What's On
listings for all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw
To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing. Email Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk. Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.
www.Familiesonline.co.uk for all our local weekly regular events. Many activities and events require advance booking. Please check the website in the listing to confirm terms and conditions for attending before heading out. Until Sun 25 Feb - Drawn to Water: Winter (SW13) While other parts of the natural world hibernate, WWT London Wetland Centre comes to life in winter as Gadwalls, Shovelers and Bitterns move in for the colder months. Grab your best bobble hat, pick up a Quentin Blake ‘Drawn to Water’ illustrated guide, and get exploring. www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/london/whats-on/ drawn-to-water-winter-4 Until Wed 28 Feb - Caribbean Collection Family Activity (SW7) Pick up a new free families activity inspired by the Caribbean Collection at the V&A South Kensington Museum! You’ll be guided through activities and discover creative artists, designers and makers, and learn how their Caribbean heritage inspired their work along the way! www.vam.ac.uk/event/ O0L936PkDxN/caribbeancollection-family-activitywinter-23-24 Until Sun 10 Mar - Rollerscape (HA9) Make sure you Keep it Wheel this winter at Rollerscape, a unique festive alpine wonderland roller rink experience, at Wembley Park. Popping up for a limited time, Rollerscape promises roller skating lovers a seriously fun and immersive dose of ‘Rollerscapism’ with food, drink, music and something for all ages. www.troubadourtheatres.com/ whats-on/events Fri 5 Jan - Toy Surgery (E2) Take your old, broken and worn out toys to be fixed by the expert team at the Young V&A. Starting with a toy consultation you will drop your toys off for repair, or in some cases be given the tools to make the repair yourself in the open studio. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment and allow around an hour for the repair to be made. 1-3pm. www.vam.ac.uk/ event/8oPe72PyM3J/yva-toysurgery-january-2024 Thu 11 Jan – Thu 8 Feb - Mini Museum (HA2) Join Bill the Duck in The Great Hall at Headstone Manor Museum for stories and adventures from their life in Harrow. From Harvest celebrations to Bill’s first train ride – children will discover a rich history that’s right on their doorstep. Every Thursday at 10am. https://headstonemanor. org/events/minimuseum-2/2024-01-11 10 Families North West London
Fri 26 to Sun 28 Jan The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
Fri 12 – Fri 26 Jan - Friday Froglets (SW13) It’s time to weatherproof your kids! Spend time outside with your children at the forest school-inspired Friday Froglets sessions at WWT London Wetland Centre. Play in nature, learn new songs and share stories, make nature crafts and finish with quiet time around a fire! Fridays only, 10am. www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/london/whats-on/fridayfroglets-15
Sat 20 Jan - Marching Orders: Rations (SW3) Join one of the exciting family tours at the National Army Museum, and discover what soldiers’ rations are really like and how they have changed throughout time. Go and explore how the Army has kept its soldiers fed in these interactive, familyfriendly tours. Each tour lasts around 30 minutes. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/ marching-orders-rations-0
Sat 20 Jan - Celebrating Thai Pongal Workshop: A Tamil Heritage Month Family Workshop (HA5) In the first part of the workshop, your family will be taken through an art and crafts activity based on the story of Thai Pongal. The second part of the workshop will be dedicated to music dance and storytelling, and there will be lots of room for audience participation. This workshop will cater to both Tamil and non-Tamils alike. At Harrow Arts Centre, 11am and 1pm. Ages 5+. https://harrowarts.com/whatson/event/celebrating-thaipongal-workshop
Mon 22 Jan - Gaining Family Cooperation (online) A two-hour workshop for parents/ carers of children 3-18 years. Getting to grips with the needs of the whole family can be tricky, especially as children grow into capable, independent individuals. Topics include: Understanding where everyone fits in, finding different ways to communicate effectively, and tips and tools on how to gain co-operation. 7-9pm, online via Zoom. Contact Vera or Jane on 02088637319, or email info@hopeharrow.org.uk
Sat 20 Jan - LGBTQ+ Family Network (SE10) As part of their regular LGBTQ+ programming throughout the year, the National Maritime Museum hosts a space for LGBTQ+ families to meet and get creative bi-monthly. Pop in with your family and join in with artist-led activities inspired by Greenwich, the maritime world, and LGBTQ+ histories. Together you can explore, create and get to know other families within the Network. 10am-12pm. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ national-maritime-museum/ lgbtq-family-network
Wed 24 Jan - Wed 20 Mar Living with Teens (online) An 8 week course for all parents and carers of children aged 12yrs plus. As a parent and carer it can be exciting and satisfying seeing your children grow into unique individuals and also challenging as they navigate life as a teenager. Topics include: Understanding and acknowledging the needs of pre teens and teenagers, defining boundaries and setting limits, conflict resolution and more. 7-9pm, online via Zoom. Contact Vera or Jane on 02088637319, or email info@hopeharrow.org.uk Fri 26 – Sun 28 Jan – RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (various) Be wowed by your local wildlife.
