No need to wait around for a bus again; download the London Bus Checker Smartphone app for your iphone or Android for a mere £1.99.  Real-time updates from busses en route, easily downloadable route maps with stops indicated on street maps … read my review, or download from itunes here

Also, head over to Earl’s Court Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show on Sunday 5^th February, noon, theatre 1 to hear London dad, safari specialist, conservationist and National Geographic presenter Hayden Turner talk about his award-winning documentary “Hunters of the Lost World” where he followed and documented the hunting and survival skills of 7 rare tribes.  Hayden will also be on hand to discuss family safari travel … read more

Just for Babies:

Gate Cinema: Tuesday 7^th February.  Big Scream.  Come and see Carnage this Tuesday without the crowds, hassle or need to pay a sitter.  Doors open at 10am, movie begins at 10:30, free coffee and pastries http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Gate_Picturehouse/Whats_On/Clubs_Groups/

 For Toddlers and Babies

Classical Babies: Wednesdays, 11:00am, Belisize Park, Interchange Studios.  £10 per family for a delightful classical concert that is completely baby and toddler friendly, the perfect mid-week bit of brain candy read more about the fabulous bit of motherhood: My review. 

Classics with my Baby: a classical concert series for mums and tots.  Classical concerts specifically designed for mums and children (0-5 years) to enjoy together. Tickets: Adults £10, children FREE (special offers on website)

 Tuesday Febuary 7th Islington - Christ Church, Highbury N5 1SA 2012 10:00am:  ”Eat Cake and Mingle” 10:30am:  Concert begins. Ends by 11:30am Tickets:  Adults £10 at the door, discounts available online, children FREE

 Wednesday Febuary 8th 2012 Chelsea - Christ Church, Christchurch Street, off Flood Street, London, SW3 4AS 10:00am:  ”Eat Cake and Mingle” 10:30am:  Concert begins. Ends by 11:30am
Tickets:  Adults £10 at the door, discounts available online, children FREE

 Le Institute Francias: Baby French Tales, A La Decoouverte De Paris (ages 0-3) Saturday 4^th February, 11am.  1 hour, in easy French.  A new baby elephant has arrived in town looking for his big city adventure.  Bring your kids along to Baby French Tales and explore the fabulous South Kensington area before or after.  £7 per adult, £5 per child.  www.institut-francais.org.uk/kids-and-teens/baby-and-kids-french-tales

 For Bigger Kids:

Somerset House: Mini Make Believe. Sunday 5^th February from 11:30 – 12:30.  Bring your 2-5 year olds along to learn about pairs.  Look, sing, dance, make and learn in this fabulously designed and run little workshop for very young children.  Free, tickets allocated on arrival.  www.somersethouse.org.uk/learning/family

 Somerset House: Family Workshop, Imaginary Menagerie.  Saturday 4^th February, 2:00-3:30pm.  Construct your own weird and wonderful beasts and mythical monsters at this drop-in making workshop.  Free, no ticket required, but you may have to wait for a turn to make something http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/learning/family/free-family-workshops

 Saatchi Gallery Family Art Workshop: A Bag Full of Art.  Sunday 5^th February, 10:30, noon, 3:00 and 4:00pm.  Explore the exhibition highlights through family oriented tours that incorporate interactive conversations and drawing activities.  The tour begins with the opening of a bag that contains media used by artists in Gesamkunstwerk.  Children will have the opportunity to touch, experience and interact with the materials.  Ages 4-12, younger siblings welcome, £3.00 per child.  Book required valeria@familyartworkshops@gmail.com  www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/a_bag_full_of_art.htm

 Kids Club, Saturdays at Gate Picturehouse: Scooby Doo, PG
From 10am they have activities, then watch the foodie/kiddie feel good flick at 10:30.  £4 to join the Kids Club, but then tickets are £1 after, popcorn and juice for the kids £2.  http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Gate_Picturehouse/Whats_On/Clubs_Groups/Kids_Club/

 Read more about the day out here.

