What's On listings for all the family
Compiled by Anna BlackshawTo 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.
SEPTEMBER
Mon 4 Sep - Mon 18 Dec - Quiet
Afternoons for Families at the Museum of London Docklands (E14) Quiet afternoons provide an informal atmosphere to explore the museum, sensitive to the needs of children with autistic spectrum conditions. Discover fascinating artefacts and choose to take part in relaxed family activities such as object handling, arts and crafts and sensory spaces. Siblings and children with other types of SEND are very welcome. Every Monday. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ museum-london
Wed 6 Sep - Design Baby: Explore the Hallyu! (SW7) Join artist Rosie S. Kang in the multi-sensory play session inspired by the Korea gallery and Korean objects at the V&A Museum. Take the lead by your child and explore the old and new in Korean culture. Make traditional Korean flower patterns and move around to K-pop music. Explore scents, textures, and colours in this free play session as you find out more about Korean culture! Ages 0-3. www.vam.ac.uk/event
Thu 7 - Thu 28 Sep - Bat Walks
(SW13) WWT London Wetland Centre is one of the best places to watch bats in London as they have about seven species that hunt on site. Bat walks give you the chance not only to see these amazing flying mammals and their astonishing aerial acrobatics, but also learn more about them with a talk by a bat expert. Bat detectors help you to identify the species that are swooping around and to listen to them ‘chattering’ as they hunt for food. Booking Essential. www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/london
Fri 8 Sep - Family Under 5’s
Workshops: Open House Festival 2023 (NW1) Take part in the Open House Festival 2023 at the British Library. Play along and explore the amazing building and celebrate the people who work, study and create inside it. Sensory storytelling will explore different materials, perform with puppets, move and sing, and go on an architectural adventure. Then, it’s time to play with texture, colour, scale and design as you build together. Ages 0–5. www.bl.uk/events
Sat 9 Sep - Big Sports (WD18)
Get ready sports enthusiasts of Watford! The top of the town centre will transform into an exhilarating arena of sporting and fitness excitement, as the highly anticipated FREE ‘Big Sports’
event returns to the town once again. Visitors will be able to enjoy a spectacular lineup of thrilling activities, meaning whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to have some fun, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. 11am to 5pm. www.watfordevents.com/ bigsports
Sat 9 Sep – Croxfest (WD3) Croxfest is a yearly music festival in Croxley Green held on The Green. It is free for all to attend – enjoy a varied line-up of acts in a familyfriendly atmosphere. 12 noon-8pm on The Green. www.croxfest.co.uk
Sat 9 Sep - 2023 Pinner Rotary Village Show (HA5) The annual community event in Pinner Memorial Park from 11.30am-5pm. There will be live entertainment, children’s rides and activities, stalls selling everything from plants to pots of jam, charity and local organisations promoting their activities and of course a food court and bar to keep you going. www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs
Sat 9 Sep & Sat 14 Oct - SENsory Sailors (SE10) Families with children with special educational needs and disabilities (under 13 years) are invited to a monthly session at the National Maritime Museum. Explore the collection, enjoy the opportunity to be creative together as a family, and meet other local families. www.rmg.co.uk
Sat 9 – Sun 10 Sep – DogFest (SG1) DogFest is the ultimate dog’s day out at Knebworth House; you can try your hand (or paw) at a variety of have-a-go activities, enter the Fun Dog Show for the chance to win Best in Show or take part in the Big Dog Walk, a group dog walk around Knebworth Park. Whether you’re planning to take your new pup out to their first outing or bringing your whole family for a great day out, this could be the ultimate dog-friendly experience you have been looking for.
www.dog-fest.co.uk
Sun 10 Sep - Heritage Open Days Family Workshop: Quilled Windows (HA2) As part of Heritage Open Days, this year Headstone Manor Museum are celebrating the work of Alf Fisher, the last Chief Designer of the Stained Glass Studio at Whitefriars Glassworks, Wealdstone. Take inspiration from Alf Fisher and make your very own stained glass window design from quilling coloured paper in this hour long, craft fest. 11am, 12:30pm & 2pm. Ages 5+ and their grown-ups! www.headstonemanor.org
Sun 10 Sep - 40th Harefield Fun Run & Family Day! (UB9) This year sees 40 years of the Harefield Fun Run & Family Day which takes place at Harefield Hospital. Run, jog, or walk the stunning 4-mile course, or take on the short course, which is popular among our younger participants. Post-run, stay to celebrate 40 years of Fun Run with lots of exciting children’s entertainment and arts and crafts stalls.
