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 … 

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/

MUSEUMS

MUSEUMS

October events tend to be worth fighting the crowds as they are the best activities of all the school holidays.  Aim to be at the museums 15 minutes prior to opening and you should avoid a lot of hassle. 

BRITISH MUSEUM

Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG

Tel: 020 7323 8394

www.britishmuseum.org

Open 10:00 – 5:30pm daily

Admission: free for permanent collection

HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES: TIME EXPLORERS

Mon 25th – Fri 29th Oct 1st ; 11:00 – 4:00pm, Great Court

Come to the Museum and take part In various interactive events including music, storytelling, craftwork and games.  Activities will vary throughout the week, check web site for detailed listings.

Free, drop in

NATIONAL GALLERY

Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN

Tel: 020 7747 288

www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Open 10:00 – 6:00pm, 9:00pm Weds. 

Admission: free for permanent collection

HALF-TERM WITH THE UNDER FIVES: STORYTELLING

Tue 26th Oct  10:30 – 11:15, Education Centre Foyer

Storyscape, interactive storytelling session

Wed 27th Oct  10:30 – 11:30, Education Centre Foyer

Drawing Stories: telling tales through art

The 28th Oct  10:30 – 11:15, Education Centre Foyer

Storyscape, interactive storytelling session

FREE, limited spaces allocated on arrival 

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

St. Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE

Tel: 020 7306 0055

www.npg.org.uk

Open 10:00 – 6:00pm, 9:00pmThursdays and Fridays.

FAMILY TOUR AND DRAW

A week of tour and draw sessions led by artists and storytellers

Mon 25th Oct – Fri 29th Oct, 11:00 – 11:45 and 1:30 – 2:15

FREE, limited spaces allocated on arrival, 3+ 

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM

Cromwell Road SW7 2RL

Tel: 0207 942 2000

www.vam.ac.uk

Admission: free, some exhibitions and event carry a separate charge

Open 10:00 – 5:45pm daily

DROP-IN DESIGN SPECIAL: PARADE OF ANIMALS

Sun Oct 24th – Fri Oct 29th; 10:30- 5:00pm, Art Studio & Lunchroom, Sackler Centre

Create a crazy animal based on exhibits in the galleries.  Make a crazy animal costume, design a headdress, mask or cape.

Free, all ages welcome

GALLERY PLAY: PUPPET ON A STRING

Mon Oct 25th – Fri Oct 29th; 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00pm, Theatre and Performance Galleries

Join a famous puppeteering family as they travel around Europe and help make their puppets sing and dance.

Free, all ages welcome

TATE BRITAIN

Millbank SW1P 4RG

Tel: 0207 887 8888

www.tate.org.uk/britain

10:00 – 5:50 pm daily

Admission free, except for major exhibitions

TINY TATE’S SPECIAL FIFTH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Sat 30th October, 10.00 – 3:00pm

Free family festival for families with under 5s living in Westminster, Lambeth and Southwark.  Come and enjoy fun and games, live music and dancing, decorate the galleries with your own artwork, play in magical creative spaces.  Big brothers and sisters are welcome

Free, all ages

MUSEUM OF LONDON

London Wall, EC2Y 5HN

Tel: 0207 001 9844

10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily

www.musuemoflondon.org.uk

Admission: free

FAMILY DROP IN

Every day during the May half-term, a variety of hands on activities for ages 2+.

free, drop-in

Sat 23rd Oct- Sun 31st Oct, 11:00 – 4:00 pm

BIG DRAW

Come help make a giant model of London.

Ages 2+, drop in

Wed 27th Oct, 11:00 – 11:30; 12:00- 12:30; 2:00 – 2:30pm

PERFORMANCE

The Royal Albert makes a great impression on young and old alike, combine this with a trip to the near-by science museum and you have a perfect London half-term day for any space loving toddlers.

ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP

Tel: 0845 401 5045

Box Office open daily from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

www.royalalberthall.com

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS FESTIVAL

Family Ignite: To Infinity and Beyond

Come and enjoy live orchestral performance based on the theme of space.

Mon 25th Oct, noon & 3:00 pm

Free, all ages

PLANETARIUM SHOW

Goldilocks and the Three Aliens

Take a trip in our portable planetarium and explore the many worlds in our solar system

Wed 27th Oct, 9:00, 9:30, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, noon, 1:00, 2:00

£5 child, £6.50 adult, ages 4+

E.T. Screening, Dress up as Aliens

Children and adults are encouraged to dress as an alien to come watch the magic of E.T. with their parents.

Fri 29th Oct 11:00 am & 2:00 pm

£10 per ticket, all ages

DIWALI IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE

Come and enjoy dancing, live music and singing to mark the Hindu festival of Diwali.

