London-Baby

July and August Events

admin — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:24:46 +0000

BEST OF JULY AND AUGUST FUN FOR THE UNDER FIVES ….

Here is a list of what I found to be the most promising events for the little ones this summer in London. Enjoy!!!

PADDLING POOLS AND PARKS: http://www.london-baby.com/browse-by-category/paddling-pools-and-outdoor-water-fun/

MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS:

BRITISH MUSEUM

Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG

Tel: 020 7323 8394

www.britishmuseum.org

Open 10:00-5:30 pm daily

Admission: free for permanent collection

SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES: SOUTH AFRICA LANDSCAPE

Tuesdays and Thursday throughout August, 11:00 – 4:00 pm

Take part in a range of activities based on the plants, animals, landscape and arts of South Africa.

Free, all ages

HORNIMAN MUSEUM

100 London Road, SE23 3PQ

Tel: 0208 699 1872

www.horniman.ac.uk

Admission: free, except for some temporary exhibitions

Open 10:30 – 5:30 pm daily

SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES:

Nearly every day at the Horniman Museum there are events for the Under Fives; specimen handling, storytelling, arts and crafts … if nothing is planned, the museum has loads of toddler-friendly exhibits and an enormous garden with picnic areas.

THEATRE AND SHOWS:

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

Tel: 0871 663 2500

www.southbankcentre.co.uk

VISUALISE: RELOADED

A smash-hit at two Edinburgh Fringe Festivals, Visualise Reloaded is a mischievous mix of physical theatre, live science demonstrations, projected images and music. The lack of language means less explanation and more exploration, making this show suitable for all ages.

Sat July 3rd, 2:30 pm

Tickets £10.00 adults, £5.00 children

All ages

THE PUPPET THEATRE BARGE

Little Venice, London W9

Tel: 020 7249 6876

www.puppetbarge.com

A DOUBLE BILL: THE BIRDMAN AND MONKEY BIZ

A magical and poetic double bill of two puppet shows. The first half, The Birdman, tells of an old man who rescues a small bird that has fallen out of the nest. Beautiful lighting and original composed music guarantee enchantment. The second half, Monkey Biz, entertains with monkey marionettes performing tricks and turns with skill. Includes a dissecting skeleton and a contortionist.

Tue June 1st – Sun June 6th daily 3:00 pm

Saturdays & Sundays June 12th – July 11th, 3:00 pm

THE TOWN MOUSE & THE COUNTRY MOUSE

These two famous cousins visit each other and both experience exciting new sights and sounds. They end up all the wiser as a result of these adventures. A very special delight for both young and old with music, songs and rod puppets. Town Mouse meets the Billy Goats Gruff and other well known characters whilst the Country Mouse meets a cat and a grandfather clock, and faces up to the noisy city traffic.

July 31st – August 15th, daily 2:30 pm

Tickets: children £8.50, adults £10.00

THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE AND OTHER TALES FROM AESOP

These well-known fables are brought to life with drama and humour. Staged with beautiful lighting and carved marionettes, enchantment is guaranteed.

August 18th – September 5th, daily 2:30 pm; Sept 11th & 12th, 18th & 19th, 25 & 26th at 2:30pm

Tickets: children £8.50, adults £10.00

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE

14 Dagmar Passage, London N1 2DN

Tel: 020 7226 1787

www.littleangeltheatre.com

FANTASTIC MR FOX

Roald Dahl’s classic take of wit and determination is brought to life with ingenious puppets and enchanting music. Discover the thrill of the chase and join Mr. Fox and his family underground as they battle to save themselves and the rest of the countryside from disaster.

Performances held daily Wednesdays to Sundays; baby friendly performance at 11:00am on Sept 26th.

Tickets: from £5.00 – £12.50

Ages 4+, please note children under this age will not be allowed in the auditorium

OPERA HOLLAND PARK

Central Library

Phillimore Walk W8 7RX

Tel: 020 7361 3570

FANTASTIC MR FOX

An operatic version of Fantastic Mr. Fox commissioned by Opera Holland Park especially designed to be performed in the beautiful gardens and natural scenery of Holland Park.

Tue August 3, Thu August 5th, Sat August 7th, Tue August 10th, Thu August 12th & Sat August 14th; 3:00 pm

Tickets: £2.50 children, £5.00 adults

All ages

FOR KIDS A LITTLE BIT OLDER …

Kid’s week in the West End, children ages 5 – 16 attend selected plays for free with their paying adult www.kidsweek.co.uk. August 13th – 27th

Attend the Gorilla Flying Trapeze School in Regent’s Park, ages 6+, www.gorillacircus.com. July 27th – August 23rd (AGES 6 AND UP, BUT YOU CAN TAKE THE LITTLE ONES TO HAVE A LOOK)

Father’s Day suggestions …

admin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 10:40:51 +0000

Father’s Day in London:

A short list of temptations for Dad’s of all interests

West End Fans …

Covent Garden’s 180th Anniversary Weekend

Take dad to enjoy the free entertainment in Covent Garden Piazza all weekend long.

