Familieseast74 july august13

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Issue 74 July/August 2013

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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: Trupti Patel

Family Fun Days at London Transport Museum this August There’s fun to be had this summer as London Transport Museum invite families to join in with their 150th anniversary celebrations.

Visitors will have the chance to admire and ride on locomotives dating back to the Victorian times, including the 1890s Metropolitan Jubilee 353 coach. Smaller visitors can take part in family fun activities each day. There are special heritage vehicle outings taking place on 3, 4 & 7 August at London Transport Museum’s Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, and 31 August at the Museum’s Neasden Depot.

The anniversary celebrations continue throughout August at the Covent Garden Museum where accompanied children get in free.

There will be steamy science demonstrations, story time sessions, make and takes and singalongs on how the Underground tunnels were built.

For full details, call 020 7565 7298 or go to www.ltmuseum.co.uk.

Mallards Wood - Quality Daycare/Holiday Clubs in Woodford Green Mallards Wood has provided quality daycare since 2002 by caring for children from 3 months to 5 years olds. They provide full and part time daycare that successfully prepares your child for future life and learning having developed strong links with local schools in the area to help give your child a great start in life. They also offer a broad curriculum including Drama, French, IT, Yoga and Music sessions as part of their full day care fees.

Their professional, caring and highly qualified staff have been recognised as “good” in all areas by OFSTED. The setting has excellent parking with great transport links, as it’s close to Woodford and South Woodford stations and A406. So why not bring your child along to visit as they are operating holiday clubs this summer with promotional rates for early bookings.

Book a visit at www.mallardswood.com or call 0208 498 9739 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.

! n o d n o L f o A to Z

We all know that you can’t always bank on sunny weather this summer but there are so many things to do, see and experience in London whatever the weather. So Families East have put together an A-Z list of ideas to help inspire and encourage families to get out and enjoy all that London has to offer whatever the weather. We’ve tried to get a good mix of activities for big kids (that means you!) and little kids too!

A

is for Afternoon Tea

Oh the delights of a civilised afternoon tea, how quintessentially English is that? The five-star Milestone Hotel in Kensington offers a Little Princes’ and Princesses’ Afternoon Tea menu specifically designed for children at £12.50 per head. Before they sit down to their delicious treats, a member of staff will take them on a tour to the pastry kitchen where they can see how afternoon tea is prepared and get a chance to decorate their own cupcake. A perfect opportunity to relax after a busy day in London so let the kids eat lots of cakes while you relax and unwind out with a gorgeous cuppa!

The Milestone Hotel 1 Kensington Court, W8 5DL / 020 7917 1000 Served daily from 3pm–6pm

B

is for Ballet

The Bolshoi Ballet return to the Royal Opera House this summer in Covent Garden and bring a mix of classics and new work with performances taking place between 29 July and 17 August.

Or why not take in the British Music Experience located at the O2 Arena. Relive the glorious history of British popular Music at the British Music Experience with over 3,000 images, 600 video clips, 3,000 artist videos and over 600 items of artist and music memorabilia, it’s a must see for any music fan. From the classic era defining sounds of The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Dusty Springfield... stadium filling giants like The Who and Queen... the irresistible anarchy of bands like The Specials and the Sex Pistols... right up to recent crowd-pleasers such as Spice Girls, Oasis, Coldplay, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys and much, much, more.

Open Mon-Sun 11am -7.30pm, £13 adults/£6.50 children under 5s go free. www.britishmusicexperience.com

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July/August 2013 Families East | 3

A to Z of London!

D

C

is for Cockney

How better to celebrate east London life than being part of the Cockney Heritage Festival which runs from 18-27 July across Tower Hamlets. It provides a range of events, exhibitions, walks and tours along with special events for kids and families such as Play Past & Present on Tuesday 23 July, 1-5pm at The Hub, the new community and arts venue Victoria Park E3 5TB. It will include outdoor activities for kidsled by experienced playworkers and focus on past and present play in Victoria Park. Or a Mile End Knees Up on Saturday 27 July 12noon-3pm where you can join the residents of Eric Estate, Mile End E3 4JL at a cockney-themed street party.

Discover more at http:// cockneyheritagefestival.eventbrite.co.uk/

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is for DLR

Go for a ride on the DLR for the day - it’s a whole adventure with their driverless carriages offering a fantastic view of the surrounding area. Why not try out one of their suggested itineraries by starting your day at Tower Gateway DLR for the Tower of London and Tower Bridge then take the DLR east looking out for Hawksmoor’s churches, alight at Canary Wharf to marvel at London’s newest skyline with its towering skyscrapers, beautiful public gardens and shopping! Travel onto maritime Greenwich for some history.

You could go for a picnic at Thames Barrier Park (Pontoon Dock DLR Station), which has spectacular views across the Thames and the Flood Barrier, which stretches 500 metres across the river. This contemporary urban space also features the Green Dock sunken garden, a 32-jet fountain plaza, Coffee Shop and excellent children’s play area.

E

is for Eat Out

It’s great to take a picnic and it creates wonderful memories for you and the children or enjoy one of the low cost family friendly eateries like Leon (who have operate 11 branches in London to choose from) or Giraffe (with over 15 London locations).

F

is for Free Entertainment

Take a wander along the South Bank stretch of the Thames from Tower Bridge to the London Eye and enjoy the buskers and performers entertaining the crowds, or maybe head to Covent Garden to see these free performances. How about walking around Brick Lane on a Sunday (Saturday is the quieter day) for some people watching and window-shopping?

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July/August 2013 Families East | 5

A to Z of London!

G

is for Greenwich

Always a favourite for families, Greenwich has so much to offer with its culture and history making it a World Heritage site.

So experience standing at the beginning of time at the Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory before continuing your journey to explore the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Naval College, the great baroque masterpiece of English architecture.

Venture aboard and beneath the now beautifully restored Cutty Sark – one of the world’s most famous ships. Walk the decks in the footsteps of the merchant seamen who sailed her more than a century ago.

Or maybe may be just sit down for a picnic and ice cream in Greenwich Park or enjoy the Sunday market as it’s a day out that offering everything. www.rmg.co.uk

H

is for History

We have so much history on our doorstep and the Step Outside Guides make for a perfect cheap way to help discover all that wonderful history. Their delightful guides are available from their website and let the kids get to know and see all that London has to offer. www.stepoutsideguides.com

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Or why not join the Historic Palaces where an annual Family Membership can cost as little as £57 for one adult and up to six children living at the same address. It offers unlimited access to all five historic palaces - the Tower of London, Hampton Court, Kensington Palace, Banqueting House and Kew Palace.

So skip the queues and enjoy access to exclusive member events too. http://www.hrp.org.uk/

I

is for Ice Cream Parlours

Surely Ice Cream and summer are the most perfect of partners so when better to enjoy a visit to an ice cream parlour. Local ice cream parlours are popping up all over east London and if you are in town then Time Out have a perfect little guide for places to visit in the capital. Get an extra scoop for us! www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/bestice-cream-in-london

J

is for Jazz

Why not introduce your children to the delights of London’s legendary Ronnie Scotts in Soho. One of the world’s oldest jazz clubs having hosted a who’s who of music. They now welcome families to a musical Sunday lunch experience with live

performances ranging from boogie-woogie and jive, to classy vocalists exploring the Great American songbook - music to suit every taste.

