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.
HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS & CAMPS
Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes
Various locations www.funkymonkey.info
October Half-Term
Learn electronic keyboard techniques, try some famous tunes, play musical games and quizzes. All in small classes with equipment provided. Ages 4-8.
Global Camps
Kelvin Grove School SE26 6BB www.globalcamps.co.uk
October Half-Term
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.
Mother Nature Science SE1, SE3, SE16, SE21 www.mnature.co.uk
21 Oct-1 Nov
Safe, fun, hands-on, spooky science experiments in these week-long curriculum-linked STEAM Holiday Activity Camp programmes.
Specially developed over 15+ years to inspire all children with a lifelong love of science and learning, through enriching, educational experiments, indoor and outdoor social play and take-home activities that explore the science around us in our daily life.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Totally Thames Festival www.thamesfestivaltrust.org
1-30 September
The annual celebration of the river’s vibrancy and importance. Events include dance, music, film, mudlarking, walks, talks, foreshore clean-ups, Thames cruises and The Great River Race. 22 September is Thames Day; a programme of FREE family activities including boat building, sailing trips and live music.
Sydenham Arts: Artists Trail 2024 Various venues www.sydenhamarts.co.uk 14-15 and 21-22 September
Over two weekends, talented local printmakers, painters, photographers, potters, jewellers, sculptors and bag makers showcase and sell their creations in nearly 30 locations.
‘Story of Bass’ Family Rave Fox and Firkin SE13 6JZ www.bigfishlittlefishevents.com
15 September
Acclaimed DJ Mr Switch plays everything from hip hop to jungle to UK Garage, drum and bass and dubstep! Dance together on a dance floor filled with bubbles s and balloons in an amazing outdoor venue. 2-4pm, adults with under 8s.
Future Men: Stay and Play Sessions
Bellingham Family Hub, 109-111 Randlesdown Road SE6 3HB https://futuremen.org/future-dads 21 September and 19 October
Meet other dads at friendly stay and play sessions for all dads and male
carers, with their children of course! 10am-12 noon FREE drop-in.
Brassworks: Street Brass Carnival and Family Free Day
Woolwich SE18
www.woolwich.works/whats-on 21 September
Join a street brass carnival through Woolwich, performing an array of musical genres from across the world, from Bollywood to New Orleans, Jazz to Classical, Afro Rhythms and youth performances. 11am start, FREE.
Laser Quest
Merryweather Place SE10 www.laserquestgreenwich.com
From 1 September
The UK’s leading laser tag experience launches in Greenwich, offering a treat for sharp-shooting adventurists of all ages. Compete through catwalks, mazes, swirling fog, special effects, music, and lights. Ages 6+.
Paws in the Park Cator Park, Beckenham BR3 1NA www.pengese20.co.uk
22 September
The family-friendly dog show returns, with prizes galore, playtime, training tips, pet health and animal charity stalls. Food, craft beer and Pimm’s available for humans.
Heritage Open Days
Various venues www.heritageopendays.org.uk
6-15 September
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. Local events this year include FREE heritage 61 and 261 bus rides on 14 September.
The Modern Family Show
8 Northumberland Avenue WC2N 5BY www.themodernfamilyshow.com
28 September
Find out about family-building options including adoption, fostering, surrogacy and IVF/IUI, co-parenting, fertility preservation, solo parenting and egg/ sperm donation. This is a one-day event exclusively designed to safely guide and support the LGBTQ+ community.
London Literature Festival Southbank SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk
23 October-3 November
Over ten days each autumn, the festival features talks, discussions and in conversations with wellknown writers, up and coming authors, and those making waves in written and spoken word.
The Paddington Bear Experience County Hall, Southbank SE1 7PB www.paddingtonbearexperience.
com
Ongoing
Help Paddington and the Brown family prepare for a very special Marmalade Day Festival! Board the full-sized train carriage to start a journey filled with the sights and sounds of London, fairground games, dancing and marmalade of course!
Brixton Windmill
Blenheim Gardens SW2 5DA www.brixtonwindmill.org
Harvest Festival
29 September
A FREE family event celebrating the wheat harvest, with live music, hot food and bakery stalls, craft and baking workshops for children.
Halloween Day
27 October
A FREE event with lantern carving, spooky children’s stories and Halloween arts and crafts.
Fun Palaces 2024
Various venues www.funpalaces.co.uk
4-6 October
A day out for all where members of the public share their skills, talent and knowledge for free, such as the arts, diy, gardening and more.
The Baby Show London Olympia W14 8UX www.thebabyshow.co.uk
25-27 October
Complete with hundreds of exhibitors, exclusive show offers, an abundance of celebrity appearances, expert advice and the opportunity to try before you buy, The Baby Show is a must-go for all new and expectant parents.
THEATRE & SHOWS
Sydenham Centre Sydenham Road SE26 5QX www.spontaneousproductions. co.uk
September and October weekends
The Little Mermaid
A family theatre show for all ages, based on the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale.
Old Royal Naval College King William Walk SE10 9NN www.ornc.org
13 & 14 September
The Secret Diary of Henry VIII
A fresh spin on The Comedy of Errors, this madcap musical brings fast-paced storytelling to Greenwich. Ages 6+.
