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
Ongoing
Fridays Planet Play
Sep 8-Oct 20. Interactive, sensory show. 10am. 0-3. Chickenshed, N14 4P. Adults £7.50, 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 & dates in half-term Tales from the Shed
Sep 9-Oct 21 & 23, 24, 25, 26. 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
Day by Day
Sep 9
To The Moon and Back
Siya starfish is lonely but how will she get to be with the other stars in the sky? 10am & 11am. Pickled
Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. 6months-3. Adult & child £20.50. www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
Sep 10 A Bee Story
Queen Bee and Worker Bee need to work together to rebuild the hive but things don’t quite go to plan. Physical theatre with circus, acrobatics and dance. 11am & 2pm. 3+. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £14. www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Sep 16
Peter Pan
Songs, magic and puppets in an interactive, quirky and fun retelling. 11am & 3pm. 2-7. Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. Adult £12, child £10, fam £40. www.dugdalecentre.co.uk
Rabunzel – The Musical
The story of a long-eared rabbit. 10.30am. 3-10. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. £20.50 adult & child.
www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
From Sep 16, various dates
Bach to Baby
Music concerts. Various themes.
Sep 16, Oct 7, Nov 4, 3pm, Christ Church N5 1SA. Islington
Sep 22 & Oct 20, 10.30am, St Mary’s New Church, N16 9ES
Sep 24 & Oct 22, 3pm, Emmanuel Church, NW6 1JU.
Sep 30, Oct 28, 11am, St Mark’s Church, NW1 7TN.
Oct 13, 11am, Pond Square Chapel, N6 6BJ.
www.bachtobaby.com
Sep 17
Baby Knees Up
Zany singalong with bubbles, puppets. 0-6. 10am & 11.15am. Chickenshed, N14
4PE. £7. Free under 6m. www.chickenshed.org.uk
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Join the teddies as they dance, sing, play and have fun. With Let’s All Dance’s crystal-clear storytelling. 0-8. 11am, 1pm, 3pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £10.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers
A secret organisation, the Ancient Guild of TaleTenders, are on a mission to save stories - and they need your help. 11am, 2pm. 5+. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £12.
www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Sep 19 & Nov 14
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Club
Grown up comedy. Babies u15m welcome. 11.30am. Finsbury Park Picturehouse N4 3FU. £13. www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/bring-yourown-baby-comedy-1211989
Sep 21
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Club
Grown up comedy. Babies u15m welcome. 12pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
Sep 23 & 30
Mary Anning and The Sands of Time
Meet Ammonites, pterosaurs and ichthyosaurs as Mary and her little dog
Tray uncover amazing creatures from another time. 10am & 11.30am. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. £20.50 adult & child.
www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
Sep 23-Nov 19
Big Bad Me
Think you know the story of Red Riding Hood? Think again. Let’s hear it from the wolf. 6+. Various times. Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1 2DN. Previews Sep23, 24 £8. Adult £14, child £12. Fri 4.45pm £8.
www.littleangeltheatre.com
Sep 24
Rubbish Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare’s masterpiece – performed using a box of tatty wigs, a flowery dress and an airbed they found by the bins. Anarchic family-friendly show. 5+. 11am, 2pm. From £10.
artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £10. www.artsdepot.co.uk
Sep 26-Oct 29
Zippo’s Circus presents Nomads Broomfield Park, N13 4HE, Sep 26-Oct 2. End date tbc, Various times. Finsbury Park, N4 2AA, Oct 4-9. Hampstead Heath, Lower Fairground site, NW3 1TH. October 19-29. Various times. From £13. Cheaper on first-day previews.
https://zippos.co.uk/tickets
Sep 30-Nov 4
The Bed
Get comfy for a bedtime story like no other, a journey sprinkled with fantasy. Various days/times. Separate shows for 6m-18m, and 18m-3. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. Adult £14, baby/child £12.
www.littleangeltheatre.com
Oct 1
Nick Cope’s Family Show
The star of Cbeebies’ Nick Cope’s Popcast sings his child-friendly, funny and unique songs. 3+. 11am, 2pm. From £12, artsdepot, N12 0GA
www.artsdepot.co.uk
The Ugly Duckling
Meet the unlikely duckling hero, and hear the story of a duck who was different! 11am, 2.30pm. 3+. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £8. www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Oct 8
Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland
Promising strange contraptions and curious characters. 4+. 11am, 2pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £10, www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oct 13-14
We’re
Going On A Bear Hunt
Vivid and noisy fun-filled adaptation. Various times. 3+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oct 14
JACK!
