Families East Issue72 March/April 2013

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Issue 72 March/April 2013

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Local News Families East Magazine P.O. Box 2358 Ilford Essex IG1 8BD Tel: 07766 705655

www.familiesonline.co.uk Email: editor@familieseast.co.uk Printed by Warners Midlands PLC. Tel: 01778 391000 Designed by: www.sambrannangraphicdesigner.com Front Cover image: Product title: AlbaBaby Astrid dress. Description: Soft canvas a-line dress in bright yellow, with pink lace trim and modflower print. 100% oeko-tex certified cotton.

Price: £39 Stockist Details: Love It Love It Love It www.loveitloveitloveit.co.uk

Real Nappy Week 2013 - Real Nappies…Real Change This year’s Real Nappy Week takes place from 15-21 April and aims to inspire a new generation of parents to make the change.

This year take part in The Great Cloth Diaper Change on Sat 20 April at 11am, and be part of a world record-breaking attempt for the most Real Nappies changed simultaneously. On Sun 21 April join in Real Clean and hang a chain of washing in your garden along with others up and down the land.

Check out their website for details of a new Chooser Tool to find out which nappy is right for you, watch online fashion shows and show-stopping nappies! Also apply for trial kits, speak to advisors and take advantage of special offers and prizes during Real Nappy Week. To find out about the latest events in your area visit www.goreal.org.uk/real-nappy-week

Child’s Guidebook to the Children’s and Families Bill A Young Person’s Guide has been launched to explain how the new Children’s and Families Bill will reform services to ensure all children can succeed.

Children & Families Minister Edward Timpson explained “The Children and Families Bill is all about making children’s lives better. We have asked for a young person’s guide, as this Bill is so important to children, especially the most vulnerable in our society. We want them to be involved in decision-making about them, understand our plans, and see how our changes will help to shape their futures.”

The Guide explains in simple language how each of the eight parts of the Bill will affect them.

Adoption - help children get adopted faster if it’s the right thing for them; Children in care help children looked after by local councils do well at school; Family Justice - help family courts work better for children and families; Special Educational Needs - help

children and young people who need special help with learning at school and when they go to college; Childcare reform - offer child-minders and schools more choice in how they look after children; Children’s Commissioner - change the way the Children’s Commissioner works for children; Shared parental leave - let working parents decide how they share time off work between them after they have a baby; Flexible working - give everybody who goes to work more choice about how they balance their work and personal life. https://www.education.gov. uk/publications/standard/ publicationDetail/Page1/ DFE-00020-2013

Labels4Kids launches new website Leading UK based kids’ labelling specialist Labels4Kids is launching its new look website this March 2013.

Attention to detail is something Labels4Kids does well and to make high quality labelling easily available to help families save money on returning property to them is even more important with the cost of new clothing, shoes and other belongings increasing all the time.

The new Labels4Kids website covers labelling and in addition they have a full personalised clothing site with a separate checkout to produce high quality clothing that lasts.

Ann-Maree Morrison, founder and Managing Director of Labels4Kids, commented “The new Labels4Kids site will make ordering so much more pleasurable, with faster load times and better images, as well as allowing on site design and easier access to our social media hints and advice. We have even more big plans in the pipeline”.

“We are not the cheapest labelling company but what we do, we do well and the difference with us is WE LISTEN. We have, I believe, the best quality labels for a reasonable price. Labels4Kids has very high levels of customer service with a money back guarantee, free returns policy and a free 1st class delivery option.” See the full range by ordering at www.labels4kids.com/fam today.

Birkbeck’s ‘Learning Cafés’ offer free study sessions Are you thinking about a new career, or getting back into work after a career break? Then joining a Birkbeck ‘Learning Café’ could help. These innovative Learning Cafés provide five-week courses of free study sessions. They return to a new venue at the Royal Docks Learning & Activity Centre, North Woolwich.

The Cafés are friendly spaces where participants can try out different subjects to help find out what really interests them.

Everyone is welcome as there are no specific qualifications needed and free childcare is provided.

Sessions include looking at how higher education qualifications can help you in your chosen career, to find out about recent changes to the funding system and how to finance further study.

Birkbeck is opening in autumn this year at University Square Stratford, a new campus in Stratford, east London.

Royal Docks Learning & Activity Centre, Albert Road, North Woolwich, E16 2JB Every Monday until 25 Mar 2013, 9.30am – 10.30am for five weeks For more info contact Patrice Buddington on 020 7223 4390/ 020 7380 3107 or email tryit@bbk.ac.uk

Copyright and Disclaimer: We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original material submitted for publication is sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families® nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families® is one of a group of magazines established in 1990. It is a Families® franchise independently owned and operated under licence by Lesley Bishop.

Local News

Stratford Circus launch Glee Club Stratford Circus has launched a brand new musical theatre club for children aged 5-11 to act, sing and perform with all levels of experience welcome.

Through singing workshops, dance master classes, drama games and exercises, participants will explore the Glee phenomenon and create their very own full-length production.

Glee Club members will work with professional theatre and musical directors and be mentored by students from Central School of Speech and Drama as well as Trinity Laban. The club will help develop members’ skills in acting, singing and dancing and at the end to put on a musical theatre stage show on Stratford Circus’ stage. These performing skills enhance the children’s understanding and confidence of performing but also allow them to learn about what goes into putting on a professional production. But most importantly they will have lots of fun!

For more information contact: education@stratford-circus.com

French classes for children La petite école des Crocodiles after-school club is located in Lower Clapton offer French classes and various activities for francophone children.

They run four classes for children aged 3 to 12 years old, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4.15pm to help improve French language skills.

Classes take place in: Round Chapel Old School Rooms, Powerscroft Rd - just off Lower Clapton Road E5 0PU Contact: 07939013717 or email: les-crocodiles@hotmail.com; www.les-crocodiles.blogspot.com

Magic Hands CBeebies has commissioned a brand new and groundbreaking series which features poetry translated into British Sign Language. The series is called “Magic Hands” and will be broadcasted in the spring.

“Magic Hands” presents modern and classic poetry for children in a way that has never been seen before. Across the series, the team – Ashley, Donna, Aimee and Simon – perform some of the best children’s poetry entirely in British Sign Language (BSL).

The programmes are fun, five-minute packages that mix sign language, the spoken word, music and vibrant animation to bring the poems to life and capture the imaginations of both deaf and hearing children.

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EASTER HOLIDAY COURSES – “HANSEL

AND GRETEL”

Owing to popular demand, this Easter, Perform are running spring holiday drama courses!

Children are invited on a magical adventure to meet wonderful characters including the Poor Woodcutter and the Gingerbread Witch who tricks the children into her home. This three-day experience from Mon 8 - Wed 10 April has all the excitement of the original fairy-tale, with a hazardous journey, and eventual triumph that takes in the dark forest and the wicked cottage made of cake.

Perform’s team of enthusiastic and experienced actors, musicians and dancers will help bring this classic tale to life with games, specially written music, energetic dance and colourful improvisation. Inspiring and encouraging the children to have a half term to remember.

Perform Wanstead Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 51 Cambridge Park, Wanstead E11 2PR Mon 8 – Wed 10 April 2013, 2.30pm 4.30pm daily, £93 per child (including refreshments)

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Easter & easter ac All aboard the DLR for an adventure!

With spring on its way we asked Francesca Fenn, author of the delightful “Step Outside Guides”, to send us off on an adventure this Easter.

DLR trains are brilliant and you can use an Oyster or Travelcard to ride all day long! There is no driver, so the front seats give you a panoramic view.

Top tip; Listen carefully to where you have to change trains; the maps don’t help! Here are a few ideas at stations near to the Canning Town junction to get you started.

Emirates Air Line and The Crystal - Royal Victoria DLR The Crystal, near the Air Line base, is a brand new glass building packed with interactive displays about cities of the future. Great fun and educational too - and entrance is free! (Closed Mon).

The Emirates Air Line cable car takes you across the Thames to the O2, and you can enjoy fabulous views – take your camera! (Fares with Oyster/ Travelcards: adults £3.20, children £1.60).

The Thames Barrier - Pontoon Dock DLR Walk through the spectacular Thames Barrier Park to see the barrier itself. There is an information centre (£3.50/£2.00, closed Mon-Wed) and cafe, but the beautiful barrier is well worth seeing anyway.

London City Airport - London City Airport DLR A chance to get really close to planes taking off and landing. See how many you can count in the sky at once. The runway was once the quay between the two docks, where ships would load and unload their goods in the busiest port in the world!

Easter Egg-stravaganza at Rainham Marshes nature reserve Picture courtesy of

David Kjaer RSPB At RSPB Rainham Marshes, encouraging families to enjoy being outdoors is at the heart of everything they do. And what more perfect occasion than their amazing Easter Egg-stravaganza to experience this that runs from Fri 29 March – Sun April 14. Can you crack their Easter treasure hunt? Find the clues, solve the puzzle and collect your reward.

And they have so much more going on than their Easter hunt – make sure you visit their cosy café and try some of the many tasty homemade cakes. Check out the shop for all your garden bird essentials, just in time for spring.

So go on and get out to Rainham Marshes and join their fantastic Egg-stravaganza hunt – you know you want to.

