Families North London May/June 24 Digital Whats On

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 (Not June) 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

Sundays

Les Aventures de Martin Avril

Join Martin and his suitcase full of magic. Puppet show with musicians from around the world. French and English shows. French 10.30am, English 11.20am, at Music Tree, N1 1TP. 6m-6. From £15 adult and child. www.lesaventuresdemartinavril.com

Fridays

Planet Play (Not June) Interactive, sensory show. 10am. Some dates 11.30am too. 0-3. Chickenshed, N14 4P. Adults £10, children/babies free, must have ticket. www.chickenshed.org.uk

Until...

Aug 24

Spirited Away

Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning film

reimagined for the stage. Performed in Japanese with subtitles. English translation visible from all seats. 7+. Various prices. London Coliseum, WC2N 4ES

https://londoncoliseum.org

Day by Day

May Theatre

May 4

Comedy Club 4 Kids

6+. Underbelly Boulevard, W1F 0BT. From £13

www.underbellyboulevard.com

May 4-6

The Lion Inside Heart-warming tale about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar. 3+. Various times. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12. www.artsdepot.co.uk

May 4-Jul 21

The Curious Rat

A small city rat has a big adventure. Various dates/times. 3-8. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. Adult £14, child £12, Thur & Fri 4.45pm £8. www.littleangeltheatre.com

May 12

Marcel Lucont: Les Enfants

Terribles – A Gameshow for Awful Children

Acerbic humour and quickfire wit in a family gameshow, pitting children against adults and each other to try to find the most awful child. Winner: Best Kids Show 20222 – UK Kids

Comedy Festival. 11am, 2pm Rel. 6-12. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12. www.artsdepot.co.uk

May 14, Jul 16

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

For over 16s and babies under 15months. 11.30am.

Finsbury Park Picturehouse, N4 3FU www.byobcomedy.com/area/ finsbury-park

May 14-Jun 9

Baby Show

Sensory performance, with captivating images, intriguing sounds and time to play at the end. 6-18months. Various times. Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ. From £15 adult & child

www.unicorntheatre.com

May 17-24

What Kind of World

When a group of children discover all the adults have gone they realise they have to survive on their own. What kind of world will they build for themselves? By Chickenshed’s Young Company. 7.30pm. May suit older children and teens. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. Pay what you can www.chickenshed.org.uk

May 17-Jun 1

Horrible Histories Live on Stage Rotten Royals. 12pm and 3pm. 5+. Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU.

Adult £15, 2-15 £9. No entry to palace but discounted tickets available. www.hrp.org.uk

May 17-Jun 8

The Enormous Crocodile

New musical version of Roald Dahl’s picture book, featuring a menagerie of mischievous puppets. Various dates/times. Rec 4+. Regents Park

Open Air Theatre, through Queen Mary’s Garden, Regents Park. NW1

4NU. From £15 openairtheatre.com

May 17-Jun 16

The Princess and the Pea Acrobatics, clowning and fairy-tale adventure. 2+. Various times. Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ. Various prices. www.unicorntheatre.com

May 18

Variety Club 4 Kids

Comedy, circus, magic, music silliness and shenanigans. Underbelly Boulevard, W1F 0BT. From £13 www.underbellyboulevard.com

Country for Kids with Remember Monday

Family-friendly event as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s Highways Festival. Rec 4-11 but babies and all ages are welcome. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP. Adult £12.50, child £6. www.royalalberthall.com

The Dream Machine

Haringey Shed’s Children’s & Youth

Theatres explore what happens when a group of curious friends stumble upon a magical box in a park, 2.30pm & 5pm. Bernie Grant Arts Centre, N15 4RX. Pay what you can, rec £5. www.haringeyshed.org

Hansel, Gretal and You… Who?

Comic retelling of the classic, u6, 2pm. Karamel Kids, N22 6UJ. Fam £5 www.musicglue.com/karamel

The Science of Fairytales

Could you really dance in glass shoes? What happens to gingerbread houses in the rain? Are big ears really better for hearing with Catherine Cawthorne, author of Big Bad Wolf

Investigates Fairytales? Find out. 2-3.15pm. U12 and their families. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. Adult £16, child £10.

www.rigb.org

May 18-Jul 27

Prince Charming

It’s a lot of pressure being Prince Charming. Funny, endearing musical for anyone who’s ever felt a bit anxious. Various dates/times. 6+. (See also Family Workshop: Prince Charming, Events pages, Jul 13.) Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1 2DN. Adult £14, child £12, Thurs & Fri 4.45pm £8.

www.littleangeltheatre.com

May 19

In The Dead of the Night

A thrilling, funny, and heart-warming story about an awesome girl called Lily who faces her fears, conquers the ghouls, and saves the day. 11am, 2pm. 3+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12.

www.artsdepot.co.uk

TotFest

Tales from the Shed at Fore Street Library Edmonton. 12.15pm. 0-6. N18 2FX. Free www.chickenshed.org.uk