Discover the truth behind Jack, this fairytale hero who keeps popping up. Live music and joining in. 11am, 1pm. 5+. Lyric Hammersmith, W6 0QL. £8. www.lyric.co.uk
Oct 15
The Lightbulb Princess
Can you help a princess illuminate the world? Science and catchy songs. 11am, 2pm. 5+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £10.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
Baby Broadway Family Concert
Sing and dance along to songs from shows like Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia, The Little Mermaid, Frozen, while enjoying bubbles, puppets and fun dance moves. 11am, 2pm. All ages. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £12.
www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Oct 16
Under The Little Red Moon
There’s a red moon rising, but why is it turning blue and crying? Do the Ladybirds know why? Maybe the rabbits have the answer. With English Touring Opera. 6m-24m . 25mins plus 15mins of play. 10am, 11.30am, 2.15pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. £15 adult and baby.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oct 17
Barely Methodical Troupe: KIN
Tumbling, flying, catching. 5+. 7.30pm. 60mins. artsdepot, N12 0GA. £15.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oct 21-27
Family Storytelling
Macbeth, Oct 21, 23 & 24.
The Winter’s Tale, Oct 22 & 25.
Romeo and Juliet, Oct 26 & 28.
Henry V, Oct 27.
11am & 2pm. 5-12. . (See Workshops: Macbeth, The Winter’s Tale, Romeo and Juliet and Henry V in Events Oct 21.)
Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. £15.
www.shakespearesglobe.com
Oct 21-25
Tales From Acorn Wood
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s tales are brought to life in a lift-the-flap experience. Various times. 1+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. £12.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oct 22
Peace at Last
Will Mr Bear ever get to sleep? Opera
Up Close re-tell Jill Murphy’s popular book. 3-5. 11am & 2pm. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. £5. £5, u2 free.
www.chickenshed.org.uk
Journey To The Stars
Put on your spacesuit, check your coordinates and fire up your engines. Puppets, wigs and fruit & veg reveal the secrets of the universe. 11am & 2pm. 4+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £10. www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oct 23
String!
Fun, informal concert creatively staged to bring the audience into the music. 11am, 2pm. 7-11. 40mins. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £10. www.artsdepot.co.uk
Albert’s
Legends
Band Presents: Myths &
Aimed at 4-11, all welcome. 12pm, 2.30pm. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP. Adult £12.50, child £6. www.royalalberthall.com
Oct 23-27
There's A Tiger In The Garden
Join Nora as she explores the garden, discovering dragonflies as big as her head, plants that can eat you - and your toy giraffe - whole, a polar bear that likes fishing and maybe, just maybe, a tiger in the garden. 11am, 2pm. 3+. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £15. www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Oct 24
The Puddle At The End of the World
Jamie and her Nanna’s home has disappeared under rising sea levels. Join an exhilarating theatrical adventure to stop climate change in its tracks. Aimed at 6-12, suitable for all. 11am, 1.30pm. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP. £13. www.royalalberthall.com
Oct 25 & 26
Sleeping Beauty
Gorgeous costumes and dazzling ballet dancers, with Let’s All Dance's
crystal clear storytelling. All ages, esp 2-14s. Photo opp after show. Various times. Lilian Bayliss Studio, in Sadler’s Wells, Theatre, EC1R 4TN. From £18. www.sadlerswells.com
Oct 26
I Believe In Unicorns
Award-winning Danyah Miller brings Michael Morpurgo’s story to life. Tomas hates books – until he meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library... Includes bookswap. 2pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oct 28
Olaf Falalfel’s Super Stupid Show (20% More Stupider)
An hour of kid’s comedy – family friendly frivolity. 11am, 2pm. 3+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £10.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oct 29
Stories In The Dust
Two travellers in a dusty world make up songs and stories inspired by treasures they have collected. With live music, puppetry and clowning. 11am, 2pm. 5+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £10.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
Nov 4
Little Angel’s Travelling Miniature Circus
Be delighted by beautiful puppets, nostalgic magic tricks and acts so tiny you may wonder how you can possibly see them. 11.30am & 1.30pm. 3-6. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. £7 seated, £5 floor, u12m free.