Their Sunday Jazz Lunch offers a unique opportunity of an afternoon of top-quality food and jazz. So whether your children are learning musical instruments or you just want to see and hear top musicians perform then go along as it’s on every Sunday with doors open 12pm and music from 1pm -3pm. They have a special children’s menu and there is 50% off entrance for children under 12 with adult ticket priced from £12. Make sure you book ahead first at www.ronniescotts.co.uk or 020 7439 0747 and introduce the next generation to the delights of jazz. We would recommend 10 years+ for this. Cool!

K

is for Kids Theatre Week

Running from 1 -31 August this annual event gives children aged 16 or under the opportunity to experience the magic of London theatre by letting them see a fantastic selection of shows for free as long as they are accompanied by a full paying adult plus you can bring an additional two children at half price (per transaction). There is a dazzling selection of top West End shows to choose from and children can also take part in a fantastic range of free activities and events over this period. http://www.kidsweek.co.uk/

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M

is for Museums

Make sure you check out in our Out & About section all the incredible free activities and events available at Museums in London this summer.

N L

is for Lidos

For a real taste of summer (or one for the hardy depending on the summer weather) why not make the most of this traditional experience of swimming outdoors in a lido. For the more adventurous try out the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park, open daily to the public from 1 June to 12 September. It isn’t heated but it does have a paddling pool and play area and a family ticket for 2 adults and up to 4 children costs just £10. Alongside it is the Lido Cafe Bar with waterside tables and is the ideal place to enjoy a snack, meal or even a glass of wine.

Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park W2 3XA For a more local experience we are blessed in east London with the fantastic London Fields Lido offering its heated pool that is open year round making it a very popular choice.

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is for Nature

Why not visit Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve for a fantastic day out for all the family! You can explore this lovely nature reserve throughout the year, and get close to the amazing wildlife. There are a number of hides that give great views of wildlife, even without binoculars.

From pond dipping to minibeast hunts, the Big Wild Sleepout to Wet Wackiness on a Wednesday, Give a Bug a Home to the Kids Birdwatching Club there is something for everyone. You don’t need to bring anything – just you, your family and a sense of adventure!

Look on their website for dates, times and more information www.rspb.org.uk/ rainhammarshes or call on 01708 899840

O

is for Outdoors

Why not try a bit of local camping at Lee Valley Park. Look up Sewardstone Road Chingford, E4 7RA on the googlemaps and see just how close it is! Why not take a short break and enjoy the best of both worlds? A brilliant base for exploring the countryside and handy for central London too at just 40 mins away.

The 1,000 acre River Lee Country Park is

on the doorstep, with its traffic-free cycling and walking trails, boating, rare wildlife and white water rafting, and Epping Forest with its mountain bike tracks is also close by. The site’s a perfect spot for tents and caravans, or you can choose to stay in a cosy cocoon or family woodland cabin at £50 per night and sleeps four – two adults and two children.

P

is for Pictures

Stratford Picture House have their Big Scream Club where they screen films exclusively for parents with babies under one year old on Tuesdays at 11am. You can enjoy the latest releases from our regular programme accompanied by your baby in a safe and comfortable environment. So no need to find a babysitter or worry about causing a disturbance next time you want to catch up on the movies; this is also a great way to meet other new parents. Low lights are left on in the auditorium and nappy changing facilities are available.

July/August 2013 Families East | 7

A to Z of London! available and big parties are welcome. It’s not just for kids! Parents can join the fun on the rink. Children must be 5yrs and above. Doors open 11am and finish 5pm, £10 per person includes skate hire.

Roller Disco at The Renaissance Rooms, Miles St, Vauxhall, SW8 1RZ www.rollerdisco.com

Q

is for Queen Elizabeth Park at Stratford

The park is one of the major legacy features resulting from the 2012 Olympics.

Over the summer there is a series of events taking place including Lollibop in August and Open East Festival at the end of July.

Check out the Timber Lodge and Tumbling Bay Playground. Timber Lodge has been brilliantly designed to blend into the natural landscape and produce its own green energy from solar panels. Inside, the Unity Kitchen Café offers all the facilities and refreshments you need on a day out, and its outdoor terrace is an ideal spot to sit and relax in the sun, with the chance of entertainment from the regular activities and exhibitions in the neighbouring community space.

Parents can leave their kids in the Tumbling Bay adventure playground, safe in the knowledge that they’ll never run out of ideas, whether it’s playing in the sandpit, building a den, discovering insects or roaming the walkways among the treetops. www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk

R

is for River Thames

How about catching a river bus down the Thames? Here are some routes to choose from: RB1: Embankment - Woolwich Arsenal RB2: Bankside - Embankment - Millbank St George Wharf (Tate to Tate and St George Wharf) RB3: London Bridge - Canary Wharf RB4: Hilton Docklands to Canary Wharf Ferry RB5: North Greenwich - Woolwich Arsenal RB6: Putney - Wandsworth - Chelsea Harbour - Cadogan - Embankment – Blackfriars Check out the different range of fares at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/14413.aspx Or Roller Disco every Saturday for the Family Jam. Enjoy skating in a fun, friendly and safe atmosphere with experienced instructors on hand, to help those still wobbly on their wheels. Snacks and soft drinks

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S

the river), Tate Modern - fantastic riverside views from the Espresso bar located on Level 3 with two riverside balconies.

is for Shopping and Markets

You can manage this one for yourself! London must have some of the best shopping in the world so get out and spend some money or just enjoy the window-shopping.

W

is for White Water Rafting at Lee Valley Park.

T

is for Toddle in the City

Join in a Toddle, which is an hour-long treasure hunt. Children need to be aged between 3 and 6 years old and have a favourite adult to join them. Older or younger siblings are welcome to join in with up to two children per adult.

Children are provided with their own digital cameras and adults are welcome to bring their own camera too! Teams take the best pictures and have the most fun when their favourite adult take part and bring out their own inner child!

Toddle at Shoreditch every Saturday in July and at Regent Street every Sunday in July and will happen come rain or shine. Find out how to join in at www.toddleinthecity.co.uk

Or T for Tube Go for an adventure on the tube and make a day of it! Have fun with the different tube names and colours of the different tube lines.

U

is for Umbrella

Remember don’t forget to pack an umbrella.

It is a British summertime!

V

is for Views

Ahh – fantastic views – looking down from General Wolfe’s statue in Greenwich Park over maritime Greenwich, the River Thames and the Isle of Dogs, The Shard (pricey!), Emirates Cable Cars (cable cars with a length of 1,100 metres over the River Thames with the gondolas travelling at a height of more than 50 metres above the water (the height of a 25 storey building) offering fantastic views of the River Thames and Canary Wharf as you cross

Are you ready for the ultimate white water adventure? One for the older children with a minimum age of 14 years you enjoy the adrenalin pumping action. Book your own white water rafting adventure and experience the thrills of white water rafting on the same course that Team GB won Gold and Silver on at this world class venue last year. http://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/

X Y

is your little challenge to find something different! is for Yankee style at Ed’s Easy Diner

Go for the American-retro diner experience – if you avoid the (amazing milk shakes) you can feed the whole family on freshly cooked prime British beef burgers, hot dogs, fries for not much more than the traditional fast food prices. The kids will love the experience and they regularly have special offers available on their website. www.edseasydiner.com

Z

is for Zoos

Obviously we have wonderful zoos like London Zoo but Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne, Herts is Europe’s leading animal experiences attraction. Animal experience days include feeding a tiger, tickling a tapir, meeting a meerkat, through to the very special being a mini zookeeper for the day and much more!