May 19, Jun 23, Jul 21

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

May 25

Chris Mayne World of Magic Family show, u7, 2pm. Karamel Kids,

N22 6UJ. Fam £5

www.musicglue.com/karamel

May 25-29

Spot’s Birthday Party

Songs, dancing and interactive party games. Various times. 2-5. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk

May 28-Jun 2

Mr Sleepybum

High-energy, interactive, kids’ comedy show. Various times. 3+. Park Theatre, N4 3JP. £15, child £12.50 https://parktheatre.co.uk

May 29-30

Goldilocks – The Ballet

With Let’s All Dance. After-show photo opp. 45mins. All ages.1.30 & 3.30. Lilian Bayliss Studio, in Sadler’s Wells, Theatre, EC1R 4TN. From £17 www.sadlerswells.com

June Theatre

Jun 2

The Little Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s tale brought to life with puppetry and songs. 5+. 11am & 2pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Jun 4-22

The Wings of Phoenix

Yamamoto, The Drummers of Japan in athletic, high energy spectacle. 2hrs, inc 20-minute interval. Matinees on Jun 8, 9, 15, 16, 22. Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT. From £18. www.sadlerswells.com

Jun 9

Tangled Sing-along Accessible viewing with craft

supplies available, 5-11, 11am. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET. Child £10.

www.jw3.org.uk

Ted in the Bed

Is a bed a bed? Is it a boat, or is it a giant slice of toast? 11am & 2pm. 5-8. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Bring along your favourite bear and help get the picnic ready on time. Puppets, dance and songs. 2-6. 11am. Broomfield Park, Aldermans Hill, N13 4HE. Adult £10, Child £7. www.fobp.events

Jun 15-Jul 20

The Secret Garden

Spoilt and abandoned, 10-year-old Mary Lennox is sent from India to Yorkshire, to a broken-hearted house full of secrets and an uncle she has never met, in this new version of the classic tale. Rec 10+, u4s not admitted. Saturday matinees 2.15pm. Regents Park Open Air Theatre, NW1 4NU. From £15. openairtheatre.com

Jun 16

Shelf: The Kids’ Show Sketch comedy show for kids. Winner: Best Kids’ Show, 2023 Leicester Comedy Festival. 2pm. 3+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Jun 21-29

The Acrobatic Swan Lake Fusing classical ballet and Chinese acrobatic arts. Various times. 1hr 45 inc interval. All ages. Sadler’s Wells, EC1R 4TN. From £15. www.sadlerswells.com

Jun 23

Eid Stories

Tales of wisdom, wonder and humour for families. 2.30pm. 5+. Songs, dancing and interactive party games. Various times. 2-5. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Jun 25 & 30

Proms at St Jude’s

Jun 25

Teeny Prom 10.15an & 11.30pm. Songs, percussion, props and laughter. Various times. Toddlers and pre-schoolers. The Henrietta Barnet School Drama Room. Adult £5, child free.

Jun 30

1pm African Drumming Workshops, 5-7 and 7-12, Central Square. Free, book.

1pm Music on the Square, Learn about wind. Visit a variety of musicians in the tents around the square, ready to play and talk to visitors, with interactive opportunities. Free, drop-in.

1.30-2.15pm Junk Orchestra play wacky instruments from a supersonic collection of re-invented recycled objects. Refreshment Marquee, St Jude’s Church. £10.

3pm Family Concert with Toscana Strings and ballerina Laura Tye. 5+. Henrietta Barnett School Hall. Adult £10, child £5.

3pm & 3.45pm Teeny Prom The Henrietta Barnet School Drama Room. Adult £5, child free.

www.promsatstjudes.org.uk

Jun 27-Jul 1

Haringey Arts Festival

See website for events

www.haringeyartsfestival.com

Jun 27-29

Much Ado About Nothing

Family-friendly open-air production, in the garden of Keats House, NW3 2RR. 7pm. Sat, 2pm & 6pm. £25, £78 fam.

www.hampsteadsummerfestival.com

Jun 29

The London Tattoo

Featuring the band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, the Bands of America Grand Nationals Finalists and more. 6pm. Excel Centre, E16 1XL. Adult £22.50, child £17.50.

www.excel.london

Jun 29-Jul 7

Far, Far Away: Mendelssohn and the Moving Machines

Sound your car horn, and build a train with Aurora Orchestra’s immersive storytelling performance. 0-5. Kings Place, N1 9GE. £11.50, children £9.50. www.kingsplace.co.uk

July Theatre

Jul 5-7

The Secret Garden

50 performers age 9-16 from London

Children’s Ballet perform a revival of the Frances Hodgson Burnett classic. Various times. Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT. From £18.

www.sadlerswells.com

Jul 6

The Wind in the Willows

Outside. 5pm. Broomfield Park, Aldermans Hill, N13 4HE. Adult £16, u16 £10

www.fobp.events

Events

SEN sessions

Some venues run sessions for children with special needs. See our page at www.bit.ly/FNLsend

Ongoing Coding Club

New. Tottenham Community Sports Centre, N17 8AD. See online for details. 8-15. Free. Adult volunteers needed.

www.breadlinelondon.co.uk

Bow Street Police Museum

Family trail 5-7 & 7-11. Often has bookable holiday activities. Bow Street Police Museum WC2E 7AW. Open Fri-Sun. Adult £6, u12 free. bowstreetpolicemuseum.org.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

Ted’s Space Adventures

Planetarium show, u7. 11.30am, weekends and school hols. Check website for The Sky Tonight

7+, We Are Guardians 7+, and others. New: Weekends & holiday weekdays Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System Immersive experience designed to be enjoyed irrespective of level of vision.

