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
Saturdays
Tales from the Shed
Sep 7-Oct 19. Vibrant, inclusive, informal and educational show. 10am & 11.30am. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. 0-6. Adults & children £7. Under 6m free, must book www.chickenshed.org.uk
Tues
Interactive Storytelling
Tues in Sep. check website for later dates. Various times. The Woodman N6 5UA, 0-5. From £8.50 parent & child www.littlesupernovas.com
Fridays
Planet Play
Sep 6-Oct 18 , check online for later dates. Interactive, sensory show. 10am. Some 11.30am shows. 0-3. Chickenshed, N14 4P. Adults £10, toddlers/babies free, must have ticket www.chickenshed.org.uk
Day by Day
September
Sep 7
Bust or Trust: A Kids’ Mystery
Live show of the award-winning podcast for curious kids who’d like to get to the bottom of some of the world’s most interesting mysteries, from Big Foot to the Lost City of Atlantis. Will you bust the myth or trust it? 11am. Kings Place, N1 9GE. £4, child £12, plus fees.
www.kingsplace.co.uk
Sep 8
Shoe Baby
Join Shoe Baby on a fantastical singalong journey as this baby explores the sea, the air, and the zoo – all from the comfort of a shoe. 2-6. 30mins and 20 minutes of play and fun activities including a shoe shop, a giant shoe, and a make-a-town scene. 11am, 2om. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £14 www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Sep 13-Nov 16
Dogs Don’t Do Ballet
The sublime and the ridiculous combine in the hilarious story of a small dog with a big dream. 3-8. 45mins. (See Family Workshop, in Events Nov 2-3) Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1 2DN. Adult £15, child £13, Thurs & Fri 4.45pm £10. www.littleangeltheatre.com
Sep 15
Little Red Riding Could
Little Red Riding is no longer little, no longer wears a hood and she wants to be called by her real name. Playful and mischievous retelling with original Roustabout silliness. 4+. 11am, relaxed. 2pm relaxed and signed. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Sep 21-25
Zippo’s Circus: Nomads Broomfield Park, Aldermans Hill, N13 4HE. From 17, 2-14s from £13, u2 on lap free. See fobp website for
discount code. www.fobp.events
Sep 21-Nov 17
The Mystery of Little Angel Theatre
Brain-teasing interactive adventure, combining live board game elements with evidence hunt. 6+. Various dates, times. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. Adult £15, child £13, Thurs & Fri 4.45pm £10. Previews Sep 21-22, £8. www.littleangeltheatre.com
Sep 22
The Museum of Marvellous Things
Discover stars in jars, catch moons like balloons and dance with Doo-Dahs in cages, in this museum like no other. 3-8. 11am & 2pm. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £14. www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers
A secret organisation known as the Ancient Guild of TaleTenders are on a mission to save stories - and they need your help. 11am, 2pm. 6-11. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Sep 28-Nov 3
Family Storytelling
Sep 28, 29, Oct 13, 31, Nov 2, 3: Macbeth. Various times,15.
Oct 5: The Comedy of Errors, £15
Oct 12: The Tempest, £15
Oct 26-28: Hamlet, £15
Oct 26: Telling Tales with Michael Rosen, inc Q&A, £10
Oct 27: Telling Tales with Chris Riddell & Ana Sampson inc Q&A , £10
Oct 29: The Winter’s Tale, £15
Oct 29: Telling Tales with Greg Jenner, inc Q&A. £10
Oct 30: Telling Tales with Dapo Adeloa & Nathan Bryon, inc Q&A
Nov 1: Telling Tales with Shelina Jamohamed inc Q&A, £10
(See Workshops, creative writing sessions Writing Tales and GCSE study boosters, in Events Oct 26.) Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. £15. www.shakespearesglobe.com
Sep 28-Jul 6
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Ballet adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s famous story. All ages. Gunshot in Act 1. Optical illusions throughout. 2hrs 30. Various dates, times. Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD. £10-£190 www.rbo.org.uk
Sep 29
Make Some Noise
Award-winning poet Dommy shares a story about growing up and friendship, with rhymes, jokes and lots of opportunities to make some noise. 5+. 11am, 2pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk
October
Oct 4-6
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Musical adaptation, of the classic story by Judith Kerr. 3+. Various times. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oct 6-Nov 3
Toto Kerblammo!