They are even happy to accept Tesco Clubcard Days Out vouchers for all purchases of day tickets to the park.

Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Herts EN10 7QA http://www.pwpark.com/

Don’t forget your brolly!

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Out & About At Families East we make very 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.

THEATRE, CONCERTS & FILMS BARBICAN

Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 8891 www.barbican.org.uk The Big Barbican Adventure Until 31 Mar 2014 FREE drop in 6yrs+ This is a do-it-yourself adventure trail for families. Set off to discover the secrets of the Barbican through cryptic clue solving, drawing and games. Pick up a free trail kit for from the Advance Box Office. Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12pm–6pm). Allow a minimum of one hour

BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE

Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 020 7928 3535 www.bfi.org.uk Dial F for Filmmaker - July children’s film school To book, call the box office on 020 7928 3232. Each day from 10am until 4pm Cost per child £20 8–11/1215yrs Bring a packed lunch Film-making from 10am–2.30pm inclusive of lunch break, 2.30pm–4.00pm screening of full-length feature film Dial D for Detective! Tue 23 Jul Have fun creating your very own detective drama! Using video, camera effects, sound and props including dressing up and fake blood, enter the world of the detective crime drama!

Dial V for Villainy! Wed 24 Jul Can you create a nasty villain and daring detective animation? Use stop-motion techniques and special editing effects.

Have fun making your very own cops and criminals cartoon!

Dial S for Spy! Thu 25 Jul During this fun filmmaking day you get to try out some spy devices while making your very own video production!

There’ll be scripting, filming and editing Dial C for Comic Criminal! Fri 26 Jul Using specialist software, create your very own comic book based on a video production! Create a hero and villains crime caper, then turning it into a comic 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 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

BROADWAY THEATRE

Broadway, Barking IG11 7LS 020 8507 5607 www.thebroadwaybarking.com

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The Magical Playroom with CBeebies’ Cerrie Burnell Tue 6 & Wed 7 Jul 2pm £6 Family of 4 £20 3-6yrs. Libby is a young girl who dreams of being a ballerina but is told her dream won’t come true because of her disability. She escapes into an exciting imaginary world when she discovers the “Magical Playroom” and the toys within come to life. Will her new friends be able to help Libby make her dreams come true?

GARRICK THEATRE

2, Charing Cross Road, WC2 0HH 0844412 4662 Horrible Histories - Barmy Britain Part One! Until 1 Sept from £12.50 Have you ever wondered why the Romans never won Master Chef? What if a Viking moved in next door? Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!

GENESIS CINEMA

93-95 Mile End Road, Whitechapel, E1 4UJ Book on line www.genesis-cinema. co.uk or call 020 7780 2000 Baby changing facilities available, space for prams, buggies and free car parking – call to reserve Parent and Baby Screenings Weds 11am £5 Weekend Fun for Kids 11am

GREENWICH THEATRE

Croom’s Hill SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk Jennifer Skylark and the Seagull’s Handbook Sat 27 Jul-Sun 11 Aug (Early bird booking includes boat trip - see website for full details) When an unfortunate twist of fate separates Jennifer from her guardian Uncle, she finds herself on board a giant ship destined for Australia. Storytelling, puppetry, and live music

HACKNEY EMPIRE THEATRE

291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ, 020 8985 2424 www.hackneyempire.co.uk Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom Sat 6 & Sun 7 Jul 10am, 1pm, 4pm £13.50-£11.50. Join Ben and Holly and their friends on this exciting musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter on an enchanting journey through the Magical Kingdom.

Room on the Broom Tue 23 10.30am 4.30pm Thu 26 Jul 10.30am 1.30pm £12. The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, bow and wand away into the night. With the help of a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, her belongings are retrieved. A magical, musical delight for children of all ages

KENNETH MOORE THEATRE

Oakfield Rd, Ilford IG1 1BT 0208 553 4466 www.kmtheatre.co.uk A Musical Theatre Summer Course Mon 29 Jul – Sat 3 Aug JUNIORS (Age 7-12 yrs): Mon-Sat 10am-2pm

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

To list an event contact editor@familieseast.co.uk SENIORS (Age 13 yrs+): Mon-Sat 2.30pm-6.30pm. An amazing week-long course in musical theatre culminating in a staged performance.

An intensive course for young people interested in musical theatre. Course tutors are a team of professionally qualified and experienced teachers

PALACE THEATRE

Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY 0844 755 0016 www.nimaxtheatres.com Brainiac Live! Science Abuse Thu 18 Jul–Sat 17 Aug £25-£15 Family £50. Expect exploding dustbins, combusting microwaves, Airzooka challenges and live daredevil stunts, as Brainiac attempts to answer some of science’s hotly debated questions

QUEEN’S THEATRE

52 Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT 01708 443333 www.queens-theatre.co.uk Baby Sensory: Precious Early Learning for Babies Thu 11 Jul & 5 Sep 11am-12 noon £5 Award Winning Baby Development Classes designed for babies from birth to 13 months. Light shows.

Unique activities that will surprise and delight both you and your baby.

Textures, special equipment and resources exclusive to the programme.

Techniques to stimulate your baby, activities for the development of language, exercises to enhance the bonding process, varied sensory experience to encourage learning Danny and His Magic Balloons Sat 3 Aug 11.30am £5 4yrs+. A brilliant show seamlessly combining comedy, mayhem and daftness, and of course balloons Summer Holiday Workshops: Acting, Movement & Performing Mon 5- Fri 9 Aug 9.30am - 1.30pm £60 7-10yrs. Week long workshops for ages 7-10 & 11-14, attracting around 100 young people each year. 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 Treasure Island Sat 27 Jul–Sat 17 Aug (see website for times and prices). A daring voyage across the seven seas! Anchored at the Queen’s for four weeks only, this epic new production brings Robert Louis Stevenson’s swashbuckling novel thrillingly to life in all its sea-drenched glory. Perfect for all ye scallywags aged 8 and up, this is a treasure chest of a show!

