What’s on
Compiled by Robina Cowan
All details are as provided when going to press. However, in case of changed plans, do double-check before setting out.
Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes Herne Hill www.funkymonkey.info
Gerald Moore Gallery
Mottingham Lane SE9 4RW www.geraldmooregallery.org
11-25 July
Summer Holiday Art Workshops
Join a workshop and learn new creative skills while having fun. With a different theme each day, the workshops will engage your child in creative exercises discovering new techniques. 10am-3.30pm.
11 July: Illustrating a book workshop, ages 6-11
12 July: Design and create your own board game, ages 9-15
16 July: Sculpt your own movie character, ages 6-11
17 July: Print greeting cards and wrapping paper, ages 10-15
18 July: Sculpt a diorama using clay, ages 6-11
23 July: Drawing workshop, ages 6-11
24 July: Jungle explorer day, ages 6-11
25 July: Paint party, ages 10-15
26 July: Kite making workshop, ages 6-11
29 July: Large scale drawing and painting animals, ages 6-11
27 Aug
Themed Half Day Summer Workshop
For ages 4-8 and perfectly designed for complete beginners or those with very basic music knowledge. This 3½ hour workshop is the perfect opportunity to try out the keyboard and make music the Funky Monkey way! It combines keyboard tuition with music based art activities and offers a morning with a diference. 10am-1.30pm.
29 Jul-2 Aug
5 Mornings Keyboard Superstars Workshop
For ages 5-9 (4 years considered but please contact Funky Monkey first). This is a brilliant all-round scheme and taster course in which pupils learn to read, play and write notes C-A alongside learning keyboard technique and countless musicbased activities. 10am-12.30pm.
My Aerial Home Bell Green Retail Park SE26 4PR www.myaerialhome.co.uk
5-8 Aug, 12-15 Aug, 19-22 Aug Summer Circus Camps
If your child loves to climb, hang upside down or tumble about, this
could be the camp for them! With friendly, experienced coaches, your child will be taught a range of circus skills including flying trapeze, hoop, spanish web, sling, juggling, rope, Chinese poles, silks, tightwire, static trapeze, straps and more! Book by the day or week to experience the fun and frolics of aerial circus. 10am4pm per day, ages 6-13.
Perform www.perform.org.uk/superheroes
Dulwich (19-23 Aug), Blackheath (5-9 Aug), Greenwich (12-16 Aug) and Herne Hill (27-20 Aug)
Superheroes Holiday Course
Join a Top Secret Mission this summer! Each week of actionpacked, professionally-run drama, dance and singing, games and activities will hone your child’s special powers of confidence, co-ordination, communication and concentration as they swoop towards a supercharged
performance for family and friends. Ages 4-10.
Global Camps
Kelvin Grove School SE26 6BB www.globalcamps.co.uk
29 July-23 Aug
A unique mix of language learning, sports coaching, arts & crafts and outdoor adventure to keep young ones active and engaged during all school holidays. Ages 4-12.
School of Rhythm
Maple Road Penge SE20 8HU www.schoolofrhythm.com
Open 7 days a week in July and August
Let off steam and make lots of noise on real, professional drum kits in a state-of-the-art soundproofed studio. One to one and group lessons available for all ages and levels, from complete beginners to advanced.
check
WHAT’S ON
Orbwalk Water Zorbing
London Bridge and Brockwell Park Lido
www.orbwalk.co.uk
Ongoing
Looking for a fun and unique way to experience the water? Water Zorbing is an innovative water activity where visitors roll, bounce and splash through water in a giant inflatable ball. Try Aqua Zorbing today and make a splash with your friends and family! Ages 6+.
Crystal Palace Sports Centre Open Day
CPNCP, Ledrington Road SE19 2BB www.better.org.uk/crystal-palace
13 July
Celebrating 60 years! A fun-filled day for all the family, celebrating six decades of the iconic CPNSC sports venue. With interactive games, a chance to meet the multi-prizewinning Crystal Palace Gymnastics Club, try out a range of sports and activities for FREE, plus live music and the newly opened children’s soft play and cafe. 9am-8pm.
River Stage Festival
National Theatre, South Bank SE1 9PX
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
5-28 July
Four weekends of outdoor fun celebrating the best of British culture. Expect live music, theatre, dance, club nights and family workshops; all FREE.
Future Men: Stay and Play Sessions
Bellingham Family Hub, 109-111 Randlesdown Road SE6 3HB www.futuremen.org/future-dads 20 July
Meet other dads at friendly stay and play sessions for all dads and male carers, with their children of course! 10am-12noon. FREE drop-in.
Woolympics Family Day
Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works/whats-on
20 July
A free sports-themed family day at Royal Arsenal Riverside. Featuring lots of demonstrations and opportunities to have a go and join in with events ranging from tug of war to rowing and table tennis. 11am. FREE. Suitable for all ages.
