workshops, art shows and, of course, activities for children centered around the lovable monkey, Curious George. In August, familes can join along with Curious George Characters in a one of a kind festival with picnic lunch hikes, tethered hot air balloon rides, a croquet tournament, Curious George story hour, screening of the Curious George Movie, and astronomy night with The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium. Throughout the summer, the Rey Center also organizes weekly hikes including “walk-talks” with invited speakers, hosts astronomy nights three times a month and an open air market offering Curious Gourds Garden and local produce for sale. You can find a full list of activities at www.reycenter.org.