Poor Effy. Sent to live with her aunt and uncle in a block that won’t allow dogs. What’s a girl to do? She smuggles her furry friend in, of course. Keeps him under a blanket. Feeds him biscuits. Ssh Toto, quiet. 9+. Various dates, times. Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ. £12.50-19.50 www.unicorntheatre.com
Oct 9-13
Anna Hibiscus’ Song
Anna lives in amazing Africa and is so filled with happiness, the only thing to do is sing. Music, dance, puppetry
and traditional African storytelling. 3-7. Various times. Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ. From £16.50. Child from £10.50 www.unicorntheatre.com
Oct 12
Table Tennis is Magic With Leon the Magician. 8+. 7.30pm. The Bull Theatre, EN5 5SJ. £15 www.thebulltheatre.com
Oct 13
Boxville
Craft-along story. Meet paper dragons, corrugated crabs and cardboard space robots. Various times. 4-8. 11am, 2pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Mrs Giggly’s Magic School
A totally wild, utterly bonkers and hilariously nutty circus-opera for children. 4-8. 3pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. Adults 25, Children £16. Concs £15 www.artsdepot.co.uk
A Tiger's Tale
Circus, puppetry, live music, and song tells the unbelievable journey of acrobats and their adopted tiger cub from South Africa to West Yorkshire. 4+. 11.30am, 2pm, Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £14 www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Oct 20
Ray Bubbles
Join Ray, International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, on his quest to complete the bubble game and create the ultimate bubble, and on the way uses various gases to craft incredible bubble sculptures, effects, and magical displays. 1+. 11am & 2pm. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £14 www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Windrush Adventures
Sing and dance along with Dawn,
from Jamaica to England. 4+. 2.30pm. 30mins. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £10 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oct 25
Let’s All Dance: The Ugly Duckling
Crystal-clear storytelling tackling themes of social acceptance and liking yourself in a child-friendly humorous manner. 2-12 or the whole family, inc SEND. 4.30pm. 6.30pm. 40mins. Lilian Bayliss Studio, in Sadler’s Wells, Theatre, EC1R 4TN. From £17. www.sadlerswells.com
Oct 26-27 Trash Test Dummies
Side-splitting slapstick comedy, daring acrobatics, and dexterous juggling in an imaginative adventure that's anything but garbage. Winners of the Best Children’s Presentation at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and runners-up for the Children’s Choice Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Aimed at 5+. 11am, 2pm. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £16 www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Oct 26-31
The Gruffalo
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 3+. 11am, 2pm artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oct 27
Cedella The Children Salute You Children Reggae Musical inspired by Bob Marley’s mother. All ages. 1.30, 5pm. Millfield Theatre, N18 1PJ. £5. www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
Oct 29-31
The Great Big Dinosaur Show
Which dinosaur weighed the same as
10,000 cats? And what could a chicken possibly be doing in the show? A family show full of poems, raps and songs about all your favourite dinos. 4-11. 11am, 2pm. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £15 www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Oct 30
Wifi Wars
Returns with new games and quizzes. 3pm show, 1hr no interval, 6+. 7pm show, 1hr 30, inc interval, 11+. Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes! artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12.50 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oct 30-Nov 1
Kinder
This joyful and poignant tale of one small Czech-Jewish girl’s escape on a Kindertransport train, looks at how tiny acts of kindness can change a person’s life. 8+. Various times. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET. £15. www.jw3.org.uk
November
Nov 1
Do Not Play This Piano
Hear Mozart, via the blues, tango and rock’n’roll (and a roll of gaffer tape). A chase through Salzburg, and a moonlit haunted house, in this blend of piano playing and storytelling. 6+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12.50 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Nov 3
You Choose
Interactive musical show for all the family, based on the book. In this show, YOU choose what happens. 2-7. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12.50 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Nov 10
Stories of a Watersprite
Among drifting waterweed and ancient moss-covered rocks, a Watersprite awakens. The pond is teeming with life but strange things that clutter and crinkle are cluttering up the pond. 4-10. 2pm, Relaxed. 45mins. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Nov 17
Nick Cope’s Family Show
The star of Cbeebies’ Nick Cope’s Popcast sings his child-friendly, funny and unique songs. 3+. 11am. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Events
SEND sessions
Some venues run sessions for children with special needs. See our page at www.bit.ly/FNLsend
Ongoing
Coding Club
Tottenham Community Sports Centre, N17 8AD. See online for details. 8-15. Free. Adult volunteers needed. www.breadlinelondon.co.uk
Whitewebbs Museum of Transport
Open Tuesdays and the last Sunday in the month, 10am-4pm, last entry £3pm. Check website for closures. See Jul 13 for Model Railway Show. Whitewebbs, EN2 9HW. Adults £11, 5-12 £5.50. www.whitewebbsmuseum.co.uk
Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz & Walks
Various dates. Venues throughout North London. www.bringyourbaby.org
Bruce Castle Museum
Free. Mystery Manor Trail with sticker
booklet for £1, and a Tree Trail. WedsSun 1pm-5pm. N17 8NU www.brucecastle.org/families
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, London Fields, E8 3EU, Leyton Jubilee Park, E10 7BL, Paddington Rec W9 1PF, Queen’s Park NW 6SG, Furzefield Leisure Centre EN6 3BW, Cheshunt Park EN7 6QD. 9am. 4-14. Free, register. www.parkrun.org.uk
Sundays
Crafternoons
Sep 8-Oct 20 & Nov 10-Dec 15, Not Dec 1. 2pm-4pm. JW3, Finchley Road, NW3. 3-8s and their families. Free, drop-in. www.jw3.org.uk
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. Has holiday activities.