Wildlife Explorer members £1.50, Child non-members: £2 per sheet.

RSPB Rainham Marshes, New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet Essex, RM19 1SZ

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ctivities...

Get the egg-clusive about Eggs and Easter!

Families East have put together some weird and wonderful facts and information about eggs and their association with Easter.

• • • • •

Eggs are seen by many cultures as a symbol of rebirth and had already been given as springtime gifts before Easter was first celebrated by Christians Eggs are coloured brightly to symbolise the sunlight of spring Cadbury’s first Easter egg was made in 1875, in dark chocolate; milk chocolate didn’t arrive until 1905 with the launch of Dairy Milk A new Guinness World Record for the most entrants in an egg hunt was set in London last Easter after 12,773 entrants took part in The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt This charity event also broke another World Record when a giant chocolate egg created for the competition became the most expensive non-jewelled chocolate egg ever, selling at auction for £7,000

• • • •

Egg rolling, which symbolises the rolling away of the rock in front of Jesus’s tomb, was traditionally played with hard-boiled eggs being rolled down a hill About 10% of Britain’s annual spending on chocolate is on Easter eggs The average time for children to start tucking into their first chocolate Easter egg is 11am on Easter Sunday, with 30% of children eating their chocolate egg instead of breakfast!

Easter was originally a pagan festival – the ancient Saxons celebrated spring with a party in honour of its goddess, Eastre

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The date of Easter changes every year because of Roman emperor Constantine’s Easter rule, that it should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following spring equinox. This was because it was a day of maximum light (12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of moonlight)

• • •

The Easter bunny also originated with the pagan festival of Eastre, as she was worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons through her earthly symbol, the rabbit The first documented use of the bunny as a symbol of Easter appears in Germany in the 1500s, and it was the Germans who made the first edible Easter bunnies in the 1800s Some believe hot cross buns predate Christianity, as buns decorated with a cross were eaten by Saxons in honour of the goddess Eastre, with the cross symbolizing the four quarters of the moon

• • •

According to English folklore, buns can be kept for medicinal purposes – if you give a piece to someone ill, it will help them get better Medieval records indicate that eggs were often given as Easter gifts to servants by their masters The most ornate Easter eggs are probably the jewelled and enamelled eggs that Fabergé made for the Russian tsar

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y t r a P eas Id Pirate Parties at Queen’s

Theatre

If your little pirate has a birthday during July or August why not have a party at the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch!

They’re showing the swashbuckling adventure Treasure Island, from 27 July – 17 August and it’s suitable for ages 8+. You can make it a perfect celebration with a children’s buffet and they can even arrange live entertainment during your party. For more information call 01708 462379 or visit www.queens-theatre.co.uk

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How to host a low cost ‘green’ children’s birthday party Think back to the last child’s party you attended, after all the fun and games were over chances are there was enough paper, cardboard and plastic was strewn around to fill at least a few bin bags from just the wrapping and packaging!

Most people don’t realise the glitter, laminate and dyes used in lots of wrapping paper prevents them from being recycled. Then there is all the plastic toys and batteries that can take over 500 years to break down in landfill and with the UK already sending 275,000 tonnes of plastic to landfill each year, equal to 15 million plastic bottles per day.

So what can parents do?

It’s surprising how by changing a few little things you can massively reduce your environmental impact without compromising on the fun and with the added bonus of saving you money too.

Switch from disposable to reusable Use ceramic plates, bowls and cutlery over their paper disposable alternatives, as a one-off dishwasher load is easier to manage than scraping paper plates clean enough to recycle.

Ditch the “Goodie Bags!”

From one parent to another does any child really need another tub of bubbles? Experience based parties such as a trip to the zoo or pottery making leave a far lasting impression, which doesn’t get lost at the bottom of the toy box.

Loose the wrapping Spending money on wrapping paper that is only going to be torn up and thrown away is a waste. Instead why not make the wrapping part of the gift by wrapping it in Myfuroshiki fabric gift-wrap, which is a fun and affordable take on the Japanese art of “Furoshiki” (cloth wrapping). With just one of these any shape of object can be easily wrapped with no sticky tape, scissors or waste!

Get Baking Mum’s cooking is always best, so bake the birthday cake yourself using local Organic and Fairtrade ingredients and avoid all the unnecessary packaging and cost that comes with shop-bought food.

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The Art of a Good Party The pressure and expectation as a Mum to create that special birthday party for your child doesn’t seem to go away.

So Families East took the opportunity to look at an alternative and help avoid this pressure by speaking to Sofia Wright who began organising children’s parties a few years ago after being prompted to further her creative flair by friends.

“I had been face painting and involved in arts and crafts as well as working in a primary school for many years but took a break when I had my daughters. “Glimmer Faces” was born after many mums asked me to organise their parties, as they were impressed by the originality, creativity and attention to detail of the parties I planned for my girls.

Planning a party can be both stressful and expensive and I am passionate about the relationships I build with each parent, creating memories that will last a lifetime at a very affordable budget. My priority is to ensure that every party runs smoothly and all guests, whether big or small are relaxed, happy and most importantly, having fun! Seeing the delight on children’s faces when they have created something unique to take home or proudly show off their wares to their parents makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Sofia has a wide range of skills including face painting, balloon modelling and applying glitter tattoos. She also runs activities such as glass painting and cupcake decorating with her most recent hobby involves creating delicious cupcakes and novelty cakes.

Visit her website www.glimmerfaces.co.uk to see her work and contact her on artysof@gmail.com or 07958 463 906 to discuss your requirements.

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Unique parties at

Lee Valley

If you’re looking to host a children’s birthday party with a difference, Lee Valley Regional Park has three fantastic options to choose from and all at under £20 per head.

Lee Valley Park Farms in Waltham Abbey, Essex offers animal themed parties seven days a week mornings and afternoons. Parties include either a tractor and trailer ride to the dairy farm to meet the calves or a toboggan run in the Alpine Adventure. Lunch, balloon animal entertainment and great goody bags all included. If your child is a Petunia’s Farm Club member, they go FREE! Or why not bring the party to Lee Valley Ice Centre on Lea Bridge Road for a half hour learn to skate session with one of their highly qualified coaches. There’s FREE entrance to the public session and a choice of hot party food menus, with a drink and ice cream. Each party lasts approximately two hours, starting at either 10am or 2.30pm.

Otherwise enjoy a birthday on horseback at Lee Valley Riding Centre, Lea Bridge Road. Children between five and 15 years can celebrate their party on Saturday afternoons at 3.45pm. The café can provide birthday food, or you bring your own to eat in the picnic area. Riding parties are very popular, so book at least a month in advance!

For more information on all the birthday party options at Lee Valley Regional Park go to visitleevalley.org.uk or call 08456 770 600.

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Drama is a powerful tool Families East showcases here some of the best of drama available in East London and Essex for our readers. We all acknowledge as parents that when our children participate in drama it encourages them to be confident communicators and that it is a recognised as a powerful tool for all children to aid their speaking and listening skills. However we cannot overlook the fact that children learn and digest information when it is delivered in a visual way.

Stratford Circus presents “Rubbish” which is visually stunning, playful production exploring the unexpected value of discarded objects where, at the touch of a puppeteer’s hand, the contents of a bin bag transforms.

To complement the show there will be a family workshop in which participants become excavators and create their own ‘rubbish’ puppets. Schools can also book post-show workshops in their schools. (1) Continuing with the environmental message, Stratford Circus presents the dance theatre performance of “Varmints” that culminates at Stratford Circus on Fri 21 and Sat 22 June. Varmints is a tale of our times about a city growing bigger and bigger until there is so much noise that nobody can hear themselves think.

Recommended for children aged 8+ (Key Stage 2) as well as families.

Using stunning visual imagery, original

sound, design and dance, the story touches on the universal themes of citizenship, conservation and regeneration with fantastic opportunities to explore links across the whole curriculum. (2) Clare Connor, Director at Stratford Circus, commented “I have dreamt about the creation of this project with the coproducers (East London Dance and Sadler’s Wells) for four years and interestingly it took the same amount of time for the creation of the book! Good things take time to come to fruition and this is a great example of bringing together the most exciting artists to create the best possible work that you can imagine – for children”.

As part of their commitment to Newham’s children, Stratford Circus is working with Newham’s primary schools to see the work being created in the studio and are offering a limited number of £1

tickets. From March go online to learn about the production, explore a Varmint’s habitat and other online experiences to participate beyond the “live” performance.

Varmints Family Day is Sat 22 June 1-6pm with free pre and post show activities for show ticket holders, is a chance for people to take part in a range of Varmint inspired activities including dance workshops, drop-in craft sessions, Varmints make-up and dressing up, book readings, signings and film screenings.

Advance booking of workshops is essential as places are limited.

Book at Stratford Circus Box Office 0844 357 2625 or www.stratford-circus.com Contact education@stratford-circus. com / 0208 279 1082 for more behind the scenes information

(1) Rubbish is a co-production with Warwick Arts Centre, in association with artsdepot and presented by children’s company, Theatre-Rites (2) Varmints is choreographed by b-boy Wilkie Branson and acclaimed director, Sally Cookson, it is inspired by the award-winning graphic novel by Helen Ward & Marc Craste, and created with kind permission of Templar Publishing (publishers of children’s picture books such as “Bob the Man on the Moon”).