Transports visitors inside a special spacecraft to the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope

(VLT), to view the stars in the night sky, before lifting off to tour the solar system. Rec 7+ to adult, no u5s.

Plus see Earth From Space through a satellite lens, inc with ticket. (Often runs Holiday to Space fun for 3-6 school hols.) 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

Monthly, first Friday

Health and Nature walk

10-11.30am. All ages. Islington Ecology Centre, N5 1PH. Free www.friendsofgillespiepark.co.uk/ blank-3

First weekend of month and half-term 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. (Sea Shanty Singers

May 4&5, Jun 1&2, Jul 6&7 various times) 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 the crew. Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT. www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark

Storytelling and Music for 0-4s

Various Weds and Thurs, Various times. £6. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com

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 until Jun 24

Transformative Futures

Weekly collective for young people to think, discuss and create together. 15-25. 2.30-4.30pm. Free. Book. Camden Art Centre, NW3 6DG www.camdenartcentre.org

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

Until Jul 14. Not Jun 5. 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. Holiday activities.

(See Astronomer Photographer of the Year Exhibition, in Until…)

National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. All ages, Free. www.rmg.co.uk

Tuesdays

Buggy Fit In The Park

Dates given until May 21. See website for later dates. 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. www.tottenhamhotspur.com/theclub/passionate-about-tottenham/ our-work

Tuesdays term-time

Play Tuesdays

Facilitated play, songs and stories. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. u5, £4. www.rmg.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

Wednesdays

Easy Rollerz

Hang-out for babies, toddlers and their adults, with soft play and music. 10-10.45am for pre-walkers. 11amnoon 1-2s on the move. £3 donation. Book. Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN www.hackneyshowroom.com/easyrollerz

Weekends and Weds

UNIQLO Tate Play Make Studio: Kinetic

Until Jul 17. Weds u5. Weekends all ages. Balance, move and create, inspired by balancing, wobbling and moving artworks in the collection. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Free www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

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. First Sat of the month Read Aloud storytelling 2pm. Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG. All ages, Free. www.tate.org.uk

Fridays

Storytime for Pre-Schoolers

10-11am. About 1hr. The All Good Bookshop, N8 0EP. Suggested donation £3. www.allgoodbookshop.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 www.wolveslane.org

Until...

Until May 19

Skateboard

Chronicling the history of the skateboard. With bookable skateboard ramp for 16+. Exhibition adult from £16, 11-15 from £8, u11 free. www.designmuseum.org

Booking until May 22

Horizon of Khufu

VR tour of the great pyramid of Giza – and more. Great fun and brilliantly done. All ages. Unit SU1060, Westfield Stratford, E20 1EJ. Easily accessible on Elizabeth Line. No toilets on site. Prices vary.

www.horizonkheopsexperience.com/ london

Until May 24

Life at Sea: Scrambled Eggs

Pick up a trail guide to help the ship’s cook find the eggs and enjoy interactive activities along the way. 7+. HMS Belfast, SE1 2JH. www.iwm.org.uk

Until Jun 2

The Box Rocket

Play exhibit, 0-8, running alongside permanent play spaces, 0-11, to fire up children’s imaginations. May 6 Storybuilders, 3-7s. May 28

Storytelling and Crafts, 3+, and on May 29 for 0-7. Jun 2, Elmer Day Storytelling, 3+. Often has holiday events. Must book. Discover Children’s Story Centre, E5 4QZ. www.discover.org.uk

Booking until Jun 9

Art of the Brick

Over 100 works and sculptures Lego, including recreated artworks and play and build area. Closed Tues. All ages. The Boiler House, 153 Brick Lane (yep, you read that right), E1 6RU. Adult £15.90, child £11.90, u4 free. www.theartofthebrickexpo.com/ london

Booking until Jun 21

Disney 100: The Exhibition

Celebrates the iconic characters

and stories from Disney’s history and present day. Promises unique interactive installations. Excel Centre, E16 1XL. Adult £28, child £20. www.excel.london

Until Jun 23

Medieval Mayhem

See a group of busy medieval Londoners get ready to serve the Queen and put on a mini pageant. 1.30pm and 2.30pm daily. Also 11am weekends and hols. 15 mins. Tower of London, EC3N 4AB. Inc with admission. (See TfL 2for1 entry offer on p4.)

www.hrp.org.uk

Until Jun 23

Legion: Life in the Roman Army

What did life in the Roman Army look like from the soldier’s perspective?