National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. All ages, Free. www.rmg.co.uk
Weekends, Fridays and holidays
Play Studio
A place for families to play, make and create together. Plus Story Space (weekends, Thursdays and holidays) and Tate Draw, every day. Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG. All ages, Free. www.tate.org.uk
Weekends and Fri-Mon in hols
Cutty Sark Family Fun
Meet the cast of colourful characters from the ship’s past. Talk to the captain, chat with the cooks, even take a tour with Nannie, the figurehead. Follow a free family trail and discover what life was like on board as a 19th century sailor and join in musical storytelling sessions inspired by Cutty Sark’s crew. Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT. www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark
Weekends and holidays
Ted’s Space Adventures
Planetarium show, u7s. 11.30am, weekends and school hols. Check website for The Sky Tonight, 7+, We Are Guardians 7+, and other shows. Plus see Earth From Space through a satellite lens, inc with ticket. Booking advised. Adult £12, child £6. Royal Observatory, SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk
Tuesdays in term time
Library Club
With reading corner and diverse bookpairing service. 0-13. 3.30-5.30pm. Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN. Free, drop-in. www.hackneyshowroom.com
Tuesdays
Buggy Fit In The Park
Meet at Broadwater’s Children’s Centre, N17 6HE, 10am for a buggy walk around Lordship Rec supported by Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. For parents/carers children in buggies. Free https://www.tottenhamhotspur. com/the-club/passionate-abouttottenham/our-work
Wednesdays term-time
Easy Rollerz
Hang-out for babies, toddlers and their adults, with soft play and music. 10-
10.45am for pre-walkers. 11am-noon 1-2s on the move. £3 donation. Book. Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN www.hackneyshowroom.com/easyrollerz
Fridays term-time
Singing, Stories and Crafts
Various times. u5. London Transport Museum, WC2. Free with entry. Adult £24 – annual pass, Child free. ltmuseum.co.uk
Fridays
Bees and Buds
Drop-in for little ones and carers to explore nature and do crafts. 1011.30am. Wolves Lane Centre, N22 5JD. Min £3 donation. Check dates online www.wolveslane.org
Fridays
Until Oct 25
Kids Garden Club
Sow seeds, get hands dirty, learn about plants, creative projects too. Our Yard at Clitterhouse Farm, NW2 1AP. www.ouryard.org
Until Sep 29
Light into Life
Large-scale sculptures exploring the relationship between nature and humanity. Intriguing for children. Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE. Inc in admission
www.kew.org
Until Oct 6
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller and further away)
The artist takes visitors on a personal journey through 60 years of his art. Lightroom, N1C 4DY. Billed as suitable for all. One instance of nudity. From £25, u18s from £15, u3 free. Dynamic pricing. Book ahead. www.lightroom.uk
Until Oct 13
The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks
Until...
Until Sep 8
Japan: Myths to Manga
Exhibition. Explore how landscape and folklore have influenced Japan's culture, technology and design. Young V&A, E2 9PA. £10. www.vam.ac.uk/young
Until Sep 9
The Sky is Moving Sideways
Sculpture trail. Closes 1pm Sep 9. Sat 7 Curators Fun Tour, 2-3pm. Stephens House and Gardens, N3 3QE. Free, must book Fun Tour. www.stephenshouseandgardens.com
Family-friendly immersive telling of the story of the Apollo missions to the moon, and the Artemis missions due this year. Will please families and space buffs too. There is one very loud noise as Apollo 11 takes off. All ages. From £25, child from £15. U3 free. Dynamic pricing. Book early. Lightroom, N1C 4DY www.lightroom.uk
Until Oct 19
Heroes: The British Invasion of American Comics
How early American comics inspired British artists leading to decades of collaboration and competition across the Atlantic. Find out the story behind the 1972 launch of Marvel UK, and enjoy stunning artwork by key figures from DC Comics and the British Invasion. Often has holiday workshops. Closed Mon. The Cartoon Museum, W1A 3AE. Adult £9.50, u18 free. www.cartoonmuseum.org
Booking until Oct 27
Power Up
Consoles and games from the past 5 decades. 5+. Must book. Science Museum, SW7 2DD. £12, Annual pass £18. . (Plus Sep 13 Object Handling: Medicine, The Wellcome Galleries, 11am-2pm.) www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Booking until Oct 31
Life Chronicles
Walk in prehistoric landscapes as you experience the evolution of our planet in immersive VR. Min height 1.1m. E20 1EJ. From £21 https://lifechronicles-experience.com/ london
Until Jan 5 2025
Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre
Unravel the epic story of birds. Swirl around with a murmuration, chirp along with the dawn chorus and see if you have the stomach to sniff a stinky seabird egg. All ages. Various prices. Tour: Sep 20, 9am. 11+. Adult £25, child £17, includes exhibition entry. Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD www.nhm.ac.uk
Until Jan 12 2025
Jason and the Adventure of 254
Artist Jason Wilsher-Mills draws on his experience of becoming disabled as a child. All ages. Free. The Wellcome Collection, NW1 2BE https://wellcomecollection.org