www.rbhcharity.org/fun-run
Sun 10 Sep - Great Autumn Show (HA4) The Ruislip Central Horticultural Society is holding the Great Autumn Show from 1-4pm at the Great Barn on the Manor Farm site in Ruislip. There will be displays of Floral Art to home made produce through to Domestic Items, handicraft and photography. Home Made cakes will be served with Tea and Coffee as well as a Pimms Stall. www.ruisliphorticultural.org.uk
Mon 11 Sep - Mon 1 Jan - Drawn to Water: Autumn (SW13) Breeze through busy London to an oasis of wildlife splendour and discover the magic of the wetlands this autumn with Quentin Blake’s illustrations as your guide at the WWT London Wetland Centre. Pick up one of the Drawn to Water illustrated trails and explore the seasonal natural highlights, from quiet spots with breathtaking views to close up wildlife encounters. www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/london
Wed 13 – Sat 16 Sep - Open Air Cinema with The Luna Cinema (HP18) Welcome to a summer to remember at Waddesdon this September. As day turns to night, soak up the atmosphere, pop the bubbly and get ready for cinema under the stars. Doors open 6pm. Film starts 7.30pm. www.waddesdon.org.uk
Thu 14 Sep - Thu 12 Oct - 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. Suitable Under 5’s and their grown-ups!
www.headstonemanor.org
Sat 16 Sep - Cranford Park: Out of Time (UB10) Something’s gone wrong with the timeline! There’s history in all the wrong places and things are getting worse. This interactive walk at Compass Theatre challenges mind and body with puzzles, games, and mysteries to solve. Learn about the history of the park to help escape the maze. Advance booking required. www.hillingdontheatres.uk
Sat 16 Sep - Abbots Autumn Fest 2023 (WD5) A community fun filled day. Many attractions and games, live music and a licensed bar. From 11am to 4pm at School Mead, Abbots Langley.
www.abbotsautumnfest.uk
Sat 16 Sep - LGBTQ+ Family Network (SE10) 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. 10am-12pm. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ national-maritime-museum
Sat 16 Sep - Open House Festival (EC2R) Explore the Bank of England Museum for a rare weekend opening in collaboration with the Open House Festival. Join for drop-in talks and marvel at the building built by John Soane and Herbert Baker. Take part in colouring activities inspired by the Bank’s architectural features. www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum
Sat 16 Sep - HADAS Archaeology Open Day (N3) Did you know that Barnet has a rich history of archaeology from the Mesolithic to Roman, Medieval and other periods? Drop by Stephens House and Gardens and discover your archaeology with HADAS (Hendon and District Archaeological Society). Displays, finds, demonstrations on the lawn, tours of the gardens and children’s activities. www.stephenshouseandgardens. com/events
Sat 16 Sep – The Great River Race (W4) As part of the Totally Thames Festival the Great River Race will be run upstream from London Docklands to Ham. The gruelling 21 mile course attracts over 330 crews from all over the globe. It’s a great day out for both competitors and spectators. Go down to Chiswick Pier to watch - the race begins at Docklands at approximately 11.15am. www.chiswickpier.org.uk/greatriver-race-2023
Sat 16 – Mon 18 Sep - World Knot Tying Day (SE10) Celebrate World Knot Tying Day at Cutty Sark on Mon 18th Sep. The anniversary celebrates Clifford W. Ashley, who wrote and illustrated The Ashley Book of Knots, which features over 3,500 different knots! There will be a variety of activities and talks on the day as well as the weekend of the 16 and 17 September, so join in this opportunity knot to be missed! www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cuttysark
Sun 17 Sep - Spitfire Family Run (NW9) Chocks away – The Spitfire Family Run is back at the RAF Museum! This 1-kilometre run starts
at 9:15am and is perfect for younger ones or can be completed by the whole family. Family Run runners will be sent a race pack with race number and receive a unique race medal after crossing the finish line. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london