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Youth Arts Hub at Hoxton Hall, Summer 2013 Hoxton Hall is Hackney’s only Youth Arts Hub specialising in positive activities for young people. They provide sessions in art, drama, dance and music for local young people aged 7-19 yrs. Sessions are split between the Get Creative programme for 7- 13 yrs and HIPNOTIC for 14 to 19 yrs.

The focus is to nurture talent as well as teach new skills that support the development of every young person we work

with. Hoxton Hall’s youth arts spaces were refurbished last year and facilities include a modern music studio with both rehearsal, and recording spaces, art and dance studio’s and a design suite.

Sessions are run throughout the year, with term time weekly activities as well as half term and summer programmes also on offer for Get Creative. With all sessions offered open to all abilities and free of charge,

young people are welcome to sign up to as many opportunities as they wish.

If you are interested in going along to Hoxton with your child to find out more about what we do, please go along on any day of activity and speak with our youth arts team.

The summer term starts on Monday 15 April. For further information about Hoxton Hall’s youth arts activities, contact youtharts@hoxtonhall.co.uk

or call 0207 684 0060.

Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton Street N1 6SH

Easter Drama workshop for 3½ - 6 year olds in Buckhurst Hill A little caterpillar wanders into a cave one day and discovers how big and loud his voice becomes. He sounds like a big, huge, enormous animal! He decides to play a trick on his friends the hare, the elephant, and the lion. Flutterby Butterfly joins in the fun too!

Enrol your child for three fun-filled days of acting, dancing, singing, arts and crafts and dressing up this Easter. On day three, they hit the stage! £78 per child with

siblings receiving a 10% discount; limited places so early booking is recommended snack and drink included. Book online at: http://www.theatrebugs.co.uk/ londonandhomecounties.html St James URC, Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5NG enquiries@theatrebugs.co.uk 0800 975 5290

A whole range of children’s entertainment at

Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch

The Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch is a wonderful venue and is presenting a fun-filled spring this year bursting with a colourful variety of children’s entertainment.

Highlights include the Ultimate Kidz Pop Party for ages 6–11 on Sun 31 March, 2.30pm & 6.30pm, £13.50.

Best Friends Forever includes the world’s number one Justin Bieber impersonator with ‘special guests’ ‘Katy Perry’ and ‘Jessie J’.

The classic Grimm Brothers fairy-tale Hansel and Gretel is brought to vivid life with live music, song and magical staging for ages 4–8+ on Tues 2 April at 12.30pm, Wed 3 April at 10.30am & 12.30pm, and Thurs 4 April at 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm. £7 adults/£6 children And their summer family show for ages 8+ is swashbuckling adventure Treasure Island from 27 July – 17 August, £12.50 Call the Box Office on 01708 443333 or book online at www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Family Theatre shows come to Hackney Hackney Children’s Theatre is a new not for profit venture based in east London. Their aim is to bring fantastic theatre that’s made especially for children and families at an affordable price to the Hackney area.

Once monthly on a Saturday morning they invite a theatre company to bring a show to their big space in St John at Hackney Church. They provide a friendly fun morning with coffee, tea, cakes and entrance fee all for only £4 each with further group booking concessions also available.

Their next show takes place on Sat 20 April if you are interested in joining them or want further information about the shows then visit their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ hackneychildrenstheatre Hackney Children’s Theatre , St John at Hackney Church, E5 0PD Email: hct@adrenalindance.com or 020 8525 5476

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March/April 2013 Families East | 9

Out & About

Your guide to the best entertainment and local events London has to offer.

At Families East we make every effort to ensure our Out & About listings are correct at the time of going to press.

Please check ahead before you plan a journey or day out.

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Sat 16 Mar 11am & 2pm 2-5yrs Biff is no ordinary dog. If you throw him a stick, he’ll look at you like you’re crazy. Biff likes moonlight and music and walking on his tiptoes. With original hand-crafted puppets Moon & Genie Wed 20-Wed 27 Mar, (show times vary–see website) 3-7yrs . Jamal needs to cook a meal for his Grandmother, is there anyone who can help? Join Jamal and his friend, a street dancing life-size monkey, as they summon the Genie of the Saucepan and travel the world to conjure a meal of imaginative splendour

THEATRE, CONCERTS & FILMS BARBICAN

Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 8891 www.barbican.org.uk The Big Barbican Adventure Until Sun 31 Mar FREE drop in 11am6pm Mon-Sat and 12pm-6pm Sun & Bank Holidays 6yrs+. Explore the Barbican in this do-it-yourself adventure trail for families. Set off to discover the secrets of the Barbican through cryptic clue solving, drawing and games. Allow a minimum of one hour. Crack the code and there may be a reward!

BROADWAY THEATRE

Broadway, Barking IG11 7LS 020 8507 5607 www.thebroadwaybarking.com Derek, Floppy and Friends Sun 3 Mar–Sun 28 Apr 3-6yrs £4 parents FREE . Join Derek the Duck and Floppy Fish with their fun-filled, story-telling and puppetry bonanza.

All performances will be streamed live online so even if the little ones can’t make it, they can still join in the fun at home. They could even make a simple glove puppet of their own!

Sun 3 Mar - Little Red Riding Hood was such a dear friend of Derek the Duck and Floppy Fish. Find out exactly what happened to her Sun 17 Mar - Three Bears aren’t enough to scare Derek and Floppy as they retell the exciting story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears Sun 31 Mar - A well-known story with a twist as we discover what happened when Derek planted some magic beans and climbed the gigantic beanstalk they grew into Sun 14 Apr - Gingerbread may be Derek and Floppy’s favourite snack but not when it has arms and legs and is running amok all over the forest!

Sun 28 Apr - Join Derek and Floppy for their final fantastically frantic story as all of their friends come back to save the magical kingdom and help little Chicken Licken The Elephant Bridesmaid Sun 7 Apr 2.30pm £9.50/£7.50 4yrs+ “There are no elephants in Australia…

Well, no elephants except this one...” A magical musical about weddings and wombats and the loveliest elephant the world has ever known. Wear your own fancy clothes (or fancy dress) for the chance to take part in a fabulous fashion show live on stage with the actors!

GARRICK THEATRE

2, Charing Cross Road, WC2 0HH 0844412 4662 Potted Potter-The Unauthorised Harry Experience: A Parody by Dan and Jeff Sat 23 Mar-Sun 14 Apr from £20 6yrs+

The Best Entertainment & Family Show Olivier Award Nominee takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes

GREENWICH THEATRE

Croom’s Hill SE10 8ES 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk The Three Little Pigs Thu 4-Sat 6 Apr 11am 3pm £12.50 Embark on an adventure with the three little pigs as they battle the big bad wolf with their charming and witty ways! Filled with humour, this endearing musical will leave you squealing with glee and howling with laughter...

The Snow Queen Sat 20-Mon 22 Apr Sat & Sun 7.30pm Mats Sun 2.30pm Mon 1.30pm £15 After a freak snowstorm on the southern tip of India, Kumar disappears. Gowri, his best friend, discovers that he has been captured by the formidable Snow Queen, and embarks on a journey across the length and breadth of the continent to save him

HACKNEY EMPIRE THEATRE

291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ 020 8985 2424 www.hackneyempire.co.uk Terrible Tudors Fri 29 Mar–Sun 31 Mar Fri 2.30pm Sat 2.30pm/7pm Sun 5pm £20-£10 5yrs+ From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legend (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audience!

Vile Victorians Fri 29 Mar–Sun 31 Mar Fri 7pm Sun 1.30pm £20-£10 5yrs+. Could you be a Victorian historian? What exactly did a baby farmer do? Can you escape the misery of the mines or the filth of the factories? Do your best to dodge the rotten railway and prepare for the Charge of the Light Brigade

HALF MOON THEATRE

43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND 020 7709 8900 www.halfmoon.org.uk All tickets £6 – adult ticket includes baby under 12 months Mazymeg and the Honey Bees Sat 2 Mar 11am & 2pm 4 yrs+ Albert lives alone with his beloved honey bees on Dartmoor. When a stranger steals his bees it’s as though the light has gone from Albert’s world, until Mazymeg, a little Pixie girl arrives. She tries to bring home Albert’s bees in this enchanting show with shape-shifting puppetry and an original soundtrack The Pied Piper Sat 9 Mar 11am & 2pm 3-7yrs When the Pied Piper plays his flute the rats run, the greedy mayor rubs his hands and the children dance. This irresistible show combines a skilful mix of puppetry, foot-tapping live music and storytelling

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To list an event contact editor@familieseast.co.uk

KENNETH MOORE THEATRE

Oakfield Rd, Ilford IG1 1BT 0208 553 4466 www.kmtheatre.co.uk Tales from The Jungle Book Mon 1 Apr 1pm 4pm £12/£10 Follow Baloo, Bagheera and Mowgli as they journey through the jungle towards man village. Plenty of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the jungle! A great fun filled show for all the family MILKSHAKE! LIVE Wed 3 Apr 11am 2pm £12/£10 Starring Milkshake! favourites: Little Princess and Scruff, Noddy and Tessie Bear, Roary and Big Chris, Fifi and Bumble and B1 & B2 – the Bananas in Pyjamas, this musical spectacular is sure to have children tapping their toes, clapping their hands and singing at the top of their voices

LYRIC THEATRE HAMMERSMITH Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0OL 0871 22 117 20 www.lyric.co.uk Saturday shows 11am & 1pm £8 plus Messy Play activities £11 Family £30 Nobody Rides the Unicorn Sat 9 Mar 4-7 yrs. Zoe knows she must set the Unicorn FREE but will she be putting herself in terrible danger if she does? Beautifully crafted puppets, live music and moments of magic bring this original tale to life Wolf Tales Fri 15 Mar 1pm Sat 16 Mar 11am 1pm 5-10yrs. The big bad wolf reveals the secrets behind stories such as Little Red Riding Hood and Three Little Pigs Landscapes Sat 23 & Sun 24 Mar 10.30am 12pm 1.30pm 3pm 4-9yrs. Explore the four corners of the world: the desert, the ocean, the rainforest and the South Pole, with the help of puppets and beautiful visual projections

PEACOCK THEATRE

Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT 0337 0870 737 www.sadlerswells.com My First Cinderella Wed 27 Mar–Sun 7 Apr £25-£10 3yrs+ ticket required 2yrs+.

