So much to do with kids in London this half-term, the mind boggles. We’ve selected our top 10 events and some more daily picks to keep the whole family busy. Have a good one!
TOP 10 October Half-Term Events
1. Moscow State Circus, Ealing Common, W5 (Ealing Common tube)
Jaw-dropping acrobatics and high-flying stunts. 3pm & 8pm (Oct 22 & 24-29), 3pm & 6pm (Oct 23), 2pm & 5pm (Oct 30); adult £10-£28/child £7-£21 (Oct 19-30)
2. Word Up Festival, Alleyn’s School, Townley Rd, Dulwich SE22 (Brixton tube)
A dazzling programme of storytelling, performance, crafts, stalls, acts and authors over 3 days including top names Francesca Simon, John Hegley, Judith Kerr, Charlie Dark and more. From 10am, £4-£10 per event (Oct 22-24)
3. Disney Lion King 3D (U) at BFI Imax, Southbank SE1 (Waterloo tube)
Muphasa, Simba and friends are back on London’s largest screen. Varying times; adult £16-£18.50/child £11-£15 (Oct 22-30)
4. Fantastic Mr Fox at V&A Museum (Sackler Centre), Cromwell Rd, SW7 (South Kensington Tube)
Watch the film then see its puppet stars in the Power of Making exhibition. 11am-12.30pm & 1.30-3pm; FREE, drop-in (Oct 22-30)
5. Magic and Make Believe at V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 (Bethnal Green tube)
A magical week of live acts, puppets, storytelling, arts and crafts. 10.30am-4pm; FREE, drop-in (Oct 24-28)
6. Family Ignite: Myths & Legends at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 (South Kensington tube)
Take a magical, mythical voyage with Albert’s band, kids get front-of-house seats! Refreshments and healthy snacks on offer. 12pm & 2.30pm; FREE, drop-in (arrive early to avoid disappointment). (Oct 25)
7. Disney On Ice: Worlds of Fantasy at Wembley Arena, Engineers Way, HA9 (Wembley Park tube)
Mickey, Buzz Lightyear and other top toons get their skates on. £16.75-£48.85 (Oct 25-30)
8. The Adventures of Tintin 3D (cert TBC), at cinemas across London
Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson bring the boy hero to life in 3D motion capture. (from Oct 26)
9. The Insect Circus at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Rd, N6 (Highgate tube)
Glittery glow worms, beautiful butterflies and more creepy crawly acrobatics for ages 0-100. 12pm & 3.30pm; £12.95/£10.95/family £40 (Oct 26-31)
10. The Way Back Home at Arts Depot, Nether St, Tally Ho Corner, N12 (West Finchley tube)
Show based on Oliver Jeffers’ tale of a boy’s journey from his bedroom to outer space. For ages 3+. 3pm (Wed, Sat-Sun), 12pm & 3pm (Thu-Fri); £9/family £32 (Oct 26-30)
MORE DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
Fri-Mon
Kung Fu Panda 2 (Kids AM) £1.25 at Vue Cinemas, across London (Oct 21-24; also Oct 28-30)
Sat-Fri
The Three Pigs & the Wolf/Captain Grimey at Puppet Barge Theatre, Little Venice W9 (Oct 22-28)
Mon-Fri
FREE EVENT: Big Draw Week at RAF Museum, NW9 (Oct 24-28)
Tue-Fri
The Gingerbread Man, Little Angel Theatre, N1 (Oct 25-28)
FREE EVENT: Home Entertainments at Geffrye Museum, E2 (Oct 25-28)
Tue-Sun
The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark, at Lyric Hammersmith, W6 (Oct 25-30)
Videk’s Shirt at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (Oct 25-30)
Wed-Thu
Elmer the Elephant at Greenwich Theatre (Oct 26)
Kids’ Film Fun Holiday Workshops at Rich Mix, E1(Oct 26-27)
FREE EVENT: Storyscape at National Gallery, WC2 (also Oct 25)
Fri
Thumbelina: Show & Puppet Making Family Workshop at Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 (Oct 28)
FREE EVENT: Rastamouse Day at Willesden Green Library, NW9(Oct 28)
Sat
Mini Maestro Family Concert at St Martin in the Fields, WC2 (Oct 29)
Sun
FREE EVENT: Apple Day at Kentish Town City Farm, NW5 (Oct 30)
Coming Up: Don’t miss our Halloween Guide for London Kids
