What’s On: This Week’s London Family Events

Apr 18, 2014 by admin

 

Aquababies: Parent and Baby Aquafit Classes (PABA) now taking bookings for their new classes in Marble Arch (super-sumptuous Marriott pool). Bring the baby, get a workout, spend some quality time in the pool and meet local mums. You can learn more about the Aquababies swim classes run, too. Fabulous class for post-partum bodies in a great pool; kids up to 3 years old welcome! Read my review

A Quick Note About Upcoming Events:

Royal Opera House: Family Day – come in for a selection of fabulous activities including trying on real, “retired” opera house costumes (the quality and artistry up close is exquisite) listen to a mini-performance, arts and crafts, stage make-up demonstrations. Brilliant day out (and Sophie’s Steakhouse, near-by, lets kids eat free on Sundays)

28^th – 31^st May Royal Court Theatre, Short Plays for Children: This is a very special event. Plays written by and for children, directed and acted by the Royal Court – great fun for the entire family at a reasonable price £10 adults, £5 children. Book early as these go quickly.

 

This Weekend:

The Globe Theatre, Shakespeare’s Birthday: Monday 21^st, noon – 5pm. Come to The Globe for a free family day of fun activities – Punch and Judy, stilt walkers, bouncy castle, balloon artists and an improve performance as the culminating event. Free, all ages, drop-in

Saatchi Gallery, Storystock: Over the Easter weekend, children can buy a pass (£10 each) and take part in various art and storytelling activities throughout the weekend. Children will also be given an “anti-guide” to help them interact with the current exhibition, Pangaea. The rest of the week, there are fabulous art workshops (stop-motion animation, paper cut out books) that can be booked separately.

Trafalgar Square: Feast of St. George. Monday 21^st, noon – 6pm. Stop by Trafalgar Square for Morris dancing, shadow puppets, live music, food and kids’ activities. Free, all ages

The London Garden Museum: Saturday 12^th, 11am-1pm & 1:30-3:30, all ages, drop-in, free – Felt Brooches and Badges.

 

Saturday Films and Shows:

Gate Picturehouse, Kids Club: This week’s programme: Cinderella. Tickets £1 with £4 membership, popcorn and juice £2. (best £3 you will ever spend on a rainy Saturday)

Barbican Family Film Club: This week’s feature: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Tickets are £2, bring the kids and escape the cold while you chill and watch a movie. Great price. 11am, all ages.

Electric Cinema, Kid’s Club: This week’s feature, Oz The Great and Powerful, 9:30am. Check out the newly refurbished Electric Cinema in Notting Hill with its plush, red velvet beds, sofas and armchairs. Looks like a great way for Dad to occupy the kids on a Saturday morning. Tickets £8 per person. All ages

Lauderdale House, Saturday Kids Show, Dick Whittington: Come and take part in this interactive, audience participation of the classic tale. 10am and 11:30am. Children under 2 free, adults and children £4.50

And on to the week ahead:

Wallace Collection, Spring Fling: Come join artist Flora Allen to create spring inspired arts and crafts in this drop-in session. All ages, Thursday 24^th, 10-noon and 2-3:45.

Holland Park Ecology Centre: for ages 5+, with ages 8+ allowed to be left unaccompanied. 2 hour sessions £5.40, 4 hour sessions £9.50. Meet in the Holland Park Ecology Centre (now located in the Adventure Playground) and let the kids have fun making shelters, learning about lizards, hunting for minibeasts, looking for owl pellets – all kinds of fantastic activities. Monday 14^th- Thursday 17^th and Tuesday 22^nd – Friday 25^th.

V & A: in addition to the Imagination Station (craft kits you can take around the museum to make something walking around the museum) there is a good deal of theatre on. Bottom’s Dream is on Saturday 19^th, 26^th and Sunday 27^th, free, all ages. Shakespeare’s Puppet Show is on Monday 14^th – Saturday 19^th at various times, £5 per person and £15 per family. Shakespeare 4 Kidz is giving a performance Tuesday 22^nd – Friday 25^th at 11am, 1 & 3pm.

Kensington Palace: Thursday 17^th – Monday 21^st, ages 7-11, £16.50 per adult: various activities running, this is a great place to do some exploring with the kids and not have to deal with the crowds at the museums.

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