Follow Rattus, AKA Claudius

Terrattus, on the Horrible Histories trail of fun interactive stations for all ages, as you walk around some truly remarkable archaeological treasures, some of which have never before been seen in the UK. Plus May 18 & 25 Making Mosaics: Rome, free drop-in. British Museum, WC1E 7JW. Exhibition various prices, u16 free. Other free drop-in activities: May 4 Making Masks, May 11 Masterpieces in Minecraft. Museum entry free.

www.britishmuseum.org

Booking until Jun 30

Power Up

Consoles and games from the past 5 decades. 5+. Must book. Science Museum, SW7 2DD. £10, Annual pass £15.

www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Until Jun 30

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Various prices. Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD www.nhm.ac.uk

Until Aug 27

Astronomer Photographer of the Year Exhibition

Now free. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. All ages. Book free entry. www.rmg.co.uk

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 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? Plus, until June, Pardner Hand, how the Windrush Caribbean community were denied access to banking and what they did about it. Has holiday activities. Bank of England, museum entrance on Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH. Free. www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

Until Oct 13

The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks

Family-friendly immersive telling of the story of the Apollo missions to the moon, and the coming Artemis missions. 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 October 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. Discover British attempts to imitate American strips in the 1940s, 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. Closed Mon. The Cartoon Museum, W1A 3AE. Adult £9.50, u18 free.

www.cartoonmuseum.org

Day by Day

May Events

May 3, 10, 17, 24

Sound Explorers and Mini Play Check online for later dates. Sound Explorers: Listen, play and make some noise, informal session. 0-2. 10.30-11.10am. Free, first-served. Mini Play: creative and sensory play (not May 3), 6m-3, 1.30-3pm, £12. Young V&A, E2 9PA.

www.vam.ac.uk/young

May 3-4

The Three Little Pigs

Storytime and Craft. 2-7. Various times. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. £5 redeemable against any book in store on the day.

www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk

May 3-6 & 10-12

Funfair

Check times. Clissold Park, N16 9HJ www.londonfunfairs.com

May 4/5

Highgate Wood Walks

May 4 Tree Identification Walk 1112.30pm. Free. Turn up. Meet outside the café.

May 5

Dawn Chorus Bird Walk

5-8am. Adult £5, children free. Book for meeting location.

Highgate Wood, Muswell Hill Rd, N10 3JN.

www.heath-hands.org.uk

May 4-7

Mill Hill Art Exhibition

Over 160 paintings by Milldon Arts Society. Come and vote for your favourite painting. May 4 2pm-8pm, May 5 1pm-8pm, May 6 10am-8pm, May 7 10am-5pm. All ages. Trinity Church, The Broadway, Mill Hill NW7 3TB. Free.

milldonartsociety.org.uk

May 5

Skandar and The Chaos Trials

Meet and greet with author Alison Steadman. 4pm. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. Ticket £14.99 includes personally signed copy.

www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk

May Day Special

Stalls, crafts and May Day Celebrations. 11am-4pm. Myddleton Road Market, N22 8NE

www.myddletonroadmarket.co.uk

May 5 & 6

Planetarium Celebration Shows

Marking 100 years since the invention of the Planetarium.

May 5

11.30am Animals in Space

Constellation critters and animal astronauts. 3-6

12.30pm Planet Factory Explore the past, present and future of our solar system as dust evolves into worlds. 7+

1.30pm Uranus – a Planetary Catastrophe Unravel the secrets of this giant icy world. 7+

2.30pm Ted’s Space Nightmare! A gruesome alternate to the popular family friendly show Ted’s Space Adventure, which contemplates the many ways it is possible to die in space. 11+. 2.30pm.

4.30pm African Astronomy

Discover how people from regions around Africa have perceived the night sky throughout history. 7+. 4.30pm.

May 6

11.30am Animals in Space. 3-6

12.30pm We’re All in the Dark Take a tour of the sky where even the guide doesn't know what's coming next! 7+

1.30pm The Sky Tonight: Down Under The southern sky and its stories. 7+

2.30pm The Gravitational Universe Using Einstein's mysterious gravitational waves to search for elusive black holes and more. 11+ 3.30pm Are We Alone? What makes a world suitable for life. 7+

4.30pm Choose Your Own Show

Decide what you see in your show.7+ Adult £12, Child £6. Royal Observatory, SE10 8XJ

www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ royal -observatory/planetariumcelebration-shows

May 6, 27, Jun 23

Special Steaming Days

Apr 1 Easter Fun. Open 10am-4pm. Engine runs 12.30-1.15pm, 2.30pm3.15pm. General open days, second

and fourth Sundays, 10am-3.30pm. Free kids’ activities and guided tours. 11am-5pm. Markfield Beam Engine and Museum, N15 5UL. Free www.mbeam.org