A beautiful ballet adapted for a young audience

QUEEN’S THEATRE

52 Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT 01708 443333 www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Story Play Fun theatre workshop for 5-7yrs £5 Sat 2 Mar Where The Wild Things Are Sat 6 Apr Hansel & Gretel Sat 4 May The Tiger Who Came to Tea Mr Honk and his Sad Trombone Sat 2 Mar 11.30am 5 yrs+ £5 Kids will love the delightful story of Mr Honk who ends up touching everyone’s lives with magic through mishap and misadventure. Full of live music and hilarious physical comedy Best Friends Forever The Ultimate Kidz Pop Party!

Sun 31 Mar 2.30pm 6.30pm 6–11yrs £13.50. A must-see show for every kid in town! A totally awesome celebration of the coolest young music stars includes the world’s number one Justin Bieber impersonator with ‘special guests’ ‘Katy Perry’ and ‘Jessie J’ supported by the award-winning BFF Dance Crew and hosted by MC Mr OMG! Easter Holiday Workshops: Storytelling for the Stage Tue 2-Fri 5 Apr 9.30am-1.30pm 7-10yrs £50. Led by a professional drama tutor, participants build their team-work and drama skills whilst being guided through a series of exercises and games which allow them to create a play in a week. At the end of the week they host an informal showcase for family and friends Hansel & Gretel Tue 2 Apr 12.30pm Wed 3 Apr 10.30am 12.30pm Thu 4 Apr 10.30am 12.30pm 2.30pm 4-8yrs+ £7/£6. Live music, song and magical staging. Follow Hansel and Gretel through the deep dark woods as they try to find their way home

SADLERS WELLS

Rosebury Avenue, London, EC1R 0844 412 4300 www.sadlerswells.com Family Weekend Fri 29 & Sat 30 Mar 2.30pm 7yrs+ £15 The story of Rapunzel is told through music and dance. There are also dance workshops before and after the show and exciting games and activities throughout the building

SHAKESPEARE GLOBE THEATRE

New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT 020 7902 1400 Bookings: 020 7401 9919/020 7087 7398 www.shakespeares-globe.org Open daily for tours 10am-5pm £13.50/£8 Under 5’s FREE Family £36 Shakespeare’s Birthday Sun 21 Apr FREE. An afternoon of family events, games and musical mayhem.

Join the party in this fascinating exhibition and extraordinary theatre

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX 0844 875 0073 www.southbankcentre.co.uk Help My Supply Teacher is Magic Fr 29 Mar-Mon 1 Apr daily times vary £13 7yrs+. Based on the hit TV show ‘Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic’ and featuring some of your favourite magicians from the series, this is a

Out & About jaw-dropping magic spectacular for all the family April Fools’ Day Comedy Concert Mon 1 Apr 4pm £43.50-£9.50 The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain with full symphony orchestra and stars of the classical world for an afternoon of comedy, music and mayhem. A familyfriendly show with a guaranteed laugh Comedy Club 4 Kids Sat 27 Apr– Sat 13 Jul once a month 4.15pm £15-£10 6yrs+. Otter-ly fantastic! Now in its third year at Udderbelly Festival, the Comedy Club 4 Kids is back, bigger and better than circuit doing what they do best, but without the rude bits

ST MARTIN-IN-THE- FIELDS CHURCH

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ 020 7766 1100 lmaorchestra.com Mini Maestro Family Concert: Mozart Jupiter Symphony Sat 23 Mar 4.30pm £8.50/£6.50 4-12yrs Find out why Mozart’s last symphony was nicknamed ‘Jupiter’ and explore the pomp and majesty of this ‘king of symphonies FREE Lunchtime Concerts (Mon, Tue & Fri 1pm). These FREE lunchtime concerts are a great way for the whole family to enjoy classical music

STRATFORD CIRCUS

Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX 0844 357 2625 www.stratford-circus.com Baby Dance Until Fri 22 Mar 10am £50 per 10 weeks or £6 drop-in 3-12 months Join this fun class for you and your baby Toddler Jam Until Wed 27 Mar 10am (no class Wed 20 Feb) £3 1–3yrs with parents/carers An alternative music and movement session including dancing and jamming to child-friendly versions of reggae, folk, pop, rock ‘n’ roll and world music classics accompanied by an acoustic guitar Rubbish Thu 7 Mar-Sat 9 Mar £8-£6 (show times vary–see website). Imagine a world that celebrates its rubbish; where, at the touch of a puppeteer’s hand, the contents of a bin bag can transform before your eyes. This is a visually stunning and playful production, exploring the unexpected value of discarded objects Post-Show Family Workshop Sat 9 Mar 1pm 4.30pm £2 per 1 adult and 1 child 6yrs+. Become an excavator! After watching the show, create your own ‘rubbish’ puppets in this action-packed workshop Please note: Saturday 9th March – 11.30am performance will be a relaxed show. This performance is suitable for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed performance environment including people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, sensory or communication disorders or a learning disability. Audience members will be free to come and go as they please throughout the performance and make noise if they want to Mr Honk and his Sad Trombone Sat 23 Mar 3pm £8-£6. Combining live

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music and hilarious physical comedy, bringing us this delightful story of a character who, through mishap and misadventure, ends up touching everyone’s lives with magic Blown Away Sat 20 Apr 11.30am 4pm £8-£6 What if, one windy night a little girl arrives in your bedroom and tells you she’s the wind? Join in as a small boy finds himself swept up and whisked away on an unforgettable journey with her. A beautiful and engaging show containing live music, shadow puppetry and movement

THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE

Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 020 7928 3535 www.bfi.org.uk Returning to Oz - March 2013 A selection of films, shows and talks about ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Films from 1910, 1914, 1925, 1939 and 1978. See website for full listings and times Doctor Who at 50 Throughout 2013, BFI Southbank will be marking the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who with regular monthly events celebrating all the different Doctors throughout the show’s history FREE Films for Families Free films in the amazing Mediatheque!

Sit down in front of a viewing screen and call up many weird and wonderful titles which have been digitised from the archive, from full length feature films to old cinema adverts, TV children’s programmes and documentaries. The Mediatheque is FREE but booking may be advisable, especially at the weekends

UNICORN THEATRE

147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com Carnival Tue 9 Apr–Sun 28 Apr £16/£10 4-7yrs Carnival is about the power of imagination. Made through a series of workshops with local school children from Southwark, Compagnia Rodisio’s vibrant new show is an ode to creativity, the madness of art and the endless possibilities of papier maché

EVENTS MOTHERS DAY - Sun 10 Mar Don’t forget a special treat for the Mums in our lives! Find a show, museum or event in our listings. Try a market or visit somewhere new – the choice is endless THE GREAT MUMS GET TOGETHER Sun 10 Mar – Sun 17 Mar. The Great Mums Get Together is your chance to together with other mums over a cuppa and perhaps some cake and raise money for children and young people with cancer and their family.

To take part in the Great Mums Get Together, sign up online for a fundraising pack which contains everything you need to hold a great event. Visit gettogether@clicsargent. org.uk or on 08451 206658

ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE

Sun 17 Mar Beginning at Piccadilly and ending in Trafalgar Square with a festival of dance, music, comedy and a farmers market

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Out & About THE OXFORD & CAMBRIDGE BOAT RACE - Sun 31 Mar 4.30pm

www.theboatrace.org One of the oldest sporting events in the world. Watched by thousands along the banks of The Tideway, between Putney and Mortlake in London. And don’t forget the Women’s Boat Race on Sun 24 Mar at 3pm too

THE LONDON MARATHON

Sun 21 Apr www.virginlondonmarathon.com Find the route and the timings online or watch from the comfort of your sofa

GALLERIES NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE 020 7306 0055 www.npg.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, Thu & Fri 10am-9pm. Family Events: Meet in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall Family Audio Visual guide £6 for up to 5 players/£4 for two Follow four specially recorded tours to lead you through the Gallery with amazing facts and stories about the people in the Collection New! Family Resources A new range of FREE trails to help families explore the Gallery is now available. Pick yours up from the Gallery and learn more about portraits. Titles include: Look! Sketch! & Explore!