Until Jan 12 2025
Faithful Companions: Charles
Dickens & his Pets
Meet Turk, Sultan, Grip, Duke and Mrs Bouncer. Family-friendly exhibition that spotlights the dogs, ravens, goldfinches and cats who shared houseroom with Charles Dickens. Many of the tales of animal antics are told by Charles Dickens himself, in a
series of rarely-seen letters. With story space for younger visitors. Weds-Sun. The Charles Dickens Museum, WC1N 2LX. Adult £12, u16 £6, u6 free. dickensmuseum.com
Until Feb 23
Barbie: The Exhibition
Journey into the Barbie universe to discover rare, unique and innovative dolls dating from 1959 to the present and see the evolution of one of the world’s most famous dolls. Design Museum, W8 6AG. Adult from £14.38, 6-15 from £7.19. www.designmuseum.org
Until Apr 27 2025
Anthony McCall Solid Light Step inside sculptures of light. £10, u12 free. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Until Sep 2025
The Future of Money
Can the tooth fairy go cashless? Who decides how we pay? How will the Bank of England futureproof the economy? Has holiday activities. Bank of England, museum entrance on Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH. Free. www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum
Day
by day
September Sep 4-30
Gardens Tour: Journey Through Time and Nature
Trace the footsteps of the past. Various dates, times, possibly later dates. Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD. Adult £18, child £15 www.nhm.ac.uk
Sep 14
Quest to Find the Key To The City Open House Festival family-friendly
walking tour. Solve riddles, look out for sculptures, animals and buildings. 5+. 11am-1pm. Free, book https://programme.openhouse.org. uk/listings/12561
Family Activities
Family collage workshop, activity for younger children. 10.30am-12.30pm. Part of Open House Festival. Plus tours. St Marylebone Parish Church, NW1 5LT. Free, may need to book https://programme.openhouse.org. uk/listings/12548
WOOFYT Family Organ Building Workshop
Explore the connections between music, science, engineering and technology. 7-10 .1hr. 9.45am, 11am. Plus self-guided tours and Organ Recital. Union Chapel, N1 2UN. Free, book https://programme.openhouse.org. uk/listings/2230
Sep 15
Apple Day
Try and buy heritage varieties from the orchard, sample juice fresh from the press. Broomfield honey on sale. 1-4pm. Broomfield Community Orchard, access from Aldermans Hill, N13 4HE. Free. www.fobp.events
Sep 18 & Oct 16
Early Years Studio
Sep 18: Construct. Use the 2D and 3D shapes and structures to create your own play environment.
Oct 16: Collage. Rip, stick, arrange and assemble.
10-11.30am, 12-1.30pm, 2-2.30pm. U5. Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD. Free, drop-in
www.royalacademy.org.uk
Sep 19-22
Depot Open Days: Connecting the Capital Tubes, trams, bicycles, buses and cable cars have all played their part in helping residents and visitors navigate the capital. Discover this fascinating story and marvel at historic vehicles. Make a light-up poster of London’s skyline. London Transport Museum. Acton Depot, W3 9BQ. £17.50, conc £13.
www.ltmuseum.co.uk/visit/museumdepot
Sep 20-Jan 18
Kerry James Marshall
Art exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist who places black bodies front and centre in his lyrical paintings. Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD. £23.50, u16 free. www.royalacademy.org.uk
Sep 21
Interactive Family Tour
Part of Open House Festival. 1.302.15pm. Royal College of Physicians, NW1 4LE. Free, book https://programme.openhouse.org. uk/listings/1527
Under-5s’ Day
Activities to keep little ones busy so you can discover Keats and his poetry. 11am-3pm. Keats House, NW3 2RR. £2.50, children free www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/events/ under-5s-day-at-keats-house
Science Activities
Part of Open House Festival. 7-11, 10.15am, 11.15M. 11-16, 2.15pm, 3.15pm. Plus drop-in guided tours. Royal Astronomical Society, Burlington House, W1J 0BQ. Free, book, limited places. https://programme.openhouse.org. uk/listings/4496
Sep 21
How The Light Gets In Children’s Programme
Pottery Extravaganza. 1.30pm, Discover Your Unique Purpose. 2-303.15pm.
Philosophy and Music festival in the grounds of Kenwood House, NW3 7JR. Check prices online https://howthelightgetsin.org/ festivals/london/programme
Sep 21 & Nov 9
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. St Stephens Church Hall, Park Avenue, EN1 2BA. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk
Sep 21-22
Family Workshop: Gorgeous Gorillas and Radical Rhinos
Make an awesome puppet version of these endangered animals. 5-8. 10am, 11.30am. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. £9.50. www.littleangeltheatre.com
Sep 21-22
Digital Design Weekend
Free immersive experiences, playful interactive installations, and familyfriendly activities around the museum. Events are free and drop-in but some have limited places. Most suitable for all ages. V&A, SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk
Sep 21-Dec 10
Michael Craig-Martin
Art exhibition with massive and colourful representations of everyday objects by one of the most influential
artists of his generation. Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD. £22, u16 free.