Wallace Collection Little Draw: Sunday 5^th February 1:30 – 4:30.  Bring the kids along to a drop-in art workshop.  Come here after going to the expansive Marylebone Farmer’s Market (10am -2pm Sundays in the car park just behind Waitrose) and the gorgeous Paddington Green playground, located in the park just beyond the car park. http://www.wallacecollection.org/whatson/activitiesforadultsandfamilies/familyactivities

 For the Family Over Half Term

Half term week is rapidly approaching.  I will have an in-depth list next week of what to look out for, but you may want to book into an art workshop at The Wallace Collection, weaving at The V and A, a family concert at Cadogan Hall, events at The Imagine Festival at Southbank, Lollibop Mini Disco at Ministry of Sound, events at the Holland Park Ecology Centre.  Not ready to commit?  Don’t worry, there are loads of drop-in events coming in the complete list next week.

 For Adults:

NCT Interior Design Short Course A fabulous fundraiser for the National Childbirth Trust, an interior design course at Whole Foods Market on High Street Kensington.  Put together with the help of London Property Makeover, you can learn the basics of interior design (how to write a brief, colour theory, how to mix fabrics, create a mood board, spatial planning and lighting – wow!!).  This is intended for mums creating a nursery for their new-borns, but I want to come, too!!  Four Wednesdays 8pm – 9pm, from 29^th February.  £80 for the course, donation to the NCT included.  Read on … 

Families local to the Pimlico Toy Library, please stop by the Toy Library Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and buy raffle tickets to sell to friends and neighbours.  We are in desperate need of fundraising to keep our fabulous charity open.

For the Family:

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is open, we have been and you are in for such a big treat this year!!! 

We have been every year, with one toddler, a child and a baby, a big kid and and toddler and even with each changing dynamic, I cannot get over how much fun we have each year; it’s a great family event no matter how old your kids are.  Why is the woman who writes about textile ornament making telling you to go to Winter Wonderland?  It is just that much fun: rides, food, hot adult beverages, people watching and the kids just love every minute of it. 

The entry is free, the rides will costs upwards from £2 per child and adults are charged to ride.  SantaLand has a free grotto, small rides for the littlies and a gentle atmosphere.  The energy around the market and the “big kid rides” is a bit manic, as you can imagine.  The ice skating rink is outdoors and built around the bandstand this year instead of being housed in the temporary building (huge improvement).  Sadly, the antique “Parisian” car rides and gliders are not here this year, but perhaps we can persuade them to bring them back for next year.

If you can manage, go right at 10am on a weekday or on the weekends and you will be in a thinner more family crowd.  For all budgets, its a great time out.

South Kensington Literary Festival at Le Institut Francais: Thursday 24^th – Sunday 27^th come and book to see drawing duels with Alex Sheffler and David McKee, watch a film, get your book signed by your favourite children’s author:

Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair, Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th November , 10-4pm.  Come and peruse the marquis covered gardens for fabulously crafted Christmas gifts.  Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, game stews and hot breakfasts all provided by the fabulous Tangerine Dream Cafe.  £5 per adult, children under 16 free. 

Southbank Winter Festival: The Southbank Christmas Market (now through 24^th December) and Royal Festival Hall: Pack a picnic and enjoy shelter and entertainment in the Royal Festival Hall after walking through the Southbank Christmas festival and market.  Take in the views from the Southbank, watch the entertainers, eat in the market and ride the fabulous carousal and then pop into the Royal Festival Hall and check out Forkbeard Fantasy Theatre of Imagination(2^nd December – 8^th January) an interactive with life size puppets, peepshow boxes, mechanical gizmos and cartoons.  The Festival Hall is a community space, with toilets and highchairs and wifi for anyone to use.  You can bring your own food or buy food there.  Will write up more about the fabulous Christmas shows next week  

Christmas on Elizabeth Street, Sunday 4^th December, noon – 5pm: come and pet the reindeer, encounter the ice queen, see Father Christmas, listen to brass bands and carol singers … it is a fabulous family day for all to enjoy

Fortnum and Mason Storytelling of the Nutcracker: Saturdays and Sundays from 26^th November – 18^th December.  Plus, Monday 19^th and Tuesday 20^th December: 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30, £15 per child.  Come and listen to Father Christmas tell the story of the Nutcracker.