Big Garden Birdwatch is for everyone, whether you’re a complete beginner or a birding expert. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 26 and 28 January 2024, then go online and log your results on the RSPB website. www.rspb.org.uk/whatshappening/big-gardenbirdwatch Throughout February - LGBTQ+ History Month (SE10) Each year the Royal Museums Greenwich mark LGBTQ+ History Month, celebrating the queer histories in the collection and the magnificent communities they work with. February 2024 will see a fantastic series of events hosted at the National Maritime Museum, the Queen’s House and Cutty Sark. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ greenwich/lgbtq-history-month Sat 3 Feb - Lunar New Year (SE10) Welcome in the new year with a day of celebration, performances and activities at the National Maritime Museum! Take part in family-friendly workshops, discover museum objects connected with south east Asia, and don’t miss the spectacular lion dances held on the Great Map, right in the heart of the National Maritime Museum. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ national-maritime-museum/ lunar-new-year Wed 7 – Sat 17 Feb - Imagine Children’s Festival (SE1) The Southbank Centre’s annual festival for children and their grown-ups is back, with more than 100 events to choose from – and loads of them are free! www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ whats-on/festivals-series/ imagine-childrens-festival Sat 10 Feb - Disney’s Little Mermaid Sing-Along (UB10) Go and sing your heart out to Disney’s 2023 film, The Little Mermaid, which tells the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. Taking place at Compass Theatre at 2.30pm. www.hillingdontheatres.uk/ index.php/events/disneys-littlemermaid-sing-along Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb - Bill the Duck Week (HA2) Join the mascot Bill as he explores Headstone Manor Museum. Get creative with the quacking art cart Familiesonline.co.uk
Celebrate Chinese New Year
activities and see how many Bill’s you can spot! https://headstonemanor.org/ events/bill-the-duck-week Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb - February Half-Term at Waddesdon Manor (HP18) This February half-term the grounds at Waddesdon will be open for family days out. Get creative with giant colouring boards in the Coach House, play in the woodland playground and enjoy a hot lunch at the Stables Café. https://waddesdon.org.uk/ whats-on/february-half-term Sat 10 – Sun 18 Feb - February Half Term: Water Warriors (TW8) Dive into this February half term at the London Museum of Water & Steam! Join in a week of family-friendly fun and learning, and join the quest to become “Water Warriors”. There will be interactive storytelling sessions, and hands-on arts and crafts where you can use recyclables to create environmentally conscious masterpieces! https://waterandsteam.org.uk/ event/february-half-term-waterwarriors/2024-02-10 Sun 11 Feb - Family Workshop: Shoe Box Shadow Theatre (HA2) Craft your own magical shadow theatre from a shoe or cereal box at Headstone Manor Museum. The expert facilitator will guide you in creating a theatre setting and enchanting stories with shadows. Please take along your own used cereal or shoe box! Takes place at 11am, 12:15pm & 1:45pm. https://headstonemanor.org/ events/family-workshop-shoebox-shadow-theatre Tue 13 Feb - Royal Guard Crafts (SW3) Go and get crafty at the National Army Museum this February halfterm and create your own royal guard. Celebrate the pomp and circumstance of the Army at Home by creating your own royal guards. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/royalguard-crafts Wed 14 Feb - Family Workshop: Valentine Mandala Dotties (HA2) Express your Valentine love through the art of mindful mandalas at Headstone Manor Museum! This tranquil and straightforward craft is easily accomplished with a bit of patience. Utilizing acrylic paints and an array of shapes to create dots, all the materials you need for Familiesonline.co.uk
