WHAT’S ON!
To have your event listed on these pages email the details to editor@ familiesnorthlondon.co.uk
Disclaimer: We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.
Family Theatre
Tuesdays, Fridays & Mondays
Storytelling
Sensory & interactive. Various times. Tues, The Woodman, N6 5UA. Mon & Fri, The Prince of Wales, N6 5JX. 0-5. From £7 parent & child. www.littlesupernovas.com/bookings
Fridays Planet Play
Until Jun 2, & Jul 7 & 14. Interactive, sensory show. 10am & 11.30am. 0-3. Chickenshed, N14 4P. Adults £9, children/babies free, must have ticket.
www.chickenshed.org.uk
Fridays & Saturdays
Les Aventures de Martin Avril
Join Martin and his suitcase full of magic for a live music puppet show with musicians from around the world. 10.15am in French, 11.05am in English. Fridays Poppets Stores, N1 1LX. Saturdays Nomadis Café, N16 9BU. 0-5. From £13 adult and child. www.lesaventuresdemartinavril.com
Saturdays
Tales from the Shed
Until June 3, & Jul 8 & Jul 15. Exc
May 6. Vibrant, inclusive, informal
and educational show. 10am & 11.30am. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. 0-6 . Adults & children £7. Under 6mths free, must book.
www.chickenshed.org.uk
Until Jun 6
Sleeping Beauty
Magically brought to life in ballet. Various dates/times. 3hrs. Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD. £5-£170.
www.roh.org.uk
Day by Day
May 10
Once On This Island
A musical tale of a love that prejudice forbids. Regents Park Open Air Theatre, through Queen Mary’s Garden, Regents Park. NW1 4NU. 10+. From £25.
openairtheatre.com
May 12
Mrs Doubtfire
Mrs Doubtfire gets the full West End comedy musical treatment after a sell-out run in Manchester. Shaftesbury Theatre, WC2H 8DP. 6+. From £22.50.
www.shaftesburytheatre.com
May 12-Jul 23
The Wolves in the Walls
Lucy’s family ignore her when she says there are wolves in the walls –until the wolves come out and evict them to live in the garden. Spooky and hilarious. Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1 2DN. 6+. Adult £14, child £12. Fridays 4.45pm £8. See Family Workshops May 27-Jun 4 in Events.
www.littleangeltheatre.com
May 13
How to Build a Racing Car
Family-friendly, interactive show about the processes and people needed to build a racing car. 2pm. 7+, teens and their adults. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. Adult £16, child £10.
www.rigb.org
The Sun Shines for Everyone
Joyful tale encouraging children to have pride in their heritage while celebrating differences. 4-11. 11am & 1pm. £8. Lyric Hammersmith, W6 0QL. £8.
www.lyric.co.uk
May 13-Jun 4
UniVerse: A Dark Crystal Odyssey
A tale of courage and self-sacrifice told in ballet and dance. Reimagines Jim Henson’s 1982 movie. £4-£27.50. Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD. All ages. £6£35.
www.roh.org.uk
May 19-Jul 30
WOW! Said the Owl
Explore the wonderful world of colours with a curious little owl. Various times. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. 2-5. Adult £14, child £12. Fridays 4.45pm £8.
www.littleangeltheatre.com
May 20
The Emperor’s New Clothes
Sensory interactive storytelling. 11am. The Woodman, N6 5UA. 0-5. £10 parent & child.
www.littlesupernovas.com/bookings
The Hero Next Door
Celebrating difference, friendship and working together to do the right thing. 11am & 4pm. 7-10. Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. £10, concs £8. www.dugdalecentre.co.uk
Pigs & Bears Don’t Come in Pairs
Double bill of Furry Tails, where Goldilocks may even be more scary than the Big Bad Wolf. 11am & 1pm. £8. Lyric Hammersmith, W6 0QL. 3-7. £8.
www.lyric.co.uk
May 20-21
Borka: The Adventures of a Goose With No Feathers
Opera for children & families. 11.30am, 2pm & 5pm. With activities 30mins before the show starts. The Cockpit, NW8 8EH. Adult £10, child £5.
www.thecockpit.org.uk
May 21
I Spy With My Little Eye
Molly and puppy Bingo are having
a birthday party and you’re invited. With singalong songs. 11am & 3.30pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. 2+. From £10.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
Kids Nice N’ Spiky Comedy Club
Energetic family comedy. 5-10 and parents. 2pm, b_together, NW8 7NJ, Adult and two children £10. www.b-together.com/open-events
May 22-Jun 10
Every Leaf A Hallelujah
Ben Okri’s new fairytale invites families into an enchanted world of extraordinary, endangered trees. Regents Park Open Air Theatre, through Queen Mary’s Garden, NW1 4NU. 4+. £10.
openairtheatre.com
May 25
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy
Grown-up comedy. Babies welcome. artsdepot, N12 0GA. 12pm & 2pm. For over-18s and babies under 15mths. From £12 adult & child. www.artsdepot.co.uk
May 27
Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish
One man’s dream to reach the stars leaves the world in ruin. Can the sleeping dinosaurs wake and save Planet Earth? 11am & 1pm. Lyric
Hammersmith, W6 0QL. 3+. £8. www.lyric.co.uk
May 27-Jun 1
The Snail and The Whale
Join an adventurous young girl and her dad as they reimagine the story of a tiny snail’s trip around the
world. Various times. Relaxed, May 31. artsdepot, N12 0GA. 4+. From £12
www.artsdepot.co.uk
May 30-31
CBeebies Twelfth Night
Unique twist on the Shakespeare comedy, with songs and dances. 11am & 2.30pm. Shakespeare’s Globe, E1 9DT. 3-5. Various prices. Under 2 free, must have ticket. Family workshops too.