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE

Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR 0844 826 4242 www.openairtheatre.org The Winter’s Tale Until Sat 20 Jul Mon Tue Wed Fri 1.30pm, Sat 9.45am, Sun 10am 1.30pm

£15 Family £50. Shakespeare reimagined for everyone aged 6 and over Dinosaur Zoo Fri 9 Aug–Sun 8 Sep Mon–Wed 2.15pm, Fri 11.30am 2.15pm Sat–Sun 9.45am 11.30am £20/£15 Family £50 A tyrannosauric treat for 3 yrs+ direct from Australia, Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome pre-historic creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before. Discover all about dinosaurs in this entertaining and highly imaginative live show - plus get up close and personal with them on the picnic lawn before you go

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX 0844 875 0073 www.southbankcentre.co.uk Comedy Club 4 Kids Until Sat 13 Jul 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 Timber! Cirque Alphonse Until Wed 31 Jul £32-£15 8yrs+ 2pm 4pm 7.30pm varies each day The UK premiere of a joyous, logbalancing, wood-chucking, axe-juggling spectacular from a family of lumberjack circus-performers. Blending circus with theatre, dance, live traditional music and the folklore of their native Quebec, Cirque Alfonse take the audience on a wild ride of gravity-defying acrobatics and thrilling tricks with metal saws, axes and logs from the family farm The Magical Playroom with CBeebies’ Cerrie Burnell Sat 13 Jul 2.30pm Sun 14 Jul 2.30pm 4.30pm £10 3-6yrs. Libby is a young girl who dreams of being a ballerina but is told her dream won’t come true because of her disability. She escapes into an exciting imaginary world when she discovers the “Magical Playroom” and the toys within come to life. Will her new friends be able to help Libby make her dreams come true?

Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall Sun 4 & 18 Aug 1 & 15 Sep 3pm under 5yrs £8. DJ Monski Mouse, brings her high-energy smash-hit parents’ and children’s dance event for under fives to the Spielgeltent. Monski and her team will have heads and shoulders, knees and toes bopping along to retro dance tracks, pop favorites and funky nursery rhymes The Queen’s Knickers Tue 6 –Tue 20 Aug 12pm 3pm £12 Get your knickers in a twist with this classic comedy for wise young children.

What would you do if you lost the Queen’s pants? One day the knickers go missing, causing a national state of emergency and a diplomatic incident of catastrophic proportions The Man Who Planted Trees Thu 22 Aug–Sun 1 Sep 12pm 3pm £12 A unique blend of comedy, puppetry and storytelling, this is an imaginative family show about a shepherd who sets out to plant a forest and transform a barren

July/August 2013 Families East | 9

Out & About landscape, accompanied by his faithful dog. Multisensory elements allow the audience to hear the wind, feel the rain and smell the lavender - and the partly improvised nature of the comic scenes means that no two shows are alike

UNICORN THEATRE

147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com Magical Mechanicals Tue 9-Sun 21 Jul 10.30am-5.30pm £3 all ages. An interactive exhibition of comical, beautifully made automata.

A combination of art and science to see how machines work... the drives, pulleys, ratchets and levers. Book a ticket for 10.30am please attend between 10.30am and 2pm. Book a ticket for 2pm, please attend between 2pm and 5.30pm Lionboy Tue 9-Sun 21 Jul £16/£13/£10 8yrs+ Charlie Ashanti is eleven years old.

He’s a perfectly normal boy, except for one thing: he can speak to cats. When Charlie’s parents are kidnapped, he sets off on a rescue mission – with a little help from a floating circus and its pride of performing lions We Dance, Wee Groove Tues 30 Jul-Sun 11 Aug under 5yrs or 5-7yrs pick your show on line £10 (1 adult plus 1 child).

Join in a journey around the world in a highly interactive dance experience for children and their adults. Featuring professional performers, music, lighting and projected images, each session

invites participation between audience and performers

YOUNG VIC

66 The Cut Waterloo SE1 8LZ 020 7922 2922 www.youngvic.org Brilliant Until Sat 13 Jul 10.30am 1.30pm (except Sat 6 Jul 12.30pm) £10 3-5yrs Imagine it’s bedtime. Imagine it’s time to turn out the light. Imagine the moon outside and the stars, shining bright.

Brilliant is a glittering, magical introduction to theatre for 3 to 5 year-olds and their families combining movement, live music and captivating imagery to create a dreamlike world made of light

EVENTS KIDS WEEK 2013

Kidsweek.co.uk Wed 1-Fri 31 Aug Free theatre tickets! Any child aged 16 and under can go free to a participating show when accompanied by a full paying adult. You can also purchase up to two extra children’s tickets at half price. The exciting line-up of more than 35 shows offering free tickets

LOLLIBOP FESTIVAL – THE BIG BASH FOR LITTLE PEOPLE

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park www.lollibopfestival.co.uk Fri 16 Sat 17 & Sun 18 Aug £28 Family £110 – some early bird tickets available too. Three days of fantastic activities, entertainment and fun. Laugh with Dick & Dom, see your favourite

10 | Families East July/August 2013

characters from Peppa Pig, Shaun the Sheep, Cloud Babies or Poppy Cat; be amazed by Transformers, Skylanders or the Animal Man; learn something new with the Science Museum and visit The Enchanted Forest or The Village Green – plenty to entertain the family in east London

LONDON EVENING STANDARD & NOOK’S GET READING FESTIVAL

Sat 13 Jul Trafalgar Square A free literary festival for children encouraging them to take part in a read-a-thon with their most loved authors and celebrity storytellers. The festival will feature Rupert Everett reading an Oscar Wilde fairy tale, Billy Elliot The Musical performing ‘Electricity’, a reading from Mark Haddon’s book ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’, an appearance from ‘Joey’, the star of the National Theatre’s West End production of War Horse and lots lots more

MAYOR’S NEW SHOW

Sat 13 and Sun 14 Jul 12-6pm Central Park, E6. Enjoy two days of free live music, sports participation, cabaret entertainment, ZingZillas, Jamie’s Ministry of Food competitions, seaside, helter skelter and much more. The spectacular Newham Carnival will be leaving from Rancliffe road at 2pm on Sat 13 July

OPEN EAST FESTIVAL, QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK

Sat 27 & Sun 28 Jul A packed weekend of entertainment and activity, art and food. Discover a world of music with a host of international acts, featuring Toots and the Maytals, The Waterboys, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 and a supergroup of Malian artists including acclaimed duo Amadou & Mariam. An array of pop-up performances and participation takes place across the Park. Young visitors will be enchanted by The House of Fairy Tales, transported by the interactive storytelling from Discover Children’s Story Centre and Charlie Dark’s hip-hop, poetry puppet adventure.

Encounter Joey, from the National Theatre’s production War Horse, unearth a future masterpiece at the Art Car Boot Fair, catch the afternoon’s athletics live on the big screen

SHOREDITCH FESTIVAL, HOXTON STREET MARKET

Sat 13 & Sun 14 Jul 10am FREE Join in for a top quality mix of live music, theatre and dance and take part in family-friendly events to celebrate the creativity of east London

WANSTEAD MUSIC IN THE PARK

Sat 13 Jul 2pm-10pm £10/£4 under 4s FREE. www.aldersbrook.info With headline act Bad Ass Brass enjoy a day of music and fun in the park. There are performances on the main stage and in the acoustic tent. Lots of family fun to be had and refreshments to buy! Bring a torch to find your way home

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Out & About 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 2 Four specially-recorded tours to lead you through the Gallery with amazing facts and stories about the people in the Collection 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 20 Jul & 17 Aug 10.30am 1.30pm FREE 3yrs+ Family Art Workshop Sat 20 Jul, 7 & 17 Aug 11.30am 2.30pm FREE ticketed 90 minutes 5yrs+ Family Summer Workshops: Look at Me! Mon 5-Fri 30 Aug 11am-4pm FREE drop in 3yrs+. Four weeks of activities inspired by the BP Portrait Award 2013.