Just For Babies:

The Gate Picturehouse, Tuesday 10:30 am, Big Scream for infants under 12 months. This week’s picture: The Weekend, starring Chris New and Tom Cullen.   Huge thank yous to Gate Picturehouse for the tickets for the Westminster NCT Big Coffee Morning Celebrating Canadian and American Thanksgiving:

Babies and Toddlers

NCT Christmas Party at the Chelsea Theatre with Pippa’s Poppets:  Thursday 1^st December 11:15 – noon.  Come join the NCT Kensington and Chelsea Branch and Pippa’s Poppets for a fabulous free party complete with mince pies and Christmas carols, in addition to Pippa’s fantastic music class.  Pippa was joint winner of The Times Christmas Carol Competition this year and will be performing her carol at Codogan Hall. http://web.me.com/pippacleary/Pippas_Poppets/Home.html book a place by emailing: toddlersnctkensington@yahoo.co.uk or get in touch with the Kensington and Chelsea NCT http://www.facebook.com/KensingtonAndChelseaNCT

Classical Babies: come and see the duelling violins, babies, toddlers and older children welcome to come and watch a scream-friendly concert in Belsize Park, £10 per family.

Bigger Kids:

The Wallace Collection, Little Draw: Sunday 4^th December 1:30 – 4:30.  Join artist Julia Iwasz for a free drawing session. 

Do not miss, Family Art Workshops in the Saatchi Gallery on Sundays from 27^th November – 18^th December, £3 per card.  The fabulous Valeria will take your children on a guided discovery through the galleries and then teach them how to print Christmas cards.  http://familyworkshops.wordpress.com/about/

Also at the Saatchi Gallery, Wednesday 21^st December 11am – 5pm, free family day of workshops, tours and tea!!

Two Temple Place: Come and check out the newly opened, sumptuously restored, period home and now art collection located near The Strand.  Morris Christmas Craft Workshop, Saturday 17^th December.  Join Andrea Tierney for an afternoon of making Morris inspired Christmas baubles out of textiles.  10 – 4:30, £3

Just for Mums:

The Spa at Dolphin Square and I are putting our heads together to come up with a mum’s Sunday afternoon.  Dads will take the kids out to explore The Kids Zone at the Army Museum, or a day out in Covent Garden or scores of other fun activities while mum’s book in groups of four for the most luxurious and relaxing afternoon of pampering.  Watch this space!!

Gate Picturehouse Big Scream: Tuesday 15^th November, 10:30, babies less than 1 year of age.  The Awakening with Imelda Saunton, Dominic West and Rebecca Hall; set in a 1920’s English country boarding school, the film explores a sceptics encounter with supernatural phenomena. 

http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Gate_Picturehouse/Whats_On/Clubs_Groups/

Babies and Toddlers:

Classical Babies: Wednesday, 11:00,InterchangeStudiosBelsizePark, £10, babies and toddlers.  Come join Anna Wagstaff and Tanya Ursova Owens for a cello and piano recital. 