May 8 & 22

Tiny Tales and Tails & Trails

The Secret Garden Pop-Up Café will be at Firs Farm Wetlands N21 2PJ. Tiny Tales will delight babies and the fun Tales & Trails will stimulate and entertain toddlers and preschoolers. https://pbbl.uk/ thesecretgardenpopup

May 10 & 11

Aliens Love Underpants

Storytime and Craft. 2-7. Various times. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. £5, redeemable against any book in store on the day.

www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk

May 11

Woodland Explorer’s Club –Benji’s Emerald King

Join author Ewa Jozefkowicz and illustrator Gillian Flint to learn about their new series for 5-8s. Draw your own woodland characters and create your own magical tree. 3.30pm. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. £7.99, includes copy of the book.

www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk

Model Railway Day

11am-4pm. In the church. Monken Hadley Church, EN5 5PZ

www.monkenhadley.church/venue_1/ events

Customise Your Amulet

Create a unique amulet to take home. 11am, 12pm or 1pm. All ages. Petrie Museum, UCL, Malet Place WC1 6BT.

Free, must book. ucl.ac.uk/culture/petrie-museum

May 11-12

Big Birthday Family Weekend

Help decorate a giant birthday cake for the gallery’s 200th birthday. All ages. 11am-4pm. Room 36. The National Gallery, WC2N 5DN. Free www.nationalgallery.org.uk

May 11 & July 27

Learn to Juggle: for adults and children 8+, 10.30am. £6 Game Design with Makecode Arcade: 2hrs, 7-12, 3pm. £10 Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

May 11-12

Family Hour: Affordable Art Fair 11am-12noon. Activity packs, scavenger hunts, facepainting and more. Plus children aged 7-12 can enjoy the fun-filled Little Grand Tour, led by art history wizards, exploring popular art movements and techniques, £20, must book in advance. Family hour ticket, £23, admits 2 adults and up to 3 u16s. (Part of the Affordable Art Fair, runs May 8-12.) Lower Fairground Site, Hampstead Heath, NW3 1NT

https://aafhampstead.seetickets. com/timeslot/affordable-art-fairhampstead

May 12

Book Launch: Puppet

Plus Q&A, with David Almond, author of Skellig. 8+. Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1 2DN. £6.50. www.littleangeltheatre.com

Fun Fair

Church Street, NW8. Check times. https://irvinleisure.co.uk

May 13

Little Feet: Life in the Fort

The teddies have arrived in the Roman army and there is so much to do, barracks to build, food to prepare. Can you help them? Activity for u5.

Part of Legion: Life In The Roman Army. 10.30am-12pm. Drop-in. British Museum, WC1E 7JW. Free. Book free timed museum entry. www.britishmuseum.org

From May 15

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

May 17

Night Hike for Nightingale Cancer Support

Welcome reception, warm up and entertainment from 6pm. Hike starts 7pm. 15k, 10k or 5k walk for little legs, around Enfield. In support of The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. Meet at Enfield Civic Centre, EN1 3XA, 6.pm for All ages. Entry £16, u12 walk free. Make a small donation for a child goody bag if wanted. Register. See HERE for more info

www.nightingalesupport.org.uk/ nighthike

May 18

Brilliant Butterflies

Make some butterfly craft with the London Wildlife Trust. Story and craft workshop, u12, 1-1.45pm & 3.15-4pm. Adult and children 12+, 12-12.45pm and 2.15pm-3pm. At Grosvenor Square, W1K 6AN. Free, must book. www.wildlondon.org.uk/spring-events

Hearts of Arkley Village Fayre

Face painting, street food, bouncy castle, children’s games, fun dog show, stalls, afternoon tea and more. 12-5pm. Brickfield Lane, EN5 3LD. To volunteer or run a stall, email arkleycommunityfayre@outlook.com

Introduction to Web Development

3pm. Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2, £10. www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

May 18, July 6

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

May 18, June 22

Nearly New Sale

Mum2Mum Market Haringey. 10am12. Earlham Primary School. N22 5HJ. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

May 19

Primrose Hill Street Fair

Dog show, stalls, fun fair and more. 9.30am-6pm. Regents Park Road, NW1 https://irvinleisure.co.uk

Classic Car Show

Vehicle parade through Barnet High

Street from 10.30am with show on top of car park, Spires Shopping Centre from 11am-3pm. Proceeds to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. www.barnetclassiccar.club/bcccannual-show

May 22-Jun 2

Moments in Colour

Vibrant, colourful paintings by Eugenia Alekseyev. Weds-Fri, Sun & bank hols. 10am-4pm. Burgh House, NW3 1LT.

Free

www.burghhouse.org.uk

From May 24

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. With related activities.

Tour: May 31, Jun 16, Jun 28, 9-10am, 11+. Adult £25, child £17, includes exhibition entry.