www.royalacademy.org.uk
Sep 22 & Oct 20
Sunday Funday
Drop-in workshops with activities related to the history of Lauderdale House. 4-10. 11am. Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG. Free www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk
Sep 22 & Oct 27
Family Studio
Sep 22: Talk a Line for a Walk. Using 2D and 3D media, inspired by the playful artworks depicting everyday objects in the Michael CraigMartin exhibition
Oct 27: Cut-out Worlds. Inspired by the free Architecture Window exhibition which runs until Nov 29. 11am, 2pm. Drop-in. First-served. For families with children of all ages. Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD. Free, drop-in
www.royalacademy.org.uk
Sep 22 & Dec 14
Special Steaming Days
Open 10am-4pm. Engine runs 12.301.15pm, 2.30pm-3.15pm. (General open days, second and fourth Sundays, 10am-3.30pm.) Free guided tours and kids activities. 11am-5pm. Markfield Beam Engine and Museum, N15 5UL. Free
www.mbeam.org
Sep 28
Family Festival: Build
Inspired by the Tropical Modernism exhibition. Immersive workshops, hands-on activities, and captivating performances throughout museum. 11am-4pm. V&A, SW7 2RL. Free www.vam.ac.uk
Sep 28
Introduction to Throwing Workshop Pots, that is. 13-17. V&A, SW7 2RL. £25 www.vam.ac.uk
Sep 28-29
Chelsea History Festival
Sep 28 Family Friendly Walk: Discover stories from 300 years of history at the home of the Chelsea Pensioners. 45mins. 5-10. Part of Chelsea History Festival. Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 4SR. Free, book Sep 28 & 29 Tricorne Hat Making, 5+. 10-12pm, 2-4pm. Drop-in.
Sep 29 Make a Clay Chelsea Pensioner, or your own design, to take home. 5+. Free, book https://chelseaheritagequarter.co.uk/ events/?event_type=families
Sep 28
Chelsea History Festival Open Day Pond-dipping, storytelling, tours. All drop-in. Plus enjoy the diverse plant collection from around the world. 11am-5pm. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. Free, book www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Sep 28-29
Mudlarking Weekend
A showcase of objects discovered on the Thames foreshore and meet the mudlarks who found them. A variety of river-related arts and craft activities will be offered by mudlark artists. Plus mudlarking museum trail. 10am-5pm. London Museum Docklands, E14 4AL. Free www.londonmuseum.org.uk/ docklands
October
Oct 5, 30, Nov 1, 9
Depot Family Tours
Uncover the stories of some of the very special vehicles in the bus and
train shed, aimed at families with children 5-9. 1hr. Various times. London Transport Museum. Acton Depot. W3 9BQ. £12, child £6 www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/ family-events/depot-family-tours
Oct 5
Fun Palaces
Hoxton Hall Fun Palace
Workshops include origami, ninja, open music, print workshop and more. Two time slots 11am, 12.30pm. N1 6SH www.hoxtonhall.co.uk
Shoreditch Town Hall Crafty workshops, 11am-4pm. Free. EC1V 9LT
Check website for more additions https://funpalaces.co.uk
The Maths of Pokemon
How many Pickachus does it take to power a lightbulb? How much does a Charizard eat? Explore the maths of the world’s favourite video game and get top tips for beating the catch rate formula. Aimed at u12. 2pm. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. £16, child £10. www.rigb.org
Oct 5-6
Festival of The Girl 2024
Coding, art, sports, activism, engineering, body confidence, friendships, sustainability and so much more. 7-11. Business Design Centre, N1 0QH. Free to £67.59 www.businessdesigncentre.co.uk
Oct 5-6
Family Workshop: Nee Naw! Emergency Service Puppets
Make your own emergency service vehicle and be ready to save the day. 3-5. 10am, 11.30am. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. £9.50. Digital Character Design 11-14 www.littleangeltheatre.com
Oct 10-13
The Knitting & Stitching Show
With workshops where children are welcome. Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY. Various prices www.alexandrapalace.com
October 12-13
New Scientist Live
Groundbreaking discoveries and interactive exhibits, from VR nuclear reactor tours to Red Arrow Hawk cockpit experiences. Excel Centre, E16 1XL. Various prices. Early bird discounts end Sep 22. www.excel.london
Oct 18-Nov 3
�� Halloween at Kew
After-dark trail filled with hidden surprises. All ages. Oct 18-26, 6-10pm. Oct 27-Nov 3, 4-10pm. From £17, 4-15 from £12, u4 free. Family from £55. Kew Gardens, TW9 3AE www.kew.org
Oct 19-Nov 3
��Room on the Broom
Fun trail. Follow the kind witch on her journey across Kew, spotting her collection of animal friends and interacting with installations and family-friendly activities while exploring everything that Kew has to offer in the autumn. Inc in entry. Kew Gardens, TW9 3AE. From £22, 4-15 £6. www.kew.org
Oct 20
An Evening of Unnecessary Detail
Join Festival of the Spoken Nerd and friends for an evening of science, songs, stand-up, maths and more. 13+ to adult. 7-10pm. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. £20, child £15 www.rigb.org
Oct 25-27
The Baby Show with Lidl GB
From innovative gadgets to safety essentials, it's all here, plus talks. Olympia, W14 8UX. From £16 www.olympia.london
Oct 26-27
Dance Umbrella Family Weekend
Oct 26-27: Eyecatchers. Enchanting adventure. Early years 1+. Show, 40mins, and interactive playtime. 11am, 2pm. Plus free family Eyecatchers dance workshops. Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ. £18.50, children £14.50.