Polka Theatre
The Broadway SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com
28-29 September
Big Dreams Early Years Theatre
Festival
Engaging UK and international shows, inspiring, interactive talks with famous Early Years authors, and FREE activities including a tonguetwisting installation, face-painting, glitter tattoos and more… enjoy an array of exciting creative experiences specially for our younger audiences and their families. Ages 0-12.
The Paddington Bear Experience
Greenwich Theatre
Crooms Hill SE10 8ES www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk
19 & 20 October
Where’s Mrs Ladybird?
A live hide and seek story for tiny people to share with their grownups. We’re looking for Mrs Ladybird and you can come too, as all our insect friends play peek-a-boo with you. Preschoolers.
Picturehouse Cinemas
West Norwood, Greenwich, East Dulwich and Bromley www.picturehouses.com
Sit back and enjoy a big-screen film in a cinema that welcomes families. Sessions include Watch with Baby, Toddler Time, Autism-friendly and a weekly Kids Club.
South London Theatre Norwood High Street SE27 9NS www.southlondontheatre.co.uk
21 October
Ugly Duckling
It doesn’t matter what you look like but how good your heart is. A brand new treat from Let’s All Dance Ballet Company. Ages 2-12.
Woolwich Works
The Fireworks Factory SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works/whats-on
8 September
Bowjangles
Forget everything you think you know about string quartets and enjoy a spectacular mix of upbeat classical music, comedy songs, well known film, pop and rock tunes and foot stomping Gypsy and Celtic bangers - all presented with humour, charisma and impressive physicality.
12 October
Mum’s Night Out Comedy
A night of top stand-up comedy, games and more hosted by The Funny Mummy and featuring Jamie Finn and headliner Jess Fostekew. With games, plus songs, prizes and hilarious comedy based on parenting, life and everything in between!
30 October
Ugly Duckling
It doesn’t matter what you look like but how good your heart is. A brand new treat from Let’s All Dance Ballet Company. Ages 2-12.
Glaziers Hall
Montague Close SE1 9DD https://feverup.com/m/188599
12 October
We Call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty
The timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty is brought to life like never before, with expressive storytelling, immaculate dancing, and costumes glittering with glow-in-the-dark lights. Age 8+.
Bromley Churchill Theatre
High Street Bromley BR1 1HA
www.trafalgartickets.com/ churchill-theatre-bromley
4 October
Baby Broadway
Join West End singers for an engaging family concert filled with beloved songs from popular musicals and films.
22+23 October
Dear Zoo
A live onstage adaptation of the classic book by Rod Campbell.
Southbank Centre
Southbank SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk
25 October
Rug Rhymes
A special London Literature Festival edition of the National Poetry Library’s song and rhyme session for under-5s. FREE.
26 October
OAE Tots at LPO: An Italian Adventure
Let your little ones’ imagination take flight in FUNharmonics’ interactive music workshop with the OAE.
Shakespeare’s Globe
New Globe Walk SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com
Until 27 October
Family Sword Fighting Watch as Early Modern stage combat comes to life. Includes a photo opportunity for you to handle the stage weapons yourself!
Until 27 October
Dressing Demonstration
Step into Elizabethan shoes, discover and try on the fashions
Totally Thames Festival 1-30 Sep
and attire of Shakespeare’s contemporaries.
Unicorn Theatre
Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com
6 October-3 November
Toto Kerblammo!
When Effy is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in a block that won’t allow dogs, she smuggles in her furry friend and keeps him under a blanket. Ssh Toto! A compelling live mix of sound and action produces the sound of things you never knew had sounds. Ages 9+.
9-13 October
Anna Hibiscus’ Song
Atinuke’s much loved children’s book is brought to life in this uplifting show through music, dance, puppetry and traditional African storytelling. Ages 3-7.
26-27 October
Eyecatchers
Two dancers and a musician embark
Peppa Pig and family come to Blackheath Halls
Peppa Pig and friends are making their way to SE London this autumn with their brand-new live show, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out! Families can enjoy a choice of four shows over two days on 9 and 10 November.
With all the usual favourite characters, expect a show packed with singing dancing and of course…. plenty of muddy puddles!
Not to be outdone by other pigs, puppetry regulars Garlic Theatre bring their version of the classic fairy tale of magic beans and giants, Jack and the Beans Talk, to the theatre for two shows on 2 November. Jack and the Beans Talk is an interactive, fun retelling of the much-loved story, perfect for introducing younger children to live theatre. Come and hang out at Blackheath Halls during the day and enjoy its new and improved outside area following renovation works last year, making it an ideal space to enjoy a drink or just a rest before or after any of the performances! More information at www.blackheathhalls.com
on a wondrous journey, exploring the world through touch, sound and movement, in a spellbinding experience for both kids and parents. Ages 1+.
Bach to Baby
Various dates and venues www.bachtobaby.com
Critically-acclaimed classical concerts for babies and their grownups. Outstanding musicians put on exhilarating performances where babies can ‘join in’ with as much noise as they like!