Storytelling with Art for Families Sat 16 Mar & Sat 20 Apr 10.30am 1.30pm FREE 3yrs+ Family Art Workshop Sat 16 Mar & Sat 20 Apr 11.30am 2.30pm FREE ticketed 90 minutes 5yrs+ Casting Shadows Mon 1 Apr–Fri 5 Apr 11.30am-4.30pm FREE 3yrs+ A week of activities exploring light, sound and photography inspired by Man Ray Portraits and the Collection

TATE BRITAIN

Millbank, SW1P 4RG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/britain Open: daily 10am-5.50pm until 10pm the first Friday of the month Liminal Every weekend 11am–3pm all ages A physical, material and social experience of sculpture through touch, interaction and collaboration Family Multimedia Guide £3.50 6yrs+ available anytime during gallery hours. What makes a portrait?

Join this tour of seven artworks in the gallery and decide for yourself, encouraging children and adults to explore together

TATE MODERN

Bankside, SE1 9TG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/modern Open Sun-Thu 10am-6pm. Fri & Sat 10am-10pm. Under 5s Zone. Level 5 Concourse FREE. This is a play space for under 5’s and their families Children Multimedia Guide Daily from the Information Desks on Levels 3 £4.50 5yrs+. Keep youngsters

captivated and animate artworks through music, video clips and entertaining games – a sensory experience for all the family to enjoy Sonic Trails Sat & Sun plus school holiday Thu & Fri FREE. Listen… Sonic Trails for children and families. Explore Tate with Sonic Trails specially created by selected sound artists. Starting with Emiliano Zelada’s A Wild Chase, take a journey into nature and space through the levels of Tate Modern Weekend Sessions – Open Studio Every weekend 11am-3pm FREE 5yrs+ Experiment, play and create with ideas and materials before or after visiting the related artworks

THE NATIONAL GALLERY

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2885 www.national gallery.org.uk Open daily 10am - 6pm Fri until 9pm FREE Magic Carpet Storytelling Sundays 10.30am 11.30am FREE Fly away on the magic carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting every Sunday

MUSEUMS BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

Entrance in Bartholomew Street, off Threadneedle Street, EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum Open: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, FREE Examine banknotes, the intricacies of their design and their security features.

Take our audio tour for a fascinating insight into the Bank of yesterday and today. Lift a genuine gold bar, one of several on display. Complete activity sheets providing fun for all ages The Huguenot Legacy Until Fri 10 May The first Governor of the Bank of England, Sir John Houblon, was the grandson of a Huguenot refugee. This exhibition celebrates the achievements of the Huguenots and their early connection with the Bank

BRITISH MUSEUM

Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8000/8299 www.britishmuseum.org Open: daily 10am-5.30pm, FREE For a full list of free family activities please see the website Mammoths, reindeer and lions: Ice Age animals Mon 8–Fri 12 Apr 11am-4pm FREE drop in all ages. A week of activities exploring Ice Age art. Find out about the techniques used by early artists to create colourful wall images and exquisite hand-held sculptures. You can also watch modern artists at work and have a go at a bit of Ice Age art yourself

CHURCHILL MUSEUM AND CABINET WAR ROOMS

Clive Steps, King Charles Street, SW1A 2AQ 020 7930 6961 www.iwm.org.uk/churchill Open: 9.30am-6pm. £17/£13.60 under 16s FREE

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Undercover – Life in Churchill’s Bunker Extended until end of 2013 due to popular demand . Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground

Amazonian Carnival Headdress Sat 2 & 9 Mar Cork Rafts Sat 16 Mar Easter Bunny Egg Dish Sat 23 & 30 Mar

DESIGN MUSEUM

Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB 020 7565 7299 www.ltmuseum.co.uk Open: Sat-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri 11am6pm, £15 allows unlimited admission to the museum for a 12 month period from date of purchase. Tickets are intended for use by the purchaser only and are non transferable/£11.50 concessions. Admission to the museum and family activities are FREE to accompanied children under 16 Easter Holidays Story time Mon 1 Apr–Fri 12 Apr 11am 2pm all ages especially 3-7yrs. Find out about London’s Underground stations and meet the imaginary characters who live there. Listen to tales of adventures as they reveal the secrets of what life is like on the Underground Make and Take Craft Workshop 11.30am & 2.30pm all ages especially 4-12yrs. Add your contribution to a model tube station, before becoming a junior architect and designing your own fantastical station FREE Family Activity Book 5-10yrs Check out the new FREE family 12 page activity book. This book contains a time travelling device, a horse, 16 passengers from the world’s underground railway, a house, a poster, design studio and an art class!

Shad Thames, SE1 2YD 020 7940 8787 www.designmuseum.org Family Trails All family visitors to the Design Museum can pick up a FREE family trail from the admissions desk. With the help of The Thinkerer kids and adults, can get the most from their visit to the museum Get Creative! Workshops 5-11yrs What are Sunday afternoons for if not to get creative? Budding designers are invited to join the team of designers.

With a rich variety of monthly themes there is something to satisfy everyone Design Museum Family Day An exciting day of activities and fun with workshops, exhibition trails, games and competitions, when the whole museum becomes a hive of fun-filled family activities. Sign up for Family Day 2013 updates by email

GEFFRYE MUSEUM

136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA 020 7739 9893 www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm5pm FREE. All workshops are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis 30 minutes before the workshop begins. All children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult Easter Treasure Hunt Sat 6 Apr 12.30pm-4.30pm. Explore the gardens, answer clever clues and collect your treasure from the Quiz Desk Easter Holiday Activities: Spring is in the Air Tue 9 Apr-Fri 12 Apr 10.30am-12.30pm & 2-4pm 5yrs+. Get in the mood for spring! Bake herbal biscuits, create seasonal headwear and take part in a treasure hunt around the gardens

HORNIMAN MUSEUM

100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872 www.horniman.ac.uk Open: daily 10.30am-5.30pm, FREE Busy Bees Until 22 Mar every Tue/Fri 10.45am 11.30am 12.15pm. Activities change every week, with creative play, enchanting stories, simple art and craft and songs A World of Stories Every Sun until Sun 24 March 11am 12.15pm 3yrs+ FREE drop in Everyone loves a good story, with some of the best storytellers in London bringing the museum’s varied collections to life Hands on Family Workshops Every Sat 11.45am 1pm 3 yrs+ FREE Use all your senses to explore the animal kingdom, musical instruments, costume, toys and puppets Artmakers Every Sat 1.30pm 2.45pm £3 per child 3yrs+. Have fun with art skills and exciting techniques to create something fabulous to take home

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

MUSEUM OF LONDON

150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844 www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, FREE Exhibitions Doctors, Dissection and Resurrection Men Until April 2013 See website for full details of regular groups held at Museum of London for “Mini Moles” (6 months – walking) and Little Moles (walkers – 5 yrs) and a full list of family activities Characters from History: Meet a Resurrection Man Sun 10 Mar 11.30am 2pm FREE 5yrs + These 19th century body snatchers stole bodies from graveyards and sold them for research. Why did they do it and who were these men?

Storytelling: Henry Croft Pearly King I Fri 29 Mar & Sat 30 Mar 1pm 2pm 3pm Join the story teller and discover some of the hidden gems in one of London’s iconic parks

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS

West India Quay, Canary Wharf, E14 4AL 020 7001 9844 www.museumindocklands.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, £5 annual adult pass, kids FREE. See website for full details of regular groups held at Museum of London Docklands for “Mini Mudlarks” (6 months – walking) and “Little Mudlarks” (walkers – 5 yrs) and a full list of family activities

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Out & About How to be a pirate Sat 2 Mar 12.30pm 2.30pm 3.30pm FREE 5yrs+. Join in with the fun and games in this drama performance to help our bungling buccaneer learn how to become a proper pirate Under 5’s Storytelling Mar & Apr every Thu 3pm. Join in for a fun and interactive story, told using puppets, museum objects and music

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM and THE QUEEN’S HOUSE

Romney Road, Greenwich, SE10 9NF 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk Open: daily 10am-5pm, FREE A Journey to remember Mon 1 Apr–Fri 12 Apr 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm FREE . People travel across the world for many reasons – meet characters from the past and hear their incredible stories Play Tuesdays 10.30am 11.30am 1pm 2pm under 5 yrs FREE. Young children can have fun with their families as they explore the Museum through making, music, dance and drama Explore Saturdays 12m 1pm 2pm 3pm 6yrs+ FREE Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life Discover Sundays 11.30am 2pm all ages FREE Be inspired by the maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD 020 7938 9123, Info 020 7942 5000 www.nhm.ac.uk Open: Mon-Sat 10am–5.50pm, Sun 11am-5.50pm FREE Events for Families - check the full listing on www.nhm.ac.uk/whats-on Extinction: Not the End of the World?