Oct 26: The Bobby Dazzler: Pop on your dancing shoes for an afternoon of DJs, cabaret acts, dance floor prizes and family fun from Hackney Showroom’s touring stage. 12-5pm. Potters Fields Park, near SE1 2AA. Free.
Oct 26-31
��Family Workshop: Ghoulish Halloween Lanterns
Create a light-up pumpkin or glowing ghost to light your way as you trick or treat Special party workshop, at 4pm on Halloween. 4-8. Various times. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. £9.50. www.littleangeltheatre.com
Oct 26-31
��Halloween at Capel Manor Gardens
Dress up and be prepared for spooks and scares. Haunted Halloween trail and creepy crafts inc. Pumpkin patch and carving extra. 10am-4pm. Capel Manor Gardens, Enfield, EN1 4RQ. Prices tbc.
www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk
Oct 26-Nov 3
��Halloween at the Tower of London
Unlock the spirits of the Tower’s past. Pick up a trail when you arrive. Tower of London, EC3N 4AB. Included in
admission
www.hrp.org.uk
Oct 26-Nov 3
Family Workshops
Macbeth 5-8 & Macbeth 9-12 and their families. Various days/times. £10.
Oct 28: Hamlet 5-8 & Hamlet 9-12 and their families. Various days/times. £10.
Oct 29: The Winters Tale 5-8 & The Winter’s Tale 9-12 and their families. Various days/times. £10.
Oct 26 & 28: Romeo & Juliet Workshop, various times, 12-16, £20
Oct 30: Romeo & Juliet 5-8 & Romeo & Juliet 9-12 and their families. Various days/times. £10.
Nov 1: Writing Tales with Piers Torday, writing spooky tales creative writing session for families. £10.
Nov 1: Writing Tales with Shelina Janmohamed. Write your own story. £10
Romeo & Juliet Onstage Workshop, various dates, times, 12-16. £20
Macbeth Onstage Workshop, various dates, times. 12-16. £20
Macbeth: GCSE Study Boost Workshop, dates until Feb 22, 14-16, £45
Romeo and Juliet: GCSE Study Boost Workshop, dates until Feb 22, 14-16, £45
(See Family Storytelling in Theatre Sep 28)
Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. www.shakespearesglobe.com
Oct 27
��Halloween in the Gardens
Visit the spine-chilling cellars, join a Spooky Garden Spectre Hunt, marvel at the fire artist. Entry from 5pm, closes 7pm. Stephens House and Gardens, N3 3QE. £10.75 www.stephenshouseandgardens.com
Family Fun Day: Amazing Animals
Join volunteers, scientists and researchers from across STEM subjects as they explore behavious, adaptations and some “super powers” that us human don’t have. Aimed at 7-12. Older and young siblings welcome. 11am-4pm. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. £16, child £10. Gets booked up. www.rigb.org
Oct 27-Nov 1
Half-term activities
Oct 27, 28: T. Rex Show with Teach Rex . Interactive, prehistoric journey. Show 1hr, then 30m photo opp. 3+ to adult. 10.30am, 1pm, 3.30pm. £12
Nov 1: Jurassic Encounters: Animal Show. Meet modern-day relatives of animals that lived alongside the dinosaurs. Animal-handling show. 11am, 12pm and 1pm. £8. Check website for other half-term activities and object handling. Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD. www.nhm.ac.uk
Oct 29-31
Design Camps
Oct 29: Coding and Interactive Storytelling, 8-11. Architecture and Worldbuilding 11-14
Oct 30: Coding and Interactive Storytelling, 11-14. Stop Motion Animation 11-14
Oct 31: Strange Designs: Halloween, 8-11. Digital Character Design, 11-14 Design Museum, W8 6AG. Camps approx 6hrs. £74, Early bird £67 until Oct 7.
www.designmuseum.org
Oct 30
Family Fun Day
Including craft activity: Make Nature Crowns, trail and bookable short boat trip. London Canal Museum, New Wharf Road, N1 9RT. Inc boat trip, 15+
£9, u15 £4. www.canalmuseum.org.uk
November
Nov 2-3
Family Workshop: Dogs Don’t Do Ballet
Craft adorable dog puppets. 3-5. Various times. (See Dogs Don’t Do Ballet, in Theatre Sep 13-Nov 16), Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. £9.50. www.littleangeltheatre.com
Nov 8
For your Inspiration: Exploring Extreme Environments
Delve into the extreme environments of our world. Q&A. 13+ to adult. 6-9pm. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. £20, child £15 www.rigb.org
Nov 9
Lord Mayor’s Show Processions sets off from Mansion House at 11am. Check online for related free activities in the City of London. https://lordmayorsshow.london
Looking ahead...