www.shakespearesglobe.com
May 30-Jun 3
The Curious Adventures of Pinocchio
The true story… no lie. From Lingo Theatre. 11am & 1pm. Lyric Hammersmith, W6 0QL. 4+. £10.
www.lyric.co.uk
Jun 1
Baby Gospel
Sing and clap along to the likes of Marvin Gaye, Adele, Gospel songs and nursery rhymes. 11am. Chickenshed, N14 4PE £7. 0-6. Free under 6mths.
www.chickenshed.org.uk
Jun 2
Classical For Kids – Tantalising Trombones
11am & 1.30pm. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP. Relaxed chamber concert for 4-11s but suitable for all. £6£12.50
www.royalalberthall.com
Jun 2-4
Dinosaur World Live
Join intrepid explorers to meet a
host of creatures. After-show meet and greet. Various times. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12. www.artsdepot.co.uk
Jun 4
Disney 100
Concert with legendary film scenes to celebrate 100 years of Disney. 4.30pm. From £36. The O2, SE10 0DX
www.theo2.co.uk
Pinocchio
See Pinocchio being carved on stage. Inventive, witty, interactive. Performed by the Angel Theatre's artistic director. 11am & 2pm. Millfield Theatre, N18 1PJ. Adult £18, child
£14.50 Family £60. www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
Jun 8
Bad Dad
David Walliams’ exciting escapade, outdoors. 5.30pm. All ages. Broomfield Park, Aldermans Hill, N13 4HE. Adult £16, child £10, family £40.
www.fobp.events
Jun 9
Top Secret: The Magic of Science
Thrilling science show. All ages. 1.30pm & 5pm. The Bull Theatre, EN5 5SJ. £11.50 & £9.50.
www.thebulltheatre.com
Jun 10
The Wonders of the Human Body
Interactive journey around the human body, discovering wonders and oddities. 2pm. 7+, teens and
their adults. Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. Adult £16, child £10.
www.rigb.org
Little Bo Peep
Promises magnificent puppets, fantastic scenery, music and singing. 2-7. 11am & 1pm. Lyric Hammersmith, W6 0QL. £8. www.lyric.co.uk
Jun 11
Summer Sun-sation
Song, dance, music and fun with hits from musicals and charts old and new, by Centre Stage School of Performing Arts. 2pm and 4.30pm. Broomfield Park, Aldermans Hill, N13 4HE. Adults £12, 3-16 £8, u2 free.
www.fobp.events
Jun 15-25
Cinderella
Over 90 dancers, magnificent sets and transformational projections. Various times. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP. 8+. Various prices. www.royalalberthall.com
Jun 17-Jul 22
Robin Hood – The Legend. Rewritten
Flying arrows, stirring songs and a riotous folk tale for our times. Various times 8+. No u-4s. Regents Park Open Air Theatre, through Queen Mary’s Garden, Regents Park. NW1 4NU. Various prices. openairtheatre.com
Jun 20
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy
Grown-up comedy. Babies welcome. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. 12pm. For
over-18s and babies under 15mths. £12 adult & child.
www.chickenshed.org.uk
Jun 24
Danger: High Voltage!
Prof David Ricketts takes you from a simple static shock to 100,000 volts of musical tesla coils. 7+, teens and their adults. With later show, 7pm, for adults and 13+. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. Adult £16, child £10. www.rigb.org
Errol’s Garden Fun, interactive musical about a boy who needs to persuade his neighbours to have a rooftop garden. 3-11. 11am & 1pm. Lyric Hammersmith, W6 0QL. £8.
www.lyric.co.uk
Jun 29-Jul 5
Imagine if…
Exc Jul 2&3. A group of children must stop a dystopian future where the corrupt Authority have created bots which destroy nature. By Chickenshed’s Children’s Theatre. Various times. Chickenshed, N14 4PE . All ages. Pay what you want from £4.
www.chickenshed.org.uk
Jun 30-Jul 22
The Tempest
Reimagined for anyone aged 6 and over. Shakespeare’s tale of spells, monsters, revenge and romance. 6+. Regents Park Open Air Theatre, thru Queen Mary’s Garden NW1 4NU. £20. openairtheatre.com
Jul 1
Cbeebies: Ocean Adventure
with the BBC Symphony Orchestra
JoJo and Gran Gran have a Gran Gran plan and Andy has his safari sub at the ready. Magical multimedia event. (School shows can be booked on Jun 30.) Hackney Empire, E8 1EL. Various prices.
www.hackneyempire.co.uk
The London Tattoo
Marching bands – not ink! With the Majesty’s Royal Marines, CTCRM, and the largest marching band ever to visit London, the Pride of Southland Marching Band, University of Tennessee-Knoxville. 7pm. Excel Centre, E16 1XL. From £17.50.