Until Sun 8 Sep 10am £8/£4 Family £21 Giant deer, bizarre insects and supersized birds – millions of species that once roamed the planet are no longer around. Yet, while 99 per cent of them have met their demise, they have made room for the huge diversity that has bloomed in their place Sensational Butterflies Exhibition Fri 29 Mar-Sun 15 Sep £4.50 Family £16 book online. This popular outdoor butterfly exhibition returns to the Museum’s East lawn this summer.

Sensational Butterflies allows you to explore one of the planet’s most amazing life cycles. Experience the magic of coming face to face with 100s of free-flying live butterflies as you walk through the tropical butterfly house Dinosnores Sat 19 Apr. Enjoy a sleepover in this amazing museum Explorer Back Pack Mon-Fri 11am-5pm. Younger visitors can pick up an Explorer backpack and take a mini adventure around the Museum. Don’t miss the Dippy floor puzzle, perfect for under 8’s.

Complete the puzzle of the 26-metre long “diplodocus” and you’ll get a funky Dippy sticker!

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SCIENCE MUSEUM

Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD 0870 870 4868 www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, FREE (charges for special exhibitions, IMAX cinema and simulator rides) See the website for a fantastic on line diary of daily shows and events Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles!

Mon 4 & Wed 13 Mar Tue 23 Apr FREE every hour from 10.30am until 3.30pm This interactive show features bubbles of all sizes going up, down, this way, that way, and all over the place… with a little help from the audience!

The Garden 3-6 yrs Inquisitive children are free to explore floating and sinking, shadows and reflections, music, giant building blocks and much more while developing the skills of observing, predicting, testing and drawing conclusions Pattern Pod 5-8 yrs Like scientists, children explore the world by trying to make predictions about events happening around them.

Using truly amazing multi-sensory exhibits this contemporary gallery looks at the many types of patterns in the world around us and encourages children to recognise and copy patterns – or create entirely new ones of their own Launchpad Science Shows Daily FREE 8 yrs +. With over 50 interactive exhibits, plus electrifying shows and lively demonstrations, while there’s plenty to keep the adults occupied too!

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM

13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP 020 7405 2107 www.soane.org Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, FREE Easter Holidays Gods, Goddesses and Fabulous Beasts Wed 3 Apr Whole Day £20 Make your own amulets, badges and jewellery inspired by Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects in the Museum Daring Doors Thu 4 Apr Whole Day £20. John Soane kept his pictures behind huge double doors. Make a Double-Door model to show your ideas Look, Line and Layer Wed 10 Apr AM or PM £12. Explore new ways of looking and drawing. Make your drawings come alive using giant lines, streams of light and twirling ribbons to create your own Museum landscape Going Greek Thu 11 Apr AM or PM £12.

Gather Grecian inspiration and your own prints of repeated patterns and images Junior Audio Tour Introduced by Stephen Fry and read by Eleanor Bron. In this atmospheric tour, lasting 59 minutes, the actress Eleanor Bron guides the listener through Soane’s Museum, accompanied by sound effects and music. It is suitable for children and first-time visitors to the Museum

THE WALLACE COLLECTION

Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN 020 7563 9500/ 9551 www.wallacecollection.org Open 10am-5pm, FREE Family Activities: Children must be accompanied by an adult The Little Draw 1.30pm-4.30pm Drop-in art workshop held in the galleries on the first Sunday of each month Weekend Events Special Day Events take place approximately four times per year at the weekends. They comprise an entertaining day of talks, craft activities, hands-on sessions and more Design your own Marvellous Mini Passover Plate Sun 24 Mar 2pm £7 6yrs+ Easter Egg Treasures Fri 5 Apr 10.30am 2pm £7 7yrs+ Daily: Family Multimedia Tour with interactive games (small fee) Free Armour Handling Find out what a brigandine is and how heavy a bulletproof breastplate really was Family Trails Themed family trails available from the information desk at the front Entrance

V&A MUSEUM

Cromwell Road,SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk Open daily 10am – 5.45pm, until 10pm

Fri, FREE Family Art Fun! Trails Family Backpacks Ages 5-12 yrs Choose from: The Emperor’s Party, Chinese Treasures, Metal Detector, The Antique Detective, Magic Glasses, Fancy Furnishings, Time Traveller, Middle East Marvels and the new Agent Animal bag for under 5s and search for creatures in the Museum using fabric cubes and animal noises Family Trails and Drop in sessions are also available in the museum and online – including Glorious Gardens, Silver, Tudor, Picnic Party and one especially written by Jacqueline Wilson

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA 020 8983 5200 www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Open: daily 10am-5.45pm, FREE

Wondertots: Art, drama, storytelling and movement for under 5s, led by the team from Artburst!

Circus Fridays 1 8 15 22 29 Mar 10.30am 1pm FREE under 5s please book. Roll up, roll up! Explore circus toys to make your own fairground amusement each week Spring Holidays: Egg-tastic Easter Fun - Fri 29 Mar–Mon 1 Apr 11am4pm FREE drop in all ages Enjoy bunny stories and games. Solve clues to find out where the Easter Bunny has hidden his chocolate eggs.

Make an Easter egg basket and other

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Out & About seasonal crafts Montessori Rucksacks A selection of rucksacks for under 5s are available for families to borrow from the Information Desk. Designed

by Montessori, there are four to choose from: Baby Explorers (6-18 months); People Like Me (18 months-3 years); Animal World and On the Move (both age 3-5) More Daily Activities: A variety of free activities every day, including storytelling, arts and crafts, tours and treasure hunts. Activities are tailored to children aged 3-12 yrs unless otherwise stated. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or carer

WILLIAM MORRIS GALLERY

Lloyd Park, Forest Road, London E17 4PP 020 8496 4390 www.wmgallery.org.uk Wed to Sun 10am–5pm FREE Discover the life and works of Britain’s most inspiring designer. Explore the beautiful new exhibitions, take part in hands-on family activities, or relax in our stylish Tea Creative Kids: Mrs Morris’ Tea Party Thu 14 Mar 10am 1pm under 5yrs FREE booking essential Spring Wishes Thu 11 Apr 1pm under 5yrs FREE booking essential Family Days Photo Fun Sat 30 Mar 1pm World of Books Sat 27 Apr 1pm Easter Holiday Workshops: Drawing or Puppet Making & Performance see website for full details

PLACES OF INTEREST CANARY WHARF

www.canarywharf.com Community Gallery - Jumping for Joy Situated within Jubilee Walk, the link from Canada Place to the Jubilee Line, the Community Gallery is devoted to exhibiting work produced by local arts projects Spring Summer Fashion Weekend Fri 22–Sun 24 Mar (throughout the Shopping Malls). This annual Spring Summer Fashion Weekend returns to showcase the best of the season’s collections

CUTTY SARK CLIPPER SHIP

King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT 10am-5pm £12/£6.50 Family £29 bookings@rmg.co.uk Opening a new chaper in the extraordinary life of the world’s most famous ships. The last surviving tea clipper and the fastest and greatest of her time, she is a living testimony to the bygone, glorious days of sail and, most importantly, a monument to those that lost their lives in the merchant service. After travelling through time and tide, take a moment to relax in the new café before continuing your day in the Royal Borough of Greenwich Easter Egg Hunt Fri 29 Mar-Mon 1 Apr 10am-5pm FREE The Cutty Sark’s chickens have been laying their eggs in strange places – how many can you spot around the ship?

DISCOVER

383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ

020 8536 5555 www.discover.org.uk Open: daily Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat & Sun 11am-5pm £7/£6.50 Space Babies Every week (except during The Big Write and Easter Holidays) Tue–Fri 11am 1.45pm 3pm Sat & Sun 11.30am 0 – 3 yrs. Journey out of this world led by the Story Builder with your baby or toddler in the special hideaway downstairs for a fun-filled session that will include a story, songs and action rhymes The Big Write Thu 7–Sun 17 March Welcome to The Big Write! Join the UK’s greatest and most brilliant authors, illustrators, poets and artists as they bring words and pictures to life. With events for every age from tiny crawlers to adult drawers there is something that will delight and inspire everyone. With lots of guest visits!

The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers Sat 9 Mar 11.30am 12.30pm 2pm 3pm & 4pm 3yrs+ . Miles from earth, a boy crashes into the moon and meets a friendly Martian with a broken space ship. Can the boy find his way home and back up to the moon to rescue his friend?

Bob and the Moon Tree Mystery with Simon Bartram Sat 9 Mar 12–1pm 5yrs+. Meet Simon Bartram the creator of the best-selling Bob, The Man on the Moon series as he brings Bob’s latest adventure in space to life All Aboard!

Sat 9 Mar 12.15pm 1.15pm 2.15pm & 3.15pm 1yr+ . Diggers and trains, boats and planes; a 20 minute singing and storytelling adventure celebrating toddlers’ fascinations with everything that moves and beeps Q Pootle 5 with Nick Butterworth Sat 9 Mar 1.30pm-2.30pm 4yrs+ Join Nick for some story time fun with Q Pootle 5 and his friends… there will also be a special preview of Q Pootle 5’s next big adventure Retro Robots Sat 9 Mar 2pm–4.30pm (drop-in) 4yrs+ Transform a cardboard box into an awesome retro robot with help from our master engineers and artists Journey to Space and Beyond with Jim Field Sat 9 Mar 3pm–4pm 4yrs+ Meet award winning illustrator Jim Field, as he introduces you to his wonderful world of planets, robots, stars and astronauts Draw Off! with Nick Butterworth and Jim Field Sat 9 Mar 4.30pm-5.15pm 4yrs+ Watch as these two go head to head in a battle to be crowned The BEST Champion Alien Drawer of all time The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers Sun 10 Mar 11.30am 12.30pm 2pm 3pm & 4pm 3yrs+ Miles from earth, a boy crashes into the moon and meets a friendly Martian with a broken space ship. Can the boy find his way home and back up to the moon to rescue his friend?