Nov 16
Tottenham Literary Festival Family Morning
A line-up of black authors and illustrators share the magic of stories. Readings, author talks, workshops and performances. Bernie Grant Arts Centre, N15 4RX www.berniegrantcentre.co.uk
Nov 23-Feb 2
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical 8+, 2hrs 30. The Other Palace, SW1E 5JA. From £26
https://theotherpalace.co.uk
Nov 24
English Touring Opera: The Wellies Milly is stuck inside while it rains. She finds an amazing pair of shiny talking wellies with a special secret power; they splash you to any time and place you desire…. 4+ and young people with SEND. 40mins. 11am, 2pm, both captioned and relaxed. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12. www.artsdepot.co.uk
Dec 1
Comedy Club 4 Kids: Christmas Cracker
Like a comedy club, but without the rude bits. 6+. 3pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12.50. www.artsdepot.co.uk
Dec 8
My Christmas Orchestral Adventure Father Christmas is due at the biggest concert in the world and conductor Tim has lost his Christmas spirit. Join his brother Tom and special guests as try to bring back his Christmas cheer. All ages. 12.30pm, 4.30pm. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP. £25-73.50 www.royalalberthall.com
...and further afield
Weekends until Dec 15
Historic Cookery
Exc Oct 26, 27 & Nov 2, 3
Explore Henry VIII’s bustling kitchens and find out more about the types of food fit for a king Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU. Included in admission www.hrp.org.uk
Every second and fourth Sunday Sunday at the Mills
See the history and enjoy fun activities. 11am-4pm. Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY. £15, child £10. www.royalgunpowdermills.com
Oct 26-Nov 3
��Halloween at Hampton Court
Work with the ghost hunters to seek out all of Hampton Court Palace’s spirits. Family-friendly. Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU. Included in admission www.hrp.org.uk
Oct 27-31
��Samhain Celebrations
Family activities to mark the start of the Celtic new year, with brand new activities alongside some old favourites. Enjoy a whole day out. Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon, SG13 8NY. £12.50 https://celticharmony.org
October 31
Dinosaur Adventure Live: Trouble on Volcano Island
Join the brave Rangers for an all-new show. Meet Triceratops, Spinosaurus, cute baby dinos and T-Rex. Free photo op and meet the dinos after. 11.30am, 2pm. All ages. Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HZ. From £16.50. www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk
Fireworks
Check websites for full details
Nov 1-2
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival Gates open 6pm. See prices and details online. N22 7AY www.alexandrapalace.com
Nov 2
Royal Gunpowder Mill Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY. www.royalgunpowdermills.com
Nov 5
Coram’s Field Fireworks With funfair. 3.30-7pm. WC1N 1DN https://coramsfields.org/event/ fireworks
Nov 7
Queenswell School Federation N20. See website for details www.queenswellfederation.co.uk
No details as we went to press, but keep an eye on:
Enfield Cricket Club, EN1 www.enfieldcricketclub.com
Enfield Town Park Fireworks, hosted last year by Dugdale Arts Centre www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk
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
Underhill School, EN5 www.underhillschool.co.uk
Pull a fabulous Christmas cracker
Tickets for Christmas shows are on sale now. Be in the know and book early for the best seats and the greatest choice.
Nov 13-Jan 5
Christmas at Kew
Magnificent light trail. Gets booked up. Kew Gardens, TW9 3AE. From £25.50, 4-15 £16, fam £77. www.kew.org
Nov 19-Dec 31
Odd and the Frost Giants
It's going to take a special kind of boy to defeat the most dangerous of Frost Giants and rescue the mighty Gods. Someone cheerful and infuriating and clever – just like Odd... Based on the Neil Gaiman novel. 7+. 2hrs. Various dates, times. Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ. From £12.50, child from £10.50 www.unicorntheatre.com
Nov 20-Jan 11
PAN
Join Wendy, John and Michael as they are swept into Pan's unforgettable escapade teeming with magical, delightful chaos. Celebrating 50 years of Chickenshed. 5+. Chickenshed, N14 4P. Various days, times. From £1022.50. www.chickenshed.org.uk
Nov 22-Jan 5
Room on the Broom
Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ funfilled adaptation of the best-selling picture book. 3+. Various days, times. Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES. From £10 thelyrictheatre.co.uk
Nov 23-Jan 4
The Snowman
Iconic Christmas show The Snowman returns to Peacock Theatre for its 27th anniversary. Perfect for introducing children to dance. Magical adaptation featuring colourful sets, extravagant costumes and exuberant dancing. All ages. Various dates, times. Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT. From £18. Discounted family tickets available. Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/ the-snowman-2024
Nov 22-Dec 31
Huddle
During the long winter, Mr Penguin guards his egg. Now this new dad needs to look after his newly-born chick. How will father and baby work it out together? 2-5. 50mins. Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ. From £18.50. Child from £14.50 www.unicorntheatre.com Nov 23-Jan 5
Dick Whittington and His Cat
Join Dick on his search for fame, fortune and new beginnings. All ages. 2hrs 30. Hackney Empire, E8 1EL. £10-£45. www.hackneyempire.co.uk
Nov 23-Jan 5
Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post
When a snowstorm blows in the animals of Clover Leaf Wood must work together so the mail arrives on time. 2-5. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. Adult £17, child £15, Thurs & Fri 4.45pm £12. Previews Nov 23, 24 £10. www.littleangeltheatre.com