www.chickenshed.org.uk
The Apple
Intimate and interactive performance about an apple and a mouse, followed by a craft workshop to create charac-
ters in an improvised story. 10am & 11.30pm. 2-6. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. £20 adult & child. www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
Nov 4&5
Splash Test Dummies
The Splash Test Dummies are off on an exciting adventure! With stunt work, dazzling acrobatics, juggling and slapstick comedy, the Dummies are ready to spring into an exciting hour of circus-filled hilarity for the whole family. Variuos times. All ages. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA
www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Nov 5
Morgan & West’s Massive Magic Show For Kids
With their trademark wit, whimsy and wall-to-wall silliness. 2pm. 6+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12. www.artsdepot.co.uk
Pop Forever
Sing along to your favourite pop hits, sung live. Dance competitions, prize opportunities. 6+. Millfield Theatre, N18 1PJ. £16, concs £13. www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
Nov 6
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Club
Grown up comedy. Babies u15m welcome. 12pm. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. £12.
www.chickenshed.org.uk
Nov 12
The Star Seekers
Alph, Betty and Gammo need your help to save their space station in this theatrical experience. 11am, 2pm. 3-8. artsdepot, N12 0GA. www.artsdepot.co.uk
Dame Dolly Does Jack & The Beanstalk
Dame Dolly is ready for her show, but none of her cast have shown up. Will the boys and girls, and grown ups, help out? 10am, 11.30am. 3-10. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. £20.50 adult & child.
www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
Whats On Events
SEN sessions
Some venues run sessions for children with special needs. See our page at www.bit.ly/FNLsend
Ongoing
Bow Street Police Museum
Family trail 5-7 & 7-11. Bow Street Police Museum WC2E 7AW. Open FriSun. Adult £6, u12 free. bowstreetpolicemuseum.org.uk
Kenwood House
Mac’s indoor and outdoor discovery trails. NW3 7JR. Free.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ places/kenwood
Forty Hall
Interactive children’s exhibition about the lives of children who may have lived and worked there. Free. Plus book Rip the dog trail, £2.50, or Rip’s nature trail, £3. Trails 11am-4pm. House 11am-5pm Thurs to Sun.
www.fortyhallestate.co.uk
Whitewebbs Museum of Transport
Open Tuesdays and the last Sunday in the month. Check website for events and closures. Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, EN2 9HP
www.whitewebbsmuseum.co.uk
The Box Rocket
Play exhibit running alongside permanent play spaces designed to fire up children’s imaginations. Must book. Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E5 4QZ. 0-8. www.discover.org.uk
Ted’s Space Adventures
Planetarium show, u7s. 11.30am, weekends and school hols. Check website for The Sky Tonight, 7+, and other shows. Booking advised. Adult £12, child £6. Royal Observatory, SE10 8XJ. www.rmg.co.uk
Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz & Walks
Various dates. Venues throughout North London. www.bringyourbaby.org
Bruce Castle Museum
Explorer gallery with interactives and dress-up, 3-8 . Free. Plus there is a Mystery Manor Trail with sticker booklet for £1, and a Tree Trail. WedsSun 1pm-5pm. N17 8NU www.brucecastle.org/families
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
Storytelling and Music for 0-4s
Various times. £5. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP
www.royalalberthall.com
London Canal Museum Tunnel Boat
Trips
50min tunnel trip, Thurs and Sun until Oct 31, various times, tea/coffee, museum entry adult £14, child £9. Thurs until Oct 31, 3pm, Cream Tea Trip, 90min and museum entry, adult £25,
child £18. Book in advance. London Canal Museum, N1 9RT. www.canalmuseum.org.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
Saturdays
Lego Club
Sat fortnightly, 11am-2pm. First-come, first-served. 3+. Chipping Barnet Library, EN5 4QT. Free.
Sat term-time, 3-4pm. Colindale Library, NW9. 5+. Free.
Mon 3.30-4.30pm, term-time. Burnt Oak Library, 4-8s, first-served. 3. Free. Wed 3.30-4.30pm. Childs Hill Library, NW2 2QE. 3+. Free.
www.barnet.gov.uk/events
Sundays
Junior Park Run 2km
Fun family runs. Enfield Town Park, EN2 6TJ, Lordship Rec Ground, N17 6BQ, Priory Park N8 8LN, Caledonian Park N7, Highbury Fields N5, Friary Park N12 9PQ, 9am. 4-14. Free, register.
www.parkrun.org.uk
Sundays
Crafternoons
2pm-4pm. JW3, Finchley Road, NW3. 3-8s and their families. Free, drop-in. Check dates online.
www.jw3.org.uk
Second & Fourth Sunday
Chess Club
All levels, ages 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 and halfterm
Cutty Sark Family Fun
Museum, SE10 9NF. All ages, Free. www.rmg.co.uk
Fortnightly Thursdays
Board Games Bonanza
Term-time for primary pupils. 3.304.30pm. Free, drop-in. Osidge Library, N11 1EY.
www.barnet.gov.uk/events/boardgame-bonanza-osidge-library
Tuesdays term-time
Play Tuesdays
Facilitated play, songs and stories. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. u5,. £4.