Family Flight Night: May 31 6.309.30pm, 5+. Hands-on workshops and activities all about flight. £25, includes exhibition entry. Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD www.nhm.ac.uk

May 24-26

MCM ComicCon

Gather your padawans, young wizards and little superheroes. Has family activities in The Treehouse area. Excel Centre, E16 1XL Various prices, u10 free.

www.excel.london

May 24-Jun 2

Funfair

Check times. Pymmes Park, N18 2UG www.londonfunfairs.com

May 24-Jun 9

A Birthday for Bear

Various times. 3+. Upstairs At The Gatehouse, N6 4BD. £15, conc £13. www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com

From May 25

Life Chronicles

Immersive VR expedition through the history of the Earth and the living world, showing the evolution of the planet over more than 3.5 billion years. 8+. Westfield Stratford City Mall. 1, The Street, E20 1EJ. From £18. https://eclipso-entertainment.com/ london

May 25

Origami Animals

Family workshop, 11am-2pm. All ages. Grant Museum for Zoology, UCL, University St WC1E 6DE. Book 11am. Drop-in 12-2pm.

ucl.ac.uk/culture/grant-museumzoology

London’s Roman Amphitheatre Tour: Discovery, Function and Form

Guided tour, designed for adults, children rec 8+. 1hr. 12pm, 3pm. The Guildhall Art Gallery, EC2V 5AE. £7.50 https://guildhall-art-gallery.

myshopify.com/products/tour-oflondons-roman-amphitheatre

May 25-27

Coggers Fun Fair

Broomfield Park, N13 4HE www.fobp.events

May 25-Jun 1

Half-term Trail

Zoo experiences available. Plus

May 25-26

Bonsai Show, May 25-27

Cactus and Succulent Show. Capel

Manor Gardens, Enfield, EN1 4RQ. Adult £10, child £6, u3 free, family £30.

www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk

May 25-Jun 1

Tate Britain Family Tours

30-minute tours looking at 2-3 artwords. Aimed at 5-11. 11am. Meet at top of the Rotunda Stairs. Check with ticket desk on morning of visit as tours are subject to change. Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG. Free. tate.org.uk

May 25-Jun 2

Routes and Roundels

Family activities based on the famous logo. Various times. See online for details. London Transport Museum. The Piazza, WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk

May 27

Bluey

See the children’s favourite and ride the trains at Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN. See visiting info for parking and public transport. Various prices. www.eorailway.co.uk

Nature Storytime Interactive nature-themed story session and craft or habitat exploration. U6 but all welcome. 10.30am-11.30am. Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW. Free, dropin, donation welcome. www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Family Nature Discovery

Learn about habitats and wildlife. Aimed at parents and children together. 1pm-3pm. Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW. Free, drop-

in, donation welcome. www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Amphibious Adventures

Workshop with creative interactive activities, for 6-12s. 1-3pm.

Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH. Free, donations welcome. £3 deposit per family, refunded on attendance. www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

May 28

Nature Storytime

U6, all welcome. 10.30am-11.30am. Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH. Free, drop-in, donation welcome.

www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Family Nature Discovery

1pm-3pm. Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH. Free, drop-in, donation welcome.

www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Amphibious Adventures

6-12, 1-3pm. Woodberry Wetlands, New River Path, Woodberry Grove, N16 5HQ. Free, donations welcome. £3 deposit per family, refunded on attendance.

www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Kids Lab: Friendly Insects Meet and Greet

Find different micro-habitats and learn about a variety of insects. 121pm. 5+. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. Adult £10, child £5.

www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

May 28-31

D-Day Deception

Workshop: Create your own army and learn how the Allies prepared to invade occupied Europe during the Second World War. 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.45-3.30pm. 5+.

Marching Orders: Daring

Deception Family-friendly tour to learn about the daring deception tactics the Army has used throughout history. 30 mins. 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm.

National Army Museum, SW3 4HT. Drop-in, first-served, free. www.nam.ac.uk

May 29

Family Quiet Hour: Painting with Plants

Make paint using plants. 11am-12pm. 5+. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. Adult £10, child £5. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Amphibious Adventures

6-12s. 1-3pm. Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW. Free, donations welcome. £3 deposit per family, refunded on attendance.

www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Sensory Connections

Explore connections between sensory materials and the buildings and paintings. 11am-4pm. All ages. Room 6. The National Gallery, WC2N 5DN. Free, drop-in. www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Family Fun Day

Boat trips, wildlife spotting and craft activity. Boat trips must be booked in advance online. Open 10am-4.30pm, Tues-Sun. London Canal Museum, New Wharf Road, N1 9RT. Adult £9, u14 £4

www.canalmuseum.org.uk

May 29, 31, Jun 15, Jul 24 & 31

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

May 30

Gold Reflections

Families can work together to explore the paintings through shapes and mirrors, reflection and sparkling gold. 11am-4pm. Room 6, The National Gallery, WC2N 5DN. Free drop-in

www.nationalgallery.org.uk

May 30

Nature Storytime

U6 but all welcome. 10.30am11.30am. Woodberry Wetlands, New River Path, Woodberry Grove, N16 5HQ. Free, drop-in, donation welcome.

www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Family Nature Discovery

Parents and children together. 1pm-3pm. Woodberry Wetlands, New River Path, Woodberry Grove, N16 5HQ. Free, drop-in, donation welcome.

www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

May 31, Jun 28, Jul 26

Family Freestyle Workshops for 2-4s led by professional dancers. 2pm, 3pm. Sadler’s Wells, EC1R 4TN. From £4 www.sadlerswells.com

May 31-Aug 24

Family Workshops

Macbeth 5-8 & Macbeth 9-12. Various dates/times. £10.