www.excel.london
Jul 2
Community Orchard Picnic
With live music, refreshments & tug of war. All ages. The Orchard, Broomfield Park, N13 4HE. Free.
www.fobp.events
Jul 6
Hasbro Stars Live
Fun wtih Ben and Holly, the PJ Masks Heroes and more. Millfield Theatre, N18 1PJ. Adult £17, child £16, fam £62.
www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
Jul 8
Back To Wonderland
Alice finds herself in a society ruled by an immense desire for power. From New Horizons Theatre Co. 7.30pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. 6+ . £12.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
Jul 9
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Anarchic take on the nonsensical tale. Live music and audience interaction. 2.30pm. Outdoors. Stephens House and Gardens, N3 3QE. £18, u16 £14.
www.stephenshouseandgardens. com
A Midsummer Night’s Dream –The Musical
5pm. Broomfield Park, Aldermans Hill N13 4HE. Adult £16, u16 £10, fam £40. www.fobp.events
Jul 13
Rvoices Suburban Choir of Everyday People
Expect wonderful harmonies to classic songs from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran and more. 7-10pm. Broomfield Park, N13 4HE. Adult £12, 12-15 £6, u12 free. www.fobp.events
Jul 16
The Wind in the Willows
Join Mole, Ratty and Badger in a tale of friendship, mishap and mayhem. Outdoors. 11.30am & 2.30pm.
Stephens House and Gardens, N3 3QE. £12.50, u2 free.
www.stephenshouseandgardens. com
Events
SEN sessions
Some venues run sessions for children with special needs. See our page at www.bit.ly/FNLsend
Ongoing
Ted’s Space Adventures
Planetarium show, under 7s.
11.30am, weekends and school hols. Check website for other shows.
Adults £10, child £5. Student & under 25 £6.50. Booking advised. Royal Observatory, SE10 8XJ.
www.rmg.co.uk
Various dates
Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz & Walks
Venues throughout North London. www.bringyourbaby.org
Storytelling and Music for 0-4s
Various times. £5. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP.
www.royalalberthall.com
First Saturday of the month
Coder Dojo
10.30am-12pm. Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, SE3 9QS. 7-17. Free, £1 booking fee. www.rmg.co.uk
Third Saturday of the month
Make, Do and Maintain Facilitated session. Various themes. 10.30am-12pm. Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, SE3 9QS. All ages/abilities . Free, £1 booking fee . www.rmg.co.uk
Sundays
Crafternoons
Until Jul 23, exc May 28 & Jun 4. 2pm-4pm. JW3, Finchley Road, NW3. 3-8s and their families. Free, drop-in.
www.jw3.org.uk
Sundays
Wonderful Wildlife Weekends 1pm-3pm. Woodberry Wetlands, N16 5HQ. Free, drop-in. www.wildlondon.org.uk
Every other Sunday
Wonderful Wildlife Weekends May 7, 21, Jun 18, Jul 2, 16. 1pm-3pm. (See Family Discovery Day May 29). Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW. All ages. Free, drop-in. www.wildlondon.org.uk
Second & Fourth Sunday
Chess Club
All levels welcome. Children must be accompanied. 1-3pm. Free. Wood Green Library, N22 6XD
Email dalmar.gibson@haringey.gov. uk | husseyin.ali-diakides@haringey.gov.uk
First weekend of the month
Family Fun Weekends
Workshops, songs, activities and experiences for all ages. See colourful characters every weekend and school holiday. May 30-Jun 1, create a winch and try moving cargo. Cutty Sark, SE10.
www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark
Every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday
Dad’s drop-in group
T on The Green, Bruce Castle Park, N17. Sat 12-1.30pm, Tues & Thurs 3.30 -5pm. Free children’s refreshments. tonthegreen.co.uk
Sats & Suns
Character Encounters – Sats. Join an exciting performance and see history brought to life. Various times. Discover Sundays – term-time. Creative activities. Drop-in. Plus hands-on galleries and trails. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. All ages, Free. www.rmg.co.uk
Tuesdays
Children’s Board Games Club Free. No book. 8+. 4.30pm-6.30pm. Muswell Hill Library, N10 3PE. Email mhlibrarygamesclub@gmail.com
Tuesdays in term-time
Play Tuesdays
Facilitated play, songs and stories, u5. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. £4
www.rmg.co.uk
Weekdays term-time
Little Tots
Check website. Fun sessions, sen-
sory play, music, animals and more. Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm, Galley Lane, EN5 www.lewisoflondon.co.uk
Tuesdays and Fridays in term-time
Singing and Story Sessions
For under-5s. Various times. London Transport Museum, WC2 ltmuseum.co.uk
Tuesdays in term time
Library Club
With reading corner and diverse book-pairing service. 3.30-5.30pm.
Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN. 0-11. Free, drop-in.
www.hackneyshowroom.com
Wednesdays from Jan 18
Easy Rollerz
Hang-out for babies, toddlers and their adults, with soft play and music. 10-11am for pre-walkers. 11am12 1-2s on the move. £3 donation.
Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN
www.hackneyshowroom.com/ easy-rollerz
Weekends, Fridays and holidays Play Studio
From May 27. A place for families to play, make and create together. Plus Tate Draw, every day. Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG. All ages, Free. www.tate.org.uk
Wednesdays and weekends
Uniqlo Tate Play: Empower
Until May 24. Make an activist poster about a cause you care about. From 10.30am. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Weds: Families with u5s. Weekends: all the family. Free. www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Secret Garden Pop-Up Café
Check website for dates and events. Activity sessions and cafe. Salisbury House, Bush Hill Park, N9 9LA.
www.thesecretgardenpopup.com
Until...