West End Live 2010

Saturday June 19th – Sunday June 20th

Come be treated to free performances by different West End productions in Leicester Square. A treat for all!!

History Buffs …

London Festival of Architecture, Nash Ramblas

Saturday June 19th – Sunday June 20th

Take Dad on a walk that will highlight the potential of an improved West End pedestrian route inspired by the Nash plan of 1811. The walk will explore historic features of existing buildings and explain contemporary enhancements to Nash’s original proposal.

Glam Rock Lovers … (child-free)

Bon Jovi at the O2

Sunday June 20th, 6:30 pm.

Take Dad to the O2 for the King of Glam’s only European performance on his 2010 tour.

And Foodies …

Taste of London Regent’s Park

Thursday, June 17th – Sunday, June 20th: 12:00- 4:00 pm for Lunch; 5:30 – 9:30 for Dinner (closing Sunday at 5:00 pm)

Take Dad to the Taste Theatre for live demonstrations by Michelin starred chefs and other kitchen talent; or try Taste of Malaysia for sample dishes from London’s top Malaysian restaurants; a Champagne Masterclass; Taste Wine where you can take part in tasting sessions with top sommeliers.

Tickets starts at £22.00, children 6 – 14 £12.00

June Half-term with the Under Fives

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 09:56:30 +0000

BRITISH MUSEUM

WEST AFRICAN WONDER

Tue June 1st – Fri June 4th, 11:00 – 4:00pm, Great Court

Come to the Museum and explore West African culture through music, storytelling, craftwork and games. Activities will vary throughout the week.

Free, drop in

NATIONAL GALLERY

MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING

Tue June 1st – Sat June 5th, 11:30 – noon, Education Centre Foyer

30 minute story session focusing on one of the amazing paintings in the gallery

FREE, limited spaces allocated on arrival

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

DROP-IN DESIGN SPECIAL: CARDBORAD CONSTRUCTIONS

Tue June 1st – Fri June 4th, 10:30 – 12:30 & 2:00 – 5:00pm, Art Studio & Lunchroom, Sackler Centre

Help design and build an adventurous architectural environment. Use cardboard boxes and recycled materials to construct an exciting place to play.

Free, all ages welcome

TATE BRITAIN

ART TOLLEY HALF-TERM

Tue June 1st – Fri June 4th, 11.00 – 5:00pm

Visit and discover imaginative and weird and wonderful materials. You can build a sculpture, draw something that catches your eye or create a collage.

Free, all ages

HORNIMAN MUSEUM

FAMILY ART FUN

Tue June 1st – Fri June 10th, 11:00 – 3:30pm

Join the fun in the school holidays for creative drop-in sessions. Celebrate festivals and the changing seasons through art and craft.

Free, ages 3+, drop in

DISCOVERY FOR ALL

How sharp are a shark’s teeth? How do you wear a sari? Have you ever played a West African thumb piano? Explore thousands of real objects from around the world in these special sessions.

Free, 3+

Tue June 1st – Fri June 10th, 1:30 – 3:00pm & 3:30 – 5:00 pm

MUSEUM OF LONDON

VICTORIAN TOYS AND GAMES

What did children in Victorian London play with? Play with real Victorian toys and your own to take home.

Ages 3+, drop in

Tue June 1st, 12:30 – 2:00pm & 2:30 – 4:00pm

MY VICTORIAN PUPPET

What did rich and poor children wear in Victorian times? Come and have fun finding out by making your very own puppet.

Wed June 2nd; 11:0 0 – 11:30; 12:00 – 12:30 & 2:30 – 3:00pm

Ages 2+, tickets allocated on arrival

V & A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

THE SECRET LIVES OF TOYS: HIDDEN TOYS TRAIL

Hunt for clues around the Museum for the chance to win a goody bag (winners announced at 4:00pm).

Tue June 1st – Fri June 4th; 10:30, 11:15 and noon

Free, drop-in ages 3-8 accompanied by parent or carer

THE SECRET LIVES OF TOYS: ARTS SMARTS

Tue June 1st – Fri June 4th, 2:00 – 4:0 pm

Come and create a disguise of your own at our arts and crafts table.