Sun 17 Sep - Hugglets Teddies
Festival 2023 (W8) Meet thousands of teddy bears and artists from around the world. Hugglets Teddy Festivals are held at Kensington Town Hall, bringing together enthusiasts, collectors, artists and teddy bear makers. www.hugglets.com/club
Thu 21 Sep - Museum late: All Things Archaeology (EC2R) Dig into archaeology at The Bank of England Museum with walking tours and special objects on display. Walk the route of the ‘lost’ River Walbrook with the museum team on a guided walking tour. Plus, dig into the collection with a table of special objects that tell a story of Roman Londinium. 5-8pm. www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum
Fri 22 Sep – Sun 8 Oct - Watford Fringe Festival (various) The Watford Fringe Festival is an extraordinary live festival full of great theatre, music, comedy, dance, magic and family fun-filled shows! This year’s festival brings over 85 performances at 11 venues across Watford. With world premier musicals, top stand up comedy, thought provoking drama, fun filled family shows, the best from the music scene and interviews with some A-list celebrities, there is something for all. www.watfringe.co.uk
Sat 23 Sep - Family Day: Our World (NW1) Take part in this creative day for all the family at the British Library - inspired by our world! Celebrate community, language, nature and travel, through various activities taking place all over the Library. Explore, make, sign and touch through fun and play. Delivered in British Sign Language and spoken English. www.bl.uk/events
Sat 23 Sep - Inclusive Singing
Afternoon with Chiltern Music Therapy (HP18) Join Waddesdon’s Charity of the Year, Chiltern Music Therapy, as they bring fun packed singing workshops for all the family. Designed for all ages and needs, and led by experienced Music Therapists, explore your voice in the beautiful surroundings of Waddesdon Manor – no previous musical experience necessary. 1pm–4pm www.waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on
Sat 23 - Sun 24 Sep - How The Light Gets In Festival (NW3) Blending philosophical debate with live music, this is a unique event where lovers of esoteric thought can share and influence their ideas and views of the world. Whether it’s watching live comedy from some of the UK’s brightest stars or dining with a expert speakers, This is a must for those looking for a new festival experience. www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tue 26 Sep – Sun 1 Oct - Chelsea History Festival 2023 (SW3) Discover the past in all its variety and enjoy an immersive lineup of events on a historic stage at the National Army Museum. Discover a vibrant programme
of walking tours, free open days, family-friendly activities and worldrenowned speakers.
www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on
Wed 27 Sep - Tiny Troopers: Mr Bear’s Mystery (SW3) Sing, play and create with your little ones at these fun, sensory sessions at the National Army Museum, perfect for ages 2 to 5. At this month’s Tiny Troopers, Mr Bear has gone missing and we need to find him! Can you help us?
www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on
Sat 30 Sep - Sun 1 Oct -
Traditional Harvest Festival (HP8) Discover the fascinating traditions of the farming history at Chiltern Open Air Museum. Find out more about a traditional Harvest and rural skills. Visit the Bodger’s Area and learn about what bodgers made. Learn about the fire kiln and saw pit, and see what the blacksmith is making in the forge. www.coam.org.uk/events
Sat 30 Sep - Sun 1 Oct -
Mudlarking Showcase at the Museum of London Docklands (E14) You won’t believe what mudlarks have discovered in the Thames! Go and see thousands of historic artefacts recovered from the muddy riverbed and meet the friendly mudlarks who found them. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hold history in your hands and hear the stories behind these ancient artefacts. You can then find the same objects in the galleries by following the family-friendly ‘Mudlarking Trail’.