Until May 9
Beyond The Streets London
Graffiti and street art exhibition with over 150 artists, icons and rule-breakers. Saatchi Gallery, SW3 4RY.
www.saatchigallery.com
Until May 21
Magdelena Abakanowicz: Every Tangle of Thread and Rope
Enormous sculptures in fabric. Great for talking about art. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Gallery free. Exhibition, various prices. www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Until May 22
On Water
Conversation-provoking, beautiful photos of water. Gallery open Thurs to Tues 12-4pm. Weds 11am-3pm. Exc private events. Check website. Lauderdale House, N6 5HG. Free, drop-in.
www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk
Until May 28
War Games: Real Conflicts/ Virtual Worlds/ Extreme Entertainment
Exhibition exploring what video games can tell us about conflict, plus playable retro-gaming focusing on the First World War. Age suitability not given. (Also Story Seekers
for 7+ every weekend.) Imperial War Museum, SE1 6HZ. Free. www.iwm.org.uk
Alternate Saturdays until Jun 24 Transformative Futures
For young people to think, discuss & create together. 2-4pm. Camden Art Centre, NW3 6DG. 15-25. Free, book.
www.camdenartcentre.org
Until Jun 2
Storytelling: Romeo and Juliet
Exhilirating. Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. 5-12. £15.
www.shakespearesglobe.com
Until Jun 3
Storytelling: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Interactive fun. Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. 5-12. £15.
www.shakespearesglobe.com
Until Jun 25
Yinka Ilori
The colourful world of the artist/ designer. Free. Design Museum, W8 6AG.
www.designmuseum.org
Until Jul 2
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Various prices. Must book. (Plus check website for Wild Escape – free events.) Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD
www.nhm.ac.uk
Until Jul 21
Restoration at the Tower
Meet historical characters from 1661 as preparations are made for
Charles II’s coronation procession. (Coronation bench trail from MaySept.) Tower of London, EC3N 4AB
www.hrp.org.uk
Until Jul 28
Tunnel Trips
Fri, Long trip. Thurs, Sun Short trip. Thus Cream Tea trip. London Canal Museum, N1 9RT.
www.canalmuseum.org.uk
Until Aug 13
Astronomy Photographer of the Year
Exhibition. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. Adult £10, child £5, concs £6.50.
www.rmg.co.uk
Until Aug 13
After Impressionism: Inventing Modern Art
Celebrating the influences of three greats: Cezanne, Van Gogh and Gauguin. Iconic works loaned worldwide. Good for teens. National Gallery, WC2N 5DN. Various prices. www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Until Aug 20
Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination
Immersive genre-defying exhibition exploring visions of the future through the science of today. Science Museum, SW7 2DD. 8+ recommended.
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Until Sep 3
Hilma Af Klimt & Piet Mondrian Forms of Life
Two artists who invented their own languages of abstract art rooted in
nature. Colourful and vibrant. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Adult £20, child £5, u12 free.
www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Until Sep 3
The King’s Stamp
See a sheet of King Charles III stamps before they are released. Explore the history of the mail, and ride the Mail Rail. The Postal Museum, WC1X 0DA. Adult from £16, child from £9.
www.postalmuseum.org
Until Sept 30
Infinity Mirror Rooms
Experience two of Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms. Be immersed in endless reflections. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. £10.
www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Until Oct 29
Crown to Couture
How the trailblazing fashion of 18th century nobility has inspired celeb red carpet-looks. From Charles II to Lizzo and Lady Gaga, Kensington Palace, W8 4PX. Adult £25.40, child £12.70.
www.hrp.org.uk
Until Dec 1
Tutankhamun the Boy: Growing Up in Ancient Egypt
Find out what life was like as a young boy at the palaces of Amarna and Gurob. Tues-Fri 1pm-5pm.
Sat 11am-5pm. Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, UCL, Malet Place WC1 6BT. For schools and families. Free ucl.ac.uk/culture/petrie-museum
Until Jan 7 2024
Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur
Exhibition: Step into the colossal world of Patagotitan Mayorum. Advance booking advised. Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD. Rec 5+. From adult £16, child £9. Various concs. (Plus check website for Wild Escape – latest free events.)
www.nhm.ac.uk
Until Feb 2024
Slavery & The Bank
How wealth created through transatlantic slavery shaped the development of Britain. Bank of England, museum entrance EC2R 8AH. Free.
www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum
Day by Day
May 6 & 21
Herstory of the Royal Opera House Tour, uncovering the stories of the women who made it. Lots of walking and info so suitable for older children. ROH recommends 5+. £16. Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD
www.roh.org.uk
�� May 5-14
Coronation Exhibition
Memorabilia from previous coronations. 9.30am-5.30pm.