There will be ticketed and drop-in events.

Sessions last approximately 45 minutes

SOMERSET HOUSE

Strand, WC2 1LA 020 78454600 www.somerset.org.uk Free Drop-in Workshops: The Drawing Station Sat 3 10 17 24 & 31 August 12pm-3pm 6-12yrs. Taking a different creative theme each Saturday, families can join in at the Drawing Station, or sign out a clipboard, take some paper and colouring materials for the afternoon, and enjoy sketching onsite Free Drop-in Workshop: Waterworks Sat 7 Sep 12pm-3pm Design your own special water feature, be it a grand bridge, ornate fountain, or wacky waterfall, and make a 3-D model

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 Big & Small: Tate Britain’s Early Years family programme Workshops and activities for local families with children under 5 yrs.

Tate runs projects, family days and outreach ‘taster’ visits in the local area.

All activities are FREE to attend and many of the families who take part have never been to Tate before. All the activities use the gallery collection as a source of inspiration and involve a range of activities including play, movement, making, looking, sound and music.

There is an emphasis on developing areas of language, interaction, imagination and creativity, with a strong focus on learning through play in an informal setting.

Liminal Every weekend 11am–3pm all ages A physical, material and social experience of sculpture through touch,

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interaction and collaboration

TATE MODERN

Bankside, SE1 9TG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/modern Open Sun-Thu 10am-6pm Fri & Sat 10am-10pm 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 What’s going on here?

Every weekend and Thu & Fri in the school holidays 11am-4pm.

Activities for children and families. Drop in to pick up artist-devised resources to take into the free collection displays 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 Weekend Sessions – Open Studio.

Every weekend 11-3pm FREE 5yrs+ Experiment, play and create with ideas and materials before or after visiting the related artworks in the free collection displays

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

WHITECHAPEL GALLERY

77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX 020 7522 7888 Family Day: The Spirit of Utopia Sat 10 Aug 12pm.

Learn to throw your own pot and create stories for fictional plants and explore moon farming with architects and urban growers, Wayward Plants. Watch animated short films from around Europe in the Auditorium and explore the exhibition further with a new and FREE Family Trail Urban Ecology: Bird Stroll Sat 17 Aug 10am FREE booking recommended. Take a bird watching tour of east London with friends and family. All ages welcome Family Trails Explore the Whitechapel Gallery with the series of Family Trails, devised in collaboration with artists to coincide with each major exhibition at the Gallery. Trails are aimed at children age 4–12 yrs and focus on particular artworks, encouraging children to talk about exhibitions and suggesting ways to respond creatively. Materials included. Available at the Information Desk (suggested donation £1) or downloadable on line

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 Open Door Sat 6 & 13 Jul 9.30am-5pm Part of the City of London Festival, enjoy 30-minute guided tours of parts of the Bank not generally accessible to the public. No booking required. Get there early to avoid the queue World of Treasure Mon 22 Jul–Fri 30 Aug 10am–4.30pm Discover the Museum’s treasures by answering clues and following the trail.

Make a treasure-chest-shaped money box to take home. There’s a chocolate coin for every child and prizes to be won

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 Free family activities There is always something for families to do at the Museum including: Hamlyn family trails: Dancing with Shiva - a counting trail for young children; activity backpacks with puzzles and games (deposit required), both available from the Paul Hamlyn Library. Free Children’s workshops (see website for full details). July offers Museum Reporter, Passport to the Afterlife, Create a travel comic, Magical Mosaic Masks and more

DESIGN MUSEUM

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

GEFFRYE MUSEUM

136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA 020 7739 9893 www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm5pm FREE Inside, Outside Homes: Nursery

Rhyme Time Tue 30 Jul–Fri 2 Aug, Tue 6-Fri 9 Aug 10.30am 12pm 2-5yrs Explore homes and gardens through stories, songs and craft activities. All workshops are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis 30 minutes before Summer Holiday Activities: Inside, Outside and Up in the Air Tue 30 Jul-Fri 16 Aug 10.30am12.30pm & 2-4pm 5-16yrs Three weeks of exciting summer activities exploring gorgeous gardens, lovely living rooms and high-rise buildings. Print city-scape t-shirts, create creepy-crawly soaps, make marvellous masks and much more!

All activities are FREE and are for individual children and families and are suitable for children aged 5-16 years old. 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

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 Every Tue/Fri 10.45am 11.30am 12.15pm. Activities change every week, with creative play, enchanting stories from around the world and simple art and craft Hands on Family Workshops Saturdays 11.45am 1pm 3 yrs+ FREE You can touch real museum objects from all over the world in these family sessions.

Use all your senses to explore the animal kingdom, musical instruments, costume, toys and puppets from all over the world in themed workshops Artmakers Saturdays 1.30pm 2.45pm £3 per child 3yrs+. Have fun with art skills and exciting techniques to create something fabulous to take home Fabric Painting Sat 6 Jul, A Parrot on your shoulder Sat 27 Jul

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB 020 7565 7299 www.ltmuseum.co.uk Open: Sat-Thu 10am-6pm Fri 11am6pm £15/£11.50. Admission to the museum and family activities are free to accompanied children under 16 Join in the 150th anniversary of London Transport Museum. Visitors will have the chance to admire and ride on locomotives dating back to the Victorian times, including the recently restored Metropolitan Locomotive No 1, Jubilee Carriage No 353, and the 1890s Metropolitan Jubilee 353 coach.

Smaller visitors can take part in family fun activities on the day. Heritage vehicle outings will take place on 3, 4 and 7 Aug at London Transport Museum at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre and 31 Aug at London Transport Museum at Neasden Depot. The anniversary celebrations will continue throughout August at the Covent Garden Museum where accompanied children get in FREE. There will be steamy science demonstrations, story time sessions, make and takes and sing alongs on how the Underground tunnels were built -

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Out & About see website for full details FREE Family Activity Book 5-10 yrs 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!