www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ museum-london-docklands
Sat 7 Oct - Family Friendly Mini Model Railway Exhibition (WD25) The ever popular mini club exhibition will take place between 10am-4pm at All Saints Church Hall in Leavesden. Includes a Thomas the Tank Engine layout to operate. Light refreshments available www.southwesthertsmrs.org.uk
Sat 7 Oct – Northwood Craft Market (HA5) A wide variety of crafts to browse and buy, all handmade by local crafters. Crafts range from jewellery, fabric bags and purses, knitting, crochet, and watercolours, to embroidery, greetings cards, children’s clothing, soft toys, essential oils, home accessories and more. 10am-2pm at Northwood Methodist Church Hall. www.northwoodcraftmarket.co.uk
Sat 7 – Sun 8 Oct - Plastic Drastic Fantastic Workshop (HA5) Take a journey through the fantastic and drastic world of plastic at Harrow Arts Centre! Explore the fascinating properties of plastic through movementbased play and experiment with unconventional ways to upcycle. Get seriously creative together in a fun, interactive experience. Sat 8 Oct - Public Workshop, Sun 9 OctSEND Workshop. www.harrowarts.com/whats-on
Sat 7 – Sun 8 Oct - Family Fun
Weekends (SE10) Taking place on the first weekend of every month, Cutty Sark Family Fun Weekends feature workshops, songs, activities and experiences for all ages. Meet characters from Cutty Sark’s past and sing along with the resident sea shanty singers - for the real sailor experience, why not dress up as a member of Cutty Sark’s crew? www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cuttysark
Mon 9 Oct - Motivating Our Teens To Learn (online) As a parent it can be exciting and satisfying seeing your Teens grow into unique individuals and also challenging if you see them struggling or disinterested with school. During this online workshop you will discuss how to support your teens to sustain the joy of learning in the face of any possible struggles and frustrations. Call 020 8863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk
Fri 13 Oct - Family Under 5’s Workshops: Time to Grow (NW1) Celebrate the magic of growing and cooking together at the British Library. Join artist/ author Ella Phillips to make, touch, listen and play, in this joyful workshop inspired by her series ‘My Grandma’s Magic Recipes’. Celebrate food, family and the magic of growing and cooking together. www.bl.uk/events
Thu 19 - Sun 29 Oct - Zippos
Circus 2023 ‘Nomads’ London Hampstead (NW3) London’s Favourite circus is back at Lower Fairground, East Hampstead, with a brand-new 2023 show celebrating the circus’s nomadic way of life. Acts include the legendary motorbike Globe of Death from Brazil. There’s also fast juggling, knife throwing and whip cracking from the Czech Republic, and fearless feats of daredevil aerial artistry from the UK’s Jackie. www.zippos.co.uk
Sat 21 – Sun 29 Oct - Jet and
Space Week 2023 (NW9) Explore jets and venture into outer space with the RAF Museum this October Half-Term! Challenge your science skills, put your knowledge to the test and find out more about the place beyond the stars with a wide range of family fun activities and workshops. These include cosmic robot races, an out of this world planetarium, an extremely competitive paper jet designing contest and much, much more!
Sat 21 – Sun 29 Oct - Pumpkin
Trail (HA2) Headstone Manor & Museum has been invaded by pumpkins! Can you find them all to spell out the mystery spooky word? If you can you will earn a treat! No need to book. Pick up your FREE trail sheet at the museum entrance. www.headstonemanor.org/ events/pumpkil-trail
Sat 21 – Sun 29 Oct - Haunted Half Term (HP18) Head to Waddesdon Manor for spooky activities and family fun. Take part in a fact filled Trick or Treat Skelton Trail. Join Zoolab for their Creepy Critters show learning about some spooky and gruesome animals and insects or just sit back and relax in the powerhouse with some classic family Halloween films. www.waddesdon.org.uk/whatson/haunted-half-term
Sat 21 - Sun 29 Oct - Eek! Week (SW13) Discover an eek!citing and mysterious world of wetland nature this October half term. Will you dare to put your hand in a snake box, grab a photo op with a bat or get up close and personal with a toad? It’s a weirdly wild family day out. www.wwt.org.uk/wetlandcentres/london
Sat 21 - Sun 29 Oct - October
Half Term: Mini Monsters (TW8) The old River Thames was a scary place, full of monster bacteria! Find out where our water comes from and see the science that cleans the mini monsters from London’s water in the Soggy Science Show. There’s lots for the family to enjoy at the London Museum of Water and Steam. waterandsteam.org.uk
Sat 21 - Sun 29 Oct - We’re Going On A Bear Hunt (TW9) Get ready to wiggle into your wellies and head off on an adorable adventure of discovery through Kew Gardens. Based on the award-winning animation We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and bestselling picture book, this is an adventure for all of the family to enjoy as you explore different landscapes and make muddy memories in Kew Gardens. www.kew.org