Children’s worksheet available May 6-8. Crown Making craft May 7 11am-1.30pm, drop-in, free, 5+. Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. Free.
www.dugdalecentre.co.uk
�� May 6
Platinum Family Fun Day
Face painting, inflatables, meet your favourite princesses and superheroes, performances and party. Food available or bring a picnic. 12noon. Millfield Theatre, N18
1PJ. Entry adults £1, u15 50p, u5 free. Proceeds to Macmillan. www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
May 6, Jun 3
Object Handling
2pm-4pm. Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ. Admission, adults £9.50, u21 free.
www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk
May 6-8, 12-14 & 19-21
Fun Fair
Fri 4-9pm, Sats, Suns and Jul 8, 12pm-9pm. Albany Park, EN3 5PA. www.londonfunfairs.com/things-todo-london-events-calendar/Albany-Park �� May 6-7
Mayfair Coronation Garden Party
Grosvenor Square, W1K 6AN. Screen on Sat to watch the coronation and concert in a Garden Wonderland. Family-friendly. Free. No book. www.mayfairldn.com/news/celebrate-the-coronation-at-themayfair-secret-garden-party-6-7may-2023 �� May 7
The King‘s Coronation Party
Live entertainment, activities, crown-making, balloon modelling
and more. Free entry/activities. First 100 children who arrive with their adult receive a £1 token to redeem against hot food. 12.30-6pm. The Actor’s Church Garden, WC2E 9ED. Book free ticket. www.coventgardenmum. com/2023/03/22/the-kings-coronation-party
�� Big Lunch Event
Enfield residents are invited to a Big Lunch in Market Place. Tea, sandwiches, cake and cold drinks will be served. Bandstand entertainment and banner-making activity. 12-3pm. Can take own picnic if preferred. Market Place, Church St, EN2 6LN. www.enfield.gov.uk/services/ your-council/kings-coronation-celebrations-2023
��May 8
Celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation
Music, entertainment, arts & crafts, food, drink and a light show. 1pm9pm. Golders Hill Park Bandstand, NW11 7QP. Free entry. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrate-king-charles-iiis-coronation-in-golders-hill-park-tickets-608715864537
May 10
Gaming@artsdepot
Bring a board game or use theirs. 16+ 6.30pm. Free. Artsdepot, N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk
May 12 & 25, Jun 13 & 29
Little Feet
Activities for u5. 10.30-12pm. British Museum, WC1E 7JW. Free, drop-in.
Book timed museum entry. www.britishmuseum.org
May 13
Dick the Delightful Duck
Author event with Kaye Umansky. 2.30pm & 3.30pm. £7.99 includes book. Sibling ticket £5, redeemable against books on the day. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
May 13 & Jul 8
Nearly New Sale
Top-quality baby and children’s clothes sold by mums to mums at a fraction of the high street price. Parents with outgrown goods can sell and keep 100 per cent of the proceeds. 10am-12noon. Earlham Primary School. N22 5HJ. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk
May 14
Moss Hall Schools Jumble Trail
Pre-loved bric a brac, games, toys and treasures, plus pop-up activity, art and food stalls along the way. Sign up to hold a stall in your front garden, £5, or visit for free. 10am4pm, around West Finchley. See Jumble Trail map, and sign up at www.mhsa.charity/jumbletrail
Barnet Classic Car Show
Parade of vehicles through Barnet High Street 10.30-11am, with cars available for viewing, top floor of Spires Car Park, EN5 5XY, from 11am-2pm. Basement if weather is bad. All ages. Free.
www.barnetclassiccar.club/bcccannual-show
Family Disco Boogie
Pop and old school party hits,
craft, soft play and games. Great for u7 and their families. 3pm. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET. £15 per family.
www.jw3.org.uk
May 13, 20, 27 & 30
Great Fire of London Family Walk
For 7-12 and their families. 10.30am. Organised by the Museum of London. Must book. Adult £8, child £6.
www.museumoflondon.org.uk
May 14, 28 & Jun 25
Wonderful Wildlife Weekend
1pm-4pm. Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH. Pond dipping and minibeast hunt. All ages. Free, drop-in.
www.wildlondon.org.uk
May 19
The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre Night Hike
Sponsored 15k, 10k or, new for this year, 5k walk for little legs, around Enfield. In support of The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. Meet at Enfield Civic Centre, EN1 3XA, 6.30pm for Welcome Reception, warm-up and fun surprises. All ages. Register.
www.nightingalesupport.org.uk/ nighthike
May 20
Brilliant Butterflies
Make a feeder with the London Wildlife Trust, drop-in. Story and craft workshop, must book, u16, 1-1.45pm & 3.15-4pm. Adult workshop too. Grosvenor Square, W1K 6AN. Free.
www.wildlondon.org.uk
Nearly New Sale
Mum2Mum Market Enfield. Topquality baby and children’s clothes sold by mums to mums at a fraction of the high street price. Parents with outgrown goods can sell and keep 100 per cent of the proceeds. 10am12noon. St Stephens Church Hall, Park Avenue, EN1 2BA. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk
May 20 & 30
Roman London Family Walk
Step back 2,000 years onto the streets of Roman Londinium. 5+. 10.30am. Organised by the Museum of London. Must book. Adult £8, child £6.
www.museumoflondon.org.uk
May 20 & Jun 24
Fabulous Fans: China
Explore Chinese art through paintings, drawings and motifs then use tablets to create your own design, then print and build it. 5+. 10am-4pm. (Ties in with China’s Hidden Century Exhibition: May 18-Oct 8, various prices, u16 free.) British Museum, WC1E 7JW. Free, drop-in.