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=200150270059506

Babies, Toddlers and Children:

Hyde ParkWinter Wonderland: Thank you to the very fabulous Anna for giving my family tickets to the press opening; London-baby.com has moved to an asset from a liability in my husbands eyes. We look forward to posting a review of all the rides, food and cocktails next week!!

http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

Meet the Gruffalo at Selfridges: Saturday 19^th, 2-4pm, 4^th floor toy department Selfridges.  Come join the Gruffalo for storytelling and face painting (great way for one parent to get some shopping done)

http://style.selfridges.com/whats-on/meet-gruffalo-selfridges-london

Mini Maestro London Musical Arts Orchestra at St Martinin the Field, Saturday 19^th, 4:30 – 5:30, Beethovan’s Eroica Symphony, ages 4 – 12.   Fantastic, interactive orchestra who bring children into the performance. 

http://www.lmaorchestra.com/

South Kensington Festival:

Start booking for drawing workshops, film and book signing.  Quentin Blake and Lauren Child are just a few of the top children’s literati who will be working with our kids. 

http://www.institut-francais.org.uk/southkenkidsfest/events/sat26nov.html

 This weekend:

 Saturday 5^th November noon – 5pm, all ages

Wellcome Collection Day of the Dead: Come and experience the colourful and playful Mexican festival for what is honoured in the liturgical calendar as All Saints Day.  Religious in origin, the festival tries aims to interact and have fun with the idea of the afterlife.  Loads of crafts and interesting things to do while learning more about this fascinating Mexican festival. 

 Saturday 5^th November, all day, all ages

Regent Street Motor Show:Regent streethas been shut down and there will be 100 pre-1905 cars to view, cars from variousLondontoBrightonraces, 50 Mini Coopers … Loads to look at and roam around

 Sunday 6^th November, 3-5pm

Family Barn Dance: Cecil Sharp House, NW3.  Take the family to a traditional British Folk Dancing Party (no previous knowledge required).  An event for the whole family to learn and participate with the English Folk Dancing Society.  All ages, £5 adults, £3 children/

 Sunday 6^th November, 11:30

Mini-Make Believe at Somerset House:  Bring the under fives along to have a session of dancing, craft-making, singing and thinking about fireworks.  Free and brilliantly run. 

 Sunday 6^th November, 11:30

Daunt Books Heath Walk and Talk: Join Daunt Books on South End Road with your kids, dogs, prams for a walk in the Heath and a discussion about John Le Carre’s sublime novel, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold.  Free and all ages

 Wednesday 9^th November, 11:00

ClassicalBabies: BelsizePark, Interchange Studios, babies and toddlers.  £10 per family.This is such a great time on a Wednesday morning, the venue is just a few doors down from the tube, the neighbourhood is very kid friendly, you can walk to the heath (a long-ish walk) a great way to enjoy some culture with your child

 Friday 11^th November 10:30 and 12:30

London Symphony Orchestra concert for the Under Fives, St. Luke’s Church, Old Street EC1.  Book now for an interactive concert for the very littlies, two performances 10:30 and 12:30.  Tickets are £3 per person, babies under 12 months are free.

  Next Weekend:

 Saturday 12^th November

The Kensington Hotel, Lessons in Table Manners for kids, ages 5 – 10, 3-4pm, The Aubrey Restaurant: FREE!!! Bring the kids in for some etiquette lessons at The Kensington Hotel. Leave the kids at the table to polish up their manners and adults can go partake in their own tea or enjoy cocktails!!  The children’s tea is free! Ring 020 75896300 or Email thedoylecollection@77pr.co.uk to reserve a place.

 Saturday 12^th November

Family Concert from The Little London Music School, 10:15 – 11:00am, £6 children & £8 adult.  Come enjoy an interactive concert for children.  Held is St. Columba’s upper hall onPont Street(a block or two from Harrods), a great location, wonderful room and near-by loads of shopping and playgrounds.  A great day out!!