MUSEUM OF LONDON

150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844 www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, free 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 Festival of Archaeology Fri 19-Sun 21 Jul Admission charges apply to some events. Museum of London are offering exclusive behind the scenes tours of stores and laboratories at the Museum of London and our archaeological archive Be Part of The Action Sat 17, Sun 18 & Mon 19 Aug, 12.302pm & 2.30-4pm FREE 5yrs+ It’s the 1940s and you are out playing on the streets of London. What might you look like? Put yourself and your family in our life size portrait My story Mon 19 Aug, 1-1.15pm, 2-2.15pm & 3-3.15pm FREE 5yrs+. Listen to one lady’s memories of what it was like to be young in London during World War II Keep calm and carry on playing Tue 20, Wed 21 & Thu 22 Aug, 1-1.30pm,

2-2.30pm & 3-3.30pm FREE 5yrs+ Gather strength in this courageous and fun storytelling session about children in the 1940s Fun from the 1940s Thu 22, Fri 23 & Sat 24 Aug, 12.302pm, 2.30-4pm FREE 5yrs+ Discover some of the ways children played during the war in this hands-on art workshop All out of toys Mon 26 Aug, 12.30-1pm, 2-2.30pm & 3.30-4pm & Sat 31 Aug, 1-1.30pm & 2-2.30pm & 3-3.30pm. Hear the stories of some of the people who kept London’s children playing during World War II 1940s playground* Wed 28 Aug, 11am–12pm & 1.30pm2.30pm FREE 1yr+. Try out games that children used to play in wartime Britain in this fun and creative session * Tickets allocated upon arrival Characters from history: William, World War II evacuee Thu 29 Aug & Sun 1 Sep, 2-2.45pm FREE 7yrs+. Join William as he learns about air raids, buzz bombs, swing music and being away from home

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

Reclaim the Streets Sat 3 & Sun 4 Aug, 11am–12.30pm & 1.30pm-3pm FREE 3yrs+ Do you play out in the road where you live? Join in and create a single artwork along the quayside (weather permitting!)

Peg Pirates Mon 5 & Tue 6 Aug, 10.30am–12pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm FREE 3yrs+ Many Victorian children made toys using materials they found. Make your own peg pirate to keep The Hoop Nuisance of Victorian London Wed 7 & Sat 10 Aug, 12.30-1pm, 2.303pm & 3.30-4pm FREE 4yrs+ Hear about the mischief and mayhem caused across the streets of London by children with their wooden hoop toys Musical Playground* Thu 8 Aug, 10.30am-11am, 11.30am– 12pm & 2pm-2.30pm FREE 1yr+ Be introduced to nursery rhymes enjoyed by children in the past, and learn some new ones too! 1yr+ Gravy and Gas Masks Wed 14 & Sat 17 Aug, 12.30pm-1pm, 2.30pm-3pm & 3.30pm-4pm FREE 4yrs+. What was it like being a child in London during World War II? How did they play? What did they do?

Shadow Puppets* Thu 15 & Fri 16 Aug, 12.30-1.30pm & 2.30pm-3.30pm FREE 3yrs+ In the war children would make shadows in their Anderson shelter.

Create your own shadow puppet * Tickets allocated upon arrival

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 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 12pm 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 our maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea From Museum to Square Thu 25 Jul–Mon 2 Sep. Free 5yrs+ Go on a walking trail and explore the places in London that connect with Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle. Starting at The Great Map and ending at Trafalgar Square, visit the actual places where history was made

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?

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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 Until Sun 15 Sep £4.50 Family £16 (book online) This popular outdoor butterfly exhibition returns allowing 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 Wildlife Garden Until 31 Oct 10am-5pm FREE. Why not escape the city and wander through the tranquil corners of the Wildlife Garden?

With habitats including woodland, meadow and pond, the garden is a haven for thousands of British plants and animals, and demonstrates the potential for wildlife conservation in the inner city 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!

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!

Free every hour from 10.30am until 3.30pm check website for dates 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 3-6yrs 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 5-8yrs 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 8yrs+ 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

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Out & About Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, FREE 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 Summer Holiday Activities 7-12yrs Enjoy either half or full-day children’s workshops in the school holidays.

Develop a skill or explore Soane’s treasures with specialist guidance.

Whole-day workshops run from 10.30am until 3pm. Half-day workshops are repeated morning and afternoon. They run 10.30am-12.30pm or 2pm-4pm. All materials are provided.

Remember to bring a bag to take your creations home. Children must bring their own drinks and food. Topics include: Egyptian Death Masks Wed 31 Jul (am or pm) £12 The Shadows Tell the Story! Thu 1 Aug (whole day) £20 Alter Ego Tue 6 Aug (whole day) £20 Spectacular Spaces Wed 7 Aug (whole day) £20 Bridge Building - with Food Thu 8 Aug (am or pm) £12 John Soane’s Treasure Trove Wed 14 Aug (whole day) £20 See the World Through Soane’s Specs Thu 15 Aug (am or pm) £12 Vanishing London Wed 21 Aug (am or pm) £12 Maps, Plans and Space Thu 22 Aug (am or pm) £12 Create a Canopic Jar Wed 28 Aug (whole day) £20 Mosaic Thu 29 Aug (whole day) £20

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 A 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 Family Drop in Art Activities Fri 9 10.30am Thu 15 & Fri 16 Aug 2pm 5yrs+ 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 Backpacks Ages 5-12 yrs. Choose from: The

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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 on line – 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 Family Chess Club Sat 6 20 Jul 3 17 31 Aug 10.15-12.15 FREE drop in 6yrs+. Families are invited to drop in and join chess coach Richard Weekes for a few games. He’ll show you how to start a game, tactical tips and some strategic skills too, all in easy steps New Voices Festival Sat 13 Jul 12pm-6pm FREE drop in There will be a hive of activity with a rich line up of live bands, dance troupes, DJs, carnival processions, theatre, workshops, stalls and food. An exuberant celebration of the diverse talents of London’s new communities Cockney Heritage Festival Workshop Fri 19 Jul 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm FREE booking required. Come and ‘have a giraffe’ at a hands on workshop making your own ‘pearly memento’.

This workshop is part of the first Cockney Heritage Festival taking place in Tower Hamlets, 18-27 July.

Summer Festival Sun 28 Jul 11.30am–4.30pm FREE drop in.

Join in for the ever popular annual summer event. The Museum grounds will be buzzing with live music, dance, walkabout acts, art and craft activities, designer stalls, food, face painting, rickshaw rides and games. Not to be missed whatever the weather!

Summer Holidays - Family Fun Fridays Fridays 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 August 12pm–4pm FREE drop in Make a mask, help Story Spinner tell the traditional Bengali folk tale of ‘Buri and the Marrow’, and take part in activities on a different theme each week In the Trenches Fri 2 Aug Travel back in time to the First World War. Have a go at marching, learn Royal Navy signals and complete gas mask training, as well as joining in with lots of children’s activities and crafts Art in the Gardens Fri 9 Aug Design planes and boats, make a wacky hat or headdress and add to the giant mural. Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty with messy art for all ages Medieval Picnic Fri 16 Aug Bring a packed lunch along to the medieval picnic – you could even come dressed up as a princess or knight!