Workshops, songs, activities and experiences for all ages. See colourful characters aboard every weekend and school holiday, including the fearless Captain Woodget, and hear stories about life on board the fastest ship of its time. Find your sea legs and explore the main deck. Play interactive games, and visit the Cutty Sark figureheads, part of the world's largest collection of ship figureheads.
Follow a free family trail and discover how the ship’s crew lived and worked at sea in the age of sail. Treat the family to an unforgettable experience by climbing Cutty Sark’s iconic masts to see breathtaking views of London and get a taste of life as a 19th century sailor. Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT.
www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark
Sats & Suns
Character Encounters – Sats. Join an exciting performance and see maritime history brought to life. Various times.
Discover Sundays – term-time. Creative activities. Drop-in. Plus hands-on galleries and trails. National Maritime
www.rmg.co.uk
Weekdays term-time
Little Tots
Fun sessions, sensory play, music, animals, and more. Check website. Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm, Galley Lane, EN5 www.lewisoflondon.co.uk
Fridays term-time
Singing and Story Sessions
u5. Various times. London Transport Museum, WC2 ltmuseum.co.uk
Tuesdays in term time
Library Club
With reading corner and diverse book-pairing service. 0-11. 3.305.30pm. Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN. Free, drop-in.
www.hackneyshowroom.com
Weds and Sats
Wheelchair Basketball
All abilities. Weds 4-6pm, Sats 1-3pm. 7+. Down Lane Park, N17 9AU. Free, book.
www.haringey.gov.uk/events/202308/ wheelchair-basketball
Wednesdays
Easy Rollerz
Hang-out for babies, toddlers and their adults, with soft play and music. 1010.45am for pre-walkers. 11am-noon
1-2s on the move. £3 donation. Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN
www.hackneyshowroom.com/ easy-rollerz
Weekends, Fridays and holidays
Play Studio
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
Until...
Until Sep 17
CIVILIZATION: The Way We Live Now Humanity’s rapidly changing collective life across the globe, with over 350 works by 150 internationally renowned photographers. Some adult themes. No direct nudity. Saatchi Gallery, SW3 4RY. Adult £16, child £10, U6 free. www.saatchigallery.com
Until Sep 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 1
Sensory Trail
RSPB Rye Meads, SG12 8JS. events.rspb.org.uk/ryemeads
Until Oct 22
Wonderful Wildlife Weekends Sundays, 1pm-3.30pm. Woodberry Wetlands, N16 5HQ. Free, drop-in. www.wildlondon.org.uk
Until Oct 22
A Great and Dirty City: Dickens and the London Fog Exhibition with family-friendly challenges. Housemaid’s Tour Sep 13, Oct 18 & Nov 16, 5pm, 6pm & 7pm. Guided Evening Tour Sep 27. Tours £20, child £15. Charles Dickens Museum, WC1N 2LX. Museum open Weds-Sun. Adult £12.50, child 7.50, u6 free.
www.dickensmuseum.com
��Join the Charles Dickens Museum's Family Culture Bugs event on September 24, to help shape the museum for kids.
See Page 7 of main magazine to learn more and how to book, free.
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 Jan 28
A Journey Through Painting and Photography
How the arrival of photography changed painting forever, with
works by Picasso and Warhol. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Adult £20, child £5, U12 free. www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
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 11am5pm. Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, UCL, Malet Place WC1 6BT. For schools and families. Free ucl.ac.uk/culture/petrie-museum
Until Dec 17
Lancelot Ribeiro: Finding Joy in a Landscape
Imaginative and innovative paintings. Also Tell Me A Story – part exhibition, part competition. Weds-Fri & Sun. 10am-4pm. Burgh House, NW3 1LT. Free.
https://burghhouse.museumssites.com
Until Jan 7 2024
Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest
Dinosaur
Exhibition: Step into the colossal world of Patagotitan mayorum. Advance booking advised. (See Jul 26 for Delve Into The Jurassic animal handing show.) Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD. Aimed at 5+. All ages. From adult £16, child £9. Various concs. Book free museum entry. 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 on Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH. Free.
www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum
Day by Day
Sep 9, Oct 7, Nov 11
Mum2Mum Market Enfield
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. St Stephens Church Hall, Park Avenue, EN1 2BA. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk
Sep 12-Apr 16
Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers turns 30!