British Museum  Prehistoric Britain: Flints, Farms and Flesh Hooks, Monday 24^th – Friday 28^th 11 – 4pm, free, drop in, all ages. Watch an expert flint knapper make stone tools, contribute to an art instillation, make your own art to take home and join in family talks about art and animals, ancient Romans in Britain, The Bronze Age and more.  http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/october_2011/prehistoric_britain.aspx

 Natural History Museum Investigate Room, 11am – 5pm, free, drop-in, ages 3+, younger sibs welcome.  Join Science Educators in the Investigate room to go on a guided investigation of one of the specimens in the collection.  Learn about red tailed deer antlers, handle an ancient ammonite, touch a 7 metre snack skin, watch giant bugs moult their cocoons: your child will want to become a scientist!! http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/daily-events/investigate/index.html

 St. Martin’s In the Field Mini Maestro with the LMA Orchestra, Saturday 29^th October 4:30.  £8.50 adult, £6.50 child.  Bring the kids along to an interactive concert designed especially for children to explore and engage with the orchestra.  Lots of participation, investigating and learning about music and instruments.  http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/jserv/concerts/view.jsp?id=3678

 Wallace Collection Hallowe’en Photography Project: Dream and Nightmares Friday 28^th October, ages 5+, free, drop in, 10:30 – 12:15.  Have your picture taken as a spooky or fantastic character.  Use make up, mask making, lighting and other props and effects to create wild, weird and wonderful versions of yourself.  http://www.wallacecollection.org/collections/event/3777

 Royal Albert Hall Family Ignite Myths and Legends Tuesday 25^th October noon and 2:30, all ages, free, tickets allocated on arrival (get there early) Held in the Hall’s Elgar room with an area for children reserved right next to the stage for children to sit and engage directly with the music.  Healthy snack boxes on sale (sandwich, carrots and grapes) along with teas and coffees. http://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/family-ignite/myths-legends.aspx

 Sommerset House:    Mini Make Believe Hubble Bubble 12:45 -2:30, free, drop in, under 5’s.  Have a fabulous make and play session in Sommerset House!  Make crafts, dance and sing along to the theme of magic.  These workshops are perfect for little ones and enjoyable for adults, too. Shadows of Sommerset House, Saturday 22^nd & Saturday 29^th October 11:00- 1:00pm & 2:00 – 4:00pm, all ages, free, drop in.  Make your own spooks and glowing ghosties in these great family workshops. http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/learning/family/half-term

 Portrait Gallery:     Tour and Draw, ages 3+, free, drop in.  Mon 25^th – Fri 28^th 11-11:45 & 1:30 – 2:15.  Discover stories and secrets behind the portraits in the gallery, just as interesting for parents as the kids! Family Art Workshops, ages 5+, free, tickets allocated on arrival, 11:30 – 1:30  Monday October 24^th Colourful Collage wtih artist Seiwa Cunningham.  Tuesday 25^th Chasing Tales with storyteller Alia Al Zougbi.  Wednesday 26^th Caligraphy with artist Mustafa Jafar.  Thursday 27^th A Royal Tale with storyteller Seema Anana.  Friday 28^th Animate, learn how to make an animation inspired by the collection. http://tinyurl.com/64prndl

National Gallery:      Holiday Art Workshops: Tuesday 25^th, Wednesday 26^th, Thursday 28^th 11am- 1pm & 2- 4pm, 5+, free, places allocated on arrival.  Make a collage fashion plate with a collection of patterns and shapes with artists Charles Hustwick and Jo Rhymer. Storyscape 10:30 – 11am, Tue 25^th & Thu 27^th, under fives, free, spaces allocated on arrival.  Take part in an interactive storytelling session.  Drawing Stories: 10:30 – 11:00am, Wed 26^th, under fives, free, spaces allocated on arrival.  Tell a story through art and play. http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/families/

V and A:     Digital Kids: Monday 24^th – Friday 28^th, 10:30- 5:00pm, free, all ages, drop in. Come join artist in residence Postler Ferguson and make a digital creation. Gallery Lights – The Boy Who Sat on the Dragon Throne, 11:00am, 1:00pm & 3:00pm Saturday 22^nd and 29^th October.  Come see the play about a two year old boy who reigns over the Forbidden City in the China Galleries.  Make-it Invent-it: Mon 24^th – Fri 28^th, 10:30 – 12:30 & 2:00 – 4:00pm, age not specified, £3 per child, call to book tickets.  Join a designer and work to bring your visions to life! tp://www.vam.ac.uk/page/f/family-events/

