With London still in shock from recent madness, the weekend’s a great time to escape with the family into the movies at 02, musicals in Kids Week or get lost in a maze at the Serpentine. Whatever you do, stay cool.
Fri-Sun: Family Films at Empire Big Screen, 02, Peninsula Square SE10 (North Greenwich tube)
A mini-festival for movie lovers takes over the 02 with special events for families including a satellite conversation with The Muppets, a Star Wars Jedi training school, meet animals from flicks like 101 Dalmatians and celebrate 25 years of Pixar with classic screenings. 12-6pm, tickets from £10/family ticket £30 on the door (Aug 12-14)
Sat-Sun: Children’s Literature Festival at Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Rd, SE1 (Lambeth North tube)
Explore stories of conflict and survival in this series of talks and workshops, many aimed at older kids but several suitable for all ages including Michael Morpurgo on War Horse (Sat, 11am-1pm, £6), Michelle Magorian on Goodnight Mr. Tom (Sun, 11am-1pm, £6) and a chance to unpack an Evacuee’s Suitcase (Sun, 12-2pm, free) and get an insight into life for children in WW2. From 11am, varying prices (Aug 13-21)
Sun: Amazing Mazes at Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens W2 (Lancaster Gate tube)
Put your thinking caps on and your crafty hands to work to construct a giant labyrinth at the gallery, inspired by the current exhibition by Michelangelo Pistoletto. All ages. 12-5pm, free (Aug 14)
Special Event
Fri-Sun: Kids Week across West End theatres
One child for free, two children half-price with just one full-paying adult for top West End shows, events and activities. Kids Week, extended for 2 weeks by popular demand, fun for under 5s includes Tiger Tea Party – fancy dress tea with Tiger Who Came to Tea cast. Varying times and prices, visit www.kidsweek.co.uk for full schedule. (Aug 12-Sep 4)
Local Pick
Fri: Crazy Sock Puppets at Islington Museum, Finsbury Library, 245 St. John St, EC1 (Angel tube)
Celebrate 50 years of the Little Angel Theatre at this handy workshop where you get the chance to design, decorate and take your sock puppet home with you. Ages 5-11. 11am-12pm and 2-3pm, free (Aug 12)