Enjoy painting toy soldiers, make a shield or join in with medieval games Music in the Gardens Fri 23 Aug Hop, jump, bounce and jiggle to the music. Sign up for free music workshops

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Out & About (1pm and 2.30pm) or drop by the crafts table to make a shaker to take home V for Victory Fri 30 Aug What was life like in the Second World War? Join a member of the Royal Pioneers to find mines using metal detectors, learn drills and complete the assault course. Have a go at make do and mend Montessori Family packs 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: There are 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, E17 4PP 020 8496 4390 www.wmgallery.org.uk Wed to Sun 10am–5pm free Here are some highlights of family activities: Creative Kids: under 5yrs free booking essential Islamic Art Thu 11 Jul 10am 1pm Family Day: My Secret Garden Sat 27Jul 1pm

PLACES OF INTEREST CANARY WHARF

www.canarywharf.com Children’s Theatre Festival Until Sun 28 Jul FREE. Spend Sundays relaxing at Canary Wharf this July with this series of charming afternoon performances especially for children of all ages, and families Sun 7 July, Rumpelstiltskin & The Wheel Of Fortune, 1.30pm & 4pm Sun 14 Jul, The Tales of Beatrix Potter: Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, 2pm-4pm Sun 21 Jul, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2pm-3pm Sun 28 Jul, An Olympic Dream, 2pm-3pm Sun 14 Jul 2pm-4pm Sun 21 Jul 2pm-3pm (chapterhouse.org) Sun 28 Jul 2pm-3pm (thelondonballetcompany.co.uk) An Olympic Dream from The London Ballet Company Sun 28 Jul 2pm Especially adapted for this festival, An Olympic Dream tells a story about Phoebe. She is fast asleep and dreams of being an athlete and of taking part in the Olympic Games

CUTTY SARK CLIPPER SHIP

King William Walk, SE10 9HT 10am-5pm £12/£6.50 Family £29 bookings@rmg.co.uk Beneath the Waves Family Fun Weekend Sat 6 & Sun 7 Jul What lies beneath the waves? Use your imagination and creative materials to make a watery seascape Fly the Flag Family Fun Weekend Sat 3 & Sun 4 Aug. Learn how to write a coded message using signal flags and

design your own flag Ahoy Captain Sun 7 & 28 Jul 4 11 18 & 25 Aug Join Captain Woodget, Cutty Sark’s longest serving master, and hear tales of his voyages around the world Summer Holidays: My Mini Sailor Sun 21 & Mon 22 Aug Fly Fishing Tue 23 & Fri 26 Aug Fly the Flag Sat 27 & Sun 28 Aug

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 £4.50 under 2yrs free Journey to Space Timed visits will be in operation.

Tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Exhibition opening times: Term time: Tues–Fri 12pm–1pm & 3pm–5pm; Sat & Sun All Day School holidays: All day, every day Children and their families are given a vital mission to find missing astronaut Major Tom. Take off in the giant rocket to explore red hot, icy blue and mysterious green lands of an exotic planet, along the way meet Robert the Robot and follow the trails to complete tasks and crack codes. Dare you venture into the mysterious black hole?

Every Week during July-Fri 6 Sept Space Babies 0-3yrs. Tue–Fri 11am, 1.45pm, 3pm, Sat & Sun 11.30am Boris and Friends with Sam Lloyd (age 3yrs+) Sat 6 Jul 2, 3.30pm Aliens in Underpants Save the World

by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort (age 3yrs+) Sat 6 & Sun 7 Jul 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michael Chabon and Jake Parker (age 4yrs+) Sat 13 & Sun 14 Jul 12.30pm & 2.30pm Beegu by Alexis Deacon (age 2-4yrs) Sat 13 & Sun 14 Jul 1.30pm & 3.30pm Make a Banner for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with Charlie Dark and Run Dem Crew (age 5yrs+) Sat 20 Jul 2.30pm Q Pootle 5 in Space by Nick Butterworth (age 2-4yrs) Sat 20 & Sun 21 Jul 12.30pm & 2.30pm Welcome to Alien School by Caryl Hart and Ed Eaves (age 4yrs+) Sat 20 & Sun 21 Jul 1.30pm & 3.30pm Celebrate Summer!

Fri 26-Sun 28 Jul. All day, drop-in for all ages. Garden Games * Design a Champion Medal * Find Major Tom * Astronaut and Robot Mask-making Max the Champion by Sean Stockdale, Alex Strick and Ros Asquith (age 3yrs+) 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm During Summer Holidays Mondays Alien Tea on the Planet Zum-Zee by Tony Mitton and Guy Parker-Rees (ages 2-4yrs+) 12.30pm & 2.30pm Sidney, Stella and the Moon by Emma Yarlett (age 4yrs+) 1.30pm & 3.30pm Tuesdays The Loon on the Moon by Chae Strathie and Emily Golden (ages

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2-5yrs) 12.30pm & 2.30pm The King of Space by Jonny Duddle (age 5yrs+) 1.30pm & 3.30pm Wednesdays Mungo and the Spiders from Space

by Timothy Knapman and Adam Stower (age 4yrs+) 12.30pm & 2.30pm Space Mutts: Attack of the Ninja Kittens! by Michael Broad (age 7yrs+) 1.30pm & 3.30pm Thursdays My Sister is an Alien by Rachel Bright (ages 2-5yrs) 12.30pm & 2.30pm Bob and the Moon Tree Mystery by Simon Bartram (age 5yrs+) 1.30pm & 3.30pm Fridays Zoe and Beans: Pants on the Moon

by Chloë & Mick Inkpen (age 2-4yrs) 12.30pm & 2.30pm The Man in the Moon by William Joyce (age 4yrs+) 1.30pm & 3.30pm August Winnie in Space by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul (age 3yrs+) Sat 3 & Sun 4, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm Welcome to Stratford-on-Sea Sat 10 & Sun 11 The Discover centre is transformed into a seaside resort – enjoy the beach, watch a puppet show and join in with some seaside crafts. But watch out for the pirates!

All day, drop-in for all ages Sand and Water play stations * Make a shell necklace * Hunt the Pirate Treasure!

Maisy Goes on Holiday by Lucy Cousins (ages 2-3) 12.30pm & 2.30pm The Night Pirates by Peter Harris and Deborah Allwright (age 3yrs+) 1.30pm & 3.30pm Sat 17 The Pet Itch with Elli Woollard and Elina Ellis (ages 4-8) 2.30pm Sat 17 & Sun 18 Dr Xargle’s Book of Earthlets by Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross (age 3yrs+) 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm Sat 24 & Sun 25 No-Bot by Sue Hendra (ages 2-3) 12.30pm & 2.30pm Baby Brains by Simon James (age 4yrs+) 1.30pm & 3.30pm Claude in the Spotlight with Alex T Smith (age 5yrs+) Sat 31 2.30pm Don’t miss your chance to meet the super talented Alex T Smith!

12.30pm, 1.30pm & 3.30pm Aliens in Underpants Save the World

by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort (age 3yrs+)

EPPING FOREST

Visitor Centre, High Beech, IG10 4AE 0208 508 0028 Cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest Play in the Forest, High Beech Fri 9 16 23 Aug 10am £2 per child Discover explore and enjoy the forest

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 Dazzle Camouflage Sat 13–Sun 14 July, Sat 10-Sun 18 Aug 11am–12.30pm & 2pm–4pm drop in How do you hide a ship at sea? Learn how dazzle camouflage was used to keep HMS Belfast from being discovered by other ships and take part in an animation workshop and create your own camouflage

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 IncrEdibles Experience the weird and wonderful world of incredible edible plants at Kew Gardens’ summer festival. Imaginative, informative and fun, IncrEdibles activities are set against the beautiful backdrop of Kew, where boating, barbecues and botany come together

LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK

08456 770600 www.leevalleypark.org.uk See website for full list of activities, here are some highlights Peppa Pig visits Lee Valley Park Farms. Wed 31 July 11am 12 noon 1.30pm 2.30pm 3.30pm Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF The much loved pig will be making a number of personal appearances Pony Trekking Experience Enjoy this great experience at the Water Works Centre. You’ll be guided by Lee Valley Riding Centre instructors through the beautiful sights of the Water Works, on well-schooled horses and ponies for children. You’ll learn the basics from mounting to riding, all in a relaxed and safe environment. No special kit is required as hats and boots are available to borrow for free. Sessions will begin from 19th July. To book and for further info, visit the website Finding Alice Outdoor Theatre Sat 27 Jul 3pm £7/£5 Family £20 A fun packed family show based on the Lewis Carroll classic in the natural surroundings of WaterWorks Nature Reserve Family Cycle Ride Sun 28 Jul 10.30am-3pm. This 15 mile circular guided cycle ride is suitable for all the family. Go through the beautiful River Lee Country Park, taking in picturesque views of the lakes and rivers Wild About Wetlands Tue 30 Jul 10am–3.30pm. Pond dipping, natural arts and crafts, treasure trail, dragonfly hunts, meet the bees, bat and owls and much more. Take a picnic and make the most of the day

LONDON ZOO

Regents Park Outer Circle, Marylebone, NW1 4RY 020 7722 3333 www.zsl.org New Silverback Gorilla arrives Meet Kumbuka, a new 15 yr old male gorilla, and he’s already proving to be

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Out & About a quite the personality. He weighs in at a hefty 29-stone (185kg), likes to show off his impressive agility skills climbing and he’s been spotted taking apart enrichment toys and even breaking the heavy branches that make up his climbing apparatus

Suttonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk Gettin’ Ready for the Carnival - Free Family Day, Sun 28 Jul 12pm-4pm Sutton House becomes the staging area for a summer Carnival. Join in the dancing, mask making and costume fiesta fun

RICH MIX

THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, GREENWICH

35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA 020 7613 7498 www.richmix.org.uk Autism-friendly Screenings Every 3rd Sun 1pm £1.50 Parents and Babies Screenings Mon 12pm Wiggly Jigglers 0-2 yrs Mon 22 Jul 1-3pm £3 per child At these creative movement sessions give your young ones the space and freedom to move in ways that support their development and stimulate their imagination Storycraft Workshop Mon 15 July 1.30-2pm £3 per child 2-5yrs Led by a different storyteller or poet every month, Storycraft encourages families to enjoy stories together in an active and fun way Numbi Workshops Sun 21 Jul 11am-3pm £10/£5 £10 for Family of 4. Sing, clap, beat a drum, play an instrument and put words together in new ways with other people. Facilitated by musician Mayda Narvey and poet Sai Murray. All ages welcome Family Theatre: Tucked In - The Golden Cowpat Sun 7 July/11am & 2pm/£6, £5 Tower Hamlets residents 4yrs+ A dexterous piece of storytelling with beautifully inventive music, this show combines a delightful story, talented performers and catchy energetic Grand Union Youth Orchestra (GUYO) Music Workshops Sun 14 Jul 10am-1.30pm FREE monthly workshops run by London’s pioneering world music and jazz youth ensemble, led by professional jazz and world musicians from the renowned Grand Union Orchestra.

Young musicians aged 12 to 26 from any background and culture are welcome. For more information and to join, contact Izzy Bianchini, GUYO Coordinator - Isabel@ grandunion.org.uk or 020 7375 1122

RSPB RAINHAM MARSHES

Purfleet Environmental and Educational Centre, New Tankhill Road, Purfleet, Essex RM19 1SZ 01708 899840. Open: daily Sun 1 NovWed 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 20 Jul & Sat 17 Aug Wildlife Explorers Club Sat 27 Jul

SUTTON HOUSE

2 & 4 Homerton High Street, Hackney E9 6JQ. 020 8986 2264

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Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk Open: daily 10am-5pm, FREE We Are Aliens!

Daily – times vary see website £6.50/£4.50. Explore how our understanding of life on Earth guides the hunt for alien life elsewhere in the Universe, in this exciting new planetarium show narrated by Rupert Grint. The show offers an immersive experience that perfectly balances scientific understanding with family entertainment 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 system looking for the Great Big Bear in the sky. With interactivity, music and rhyme, the show is a must for pre-school children Saturday Space Explorers Sat 27 Jul & 31 Aug 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 Summer Science events: Gamma Rays Thu 25 Jul 7pm; Planet of the Dinosaurs Thu 22 Aug 7pm

VALENTINES MANSION

Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA 020 8708 8100 www.valentinesmansion.com Open: Tues & Wed 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm Brilliant Bird Wonder Domes Mon 29 Jul 10.30am-12.30pm 5 yrs+ £3.50 per child. Create a beautiful glass bird wonder dome like the ones that were popular in Victorian times.

Take inspiration from the wonderful origami creatures in the Bird Room and Valentines special display featuring the Secretary bird Fine Dining at the Mansion Tue 30 Jul 10.30am-12noon 3 yrs+ £1.50 per child. Have a look at a typical Victorian menu and devise your own menu card. Remember to make it healthy and include fruits and vegetables, or create a special party menu for a birthday party!

Wonderful Windows Wed 31 Jul 2pm-4pm 5 yrs+ £3.50 per child.

Valentines is home to some amazing stained glass windows. This is your chance to learn more about these beautiful art works and make your own colourful window to take home

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Lovely Origami Thu 1 Aug 10.30-11.45am & 2pm-3.15pm 4-8 yrs £3.50 per child Find out more about the wonderful art of origami and make your own animal to take home. Finish off with our special origami hunt, finding the origami pieces who escaped the Bird room Historical Headlines Mon 5 Aug 2pm-4pm 7yrs+ £3.50 per child. Read some thrilling accounts from past newspapers then create your own stories and newspapers drawing upon the mansions history and the characters that lived here Family Gardening Wed 7 Aug 10am–10.45am, 11am–11.45am and 1.30pm–2.15pm 1yr+ and Families FREE Help in the kitchen garden!

Come rain or shine there’s lots for toddlers, older children and grown-ups to do, from watering to picking vegetables Captivating Calligraphy Thu 8 Aug 10.30am to 12noon 5 yrs+ £3.50 per child. Decipher old hand-writing and learn the art of writing in style using a feather pen and ink. Bring your smart manuscript home to impress your family Lovely Lotions Mon 12 Aug 10.30am-12.30pm and 2pm4pm 6 yrs+ £5 per child Discover how previous owners of Valentines would pamper themselves, then have ago at making your own lotions and soaps to take home Medical Mayhem Wed 14 Aug 2pm -3.30pm 5yrs+ £3.50 per child. Journey back to when Valentines

Mansion was used as a hospital. Discover remedies and medicines that would have been used and have a go at making your own diagnosis. Will your patient recover?

Creative Candle Wed 21 Aug 2pm-4pm all ages £3.50 per child. Find out how homes were lit up in the past, them decorate your own candle and candle holder using historical designs Magic Mosaics Wed 28 Aug 2pm-4pm all ages £3.50 per child. Using our beautiful park mosaic as inspiration, make your own mosaic to take home and find out more about the ancient art form. Bookings: Pre-booking essential on 020 8708 8100