End of Term Party
Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, SE18 6HD
www.woolwich.works/whats-on
24 July
School’s out for summer! Woolwich Works end of term party is open to students, parents, teachers, families and everyone else! Head to its courtyard to enjoy the summery, upbeat, feel-good vibes. 4pm to 9pm. Suitable for all ages. FREE.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival Greenwich, Newham and City of London
www.festival.org/GDIF-2024
23 August-8 September
The award-winning GDIF returns, bringing a seventeen day programme of theatre, circus, dance and performance art. Over fifty FREE performances, including those suitable for family audiences.
Kids Week
Theatres across London www.officiallondontheatre.com
24 July-6 September
The Society of London Theatre’s annual initiative is back, offering FREE tickets, workshops and activities to selected performances and theatres.
Family Sports and Games Day
Brixton Windmill, Blenheim Gardens SW2 5DA www.brixtonwindmill.org
14 July
Fun in the Gardens with organised sports and activities for all, including fun children’s races. 1-5pm.
Summer Activities
Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works/whats-on
25 July-28 August
A range of summer workshops including artistic activities for all ages of child (including teens and adults), ranging from music, dance, theatre, as well as arts and crafts. Try special effects make up for 8-12 year olds, hip hop musical improv for teens or a creative writing workshop for over 16s – and much more. Various times.
Uptown London
Blackheath SE3 www.uptownfestival.co.uk
28 July
Madness, The Zutons, Lightning Seeds, David Rodigan and more are
headlining, plus the family-friendly Little Town area will have music, entertainment and FREE rides to get you all up and dancing together.
Family Nature Discovery Days Centre for Wildlife Gardening, Marsden Road, SE15 4EE www.wildlondon.org.uk
Thursdays in August
Join a Wildlife Trust expert for funfilled family afternoons to learn about the habitats and minibeasts. FREE drop-in, donations welcome.
Crystal Palace Park www.elsf.uk/whatson
13+14 July
Much Ado About Nothing
An outdoor production: set against the luxurious backdrop of a modernday Messina, this opulent tale is brimming with wit, trickery and mischief, plus pre-show maskmaking workshops.
Greenwich Theatre Crooms Hill SE10 8ES www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk
27+28 July
The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen Discover how the Baron saved the Isle of Skye from sinking beneath the waves, in a show packed with swords, duels, elephants and castles built of cheese.
2-25 August
Beauty and The Beast
A magical, musical, laugh-out-loud production; the perfect summer treat for all the family.
Spontaneous Productions Home Park SE26 www.spontaneousproductions. co.uk
Dates from 20 July
Alice Through the Looking Glass
A magical outdoor theatre performance for all ages.
Stanley Arts Centre
South Norwood Hill SE25 6AB www.stanleyarts.org
28 July
Foxtots Bops
A live and lively musical show guaranteed to provide family fun. Local parents Rosie and Ben Fox have been wowing children and families with sold out shows for the past eight years.
Woolwich Works
The Fireworks Factory SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works
31 August
Boppin’ Bunnies
The award-winning interactive music show for babies, toddlers and families featuring violin, trumpet, steel pans and join-in instruments.
Bromley Churchill Theatre, BR1 1HA www.trafalgartickets.com/ churchill-theatre-bromley
31 August-1 September
In the Night Garden... Live Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until you find them all. Pip-pip, onk-onk!
Unicorn Theatre
Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com
23 July-4 August
The Lion Inside
Based on a bestselling story about confidence, self-esteem and a
shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar. Fed up of being ignored and forgotten by the other animals, Mouse wishes he could roar like Lion. But, as he discovers, even the biggest, bossiest people are scared sometimes... and even the smallest creatures can have the heart of a lion! Ages 3+.
Apollo Theatre Shaftsbury Avenue W1D 7EZ www.apollotheatre.co.uk
25 July-1 September
Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors
From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as they launch their attack! It’s history with the nasty bits left in.
From Tower Bridge Quay www.terriblethames.com
13 July-1 September
Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames
This is a boat tour all about the history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in! The fantastic journey incorporates immersive theatre to surprise and shock in equal measure as it delivers its unique take on London, thrilling both children and adults alike.
Lyric Theatre
Shaftsbury Avenue W1D 7ES https://thelyrictheatre.co.uk
17 July-8 September
The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo returns to the West End stage this summer! The classic children’s book will be celebrating 25 years in 2024 and we can’t think of a better way to mark the occasion then a trip to the deep dark theatre. Playing for a strictly limited run, don’t miss your chance to see your favourite bedtime tale come to life at the Lyric Theatre. Book your tickets now! Ages 3+.