Sat 21 – Tue 31 Oct - Halloween at London Zoo (NW1) Calling all little monsters and fearless families! For hairy but not too scary Halloween fun this October half term, trick-ortreat yourselves to a trip to London Zoo. Whether you’re looking for traditional Halloween crafts, hairraising animal facts, or a session in sorcery, London Zoo have got you covered for half term activities. www.londonzoo.org
Tue 24 Oct - Terrific Tuesday (HP8) Half-term holiday fun at Chiltern Open Air Museum. It can be tough finding activities to keep the children entertained throughout the school holidays. So on selected Tuesdays throughout the summer the Museum’s Education team have created special themed family activities, games and crafts all for the standard admission price! This October’s Terrific Tuesday will have a spooky autumn theme. Activities run from 11am–3.30pm. www.coam.org.uk/events
Tue 24 – Thu 26 Oct - Halloween
Adventure (SG1) The Halloween Adventure at Knebworth House will have the ever-popular Terror Tunnel, Halloween Games, Selfie Spots, Halloween Trail, Spell School (ages 5-9), Crazy Golf, Decorated Pumpkin Competition and more. 9.30am–12.30pm or 1–4pm. www.knebworthhouse.com/ events
Tue 24 – Thu 26 Oct - Nocturnal Animals (HP23) Put your senses to the test in this specially crafted night-time world at The Natural History Museum at Tring. Fully immerse yourself in the world of nocturnal animals and get hands on with the Museum’s specimens. Explore what these species need to live and thrive in the dark and create your very own bat to take home. www.nhm.ac.uk/events
Wed 25 Oct - Family Workshop: Pop Art Printing (HA2) Be inspired by Ketna’s work in the Britindia exhibition at Headstone Manor Museum and create your own popart piece using gelli printing. This is a messy workshop so please go in clothes ready to paint in! 11am & 1:30pm. Suitable for ages 5+. headstonemanor.org/events
Wed 25 Oct - SEN Autumn Tales Workshop (HA5) The stars twinkle overhead, in a cold autumnal sky. Animals big and small prepare to go into hibernation for the winter. The leaves are falling, and the first signs of winter begin to creep across the forest. Head along to Harrow Arts Centre for a sensory and interactive storytelling adventure as you head into the
woods to celebrate the turning of the seasons. For families with SEN children aged 4+.
www.harrowarts.com/whats-on
Thu 26 – Sat 28 Oct - Spine
Chilling Cellars and Garden
Ghost Hunt (N3) Stephens House and Gardens are opening up their spine chilling Cellars. You can also spot the ghosts in the trees and claim your prize. Start your hunt anytime between 1pm and 3.30pm. Booking essential.
www.stephenshouseandgardens. com/events
Thu 26 – Sun 29 Oct - Space
Odyssey Planetarium (NW9)
The Space Odyssey is coming to the RAF Museum this October half-term! Jet & Space Week’s star attraction is likely to be its Planetarium. The RAF Museum is proud to partner up with Space Odyssey who will be bringing along their Galileo Dome. Once inside, this live and interactive experience will educate and entertain visitors of all ages on the wonders of all things interstellar.
www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london
Fri 27 Oct – Market Lates (WD18) Late opening at Watford Market from 6-10pm. There will also be craft beer, a pop-up bar and delicious street food from around the globe, including Caribbean, Asian and Korean street food. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the ambience of market dining and be treated to a menu of fresh dishes plus drinks in the covered casual dining space.
www.watfordmarket.co.uk/events
Fri 27 Oct - Halloween Spectacular (HP8) The ‘Halloween Spectacular’ is back at Chiltern Open Air Museum. Take the family to this unforgettable, unmissable evening of spooky fun for all ages in the unique and atmospheric setting of the Museum’s historic buildings and woods. 5pm–9pm. coam.org.uk/events
Fri 27 Oct - Tring: Museum by Torchlight (HP23) Get into the Halloween spirit and dress up in your best spooky outfit to explore the galleries at The Natural History Museum at Tring after dark. 5-8pm. www.nhm.ac.uk/events
Sat 28 Oct - Matilda The Musical: Film Sing-Along (UB10) Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl, with a vivid imagination, who dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results. Go along to the Compass Theatre and enjoy this half-term holiday film screening. www.hillingdontheatres.uk
Sun 29 Oct - Family Workshop: Spooky Spiders (HA2) Make a beautiful web and spooky spider to scare your friends this Halloween! Learn how to make a pom pom and weave a web out of wool. 11am, 12:30pm & 2pm at Headstone Manor Museum. headstonemanor.org/events
Sun 29 Oct - Halloween in the Gardens (N3) Visit the Spine Chilling Cellars, join the Spooky Garden Spectre Hunt, marvel at the moves of the Fire Artist and enjoy mulled wine or yummy hot chocolate at Stephens House and Garden. 5-7pm, booking essential. www.stephenshouseandgardens. com/events