www.britishmuseum .org
May 21
K'Mo B'Bayit Tu B'Shvat
Family get-together. Songs, games and festival surprises. In Hebrew. 3-6s. 11am. £15 per family. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET
www.jw3.org.uk
Family Studio: Objects of Intrigue
Workshop for families. Make colourful abstract sculptures from found objects. 11am-1pm & 2-4pm. All ages . Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD. Free.
www.royalacademy.org.uk
May 21 & Jul 2
Towpath walk
Regent’s Canal, Kings Cross, Granary Square & Camden. 2.30pm, Adult £15, concs £10, 8-15 £5, u8 free. Booking advised.
www.waterways.org.uk/support/ ways-to-get-involved/events
May 26 & Jun 30
Family Freestyle Workshop
Dance workshop on a theme, for 2-4s and their families. 2pm. From £4. Sadler’s Wells, Theatre, EC1R 4TN
www.sadlerswells.com
May 27
Ally Pally’s 150th Birthday Party
Live music, cinema, silent disco, family rave, palace tours and more. 12-9pm. Some activities need to be paid for and booked. Check online for details. Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY. Free entry.
www.alexandrapalace.com
May 27, Jun 24, Jul 29
Safe Harbour
Monthly creative workshop for foster and adoptive families with children under 13. 12.30pm-2.30pm. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. Free www.rmg.co.uk
May 27-28
Enfield Pageant of Motoring
Classic vehicles, motorcycle stunt show, funfair, autojumble, live bands, at one of the UK’s largest independent car shows. Sat 9am7pm. Sun 9am-5pm. Held at Enfield Playing Fields, EN1 3PL. Adult £10, 6-12 £5, u5 free. www.whitewebbsmuseum.co.uk
May 27-Jun 4
Museum of Docklands
Tail Trail – find cuddly, furry rats around the museum. All ages. Free. Party Paper Chains – decorate the museum, Victorian-style. 3+. 10.301pm, 1.45-4.15pm Free, drop in.
Victorian Party Object Handling - 3+. 10.30-1pm, 1.45-4.15pm Free, drop in.
May 30-Jun 1 The Curious Tales of Polly Pickles, Interactive musical show with Polly, a Victorian pickpocket with a penchant for danger. 10.45pm, 12.15pm & 2pm. 5+. Free tickets allocated on arrival.
May 30-31 Victorian Peg Puppets. 3+. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm. Free tickets allocated on arrival.
May 30-31 Party Parlour Games, 10.45am, 12.15pm, 2pm. 5+. Free tickets allocated on arrival.
May 31 Family Knees-Up! Bubbles, puppets and plenty of sing-along.
11am & 2pm. 0-7. Free, drop-in. Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL. Free.
www.museumoflondon.org.uk
May 27-Jun 4
1940s Week
Learn about bunkering during the Blitz, rationing and the Battle of Britain fighter planes. Craft. Plus Put That Fire Out, Bomb Disposal, Dig for Victory, Make Do And Mend activities, and more. Check activity days and times and book. Some have a small charge. 10am-5pm. Parking charge. RAF Museum. NW9 5LL. Book free entry.
www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london
May 27-Jun 4
Wolves In The Wall Workshop
Make a scary show-inspired shadow puppet, learn shadow techniques and create a spooky finale. 6-11 and their adult. Various times. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. £8.50.
www.littleangeltheatre.com
May 28
Bookniks Children’s Book Festival
Two Terrible Vikings with Francesca Simon 6-9. 10.30am. £7.
Boom! It’s Andy Stanton, 3+. 10.30am. £7.
The Treehouse Workshop, popup animation, 6-12. 11am. £10, adult free.
Challah Baking and Storytelling
Workshop, 4-8, 11am & 2pm. £10, adult free.
Andy Stanton and the World of Mr Gum, 12pm. 7+. £8.
Marvellous Doctors for Magical Creatures with Jodie Lancet Grant,
12.30pm. 3-7. £7. Zoom Rockman’s Paper Puppets, 12.30pm. 4-7. £10, adult free. My Heart in Two Places, creative book cover design workshop with Sharon Vidan, using English and Hebrew. 12.30pm. 4-8. £7.
Tongue Fu Workshop. Bring an imaginary monster to life, shared in poems, songs and stories. 1pm & 5pm. 7-11. £10, adult free.
The Enchanted Cinema. Create sound effects for scenes from My Neighbour Totoro and Hedgehog in the Fog, 2.15pm. 4+, £10. Book any two and get 20 per cent off the second. Plus, all-day Book Fair, free craft sessions, kids' films in the cinema and quiet reading nooks.
JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET www.jw3.org.uk
May 28
Family Day
Walk & Draw Tours 10.15am-11am & 1.15pm-2pm. 5+.
Body Doubles. Make costumes, animations, sculptures, performances and more. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm. All ages.
Mirror Image. Get dressed up and strike a pose or focus on faces and expression. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm. All ages.