Underbelly Boulevard
Walkers Court W1F 0BT www.underbellyboulevard.com
Until 4 August
Mario the Maker Magician
Contagiously upbeat and full of heart, the ever-endearing Mario brings magic and robots to a romping explosion of energy and belly laughs.
Regents Park Open Air Theatre Regents Park NW1 4NU www.openairtheatre.com
Until 20 July
The Secret Garden
Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved and radical story about the magic of nature and the nature of magic is adapted in a new production by Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard.
Blackheath Halls
23 Lee Road, SE3 9RQ www.blackheathhalls.com
2 Nov
Jack and the Beanstalk
A fresh and funny retelling of the traditional story and an ideal gentle introduction to theatre. Jack lives on a small farm with his mum and very little to eat. He likes to talk to the birds, his cow and anyone who will listen. Imagine his surprise when he swops his cow for some magic beans and starts to hear a
whispering in the breeze and a giant rumble in the sky. Performances at 11am and 3pm.
9-10 Nov
Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out
Peppa Pig is back in her oinktastic brand new live show, Fun Day Out! Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party - it’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day. Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles and even swim in the sea! 70 mins including interval. Performance 1pm and 4pm on 9 Nov and 10am and 1pm on 10 Nov.
22-23 December
The Nutcracker
You and your loved ones can indulge in spectacular dancing, glorious music and beautiful costumes. The Nutcracker is perfect for children of all ages. Whether your little ones have never been to the theatre before or are regular visitors, all children will be transported to the magical Land of Sweets and meet the Mouse King, Snow Queen and gorgeous Sugar Plum Fairy. Clara and the Nutcracker Prince would love you to join them on their magical journey! Performances at 1.30pm and 4pm on 22 Dec and 11am and 1.30pm on 23 Dec.
22-23 Feb
The Smartest Giant in Town
Based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this This heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure. Performances at 1pm and 4pm on 22 Feb and 10am and 1pm on 23 Feb.
MUSEUMS AND MONUMENTS
Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark
27 July-1 September Summer of Play
Get playful on Cutty Sark with family-friendly crafts, construction play, storytelling, and more, including musical or movement sessions.
Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
14 July
Mr Shadow Show
In a light-hearted show for the whole family, Drew Colby will introduce his good friend Mr Shadow and show all the things he can turn into.
2-17 August
Art and Play
Explore the world of art and play in outdoor sensory sessions exploring art, nature and the world around us.
10 August Family Festival: Generations of Play
Explore your relationships with nature as a family and discover the power of myths and legends, taking inspiration from the display of ‘Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking.
Eltham Palace, SE9 5QE www.english-heritage.org.uk
20 July-1 September Medieval Season
Every day of the summer holidays offers the chance to learn what life was like in medieval times, from storytelling to have-a-go archery.
Gerald Moore Gallery, SE9 4RW www.geraldmooregallery.org
6-27 July
Minimalist Art Exhibition: Essential Structures
Discover exciting contemporary art inspired by Minimalism by practising artists from in and around London. With artworks devoid of pictorial and decorative content and stripped of external references, Minimalism was one of the most important and influential movements of the late Modernist era.
Horniman Museum and Gardens London Road SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk
Until 3 November Dinosaur rEvolution
Which dino features are better –horns, spikes or quills? Did T-rex actually have feathers? And how did some dinosaurs survive extinction? Find out through animatronic models, fossil skeletons and skulls, dress up, games and more.
Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN www.ornc.org
27+28 July
The Golden Age of Piracy
A swashbuckling adventure, including a sword demonstration, live 18th century music, pirat-y food tastings and outdoor firepower demonstrations on the banks of the Thames.
11-14 August
Horrible Histories
A hilarious show featuring terrible tales of some seriously Rotten Royals and mad monarchs.
National Maritime Museum
Greenwich SE10 9NF
www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritimemuseum
27 July-1 September
Summer of Play
Explore oceans and seas to discover the magic of water through a range of playful activities, then head to the Queen’s House for creative workshops, music and storytelling.
Queen’s House, Greenwich, SE10 9NF
www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house
27 July-1 September
Character Actor Performances
Discover characters from history with their own fascinating stories of what life was like for different people in the royal residence.
Young V&A, E2 9PA www.vam.ac.uk/young
Until 1 September
Lost and Found Yokai
A colourful display of sculptures created from umbrellas lost on London’s trains, Tubes and buses, with a backdrop soundscape from sound artist and designer Yuri Suzuki.
HMS Belfast
The Queen’s Walk SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk/hms-belfast
Weekends
Meet the Crew
Delve into life onboard the ship through eye-witness accounts of sailors and hands-on objects. Ages 7+.
Unicorn Theatre, Rose Theatre, Nicoll Entertainment, Curve, and MAST Mayflower Studios present
