What’s On: London baby, toddler and family events this weekend
Aquababies Swimming Classes: New classes Tuesdays 11:30 – 1pm, few spaces remaining. Aquababies, a specialist swim school for infants and toddlers up to 3 years old, has a few openings remaining in their Marble Arch venue at exceptional value - £75 for 5 week course. Bring a friend and mention London-baby and you will receive a 20% discount. Bring two friends and get a 40% discount (don’t forget to mention London-baby!!). Ring Sam on 01273 833101 and he will happily give you more information about the course, the instructor and the pool.
Upcoming Events:
28th – 31st 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.
Up and Down, Ga Ga Theatre Company: An enchanting play about a penguin who would like to learn to fly, based on a delightful story book with original score in a child-centred, 40 minute production. Tickets £12 (children ages 2+ are ticketed). Ga Ga Theatre venues around London (Henley, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Finchley and Richmond) starting 13th May.
This Weekend:
Little Venice, Canalway Cavalcade: The pinnacle event of the bank holiday weekend, Canalway Cavalcade. This hidden London neighbourhood celebrates the canals over the weekend with loads of interesting activities for little ones and adults. The Puppet Theatre Barge will be putting on performances (book ahead), there will be kayaking, Punch and Judy, lots of quality arts and crafts for the kids, along with music, food and dancing and drink (including real ale bar) to enjoy while admiring the boats and the canal. Saturday, Sunday and Monday
The London Garden Museum: Saturday 12th, 11am-1pm & 1:30-3:30, all ages, drop-in, free craft making activity
Saturday Films and Shows:
Gate Picturehouse, Kids Club: This week’s programme: Buster Keeton, The General. 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: Chimpanzee. 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, Tales of Beatrix Potter, 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
Sunday
Trafalgar Square, Vaisakhi Festival: Come and join in the Sikh New Year and cultural festival. There will be dancing, music, arts and craft activities for kids and lots of food on sale. Noon – 6pm, free, all ages.
Kenwood House, Family First Sundays: bring the kids and explore Kenwood House, Hampstead and follow up with an art workshop focused on a particular work of art in the house. Sunday, noon – 4pm. Free to English Heritage members (£39 annual membership)
Wallace Collection, Little Draw: Pop into the Wallace Collection on Sunday for a drawing workshop. Free, all ages, 1:30-4:30.
Little Venice, Canalway Cavalcade: The pinnacle event of the bank holiday weekend, Canalway Cavalcade. This hidden London neighbourhood celebrates the canals over the weekend with loads of interesting activities for little ones and adults. The Puppet Theatre Barge will be putting on performances (book ahead), there will be kayaking, Punch and Judy, lots of quality arts and crafts for the kids, along with music, food and dancing and drink (including real ale bar) to enjoy while admiring the boats and the canal. Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Monday:
The Pirate Castle, Camden, Baby Rave: For parents who used to rave – bring the babies to The Pirate Castle and enjoy music at a much softer level than back in the day. For children 5 and under, older children welcome if they look out for the little ones. A fun way to relive the days … 3:30-5pm, adults £5 and kids £4.
Little Venice, Canalway Cavalcade: The pinnacle event of the bank holiday weekend, Canalway Cavalcade. This hidden London neighbourhood celebrates the canals over the weekend with loads of interesting activities for little ones and adults. The Puppet Theatre Barge will be putting on performances (book ahead), there will be kayaking, Punch and Judy, lots of quality arts and crafts for the kids, along with music, food and dancing and drink (including real ale bar) to enjoy while admiring the boats and the canal. Saturday, Sunday and Monday
For Babies and Toddlers:
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. Fabulous class for post-partum bodies in a great pool; kids up to 3 years old welcome! Read my review
Ritzy, Brixton, Toddler Time:Thursdays 11am, £3 per child, adults free. This week’s programme: Rastamouse
Ritzy, Brixton, Big Scream: Fridays, 11am. £7.50. This week’s feature: Blue Ruin