Showcasing behind-the-scenes shots, set pieces and models see for the first time in London, and original artwork. See website for half-term children’s workshops. Closed Mondays. The Cartoon Museum, W1A 3AE. Adult £9.50, u18 free.
www.cartoonmuseum.org
Sep 16
HADAS Archaeology Open Day
Uncovering Barnet’s rich history of archaeology. Displays, finds, demos and children’s activities. 10am-4pm. Stephens House and Gardens, N3 3QE. Free.
www.stephenshouseandgardens.com
Sep 16 & Oct 14
Nearly New Sale
Mum2Mum Market Haringey. 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
Sep 16 & Nov 18
LGBTQ+ Family Network
A place for LGBTQ+ families to meet and enjoy creative activities for all ages. 10am. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. Free. www.rmg.co.uk
Sep 16 & Dec 10
Special Steaming Days
General open days, second and fourth Sundays. Free kids activities and guided tours. 11am-5pm. Markfield Beam Engine and Museum, N15 5UL. www.mbeam.org
Sep 17
Apple Day
Taste unusual varieties from the community orchard, taste juice freshly pressed. Local honey sale. 1-4pm. Broomfield Park, Aldermans Hill, N13 4HE. Free entry. www.fobp.events
Fins Feste 2023
Mini community festival at Finsbury Gardens, N22 8PA, 1-6pm. Check online to verify.
www.myddletonroadmarket.co.uk/ markets
Spitfire Family Run
A race for the whole family, 1k run, 9.15am, fundraiser for the RAF Museum. £5. Plus 10k for older runners, £25. Must book. RAF Museum. NW9 5LL. Museum entry free. Parking charge. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london
Sep 20 & Oct 18
Early Years Studio
Sep 20 Shape, Oct 18 Colour. Creative workshop, u5, drop-in. 10am-2pm. Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD www.royalacademy.org.uk
From Sep 20 Skateboard
Chronicling the history of the skateboard from the 1950s to today. (Plus Oct 26 Design Camp: Skateboard
Deck Making 11-14, 10.15am-4.15pm, £70. Earlybird until Oct 2 £64.) Design Museum, W8 6AG. Adult from £16, 11-15 from £8, u11 free.
www.designmuseum.org
Sep 23
Model Railway Show
15+ layouts, traders and bargains, children’s activities. Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, EN2 9HP. Adults £5, u16 free. Museum closed.
www.whitewebbsmuseum.co.uk
From Sep 23, various dates
Code Ninjas Interactive Workshops
Robotics With Lego, 7-13, Sep 23
10.30am, Oct 7 3pm
Code Your Own Cartoons, 8-13, Sep 23 3pm, Nov 4 3pm.
Coding in Minecraft, 7-13, Oct 28
3pm, Nov 18 3pm, Dec 9 10.30am
Roblox Workshop, Nov 4 10.30am, 7-13
Stop Motion Animation, 8-13, Nov 18 10.30am
Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. £5
www.dugdalecentre.co.uk
Sep 24
Family Studio
Sep24 Modular Space. Assemble a structure for playing in inspired by the Herzog & de Meuron exhibition. Oct 29 Hand Portraits, stage your own hand portraits with props and backdrops, inspired by Catherin Opie’s Portraits of Artists.
11-1pm & 2-4pm. Families with children of all ages. Drop in. Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD
www.royalacademy.org.uk
Sep 23
Africana
Author event with Kim Chakanetsa. 2.30pm. 6+ . Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. £20, includes book, sibling £5, redeemable against books in store on the day. www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
Sep 23-24
Dazzle Design Studio
Discover the art and illusion behind Dazzle camouflage and create your own. 5+. 10am-4pm. Imperial War Museum, SE1 6HZ. Free, drop in. www.iwm.org.uk
Sep 29-Apr 14
Spies, Lies and Deception
Exhibition: Discover 100 years of intrigue, deceit and real-life secret agents. Plus Story Seekers trail every weekend. Imperial War Museum, SE1 6HZ. Free
www.iwm.org.uk
Sep 30
I’ll Huff and I’ll Puff…
Workshop based on a Christmas show, or is it the other way round? 5+. 2pm. The Cockpit, NW8 8EH. £5, siblings £4. Their adults go free. www.thecockpit.org.uk
Oct 4, Nov 1
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
Oct 5-8
The Knitting & Stitching Show
With some workshops welcoming children. Book quickly. Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY. Earlybird pre-Oct 2. Adult £19, 5-18 £9, workshops extra.
www.alexandrapalace.com
Oct 7
Family Come And Sing Day
All welcome to this family event run by London Youth Choirs. 6-11, younger siblings welcome. Bernie Grant Arts Centre, N15 4RX. Free.