Free, drop-in ages 3-8 accompanied by parent or carer

15th – 23rd May

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 15:16:18 +0000

Music

Codogan Hall, Chelsea. Crash Bang Wallop Goldilocks: City of London Sinfonia’s Family Concert. Saturday 15^th May, noon. http://www.cadoganhall.com/showpage.php?pid=1152 (all ages welcome, confirmed with box office) Tickets £8

Tabernacle, Notting Hill: Baby Loves Disco. Sunday 23^rd May, 2- 5pm. Tickets £9 for anyone who can walk, babes in arms free http://www.babylovesdisco.co.uk/locations/london/

Cinema

Barbican Family Film Club, Fantastic Mr. Fox. Saturday 15^th May, 11:00am. Tickets £3 members, £5 non members. All ages

Theatre

Little Angel Theatre, The Fabulous Flutterbys: Meet the Puppets and Q and Barb Jungr. Saturday 29^th May, after 11 am showing. Call the box office and quote “meet the puppets event” to be put on the list for the after the show event. Tickets £10, ages 3+

May 1st – 16th

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:07:05 +0000

Here are some highlights of fun activities that might be of interest over the next few weeks:

WORKSHOPS

MINI MAKE BELIEVE, SOMERSET HOUSE

Children aged 5 and under and their families are welcomed into the new Mini Make Believe workshops. Collect your free ticket from 11:00 on the day from the information desk in Seamen’s Hall.

Sun May 2, 11:30 – 12:30 pm

Free with admission, tickets allocated on arrival from 11:00 on the day

Ages 0 – 5

MUSIC

SONGLINES FAMILY WORKSHOP, Barbican

A creative music workshop celebrating chance encounters, unexpected spaces and the nature of sound.

Sat May 15, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Tickets: £3.00

All ages

LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, Southbank

The theme for this FUNharmonics concert is journeys. The concert begins in America with Dvorak and moves to Iberia with Debussy finishing with Schifrin’s Mission Impossible. Hands on sessions with instruments, face painting and human orchestra before the concert in the foyer.

Sat May 8, 11:30 am

Tickets: begin at £9.00

All ages

THEATRE

TALES FROM THE SHED, Chickenshed Theatre

This interactive performance introduces children to a universe where there is no edge to the stage, so children and performers travel a theatrical journey together.

Every Friday, 11:30 am and every Saturday, 10:00 & 11:30 am throughout May

Tickets: £5.00 (Adults) £4.00 (Children) Babies 6 months and under can enjoy Tales for free.

All ages

THE FABULOUS FLUTTERBYS, Angel Theatre

This brand new production follows the adventures of two very different caterpillars who eat their way to success! Come and watch Hamish and Grace as they encounter a blues-singing Slow Worm Joe, a patch of mean strawberries and Adam and his army of marching ants.

Sat May 1 – Sunday July 4, performances daily Wednesdays – Sundays

Tickets: £10.00, previews on Sat May 1 and Sun May 2 for £5, Friday 5:00 pm for £5

Ages 3+, baby-friendly performances on Sundays

TIM BAT AND HIS BOX OF TRICKS, Tricycle Theatre

Gentleman Juggler Tim clowns his way through his impressive repertoire with lots of style and music. Expect juggling, puppets, thrills, and plenty of laughs.

Sat May 1, check times

Tickets: £5.00

Ages 4 – 7

HICCUP THE HIPPOPOTAMUS

Hippo hiccups every time he gets worried. One day he loses his glasses and his hiccups cause the whole jungle to shake! One by one the creatures who become disturbed by his hiccupping try to help him, including Anthony the Ant, Malcolm the Monkey, Olive the Ostrich and finally the King of the Jungle.

Sat May 15, check times

Tickets: £6.00

Ages 3+

Bila Rodrigues, an international champion swimmer and highly recommended by several London-baby readers, is offering “baby lessons” on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 am, in the lavish Dolphin Square pool -NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED! Each class is £15. Text Bila to book: 07545612705

What is on April 17th – 25th

admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:46:59 +0000

British Museum
Mesopotamian Myths, Saturday April 17th: noon, 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00 pm
Join storyteller Xanthe Gresham for tales of Gilgamesh, Ereshkigal and Ishatar. Different stories told each session.
Free, no booking

Barbican
Birmingham Contemporary Music Group Family Concert, Saturday April 24th, 1:00 and 3:30 pm
Serenade for a satellite, a journey in time and space
£7, all ages

Globe Theatre
Shakespeare’s Birthday, Sunday April 18th noon – 4:00 pm
Different family events and activities, workshop spaces allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis
All ages, free

What’s on 6th April – 16th April

admin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:07:13 +0000

Hello London-baby readers,

Hope you had a great Easter Holiday. If you do not have school-age children you should know that London will be over-run the next two weeks with families on term break. Most drop-in playgroups will be closed. If you head out to the museums this week, get in the queue by 9:45 and be prepared for heaving crowds.