Rastamouse with Michael De Souza and Genevieve Webster Sun 10 Mar 12pm–1pm 4yrs+ Share the tales about the coolest

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crime-bustin’ mouse in the world.

Meet the Easy Crew, a trio of crimefighting, mystery-solving, special agent, reggae band members headed by the eponymous tea-cosy wearing, skateboarding Caribbean rodent Rastamouse All Aboard!

Sun 10 Mar 12.15pm 1.15pm 2.15pm & 3.15pm 1yr+ . Diggers and trains, boats and planes - a 20 minute singing and storytelling adventure celebrating toddlers’ fascinations with everything thing that moves and beeps Meet Axel Scheffler Sun 10 Mar 1.30pm–2.30pm 5yrs+ Join Axel in drawing the Gruffalo and his other fun friends!

Retro Robots Sun 10 Mar 2pm–4.30pm (drop-in) 4yrs+. Transform a cardboard box into an awesome retro robot with help from our master engineers and artists Charlie Dark’s Octopus Club Sun 10 Mar 3pm–4.15pm 0–5yrs A musical and rhythmic adventure deep beneath the sea, a storytelling session featuring hip hop, poetry and puppets.

Sat 16 Mar Maisy’s Band by Lucy Cousins, Tilly and Friends with Polly Dunbar, Nursery Tales,Tom and Millie’s Great Big Treasure Hunt with Guy Parker-Rees, Comic Capers, Winnie’s Dinosaur Day with Korky Paul,The Wimpy Kid Show Sun 17 Mar Maisy’s Band by Lucy Cousins, Too Noisy with Ed Vere, Nursery Tales, Dirty Bertie with David Roberts, Comic Capers, Horrible Histories with Martin Brown Sat 23 & Sun 24 Mar Aliens in Underpants Save the World

by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort Easter Holidays Space Babies Fri 29 Mar–Fri 12 April every day Easter Weekend Fri 29 Mar–Mon 1 Apr every day, All day craft activity and interactive game 3yrs+ Fri 29 & Sun 31 Mar The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett Sat 30 Mar & Mon 1 Apr Little Rabbit Foo Foo by Michael Rosen and Arthur Robins Tue 2 Fri 5 & Tue 9 Apr Beegu by Alexis Deacon Wed 3 & Wed 10 Apr Whatever Next!

by Jill Murphy Thu 4 Mon 8 & Thu 11 Apr Dr Xargle’s Book of Earthlets by Jeanne Willis & Tony Ross Sat 6 & Sun 7 Apr Where’s Wally?

Weekend Fri 12 Apr A Beastly Day All day Don your favourite beastie costume for a day of beast-themed activities.

The Beasties by Jenny Nimmo and Gwen Millward Beast Quest at Stratford Picturehouse Sat 13 & Sun 14 Mar Mighty Mega Exhibition Sat 20 All day. Take a look at the new unique and imaginative artwork on display around the centre. From moody black and white photos to colourful sun-prints, and from photo collages to framed portraits – take a different look at Discover through the photography of

some of the children who know it best The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers Sat 20 & Sun 21 Apr How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers Sat 27 & Sun 28 Apr

HMS BELFAST

Morgan’s Lane, Tooley Street, SE1 2JH 020 7403 6246 www.iwm.org.uk Open: 10am-6pm £14 under 16s FREE Free Family Activities - Included in general admission price. Drop-in events suitable for all ages with parental supervision. HMS Belfast celebrates 75 years since her launch!

Sat16- Sun 17 Mar. A weekend of activities to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the ship’s launch in Belfast in 1938 on St Patrick’s Day. Meet some of HMS Belfast’s veterans and hear first-hand tales of life on the open seas, be enthralled by simulated gun firing of Belfast’s 4-inch guns, impress family and friends with your medalmaking skills in a hands-on craft activity History in your hands Sat 9 & Sun 10 Mar Sat 20-Sun 21 Apr 11am-12.30pm 2pm-4pm. Discover the stories hidden within HMS Belfast and find out about the men who lived and worked on board Signals at Sea Thu 23 Mar & Fri 24 Mar, 11am-12.30pm and 2pm-4pm drop in all ages Send and decode secret messages and find out how the navy used secret signals to communicate Darning and Yarning at Sea Fri 29- Sun 31 Mar Mon 1-Sun 7 Apr 11am–12.30pm 2pm–4pm. Get crafty and learn how sailors repaired their clothes at sea - uncover the difference between a cross stitch and a running stitch in this communal sewing activity

KENSINGTON PALACE

Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk Easter bonnet competition Fri 29 Sat 30 and Sun 31 Mar 11am–4pm all ages. Make your own Easter bonnet/hat (or bring along your own home-made one) inspired by costume at Kensington Palace. Entries will be judged at 3pm on each day and prizes awarded Spring palace tapestry Mon 1-Sun 7 Apr 11am–4pm all ages Easter holiday activities for families.

Help make a big felt and textile spring tapestry

KEW GARDENS

Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AB 020 8332 5655 www.kew.org Winter Hours 9.30am-5.30pm £16/£14 children under 16 yrs FREE. Travel through time and discover the History of Chocolate at Kew Gardens in Easter 2013!

Fri 29 Mar to Sun 14 Apr. Discover the history of chocolate! Get stuck into the chocolate workshops with arts and crafts activities, or join our traditional Easter Egg Hunt on Sun 31 Mar and collect tokens from around the Gardens to pick up your prize a delicious chocolate treat from the Easter Bunny!

Spring at Kew Gardens: The biggest display of colour in the country

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Out & About Enjoy the stunning beauty of over five million bulbs in bloom. The swathes of snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils are set to be a riot of colour to melt away the winter blues

LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK

08456 770600 www.leevalleypark.org.uk See website for full list of activities, here are some highlights IJS Solo Dance Competition at Lee Valley Ice Centre (Lea Bridge Rd, Leyton E10 7QL) Mon 4 Mar, 8am-7pm, FREE to spectators, everyone welcome Watch this national open where novices to national champions will compete in ice dance competitions British Masters Championships at Lee Valley Athletics Centre (Meridian Way, Edmonton N9 OAR) Sat 9–Sun 10 Mar, 10am-6pm, suitable for everyone. Watch some of the best British Masters compete against each other Southern Open IJS Competition at Lee Valley Ice Centre (address above) Mon 18–Wed 20 Mar, 8am-7pm, FREE for spectators, everyone welcome Watch novice, junior and senior skaters compete Mother’s Day Cruise Sun 10 Mar 12.30pm-3.30pm £25 per person everyone welcome booking required. Treat someone special to a 3 hour river cruise and three course meal along the River Lee and watch the delights of spring along the riverside as you glide along Lee Valley Minithon at Lee Valley Athletics Centre (address above) Sat 23 Mar 12pm-6pm £8.50 per entry (School Years 3-7) booking required An athletics competition offering the chance for children aged between 8 and 12 to take part in three different sporting disciplines, including hurdles, high jump and shot putt Cream Tea Cruise Fri 29 Mar 3pm-5pm £12 per person Start your Easter weekend with a gentle two hour cruise along the River Lee with a cream tea included Easter Eggstravaganza Fri 29 Mar–Mon 1 Apr 10am–5pm £8/£6.50. Join in the annual Easter egg hunt. There’s also the meerkats, husky dogs, pigs and goats, llamas, sheep, giant rabbits and chinchillas.

The whole family can play in the tractor barn, piglets’ paradise, the soft play area Bundle Barn. There’s the Jumping Pillow to bounce on, the incredible Spider Tower to climb and the Alpine Adventure toboggan run!

Spring-tastic Farm Fun Fri 29 Mar–Sun 14 Apr 10am-5pm £8/£6.50. Meet the chicks, spring lambs, husky dogs and enjoy lots of seasonal activities around the farmyard as well as some of the old favourites including the tractor barn, piglets’ paradise, the soft play area Bundle Barn. There’s the Jumping Pillow to bounce on, the incredible Spider Tower to climb and the Alpine Adventure toboggan run!