https://londonyouthchoirs.com/ free-family-come-and-sing-day-intottenham
Oct 9
Little Explorers: Autumn 90-minute session to spark curiosity about nature. 10.30am & 1.30pm. 2-5. Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE. £14 per child.
www.kew.org
From Oct 13
Disney 100: The Exhibition
Celebrates the iconic characters and stories from Disney’s history and present day. Promises unique interactive installations. Booking until Jan 22. Excel Centre, E16 1XL. Adult £28, child £20, fam discounts.
www.excel.london
From Oct 14
Japan: Myths to Manga
Exhibition. Explore how landscape and folklore have influenced Japan's culture, technology and design. Young V&A, E2 9PA. Price tbc.
www.vam.ac.uk/young
Oct 15
African and Caribbean Folklore Family Workshop: Lady Papaya
Celebrate the flora in African and Caribbean folklore, using chant, poetry and other participatory activities. 11.30am. 11+. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS, Adult £15, child £10.
www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Oct 19-May 6
Turn It Up: The Power of Music
Explore the hold that music has over us in this fun, family-friendly experience. Try out the musical playground and dance with interactive screens. Science Museum, SW7 2DD. Adult £10, child £8, u4 free.
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Oct 21
Family Fun Day: Surprising Science
Expect the unexpected and get hands on with exciting activities. Aimed at 7-12, all welcome. 11am-4pm. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. Adult £16, child £10.
www.rigb.org
Festival of The Girl 2023
Exhibition aiming to inspire and engage girls aged 7-11 and support adults to raise girls in less stereotyped ways. A safe environment for girls to have fun, try something new and leave with a boost of self-confidence. Design Museum, W8 6AG.
www.designmuseum.org
Oct 21-25
Family Workshops
Macbeth, Oct 21, 23 & 24. 5-8 and their families 12.30pm. 9-12 and their families 12.30pm. £10
Macbeth 12+ kids alone, Oct 23, 24 & 27. 11.30am. £10
The Winter’s Tale, Oct 22 & 25. 5-8 and their families 12.30pm. 9-12 and their families 12.30pm. £10
Much Ado About Nothing 14+ kids alone, Oct 25, 26, 1130am. £10
Othello 15+ kids alone, Oct 26. £20
Romeo & Juliet, Oct 26 & 28. 5-8 and their families, 12.30pm. 9-12 and their families, 12.30pm. £10.
Henry V, Oct 27. 5-8 and their families, 12.30pm. 9-12 and their families,
12.30pm. £10.
(See Storytelling: Macbeth, The Winter’s Tale, Romeo & Juliet and Henry V in Family Theatre Oct 21.)
Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. £10. www.shakespearesglobe.com
Oct 21-29
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt
Sensory family adventure as you explore different landscapes. Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE. Included with entry to gardens. 48hrs advance Adult £19, child £5.50, various concs. www.kew.org
Oct 21-29
Halloween at the Tower of London
Unlock the spirits of the Tower’s past. Spooky family-friendly adventure trail. Tower of London, EC3N 4AB. Free with admission. Adult £33.60, 5-15 £16.80.
www.hrp.org.uk
Oct 23
How To Spaghettify Your Dog
Have you ever wondered how to slow down time? Or what would happen if the Earth stopped spinning? Wonder no more. Join Hiba Noor Khan on a journey to learn all about the laws of physics, with easy-to-follow experiments and laugh-out-loud moments. 2pm. Aimed at 7+ . The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS Adult £16, child £10.
www.rigb.org
Oct 23 & 25
Family Activity: Halloween
Broomstick Workshop
Craft your own using plant materials foraged at the garden. 11am. 4+. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. Adult £15, child £10.
www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Oct 24 & 26
Halloween Pumpkin Carving
Learn about pumpkin plants, and explore the Garden through autumn before transforming pumpkins into Halloween friends. 1pm. 6+. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. Adult £20, child £15.
www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Oct 24-26
Design Camps
Oct 24, Heat-transfer Printing, 11-14.
Oct 24, Robot Olympics, 8-11.
Oct 25, Architectural Model-Making, 8-11.