Below is a short list of events for children under five years of age, subscribe to London-baby.com to get the rest of the details.

Enjoy the next few weeks of school holidays,

Theatre:

Little Angel: Wednesday, 7th April – Sunday 11th April, 11:00 & 2:00 pm (2:00 & 5:00 pm Friday) Who’s Been Sitting in My Chair ages 3 – 7, baby friendly performance on Thursday 11:00 am. £8

Unicorn Theatre: Wednesday, 7th April- Saturday 10th April, 11:00 & 2:00 pm, How Cold are my Toes, ages 2 – 7, £10.50, family ticket £30

Puppet Theatre Barge: Tuesday 6th April – Sunday 18th April, daily 3:00 pm, The Hare and the Tortoise and Other Tales from Aesop. Ages 3+. Tickets: Children £8.50, adults £10.00

Hands On:

V & A: Tuesday 6th April – Friday 9th April, 10:30 – 12:30 & 2:00 – 5:00 pm Drop-in Design Special: Quilts, Silks and Stories: design a textile panel to be added to the story quilt, no age restrictions, free

British Museum: Monday 12th April – Friday 16th April 11:00 – 4:00 pm. Come to the Great Court for a variety of activities. No age restrictions, free

Horniman Museum: Tuesday 6th April – Friday 10th April & Monday 12th April – Friday 16th April: Family Art Fun, 11:00 – 3:30 pm; Discovery fro All, 2:00 – 3:30 pm. All ages, free

Tate Britain: Tuesday 6th April – Friday 16th April, Art Trolley. All ages, free

Stories and Songs:

National Gallery: Tuesday 13th April – Saturday 17th April, 11:30 – noon, Magic Carpet Ride, all ages

London Transport Museum: Tuesday 6th April – Friday 9th April & Monday 12th April – Friday 16th April, 11:00 & 4:30 pm, Sing-along Suburbia. Under fives, free

Welcome to London-Baby, an insider’s guide to affordable London activities and attractions for parents and carers of babies and children under five years old.

admin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:49:36 +0000

WESTMINSTER VICTORIA CHELSEA NOTTING HILL BELGRAVIA KNIGHTBRIDGE MAYFAIR PIMLICO KENSINGTON PADDINGTON BAYSWATER SOUTH KENSINGTON BLOOMSBURY HOLBORN COVENT GARDEN SOHO MARYLEBONE

By the time my daughter was born, I had been living in London for two years. I had no family near me and the only friends that I had made were co-workers who, because they did not have young children, seemed to live on a different planet than me after my daughter came along.

We lived in a tiny, central London flat; not being much of a homebody to begin with, my new-born and I immediately set out in October 2005 to discover what London has to offer the under 5’s. I have found this city to be amazingly friendly to carers of small children. In 2007, we moved to a different neighbourhood and I discovered an entirely new part of Central London. Now that our son has joined us in 2009, I can continue to discover London for babies, toddlers and mums with more than one small child.

My reviews are the result of nearly three years of caring full-time for my daughter, and now infant son, in London while also experiencing being a parent travelling to different cities and towns in Europe and North America. This web site is based on all the friendly chats that we have had in playgrounds here in London and elsewhere about destinations and activities for our small children. Further, as a teacher I have accompanied and led groups of children around greater Chicago and London and I bring these experiences to this site.

Having listened to and given so many reviews of these destinations and others, I guarantee they will have exactly the kind of information that you will need for you and your baby and/or toddlers. If you know of new playgroups and classes in your area, please let me know and I’ll add them to the site!

To find local activities, playgroups and great child friendly places, just click on a neighbourhood from the list above to get started.

London-Baby

July and August Events

BEST OF JULY AND AUGUST FUN FOR THE UNDER FIVES ….

Here is a list of what I found to be the most promising events for the little ones this summer in London. Enjoy!!!

PADDLING POOLS AND PARKS: http://www.london-baby.com/browse-by-category/paddling-pools-and-outdoor-water-fun/

MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS:

THEATRE AND SHOWS:

FOR KIDS A LITTLE BIT OLDER …

Father’s Day suggestions …

June Half-term with the Under Fives

15th – 23rd May

May 1st – 16th

What is on April 17th – 25th

What’s on 6th April – 16th April

Theatre:

Hands On:

Stories and Songs:

Welcome to London-Baby, an insider’s guide to affordable London activities and attractions for parents and carers of babies and children under five years old.