Various dates
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy
Greenwich, Crystal Palace, East Dulwich, Woolwich and Bromley www.byobcomedy.com
A funny, friendly afternoon of top comedy, where baby can come too and join in with the rumpus. Shows feature a new line up of comedians each month with two acts plus a compere. Ages: grownups plus under 12 months.
Sadler’s Wells Theatre Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com
25 October
Ugly Duckling
It doesn’t matter what you look like but how good your heart is. A brand new treat from Let’s All Dance Ballet Company. Ages 2-12.
Last Friday of each month
Family Fridays
Dance workshops for accompanied children, facilitated by a freelance lead and supporting artist and managed by the Learning & Engagement Department. Ages 2-4, all abilities.
Little Angel Theatre
Dagmar Passage N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com
13 September - 16 November
Dogs Don’t Do Ballet
The story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams, brought to life using beautiful puppets, well-loved ballet music and dazzling theatrical comedy. Ages 3-8.
21 September - 17 November
The Mystery of Little Angel
A brain-teasing interactive adventure. Become a detective faced with intriguing suspects, curious objects and a detailed theatre map. Can we crack this case together? Ages 6+.
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 swaps 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.
Blackheath Halls
Lee Road SE3 9RQ
www.blackheathhalls.com
1 December
A Festive Family Singalong
The annual Christmas jumper and tinsel fest will return with another afternoon of festive singing for the whole family. Sing your heart out with the choirs in this relaxed and upbeat family event.
8 December
The Snowman with East London Brass
Raymond Briggs’ classic Christmas film is back accompanied by East London Brass, one of the UK’s top brass bands, playing Howard Blake’s original score live. There’ll be refreshments available and a little Christmas singalong after the film. Bring family and friends, absolutely all ages welcome!
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 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.
Peacock Theatre
Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com
23 Nov-4 Jan
The Snowman
Iconic Christmas show The Snowman returns to Peacock Theatre for its 27th anniversary. Based on the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs CBE and the animated film directed by Dianne Jackson, this is the Birmingham Rep’s magical stage adaptation of the story, a London festive favourite that continues to enchant
audiences of all ages and is a perfect introduction for children to dance. Featuring colourful sets, extravagant costumes and exuberant dancing, the story follows the adventures of a young boy when his snowman comes to life on Christmas eve. Discounted tickets for families available.
Woolwich Works
The Fireworks Factory SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works/whats-on
7 September
Heritage Open Day
Join FREE tours and talks across Woolwich Works and learn about the history of these heritage buildings. Part of the National Trust’s Heritage Open Days.
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+.
Brunel Museum Railway Avenue SE16 4LF www.thebrunelmuseum.com
Housed in the Grade II* listed Thames Tunnel Engine House, the museum celebrates the extraordinary tunnel, viaduct and bridge building engineering of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel and his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
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.
Weekly
Family Craft Saturdays
FREE drop-in sessions inspired by the museum’s extensive collections.
National Maritime Museum
Greenwich SE10 9NF
www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritimemuseum
14 September
SEND Sailors
A monthly session for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities, led by a SEND specialist.
28 September
Safe Harbour
FREE workshops within a friendly and welcoming space, run by support organisations for foster and adoptive families with children under 13.
Every Saturday Character Encounters Guided tours bringing to life stories from the museum. Ages 5+.
Cutty Sark
King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark
First weekend of every month Family Fun Weekends
Climb aboard for family-friendly workshops and activities for all ages.
Weekends and holiday weekdays
Meet the Characters
Meet the captain, chat with the cook, and take a tour with Nannie the Figurehead!
Dulwich Picture Gallery Gallery Road SE21 7AD www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
Art Sundays
Be inspired to make art together as a family in these FREE creative workshops at the Gallery.
Family Fridays
FREE, expressive art-inspired activities for families.
Last Thursday of the month
Mini Masterpieces
Take your little one on a journey through the Gallery to discover people, places and animals in paintings, followed by a ‘messy play’ art-making activity. Ages under 5.
The Garden Museum
Lambeth Palace Road SE1 7LB www.gardenmuseum.org.uk
23 October - 2 March
Lost Gardens of London
An exhibition revealing the secret history of some of London’s most beguiling forgotten gardens, including a zoo in Southwark, Britain’s first ecological park and a botanical garden beneath the
platforms of Waterloo station.
The Design Museum Kensington High Street W8 6AG www.designmuseum.org
Until 23 February
Barbie®: The Exhibition Journey into the Barbie universe and discover over 250 remarkable objects, with rare, unique and innovative dolls dating from 1959 to the present day.
Natural History Museum Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk
Once a Month
Dino Snores for Kids
Spend a night amongst the museum’s incredible collections, with an evening of awesome learning activities before bedtime, and breakfast in the morning. Ages 7-11.
British Library Euston Road NW1 2DB www.bl.uk
29 September, 27 October
Family Station: Stay and Play Play, read and explore as a family, with fun sensory items, creative resources and learning assistants on hand. All ages, 11am-3pm, FREE drop-in.
South East
Don’t forget to say you saw these events listed in Families South East magazine!