Oct 25, Digital Sculpting & 3D Character Design, 11-14
Oct 26, Skateboard Deck Making, see Sep 20. All £70, or £64 before Oct 2. Design Museum, W8 6AG. www.designmuseum.org
Oct 26-29
Halloween Trails
Oct 26-28, Spine Chilling Cellars and Garden Ghost Hunt
Start between 1pm and 3.30pm. £5 per person/child. Must book
Oct 29, Halloween In The Gardens. Early evening event with fire artist and mulled wine. Entry from 5pm. Closes 7pm. £10.50. Must book. Stephens House and Gardens, N3 3QE.
www.stephenshouseandgardens.com
Oct 27
Spooktacular Nature
Learn about super spiders and brilliant bats and get crafty with London
Wildlife Trust at Grosvenor Square
W1K 2HP. 12-3pm. 18m-12 but all welcome. Free donations welcome. Must book. Tickets available two weeks before.
www.wildlondon.org.uk
Oct 28
The Brick People
Hour-long sessions of Lego-related activities. 10am, 11.30am, 1pm. 2.30pm & 4pm. 3-5. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. £5. www.chickenshed.org.uk
Oct 28-29
British Museum: Spooktacular Sleepover
Are you ready to explore the spooky side of history? Experience the Museum after dark and discover a world of magic, myths and mysterious spells. Through creepy crafting, torchlight trails and spine-tingling storytelling, this is your chance to travel back in time – if you dare! Then spend the night sleeping in the Egyptian and Assyrian galleries. Dressing up encouraged. Sign up free to the Young Friends newsletter for pre-sale access to sleepovers. British Museum, WC1E 7JW. £50.
www.britishmuseum.org/membership/ sleepovers
Halloween Activities
No details from these venues as we went to press, but they're worth watching:
Lauderdale House, N6, www. lauderdalehouse.org.uk Lewis of London, EN5, www. lewisoflondon.co.uk
The Mall Wood Green, N22, www. themall.co.uk/wood-green Capel Manor Gardens, EN1, www. capelmanorgardens.co.uk
Nov 4, Dec 9, Jan 19 & more Astronights
Sleepover at the Science Museum, 7-11. Science Museum, SW7 2DD. £70. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Fireworks ��
No details as we went to press,but keep an eye on:
Alexandra Palace, www. alexandrapalace.com
StoneX NW4, https://saracens.com
Walker Cricket Ground, N14, www. thewalkerground.co.uk
Hadley Wood Association, EN4, www. hadleywood.org.uk
Totteridge Millhillians, N20, www. cricket.totteridgemillhillians.com
Looking ahead...
Nov 15-Jan 7
Christmas at Kew Light trail. Book early. Various dates. Kew Gardens, TW9 3AE. Adult from £22.50. Child and fam available. www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/ christmas
Dec 1-Jan 11
Christmas Light Trail
Prices tbc. Kenwood House, NW3 7JR. www.christmasatkenwood.com
... and further afield
Weekends until March 2024
Tudor Cookery And Roasting
Join the historic cooks to discover kitchen life and dishes in Henry VIII’s 16th C kitchen. Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU. Included in admission. Adult £26.50, 5-15 £13.10. www.hrp.org.uk
Oct 21-29
Halloween at Hampton Court
Lose yourself in atmospheric projections and spooky sound effects. Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU.mIN-
cluded in admission. Adult £26.50, 5-15 £13.10.
www.hrp.org.uk
Oct 12
Steve Backshall’s Ocean
Join Steve Backshall for the very first performance of his latest UK tour. 7pm. Billed as for all the family. 2hrs 20mins, inc interval. The Alban Arena, St Albans, AL1 3LD. £21.50, u16 11.50. alban-arena.co.uk
Oct 24-27
Samhain Family Days
Design a pumpkin carving, make a burning man, explore the haunted forest and much more in a day out. Book early, for an early timeslot to enjoy the whole day. Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon, SG13 8NY. £12.50.
https://celticharmony.org
Panto Season on the horizon
Nov 18-Dec 30
The Snowman
Take flight to the North Pole in this magical adaptation. Various dates/ times. All ages. 1hr 50m inc interval. Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT. From £18. Fam ticket deals.
www.sadlerswells.com
Nov 18-Dec 31
Aladdin
Various dates/times. All ages. Hackney Empire, E8 1EL. £10-£45. Children u3 on laps free.
www.hackneyempire.co.uk
Nov 22 – Dec 13, Jan 2-6, 10-13
The Toymaker’s Child
Previews Nov 22-23. The Toymaker worries that his only child is lonely,
so he magically 3D prints an AI child, serial number PIN:0Cch10, who proves to be a bit too mischievous to handle. 2hrs, inc interval. 5+. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. From £10. www.chickenshed.org.uk
Dec 2-30
Christmas Tales presents Cinderella In Boots
Panto with all your favourite Tales characters. Previews Dec 2&3. Various days/times. 0-7. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. £10.50, family £35, u1 free. www.chickenshed.org.uk
Dec 2-30
Sleeping Beauty and The Guardians of Dreamland
Journey with Sleeping Beauty to Dreamland to meet the Guardians in a plan to defeat Maleficent. Various dates/times. Millfield Theatre, N18 1PJ www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk Adults £22, children £18, fam £72. Dec 2&3 previews £12.50.