Sun 31st Oct, 2:00 – 6:00 pm,

Free, all ages

Theatre

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 throughout October and the start of November; baby friendly performance at 11:00am on Sept 26th. Wednesdays – Sundays // Wed/Thurs 10am and 1pm // Fri 1pm and 5pm (11am & 2pm half term) // Sat/Sun 11am and 2pm. Baby Friendly – 11am on 26 Sept, 10 Oct, and 24 Oct

Tickets: from £5.00 – £13.00

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

THE PUPPET THEATRE BARGE

Little Venice, London W9

Tel: 020 7249 6876

http://www.puppetbarge.com/

Town Mouse and City Mouse

Come and delight in the re-telling of the classic tale, where Town Mouse meets the likes of the Billy Goats Gruff and City Mouse comes to know the Mouse who Ran up the Clock.  Come and experience an afternoon of puppets, theaters, canals, boats in the ever-charming Little Venice.

Sat 23^rd Oct – Sun 31^st Oct, daily 3:00 pm

Tickets: £8.50 children, £10.00 adults

Soho Theatre , 21 Dean Street, London, W1D 3NE

Tickets from £10.50

Telephone: 020 7478 0100

www.sohotheatre.com/

Comedy & Songs 4 Kids

Treat your children to stand-up comedy with James Campbell’s new show with funny songs about life, sausages and how superheroes go to the toilet. 

Sat 23^rd October, 1:00 pm

Tickets: £10.00, family ticket £30.00

Cinema

Cini Kids at Renior Russell Square 

Sunday 31st October, 11:30 

Caroline, PG.  Come see the Oscar nominiated “Caroline” with a spooky sock puppet workshop after the screening. 

£3 for children, £1 or adults 

http://www.curzoncinemas.com/#/events/cinekids

Kids Club at the Electric Cinema, Notting Hill 

Saturdays, ages 3+, £5 

Amazing upscale, gorgeous cinema that sells upscale snacks, beer and vino!!

Saturday 30th October, 10:30 am. 

London Children’s Film Festival: Eleanor’s Secret. 

http://www.electriccinema.co.uk/kids.php 

Kid’s Club Gate Cinema, Notting Hill

Saturdays, 10:30

Saturday 23rd October, free family screening of the classic European fairytale, The Singing Ringing Tree 

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

Family Film Club at the Barbican 

Saturday 23rd October, 11:00 am.  Cars, PG

Saturdays, usually with workshops and other activities included.  Tickets £5 or £3 with free online membership

http://www.barbican.org.uk/family-film-club/

Literary Event

Foyles Bookstore

113 – 199 Charing Cross Road

www.foyles.co.uk

 Foyles Fear Fest Day 1

Monday 25^th October from 2:00 pm

Come join Scream Street author Tommy Donbavand for a reading of his new book for 5 – 7 year olds.

Then illustrator Sarah Macintyre will give a lesson in monster making at 3:00 pm.

Colouring, activities and Halloween goodies for all visitors.

Free, all ages

Nature

 Chelsea Physic Garden

66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS

www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Creepy Crawling

Discover the diverse world of animals with Vic Taylor who will demonstrate his amazing collection of creatures including a hissing cockroach, giant millipede, corn snake, giant African snail and a tree frog!

Wed 27^th Oct, 10:30 – noon or 1:00 – 2:30

Tickets £5.50 per person including adults

Booking essential: education@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Spooky Halloween Events

Children’s Fancy Dress Autumn Party in Aid of Unicef

Westborn Park Baptist Church

Porchester Road, W2 5DX

http://www.westbourneparkchurch.org.uk/

Come join the Yoga Team, Dance Fusion Academy, Caterpillar music, Little Artistz, Gymboree, Kiddikicks and more for a great party.  Fancy dress and £3 donation. 

All ages

BATTERSEA PARK ZOO

Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ

Tel: 0207 924 5826

www.batterseapoarkzoo.co.uk

Open every day, except Christmas and Boxing Day, from 10 am.  Close 4:30 pm in summer and 4:00 pm in winter

HALLOWEEN HALF TERM PUMPKIN TRAIL

Pumpkin Trail

Purchase a quiz sheet upon entry and use the clues to find where the pumpkins have been hidden around the zoo.

Sat 23rd Oct – Sun 31st

Admission plus £1, all ages

WEAR A WITCH’S OR WIZARD HAT

Any child wearing a hat may claim a spooky biscuit from the café.

Sat 23rd Oct – Sun 31st

Admission, all ages

MAKE A BAT THAT FLAPS

Come join that friendly staff at the zoo to create your own flying bat!

Tue 26th and Thu 28th Oct, 11:00 – 1:00 pm & 2:00 – 3:30 pm

Admission, all ages

SPOOKY FACE PAINTING

Have your face painted like a vampire or ghoulish ghost, but do not scare the animals

Sat 30th Oct

Admission plus £2.50, all ages

PURPLE DRAGON

Alexandra Avenue, SW11 4FN

Tel: 0207 801 8688

SPOOKY TEA AND PARTY BAG

Come and check out the choicest destination for extreme Halloween fun and see the expanding Purple Dragon, with venue soon to be opened in Chelsea.

Sat 30th Oct

Admission plus £25.00, all ages

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