Nov 23-Jan 26
The Singing Mermaid
Warm-hearted musical adventure about a mermaid who is tricked into joining a travelling circus. Will she ever escape and who will help her? 3-8. Various times, dates. (See Little Angel website for Family Workshops: The Singing Mermaid, 3-6, Dec 15-Jan 5). (Dec 12 Festive Gala event with special guests, 6pm, £75.) Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1 2DN. Adult £17, child £15. 4.45pm performances £12. www.littleangeltheatre.com
Nov 29-Jan 5
Hansel & Gretel
New version by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, with poetry, songs, hope and a new recipe of music, mayhem and festive magic. 5+. Various dates, times. Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. From £5-£55 www.shakespearesglobe.com
Nov 30-Dec 30
Christmas Tales
Vibrant inclusive celebration of the most magical time of the year. Days, times vary. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. 0-6. Adults & children £7. Under 6m free, must book. www.chickenshed.org.uk
Dec 1-24
Believe In The Magic: A Polar Christmas Adventure
Meet your favourite Christmas characters on a theatrical journey to the home of Santa Claus. All public shows include the opportunity to see Father Christmas in his workshop grotto. Various dates, times. All ages. The Bull Theatre, EN5 5SJ. £10 www.thebulltheatre.com
Dec 3-Jan 5
The Gruffalo’s Child
Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission. Enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 3+. 55mins. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Dec 3-Jan 16
Cinderella
Be transported by ballet into an ethereal world where dreams come true. Suggested 5+. Relaxed for families on Dec 31, 1pm. Various dates, times. 2hrs 45. Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD. £10-£190 www.rbo.org.uk
Dec 4-Jan 5
Stick Man
What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the adventure for Stick Man. 3+. Bloomsbury Theatre and Studio, WC1H 0AH www.ucl.ac.uk/bloomsbury-theatre/ events/2024/dec/stick-man
Dec 6-Jan 5
Christmas Comes to Moominvalley
The Moomins are woken up from their winter sleep to be told that “Christmas” is coming. But who, or what is “Christmas”? With breathtaking circus, enchanting storytelling, and magical music. 3-103. Various times, dates. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA. £10-25. www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Dec 6-9
The Wizard of Oz on Ice
Ally Pally’s annual amateur spectacular with a homegrown cast of all ages. 3+. Various times. Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY. £11-£15.50. www.alexandrapalace.com
Dec 12-Jan 12
Nutcracker
English National Ballet bring the festive classic to life in a magical, brand-new production. Join Clara on a fantastical adventure where anything is possible – a journey full of colour and wonder, with over 100 dancers and musicians. From the orchestra warming up, to the final bows and applause, English National Ballet’s new Nutcracker promises an unforgettable treat for audiences of 5+. Family friendly performance Jan 4, 2.30pm, an relaxed performance Jan 9, 1.30pm, all ages. London Coliseum, WC2N 4ES. From £15, u16 half-price. ballet.org.uk/nutcracker
bring the classic tale of the magic lamp to life with twists, turns and wishes. Laughter, merriment and captivating music. All ages. Various days, times. Millfield Theatre, N18 1PJ. Previews £14, adults £22, children £18. www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
Dec 12-31
The Fir Tree
Playfully imaginative re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s festive tale about a fir tree. 6+. All performances sensory adapted and relaxed. Various times. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk
Dec 12-Jan 4
Horrible Histories presents Horrible Christmas
A hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas who join forces to save the festive season. 5+. Various dates, times. Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY. Various prices www.alexandrapalace.com
Dec 13-Jan 4
Aladdin
Filled with laughter, magic and wishes galore. All ages. Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HZ. Includes bangs, flashes and water-based haze. 2hrs 30. Various times, days. All ages. From £18.50. www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk
Dec 14-15
Circus Enchante: White Christmas
Dec 7-30
Aladdin
Family fun and pantomime magic
Save the snowy Christmas we all love, featuring acrobatics, aerial performances and a heartwarming storyline in this panto-style circus. Various times. Hoxton Hall, N1 6SH. £19.50, u15 £15. www.hoxtonhall.co.uk
Dec 18-22
London International Horse Show
Includes dog agility, Shetland Pony Grand National, equestrian displays and… Father Christmas. Plus shopping village. All ages. Check times. Excel Centre, E16 1XL. Check prices online https://londonhorseshow.com/
Dec 18-Jan 12
Slava’s Snowshow
A cavalcade of chaos and charm, that revives the art of clowning. 8+. Various times. Harold Pinter Theatre, SW1Y 4DN. From £24.50 www.haroldpintertheatre.co.uk
Dec 22-Jan 9
Hansel and Gretel
Enchanting opera, sung in English. Suggested 5+. Pyrotechnics used
throughout, plus loud noises, strobe lighting and flashes in Act 3. Relaxed for families on Dec 22, 2pm. 2hrs 15m. Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD. £8£175 www.rbo.org.uk
Dec 26-Jan 5
Disney on Ice: Road Trip Adventures Various times, prices. The O2, SE10 0DX www.theo2.co.uk
Dec 29-31
The Nutcracker Journey through a fantastical winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes in this festive ballet. 5+. 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 7pm. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com
4-Jan 5