See online for Ghosts & Ghouls Family Tour, and Family Sword

Fighting Demonstration. Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. www.shakespearesglobe.com

June Events

Jun 2

Wild Camden Community Festival

Celebrating nature. 12-4pm. All ages. Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW. Free.

www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Jun 2

Herts Heavy Horse and County Show

10am-5pm. Adult £12, child £6, u2 free, fam £35. Capel Manor Gardens, Enfield, EN1 4RQ

www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk

Jun 8

Fair in the Square

Community event: dog show, fairground rides, Children’s Tent with activities for younger visitors. Pond Square, N6 6BS. Free. www.fairinthesquare.co.uk

Jun 8-9

Barnet Medieval Festival Battle re-enactments, mounted knights in combat, cannon-firing, archery, living history encampment, Medieval market, crafts and more. 10.30am-5pm. Barnet Elizabethans Rugby Club, EN5 4NP. Public transport advised. All ages. Some loud cannon fire. Adult £7, children £3. www.barnetmedievalfestival.org

Jun 9

Wonder Walk

5k or 10k walk in aid of Chickenshed, and celebrating its 50th birthday. Registration adults £17.50, child 5+ £12.50, u5 free. Includes T-shirt and

goody bag, except u5s. Chickenshed, N14 4PE

www.chickenshed.org.uk/support-us/ wonderwalk

Jun 9 & Aug 4

Paw Patrol

See the children’s favourite and ride the trains at Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN. See visiting info for parking and public transport. Various prices.

www.eorailway.co.uk

Jun 14-16

Crouch End Festival

Three days of fun, entertainment and music and more. See website.

www.crouchendfestival.org

Jun 15

Nature Crafts

Hapa zome cloth prints, woodcraft and more with the London Wildlife Trust. 12-4pm. At Grosvenor Square, W1K 6AN. Free, must book.

www.wildlondon.org.uk/spring-events

Jun 15

World Juggling Day Demonstration

10.30am. Adults £8, children £6. Introduction to Python 3pm. £10. Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS.

www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

Jun 15-16

1940s Weekend

Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN. See visiting info for parking and public transport. See online for prices.

www.eorailway.co.uk

Jun 15-16

The Great Exhibition Road Festival

Massive free festival with cutting-

edge science, live art, new inventions, music, games and experiments. All ages . With Zones for Future Food, Family Fun u12 , Space, Tech, NextGen 13-25 , Creative Science 18+ , Energy and Brilliant Bodies. Highlights include the fridge of the future, science cabaret, the pavement that saves energy when you step on it, the real Loch Ness monsters and virtual reality devices that improve mental health. Last year some shows needed to be booked. 12-6pm. All free, register. www.exrdfestival.com

Jun 16

Family Disco Boogie

Old school party hits, bubbles, lights and lots of props, for u7s and their families. 11am. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET. Adult £5, child £7. www.jw3.org.uk

Jun 18-Aug 18

Summer Exhibition

Eclectic art exhibition. Great for introducing children to art galleries. Closed Mons. Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD. Adult from £22, u16 free. www.royalacademy.org.uk

Jun 20-Aug 21

Earth Photo 2024 Exhibition

Thought-provoking photos from around the world. Royal Geographical Society, Exhibition Road, SW7 2AR. Free.

www.rgs.org

Jun 22

Red Bull Soapbox Race

The pinnacle of non-motor racing. 2pm-8pm. Tickets must be bought in

advance. Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY. 25+ £33.03, u25 £22.10. www.alexandrapalace.com

The Little Children's Market

London

Baby and children's nearly new sale. 10.30-12pm. Book a stall for £17. Buyers £2, children free. Enfield Grammar Upper School, EN2 6LN thelittlechildrensmarket.com

Robotics with Lego

2hrs, 10.30am, 7-13. Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. £10.

www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

Marching Orders: Marvellous Medicine

Family tour. Delve into the world of Army medicine. About 30mins. 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm. 5+. National Army Museum, SW3 4HT. Drop-in, first-served, free. www.nam.ac.uk

Jun 23

Barnet Vale Festival

Music, talks, food, workshops and children’s activities. Run by Friends of Tudor Park and Pavilion. No details yet. Tudor Park, EN5. Free.