The Big Draw’s Big Splash, King’s Place (King’s Cross Station), NI.  Noon – 5pm, free all ages

Well-loved, ubiquitous and fabulous children’s illustrator and author Quentin Blake will be hosting an illustrating workshop filled with amazing activities focusing on different aspects of book art and illustration.  Marion Deuchars, Sarah Bridgland, Kerrie Fansman, Nina Chakrabati are just a few of the children’s book illustrators and artists who will be hosting workshops on this fabulous day of learning and fun.  Further, there will be a floating studio on a canal boat taking artists around town to sketch.

All events are free and all ages are welcome.  Check out the workshops listed here , they can be booked in advance, or drop in and see if there is space.

If you miss that, log in and see Quentin Blake online: http://www.quentinblakevirtuallylive.co.uk/20110928/index.asp

Tuesday 27 September

Gate Cinema, Big Scream 10:30am

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.  Bring your child, under 1 year of age, to the Gate Cinema’s Big Scream Film club and check out this
sell-out movie.   You must join the Big Scream club to bring your child into the cinema (apologies, no baby, no entry).  Low lights are left on, bring the push chair right into the cinema, nappy changing facilities provided.

http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Gate_Picturehouse/Whats_On/Clubs_Groups/

Saturday 1  October

Trotters 20^th Birthday Party, Duke of York Square, 11am – 5pm

Come and celebrate Kings Road favourite independent children’s shop birthday!!  This is a birthday party done properly:  petting zoo, Victorian Carousel, music, biscuit decorating, traditional fete stalls, dancing, pampering from Liz Earle … loads of high-quality amusements and interacting.

Bring the family out to the Duke of York Green and have very child-centred fun family day out raising money for the Cairn Trust to help fund a school in Nepal

http://www.trotters.co.uk/blog/index.php/2011/09/08/celebrating-21-years/

Wigmore Hall

Giant, Lyrics and Lions in Partnership with the Wallace Collection, come take part in a day-long workshop using inspiration from the Wallace collection to create original musical compositions.  Explore the story of Hercules in the Wallace collections works featuring bulls, lions and giants with lecturer Bridget Crowley.  Children will be able to perform their work, if they like, on stage at The Wigmore Hall (I understand you are then free to claim that your child has performed at the Wigmore Hall on school forms!) From 10am at Wigmore Hall.

Ages 7+, adults must help children participate so younger siblings allowed only if they can participate, too.  £12 adults, £8 children. 10:30am – 3:30pm

http://www.wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/productions/giants-lyrics-and-lions-28250

Sunday 2 October

Wallace Collection

Little Draw Free Drop in Workshop.  Come join artist Julia Iwasz whose work explores the connection between photography and painting, as she lead little ones and older ones on a drawing journey exploring different media.  Free, all ages, 1:30 – 4:30pm

http://www.wallacecollection.org/collections/event/3716

Somerset House

Mini Make Believe: Into the Woods

This is SUCH a great event to take very small children to on the weekend.  The events are teeny tiny workshops that involve singing, dancing, movement, making, art, bubbles all based on a monthly theme.  These events are free, just collect a ticket up to an hour before in the Seaman’s Hall.  If you arrive early, have a coffee in the amazing courtyard and watch the kids run around.

Under 5’s, 11:30

http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/learning/family/mini-make-believe

Saturday 8 October

British Museum

The Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Great Court,  11am – 4pm, all ages, free

The Great Court of the British Museum will be filled with various stations where you and your kids can make, create and interact.  Bring your teddy bear, your kids and have fun drawing your bear with different works of art from the museum.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/october_2011/the_big_draw.aspx

Pippa’s Poppets

Spaces are rapidly filling up, but there are still a few spaces for babies, toddlers and small children in the Knightsbridge and Chelsea Venues

http://www.pippaspoppets.co.uk

 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

 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

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.