Lee Valley U13 and U15 Pentathlon and Open Meeting Sun 31 Mar 11am-6pm fee applies,

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spectators welcome, booking required Compete at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre (Meridian Way, Edmonton, N9 OAR) across the five pentathlon disciplines or in the open track events including 60m, 200m, 800m and 60m hurdles Easter Sunday Lunch Cruise Sun 31 Mar 12.30pm-3.30pm £25 per person everyone welcome booking required. Celebrate Easter Sunday with a three hour cruise and roast dinner whilst viewing the delights of the countryside from the river Top Dog (Walthamstow Marshes, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, E10 7QL) Sat 6 Apr 9am-2pm, FREE, everyone welcome. Drop into this popular free dog handling clinic for advice and hands-on training. Areas covered include obedience, noise control, aggression management and general poor behaviour Lee Valley Duathlon (at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, address above) Sun 7 Apr from 9am, £12-£15, booking required. A flat, safe ‘run-cycle-run’ for all levels including novices. To book visit entrycentral.com Star Track (at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, address above) Mon 8–Fri 12 Apr 10am-2pm, £52-£62 per person, for children 8-12 years old, booking required.

This successful and popular holiday programme will provide budding athletes with the opportunity to learn a range of skills needed for all the different types of athletics disciplines, from javelin to long jump. To book visit leevalley.org.uk Lea Valley Walk: Lea Bridge to Three Mills Sun 14 Apr 9.30am-4.30pm, £15 per person, everyone welcome, booking required. This three mile walk follows the Lea Valley with its industrial heritage and natural history. Discover historic filter beds, the impact of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and finish with a tour of the House Mill at Three Mills. To book visit field-studies-council.org.uk Starting at the WaterWorks Nature Reserve, Lammas Road, off Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, E10 7QB IJS Qualifier for British Championships at Lee Valley Ice Centre (address above) Mon 15–Fri 19 Apr 8am-7pm, FREE to spectators, everyone welcome. Watch novice, junior and senior skaters compete to qualify for the British Championships Bat Walk and Talk Sat 20 Apr 7.15pm-9.30pm, members £2, non-members £4. The bat expert will give you an insight into these fascinating nocturnal creatures before heading out at dusk with bat detectors.

To book contact Friends of Tottenham Marshes on 020 8808 1341.

Tottenham Marshes, Watermead Way, Tottenham, N17 0XD GB Canoe Slalom Team Selection Sat 27–Sun 28 Apr 8.30am-4pm, adults £7, children £3, booking required Watch the country’s best paddlers battle the rapids in this national competition.

Why not take to the flat water in our

taster canoe sessions? To book visit gbcanoeing.org.uk Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross, Herts EN9 1AB

THE CENTRE OF THE CELL

Blizard Building, 4 Newark St, Whitechapel, E1 2AT 020 7882 2562 www.centreofthecell.org Content suitable for 9yrs+, FREE admission – booking essential online Centre of the Cell is an exciting science education centre. It is the first science education centre in the world to be sited in biomedical research laboratories with digital interactive games; body parts; films and microscopes

LONDON BOROUGH OF REDBRIDGE

Hainault Forest Country Park , Romford Rd, Chigwell Essex IG7 4QN Guided Monster Trail Walk Hainault Forest Sun 17 Mar 10.30am to 2.20pm Join in the now infamous “monster trail” and see if you can spot all the creatures lurking in, up and around this excellent forest trail. Have a go at making some of our own monsters to add to the trail. This is a FREE event but numbers are restricted so please contact Tony Chadwick on 07876 546 591 or at tonychadwick@woodlandtrust.org.uk

LONDON ZOO

Regents Park Outer Circle, Marylebone, NW1 4RY 020 7722 3333 www.zsl.org New! Meet the giraffes VIP encounter – see website for details Friendly Spider Programme - 20 Apr Do you have a spider phobia? Then it’s time you joined the Friendly Spider Programme where we will help you to overcome your fears and eliminate the condition of arachnophobia – fear of spiders. The programme is a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy and hypnotherapy

RICH MIX

35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA 020 7613 7498 www.richmix.org.uk Offers a broad range of arts-based activities and performances for children aged 0 to 12 years and their parents/ carers. Many of our events are FREE or low-priced supporting families who are on a low income and who may find it difficult to access arts and cultural activities – see website for details Kids’ Cine Time Every Sat & Sun 12pm £1.50 Autism-friendly Screenings Every 3rd Sun 1pm £1.50 Parents and Babies Screenings Every Monday 12pm Wiggly Jigglers Mon 11 & 25 Mar 11& 25 Feb 1pm-3pm 2yrs and under.

FREE for Tower Hamlets residents & £3 per child for non Tower Hamlets residents At these creative movement sessions, led by movement practitioner Jasmine Pasch, they will get the space, the freedom and the time to move in ways

that support their development, and stimulate their imaginations Bengal to Bethnal Green Sun 10 Mar 2pm-6pm. A monthly series of events including music workshops for all the family talks and discussions with famous writers concerts featuring much-loved singers Numbi Workshop Sun 17 Mar 11am-3pm. In these workshops you will consider aspects of space and introduce the use of smells, sounds, video and african heritage body fabric ornaments Mwalimu Express Sun 17 Mar 2pm. London’s only Pan African family adventure chugs in with a dazzling experience of Africa and the Diaspora. It is a family friendly Afro Chill out with dance, games and films for all Storycraft Workshop with Apples and Snakes Mon 18 Mar 1.30pm Shoreditch £3 per child 2-5yrs. Led by a different storyteller or poet every other month, StoryCraft encourages families to enjoy stories together in an active and fun way

RSPB RAINHAM MARSHES

01708 899840 Open: daily Sun 1 Nov-Wed 31 Mar open 9.30am-4.30pm, 1 Apr-31 Oct open 9.30am-5pm Unique wetland reserve with innovative visitor centre, shop, café, wildlife garden, and children’s adventure play area - boardwalks throughout for wheelchair and pushchair access Entrance charges: FREE to RSPB members and residents of Havering & Thurrock. Non-members: £3 adult, £1.50 child, £9 family (2 adults and up to 4 children) Kids Bird Watching Club Sat 9 Mar & Sat 13 Apr Wildlife Explorers Club Sat 23 Mar & Sat 27 Apr Easter Egg-stravaganza Fri 29 March – Sun 14 Apr. Can you crack the Easter treasure hunt? Find the clues, solve the puzzle and collect your reward. Make sure you visit the cosy café and try some of the many tasty homemade cakes. Check out the shop for all your garden bird essentials, just in time for spring

SUTTON HOUSE

2 & 4 Homerton High Street, Hackney E9 6JQ 020 8986 2264 suttonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk Adult £3.50 Child £1 Family £6.90 Open Thu to Sun see website for times Easter Egg Trail Fri 28 Mar-Sun 14 April. Explore Sutton House through the Easter Egg trail and win yourself a chocolate egg head!

Easter Fete – FREE family day Sun 31 Mar. Join in with Easter fun at Sutton House’s Easter Fete. A day filled with Easter themed activities including arts and crafts and costumes Family Fun Thursday Thu 4 & 11 Apr 12pm. Gather with your family for a fun filled Thursday, full of arts, crafts and costumes Reduce reuse recycle and create FREE family day - Sun 28 Apr

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THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, GREENWICH

Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk Open: daily 10am-5pm, FREE Space Safari Tue during term time 12.45pm 1.45pm weekends & holidays 11am £6.50/£4.50 under 7yrs This delightful live planetarium show has been developed specifically for children under the age of 7. Join Ted the Teddy Bear as he journeys throughout the solar Saturday Space Explorers Sat 27 Apr 2pm 2.30pm 3pm 3.30pm 4pm 4.30pm FREE 7 yrs+.

In these fun monthly workshops families can make simple cardboard instruments, including planet finders and moon dials which they can take away and use at home

TOWER OF LONDON

Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk Open: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am6pm £20.90/£10.45 family £55, under 5s FREE on line cheaper. Buy in advance on 0870 756 7070. Look on line to find Family Trails to do including The Crown Jewels & Medieval Palace

VALENTINES MANSION

Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA 020 8708 8100 www.valentinesmansion.com Open: Tues & Wed 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm Family Sunday - Gingerbread Fun at the Mansion Sun 3 Mar £3.50 per child 1.30pm-3pm all ages. Listen to the story of the little Gingerbread Man, make your own to take home, and take part in the fun kitchen quiz and songs with your family

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Explore, Make and Do’s - Wonderful Wallpaper (under 5s) Tue 19 Mar 10.30am-12pm £2.50 per child.

Take part in the special arty quiz and take a brush to make your very own wallpaper freeze to take home!

Open Studios Sun 24 Mar 11am-4pm Your chance to visit artists and see how their work is made. You’ll be amazed at their creations, ranging from fabulous fused glass and dazzling jewellery to intricate mosaics and perfect paintings

MARKETS BROADWAY MARKET E8 4PH www.broadwaymarket.co.uk Open: Saturdays 9am-5pm.

Nearest Underground Station: Hackney Central. Diverse range of shops and restaurants

COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET Columbia Road, E2 http://columbiaroad.info Open: Sundays 8am-3pm.

Nearest Underground Station: Old Street, Bethnal Green. Flower Market selling plants, flowers, shrubs, trees and accessories for the garden

LEADENHALL MARKET

Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR 020 7621 0709 www.leadenhallmarket.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm Nearest Underground Station: Bank, Monument. Fine food and clothing

OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET

105a Commercial Street, Spitalfields, E1 6BG www.visitspitalfields.com Open: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sun 9am-5pm Nearest Underground Station: Liverpool Street, Aldgate East. Fashion, clothes, antiques, art, records, books