Hope you enjoy!!

 V & A

The V & A is an amazing art education resource for the little ones.  Monday – Friday 10:30am – 5:00pm from now until the start of September, you can take your kids to the Imagination Station and create a really good piece to take home.  You and the kids take an adventure around the museum and get inspired to create an underwater themed craft.  In addition to the summer holiday workshops, the V & A offers Drop in Design every Sunday.  Children and their parents collect the materials in the Sackler Centre and go have a self-guided look around the museum and come back to create a keepsake.  Lastly, be sure to make the Marvellous Manuscripts Sunday 21st August Family Event for learning about Jain manuscripts.  Explore the theme with activities, storytelling and then make your own to take with you.

Free, drop-in, all ages (except Imagination Station is 4+ with younger siblings welcome), 10:30am – 5:00pm.

The Victoria and Albert Museum

Cromwell Road

London SW7 2RL

http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/f/families/

Horniman Museum

 Take your kids to the Horniman this summer and take part in Horniman Museum’s Family Art Fun (ages 3+ and younger siblings welcome) every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (various time throughout the day) for the remainder of the school holidays.  The children make a quality craft in the art studio of the museum. Further, the collection is interesting and very good for small children, so take along the big ones for the art and let the little ones have a good discovery of the rest of the collection. These sessions are free with spaces allocated on arrival.  Check with the desk when you arrive for information.

Horniman Museum and Gardens

100 London Road

Forest Hill

London SE23 3PQ

http://www.horniman.ac.uk/events/family.php

Saatchi Gallery

The Saatchi Gallery has just begun running family art workshops on Sunday mornings with Valeria Almadie.  These delightful workshops are for ages 4+ and generally run 11:00am & 2:00pm.  The workshop begins with a look around the gallery at three different works in the current show; the children are then taken down to the art studio and led in a discovery of design.  The classes are very small, with Valeria working very closely with each child.  This is a very child-friendly museum, please come out and support their latest efforts to cater to little ones.

Saatchi Gallery

Duke of York HQ

Kings Road

London SW3 4SQ

valeriaamadei@hotmail.it

http://familyworkshops.wordpress.com/about/

British Museum

On Tuesdays and Thursdays in August, the British Museum is offers activities for children to explore the Treasures of Heaven: Saints, Relics and Devotion in Medieval Europe exhibit.  They may make a glittering treasure box, hear tales of saints and monsters, create a pilgrim badge… different activities where they learn a bit about the exhibit and have a really cool artefact to take home with them.  Read the Family Events listings before heading off and have a great time learning and enjoying the British Museum.

British Museum

Great Russell Street

WC1B 3DG

http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/family_events.aspx

National Gallery

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the National Gallery is holding different interactive workshops for the under fives.  Some are just based on stories and movement, others involve making something.  These workshops are not pre-bookable; however, you may arrive up to half an hour before the workshop begins to be allocated a place.  You meet in the education foyer, which is off the entrance all the way around the building, opposite Trafalgar Square. 

The National Gallery

Trafalgar Square

London WC2N 5DN

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/families/

National Portrait Gallery

Nearly every morning for the next few weeks, the National Portrait Gallery will be running Tour and Draw sessions for ages 3+.  In addition to these sessions, they will be offering Family Art Workshops for ages 5+, with younger siblings welcome to tag along.  These workshops are so enjoyable for young and old alike, the staff is really enthusiastic and make the sessions fun for all.  Check the web site for specific dates, times and activities.

National Portrait Gallery

St. Martin’s Place

London WC2H 0HE

http://www.npg.org.uk

Holland Park Ecology Centre

Over the summer holidays, be sure to take your kids to the very charming Holland Park Ecology Centre.  They have a lovely staff that will lead your child on a wildlife discovery focusing on fauna of the local area.  The session will start in the Ecology Centre which is located very close to the cafe, near the athletic fields.  The kids will begin learning about the topic (minibeasts, reptiles, making a shelter, orienteering) and then go on to create something to take away with them (potted seeds, a tree fairy, a clay lizard) and then go outside to explore and play games.  It’s very low-key and very enjoyable.  As a bonus, children over the age of 8 may be dropped-off.  Sessions cost £4 for residents and £5 for non-residents.  You may also book the Ecology Centre for birthday parties during the school year.