Dec 2-24
Dear Santa
Rod Campbell’s tale of how Santa tries to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present. Meet Santa in his grotto after. Various dates/times. 2-7. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12. www.artsdepot.co.uk
Dec 6-Jan 31
The Nutcracker
2hrs 20 with interval. Various dates/ times. All ages. Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD. £8-£160. www.roh.org.uk
Dec 7-24
Finding Santa
A comical, magical choose-your-own adventure, presented by Little Angel
Theatre. 3+. 55m, no interval. Bloomsbury Theatre and Studio, WC1H 0AH. From £15. Family of 4 from £70. www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/whats-on/ little-angel-theatre-presents-finding-santa
Dec 8-30
Fairytale On Church Street
Fun family fairytale mash-up Christmas show. Various days/times. The Cockpit, NW8 8EH. £12, fam £40, locals £7.
www.thecockpit.org.uk
Dec 8-Jan 7
Hansel & Gretel
Beautifully epic version adapted from the Brothers Grimm tale by poet laureate Simon Armitage. Various dates/ times. 5+. Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. £5-£55
www.shakespearesglobe.com
Dec 8-31
The All New Adventures of Peter Pan
With Corrie legend Chris Gascoyne and CBeebies’ Maddie Moate. Various dates/times. The Alban Arena, St Albans, AL1 3LD. Adults £17.50-£34.50. alban-arena.co.uk
Dec 10
My Christmas Orchestral Adventure: Calling Santa’s Little Helpers 12.30pm, 4.30pm. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP. £22.50-£65.50.
www.royalalberthall.com
Dec 10-Jan 7
Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Pig
London’s first ever Jewish pantomime. It’s Chanukah, and Little Red Riding Hood’s village needs a new electrical source – and at an affordable price.
Various dates/times. All ages. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET. From Adult £24, child £15 u2 free. www.jw3.org.uk
Dec 11-Jan 6
Wolf Witch Giant Fairy
Family folk opera. 1hr 5. All ages. All performances are relaxed. Various dates/times. General booking opens Oct 4. Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk
Dec 14-Jan 6
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Three very hungry goats must cross the bridge to reach the lush grass on the other side. Only problem is, there’s a troll lurking underneath. Kaveh Rahnama returns with his brandnew adaptation, following last year’s brilliant Jack and the Beanstalk. Hold on to your horns! 3+. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £12-£19.
www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Dec 21-31
Dec 14-Jan 7
The Nutcracker
Over 100 dancers and musicians create a magical Christmas, with exquisite dancing and beautiful sets to tell the tale of Clara who, on a frost-dusted Edwardian Christmas Eve, receives a magical nutcracker doll. Together, they discover a magical world where she battles the mouse king and rides a hot air balloon across London. English National Ballet. Various dates/ times. 2hrs inc interval. Strictly 5+ , except family matinee Jan 6, 2.30pm. London Coliseum, WC2N 4ES. Various prices, u16 half price. www.londoncoliseum.org
Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder
Various times. Various prices on various days. From £42. The O2, SE10 0DX
www.theo2.co.uk
Dec 27-Jan 3
The Nutcracker
Let’s All Dance with crystal clear storytelling. Various dates/times. 55mins. Lilian Bayliss Studio, in Sadler’s Wells, Theatre, EC1R 4TN. From £19.50
www.sadlerswells.com
Dec 27-Jan 7
There’s a Monster In Your Christmas Show
Playful fun as Little Monster, and his friends, join in when a group of performers prepare to start their show. Various dates/times. 2+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12.
www.artsdepot.co.uk
"I saw you in Families
and..."
These venues often have
These venues often have holiday family events
No details as we went to press
No details as we went to press
Little Angel Theatre
www.littleangeltheatre.com
The Cartoon Museum
www.cartoonmuseum.org
The Design Museum, holiday courses for 10-14s www.designmuseum.org
Dugdale Centre
www.dugdalecentre.co.uk
Bank of England Museum www.bankofengland.co.uk
National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Rd, SW3 4HT. Character meets www.nam.ac.uk
Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm, Galley Lane, EN5 www.lewisoflondon.co.uk
English National Ballet with The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum, Dec 14-Jan 7