www.fotpp.org.uk/events

Jun 23

Hampstead Heath Community Day

Live music, craft, nature activities and more. 2pm-6pm, by Parliament Hill Bandstand.

www.heath-hands.org.uk

Art Fair

Open exhibition of painting and sculpture. Art activities for kids. Keats

House Garden, NW3 2RR. 12-5pm. Free

www.hampsteadsummerfestival.com

From Jun 27

Anthony McCall Solid Light

Step inside sculptures of light. £10, u12 free. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG

www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

Jun 28-30

East Barnet Festival

Fancy dress competition and parade, activity Arena packed with free fun games, demonstrations, interactive classes and more, fun dog show, live music, craft and community stalls, car show, giant Fun Fair and more, at Oak Hill Park, EN4 8JP. Open from 5pm Friday, 12noon on Sat/Sun. To volunteer see website.

www.eastbarnetfestival.co.uk

Jun 29

Composing with Code 3pm. Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. £10

www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

Jun 30

Family Pottery Class 11am, for 5-11 and their families. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET. Child £10.

www.jw3.org.uk

Picnic on the Lawn

Craft stalls, children’s activities, face painting, bouncy castle and performers, 11am-6pm, Forty Hall, EN2 9HA. Adults £10 until Jun 1. Book free ticket for 2-15s.

www.fortyhallestate.co.uk

Family Garden Party Magician, face painting, birds of prey, Mystical Fairies, giant chess, ballet performance and more. 2-5pm. Keats House Garden NW3 2RR.

www.hampsteadsummerfestival.com

July Events

Jul 5-7

Depot Open Days: From Past to Present

Discover the story of transport past and imagine what a green future could look like for London. Music, food, expert talks and family activities. London Transport Museum. Acton Depot, W3 9BQ. See online for prices

www.ltmuseum.co.uk/visit/museumdepot

Jul 6

Afro Caribbean Expo 24

Over 50 exhibitors, featuring Paulsimna Creatives face painting, art, craft, beauty, kids, fashion, books, Harris Academy steelpan presentation, celebrities, cultural talks, 100 years of Grace Foods brand giveaway, dance groups, live PA and more. 9am-6pm, Harris Academy Sports Hall, Ashley Road, N17 9LN. For info or to have a stand (07445 582303. Free Tickets and raffle from bit.ly/ACEXPO24

Family Fun Day: Taste, Touch, Feel

Discover why we may have as many as 20 senses, and how we experience the world around us. 7-12, older and younger siblings welcome. 11am-4pm. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. Adult £16, child £10. Sells out quickly.

www.rigb.org

Jul 6

Fortune Green Jester Festival

Stalls and lots of events and activities for families. Check website for bookable workshops. 12-6pm.

Fortune Green, NW6 1DS www.jesterfestival.co.uk

Jul 7

The Cally Festival

Performances, art, food and more. 126pm. Caledonian Road. www.thecallyfestival.co.uk

Big Fair

120 stalls, funfair, music, circus school for kids, SportZone. 12-5pm. Heath Street, Hampstead. www.hampsteadsummerfestival.com

July 13-14

Family Workshop: Prince Charming

Create a royal family of puppets. (See Prince Charming, Family Theatre pages, May 18.) 9.30am and 12.30pm. 6-11. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. Adult £8, child £8.50. www.littleangeltheatre.com

Jul 13

Stop-motion Animation, 8-13, 2hrs. 10.30am

Roblox 3D Games Design, 7-12, 2hrs, 3pm.

Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. £10 www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

Looking ahead...

July 20-Aug 24

Rough Magic

The Weird Sisters from Macbeth have a silly, spooky adventure of their own in this family show, from the team behind the Globe’s hilarious

Midsummer Mechanicals. Indoors. 5-105.From £15. Sam Wannamaker Playhouse, The Globe, SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com

Jul 20

Planet of Play

Part of UCL’s Festival of Engineering. Immerse yourself in virtual reality adventures and interactives, STEM scavenger hunts and more. 10am4pm. 6+, UCL Bloomsbury Campus, WC1E 6AE. Free, book. www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ ucl-faculty-of-engineeringsciences-44995397333

Jul 30-Aug 29

T Rex Show with Teach Rex Interactive show 1hr, then 30m photo opp. 3+ to adult. Various days. Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD. £12. www.nhm.ac.uk

and further afield

Jun 16

Medieval Jousting

Costumed knights show off their horsemanship at 12pm & 2.30pm. Knebworth, SG1 2AX. Gardens, park and jousting £13 online, u3 free. www.knebworthhouse.com

Jul 6

Tot Fest

Shows, rides, sessions and play activities from a wide variety of under 5 specialists. Ticket includes all attractions. 0-5. Hertfordshire County Showground, The Showground, Dunstable Road, Redbourn, AL3 7PT. Other venues/dates nationwide. Adult and 1-5s £24.75, 6-11m £13.20, u5months free must book.

www.totfestfestival.com/hertfordshire