Holland Park Ecology Centre

The Stable Yard

London W8 6LU

http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/environmentandtransport/ecology.aspx

If you are around this summer, book into the Holland Park Ecology Centre’s Classes for ages 5+ (younger sibs welcome to come along)

10 am and 2pm sessions running now until September, Mini Beast Hunts, Build a Shelter, Learn About Peacocks, Pond Dipping and more.  £5 per session for non-residents, pre-booking required.

More details here: http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/pdf/summer%20holidays%2011.pdf

Come dressed as a Victorian and join in the fun: hog roast, ice creams, bouncy castles, face painting, Punch and Judy show, stalls offering goods for sale from local businesses, music, games and more.  Former members of St. James the LessSchoolare invited for a reunion and tour around the old school.  http://sjtl.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=183&Itemid=148

 (not affordable, but really unique) Circus Glory, Primrose Hill Community Centre, Wednesday 27^th & Thursday 28th July

Ring to book a place for circus school!!  10am – 3:00pm drop-off, just off RegentsPark, NWI.  Ages 5+ £50 per day.  Send your kids with a pack lunch and lots to drink. Email: g.monastesse@googlemail.com (or email me, laura at london-baby dot com and I will send you her mobile)

 Paper Theatre Art Workshops, Saatchi Gallery, Sunday 31st July 10:30am (Ages 5+, £10 per child)

Contact Valeria at valeriaamadei@hotmail.it, to book a place.  Also, check out her web site for more information: http://familyworkshops.wordpress.com/about/

 Southbank, Real Food Market (Friday 29^th – Sunday 31^st) and Disappearing Rooms (fountains, ongoing)

If it heats up this weekend and you don’t want to cook, head out to Southbank.  Play in the disappearing rooms fountains (bring towels, the kids will get SOAKED).  Head over for foodie fun after in the Real Food Market where you can buy crafted prepared foods, jams, soaps, wines, coffees and baked goods. http://ticketing.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/hayward-gallery-and-visual-arts/tickets/jeppe-hein-appearing-rooms-1000091

 Also, book now Wigmore Hall Autumn events: For Crying out Loud (under 1 yr), Toddler Bop (1-2 years), Chamber Tots (2-5 years) www.wigmore-hall.org.uk/learning

 They are going to KILL ME for this, but .. Sneak the kids to see Moby!! 1^st August 5pm – 6pm

Foyles Royal Festival Hall.  Singing his new book photography book, Destroyed, and playing a short acoustic set!!  http://www.foyles.co.uk/Public/Events/Detail.aspx?eventId=1261

 Tuesday 26^th July, Westminster Abbey: Royal Wedding Forever.  2:30pm – 4:00pm, free (ages 4+).  Find out all about the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  Sessions are limited to 40 children, so book ahead. http://www.westminster-abbey.org/whats-on/events/2011/july/summer-holiday-childrens-events-at-westminster-abbey

 Wednesday 27^th – Sunday 31^st July, National Theatre: Watch This Space.  All ages, free.  Loads of free performances music, manic pie throwing, miniature sets and plays, monkeys trampolining, an eclectic mix of performances beginning around 1pm and ending around 6pm. http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/wts

  Thursday 28^th July, Westminster Abbey: Make Like a Monk.  2:30pm – 4:00pm, free (ages 4+) Learn about the monks of Westminster Abbey and meet brother William who worked in the garden.  Discover natural plant dyes and have a go at dying a T-shirt yourself.  http://www.westminster-abbey.org/whats-on/events/2011/july/summer-holiday-childrens-events-at-westminster-abbey

 Saturday 30^th July, Royal Albert Hall: BBC Family Prom, Horrible Histories.  11am- 2pm, free, all ages.  Tickets places have all gone, but on the day of the Prom 1,000 tickets will be release.  Come sing along with the cast of Horrible Histories for the perfect Family Prom http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/whats-on/2011/july-30/23

 Saturday 30^th July, Leicester Square Theatre, “Help I’m a Prisoner in a Toothpaste Factory”.  2:30pm, £7.50 children, £10.00 adults.  Come watch a live recording of a radio drama written by much loved British author John Antrobus.  http://leicestersquaretheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/126514991/events

 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)