this loving family experience will be provided. 11am & 1:15pm. https://headstonemanor.org/ events/family-workshopvalentine-mandala-dotties Wed 14 Feb - Jurassic Encounters: Animal Show (SW7) Delve into the Jurassic and meet the modern-day relatives of the animals that lived alongside dinosaurs in this fantastic animal handling show at the Natural History Museum. 11-11.45am, 12-12.45pm and 1-1.45pm. www.nhm.ac.uk/events/archive/ jurassic-encounters-animalshow.html Wed 14 – Thu 15 Feb - Drumming Orders (SW3) Grab your sticks and get ready to learn how to command an army just by beating a drum at the National Army Museum. Learn how music was used during times of war and trouble both at home and abroad. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/ drumming-orders Thu 15 Feb - Holiday to Space (SE10) Ted and Plant as they explore the Solar System in search of the best place to take a holiday in a morning of fun including a planetarium show and interactive workshop at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Recommended for ages 3-6. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royalobservatory/holiday-space Thu 15 – Fri 16 Feb - T. Rex Show with Teach Rex (SW7) Calling all dinosaur fans! Head along to the Natural History Museum and join in the T. Rex show with Teach Rex. 10.45am12.15pm, 1.15-2.45pm and 3.455.15pm. www.nhm.ac.uk/events/t-rexshow-with-teach-rex.html Fri 16 Feb - SEN Spring Tales Workshop (HA5) An interactive storytelling session with arts and crafts built in for families with SEN children aged 5+. There’ll be shadow puppetry, storytelling, and a chance to make something to take home with you in this magical storytelling experience. At Harrow Arts Centre from 10am-12pm. https://harrowarts.com/whatson/event/sen-spring-talesworkshop Fri 16 Feb - Blitz Storytelling Trail (SW3) Head to the National Army
Museum and help a time-travelling member of the ATS get back home in this immersive storytelling tour. Help Lauren, a member of the ATS, get back home as you travel through the galleries and learn all about the Blitz. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/blitzstorytelling-trail Sat 17 Feb - Out at Sea (SE10) Visit the National Maritime Museum for a day-long festival celebrating queer maritime history through the ages, as part of LGBTQ+ History Month. Enjoy live performances, storytelling, talks and creative workshops that are fun for the whole family. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ national-maritime-museum/ out-sea Sun 18 Feb - Chinese New Year Culture Show 2024 (WD17) Head to Watford Palace Theatre for an evening of stunning performances to celebrate Chinese culture and the Year of the Dragon. The programme will feature a range of very special performances featuring charming Chinese dancing, songs and music with traditional instruments from; Aubretia Dance Studio, Harrow Chinese School Dance Group and more. https://watfordpalacetheatre. co.uk/events/chinese-new-yearculture-show-2024 Sun 25 Feb – London Winter Run (WC2N) The Cancer Research UK London Winter Run is a ten kilometre challenge through the heart of the capital. You will pass live music
performances, encounter largerthan-life winter characters, and see world famous landmarks. It’s an unforgettable journey for runners of all abilities. www.londonwinterrun.co.uk/ london-winter-run/event-info/ about-the-event
Sun 25 Feb - Hugglets Winter BearFest 2024 (W8) Meet thousands of teddy bears and artists from all over the world in the heart of London at Kensington Town Hall. The Hugglets Winder BearFest is an annual event featuring up to 100 stands and thousands of teddy bears for sale, with prices ranging from a few pounds to over £1,000. Both antique and modern bears will be there, plus clothes and accessories as well as bear-making supplies. https://hugglets.com Mon 26 Feb - Positive Discipline (online) A two-hour workshop for all parents /carers of children aged 3-11yrs. It can be challenging when children decide they want things their own way. You will look at parenting children with respect, making sure it’s consistent and firm but fair, and ensuring long lasting positive relationships are created. 7- 9pm, online via Zoom. https://www.webenrol.com/ learnharrow/Default.
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Boost your child’s confidence with a FREE Perform class The new year is a great time to start something new and Perform is offering every child a free trial class to help them shine this spring. With two brilliant new themes incorporating confidence-building fun, classes for children ages 4 to 7 will join a high-energy adventure to the Wild West while kids ages 7 to 12 will enjoy a dancefloor-filling adaptation of Snow White, in Killa Queen. Classes are packed with confidence-boosting games which focus on developing the 4 Cs - confidence, communication, coordination and concentration - using drama, dance and singing. At the end of each term, the children will take part in a showstopping final performance for family and friends so you can see the progress they’ve made! Classes are for all abilities with no previous experience required and children are welcome to join at any point in the term. Book a no-obligation FREE trial at www.perform.org.uk/try Classes take place in: Harrow, Ickenham, Kensal Rise, Northwood, Pinner, Ruslip, Stanmore and Watford. Families North West London 11