No book. Tickets allocated firstcome, first-served. Free. Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD www.royalacademy.org.uk
May 28
Bee Kindness Family Workshop
Learn about the history of beekeeping through cultures and see how pollinator-friendly plants
grow. 11am-12.30pm. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. 5+. Adult £15, child £10.
www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Towpath Walk
Regent’s Canal, River Tyburn to Little Venice. 2.30-4.30pm. Adult £15, concs £10, 8-15 £5, u8 free. Booking advised.
www.waterways.org.uk/support/ ways-to-get-involved/events
May 28-Jun 3
Finger Sports
Interactive exhibition based on Anna Bruder’s book. 10am-4pm. Closes 2pm on Jun 3. Workshop, 11am-2pm, June 3, with Anna - make your own finger puppets and games to take home. artsdepot, N12 0GA. Free
www.artsdepot.co.uk
May 28 until August 26
Family Workshop: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Various days/times. Two workshops. 9-12/ 5-8 and their families, Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. £10. www.shakespearesglobe.com
May 29
Family Nature Discovery Day
Explore different habitats. Minibeast hunt, pond-dipping and craft. 1pm4pm. All ages. Camley Street
Natural Park, N1C 4PW. Free.
www.wildlondon.org.uk
Family Plant Painting Workshop
Make your own paint from colourful plants. 11am-12.30pm. Chelsea
Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. 5+. Adult £10, child £5.
www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
May 30
Kids Lab: Hairy Flowers and Fuzzy Plants
Discover plants up close. 11am-12.30pm. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. 5+ must be accompanied. Adult £10, child £5. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk �� Coronation Crafts
Create a Royal Guardsman or Royal Cypher. 10.30-12.15pm & 1.45-3.30pm. Drop-in, free, first-come, first-served. Often has character meets. Play Base, soft play, costs extra. National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Rd, SW3 4HT. www.nam.ac.uk
May 30-31
Design Camps
Code Your Own Narrative and Create in Clay, for 8-11 & 11-14. 10am-4pm or 4.30pm. Various prices. Design Museum, W8 6AG. www.designmuseum.org
May 31
Family Chocolate Workshop
Learn about chocolate and create your own treats. 10am-12pm & 2-4pm. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. 5+. Adult 25, child £20. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Jun 1
Family Funky Bubbles Soapmaking
Create your own botanical soap. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. 5+. Adult £20, child £15. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Jun 2
Nature Craft Day
Make a keyring, badges, clay animals, pictures, bunting and more with the London Wildlife Trust. Must book. 12pm-4pm. At Grosvenor Square, W1K 6AN. Free. www.wildlondon.org.uk
Jun 3
Brain Freeze: Youth Takeover Festival
By young people, for young people. See local artists perform, join workshops. Games, arts and crafts, performances and more. 11am4pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. All ages. Drop-in, free, donations welcome. www.artsdepot.co.uk
Jun 3 & Sats/Suns until Aug 27
Family Swordfighting Demonstration
How swords were used on Shakespeare’s stage. 11am & 1pm. (Also running: Ghosts and Ghouls Family Tour, 5.30pm. Selected dates, adult £20, u16 £15.) Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. £10. www.shakespearesglobe.com
Jun 4
Towpath Walk
Royal Victoria Dock – East India Dock. 2.30pm. Adult £15, concs £10, 8-15 £5, u8 free. Booking advised. www.waterways.org.uk/support/ ways-to-get-involved/events
Herts Heavy Horse and Country Show
Full timetable of shows and competitions between 10.30am-3.30pm. Extra cost for fun dog show, enter on day, dray rides, stalls, bouncy castle. 10am-5pm. Check entry prices. Capel Manor Gardens, Enfield,
EN1 4RQ. www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk
Spirit of Invention Festival Day
Workshops, hands on activites, demonstrations and experiences. 11am-4pm. (Ties in with Spirit of Invention Exhibtion, opening May 27.) The National Archives, TW9 4DU. £5. U5s £2.50. www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Myddleton Road Market – We Are Ten
With live acts and some special free family activities. Myddleton Road Market, N22 8NE. www.myddletonroadmarket.co.uk
Jun 10-11
Marylebone Village Summer Festival
Outdoor film screenings in Paddington Street Gardens, live music and stalls. Sunday: on-street stalls, with fashion, food, funfair rides and more. www.marylebonevillage. com/whats-on-and-features/ item/262-marylebone-summer-festival
Jun 10-11
Barnet Medieval Festival
Living history, medieval traders and re-enactment of the Battle of Barnet fought during the Wars of the Roses. Opens 10.30am. Barnet Elizabethans Rugby Club, Byng Road, EN5 4NP. Public transport advised. All ages. Some loud cannon fire. www.barnetmedievalfestival.org
Jun 10-18
Highgate Festival
No event info as we went to press.
Check website for events. www.highgatefestival.org
Jun 13-Aug 20
Summer Exhibition 2023
Eclectic, vibrant and innovative art exhibition, ideal for introducing children to art. Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD. Paid entry. Plus Jul 7, Aug 4, free drop-in drawing led by artist educators 6pm-8pm. All ages/ abilities.
www.royalacademy.org.uk
Jun 14 until Jan 28
Capturing The Moment
A Journey Through 100 Years of Painting and Photography, examining the dynamic relationship between the brush and the lens. Suitable for older children/teens.
Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Price tbc.
www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Jun 17-18
The Great Exhibition Road Festival
Festival fusing art, science & tech. Hands-on workshops, talks, installations, performance. U12 Fun Zone, u5 play area, plus plenty for teens and 18+. 12-6pm. Register free for updates and to book workshops. Drop-in to attend. Exhibition Road, SW7. Free.
www.greatexhibitionroadfestival. co.uk
Jun 22-Aug 23
Earth Photo Exhibition
Stunning selection of shortlisted still and moving images telling powerful stories about our planet, its inhabitants and lands. Mon-
Sat 10am-5pm. All ages. Royal Geographical Society, SW7 2AR. Free www.rgs.org
Jun 24
Summer Fete
Barbecue, cake stalls and savoury treats, crafts, games, bouncy castle, bar and woodland area shady spots for a picnic blanket. 1-5pm. Open to all. Whitehall Park School, Hornsey Lane, N6 5EP.
Summer Soulstice
Family-friendly music festival in aid of charity. 11am-11pm. Camping & parking extra cost. Old Elizabethans Memorial Playing Fields, Mays Lane, EN5 2AG. Adult £48.18, teen £24.66, u13 £5.94.
www.summersoulstice.co.uk
June 24
Summer Fair
Raffle prize draw. 12-4pm. All welcome. Brookland Infant School, NW11 6EJ.
Jun 25
Family Sundays
Fun-packed creative activities, ideal for 3-10. Suitable for all. 10am & 1.30pm. Adult £10, under-18 £8. Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD
www.roh.org.uk
Family Studio: Creative Protest
Workshop. Design a carnival costume inspired by an issue important to you. 11am-1pm & 2-4pm. All ages. Tickets allocated firstcome, first-served. Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD
www.royalacademy.org.uk
June 29-Jul 9
Funfair
Exc, Jul 3-6. For adults and children. Weekdays 4-9pm. Weekends 1-9pm. Kilburn Grange Park, NW6 2JL. Entry £2, plus ride fares.
www.irvinleisure.co.uk/funfairs/ kilburn-grange-park-2023
Jul 1
Summer Fair
“Summer Walkabout” 12pm-4pm. Walker Primary school, Waterfall Road, N14 7EG. All welcome.
Myddleton Road Summer Festival
Stalls, live music, rides, dog show, table tennis tournament and more. Family-friendly. Myddleton Road Market, N22 8NE.
www.myddletonroadmarket.co.uk
Cally Festival
Celebrating local culture and community for a day of live music , story telling, workshops, food and creativity, with funfair, sports activiites, kids zone, discovery zone, storytelling, street market and more. 12-6pm.
www.thecallyfestival.co.uk
Jul 2
Proms at St Jude's Family Festival
Jul 7-9
Crouch End Festival
One of London's biggest community arts festival takes place across N8. Over 50 events, most free: arts, drama, music of every kind, exhibitions, talks, comedy, spoken word, and loads for families too.
www.crouchendfestival.org
Looking ahead...
Highlight
Jul 22-28
Perform in the Park
Music, storytelling, face painting, art workshop, pizza and ice cream –what's not to like? For children and their grown-ups too!
Kids will have fun on a Treasure Hunt, play wacky instruments made from junk, sing and play percussion, listen to stories set to music. Illustrator and author James Mayhew will narrate and illustrate a story by the Brothers Grimm, inspired by the music of Fantasia Orchestra. Some events are free. Booking advised for payable events. A great day out for all the family. 1pm-5pm around Central Square, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11 7AH.
www.promsatstjudes.org.
uk/2023-family-festival
Four fantastic musicals for children aged 2-14, plus evening events for teens. The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Elephant and Piggie’s, Mermaids and Pirates, and The Dream. In a popup theatre in Coram’s Fields WC1N 1DN. Families can enjoy the park's play areas. Bring a picnic or enjoy the charming all-day café. Tickets start at £14.50.
www.performinthepark.uk
Jul 15-30
Festival of Archaeology
Check website for events.
www.archaeologyuk.org/festival. html
Jul 16
Everything You Know About Sharks is Wrong!
Be guided on a journey through the fascinating world of sharks. 2pm. 7+, teens and their adults. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. Adult £16, child £10.
www.rigb.org
Jul 22
Family Fun Day: Cool Stuff
Interactive talks, demonstrations and hand-on scienc-y fun for the whole family. Gets booked up quickly. 11am-4pm. Aimed at 7-12, older and younger siblings welcome. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. Adult £16, child £10. www.rigb.org
Jul 22-Aug 26
Midsummer Mechanicals
The runaway hit of last summer returns. Will get booked up quickly. Check out their family workshops and events too. Undercover in the Sam Wannamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. 5-105. £18-£28.
www.shakespearesglobe.com
Aug 11-Sep 3
Dinosaur World Live
Join intrepid explorers to meet a host of creatures. With meet and greet after. Regents Park Open Air Theatre, thru Queen Mary’s Garden, Regents Park. NW1 4NU. 3+. From £15.20. openairtheatre.com
And further afield
Sats and Suns May 13-Jul 16
Peregrine Watch
Catch a glimpse of the peregrine falcons at St Albans Cathedral and find out more about them. 11am3pm. With Herts Wildlife Trust volunteers, in the cathedral grounds, AL1 1BY. All ages. Free. www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
May 14, 21, June 11, Jul 2
Character visits
Peppa Pig May 14, Paw Patrol May 21, JJ from Cocomelon Jun 11, Hey Duggee Jul 2. May 31 Kids For A Quid. Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN. www.eorailway.co.uk
