From skating against the backdrop of the Giant Wheel in Hyde Park to a record-breaking ping pong tournament at Rich Mix, we’ve got this week’s action for London kids and families covered. Have fun!
Fri-Sun: Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, W1 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
The winter festival returns with free Santa’s Grotto, Angel’s Christmas market, fairground rides including the Giant Observation Wheel and the Alpine Hotel (Europe’s largest fun house), Zippo’s Circus with stunning new show Cirque Extreme and of course the dazzling open-air ice rink. Entry to the park is FREE, with ride tokens available on the day and prices for individual attractions max adult £10.50/child £8.50/family £34. Visit www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/tickets for full ticketing info (Nov 18-Jan 3)
Fri: Nutcracker on Ice at London Eye Ice Rink, South Bank, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
The EyeSkate ice rink makes a spectacular opening with a performance of the classic ballet by the National Ice Skating Association. 4pm, FREE (Nov 18)
Sat: White Night at Discover Children’s Centre, 383-387 High St, Stratford E15 (Stratford tube)
Celebrate the season in the beautifully lit-up story garden with mulled apple juice, star-spangled tales, snow globe-making and white flakes blowing from the snow machine. 5-7pm, £4.50/under 2s free (Nov 19)
Sun: The World’s Longest Pong at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
An attempt to break the official Guinness World Record for ‘most people participating in a ping pong rally’ allows all-comers to take part in the challenge, so long as you can legally return the ball to the other side of the table. Come along to be a record-smasher, play on practice tables or just hang out for the afternoon with food, drinks and DJs. 12pm-late, FREE www.pingpongengland.co.uk (Nov 20)
Sun: Stir Up Sunday at Gunnersbury Park Museum, Popes Lane, W3 (Acton Town tube)
Kids can explore Christmas past at Stir Up Sunday, traditionally the last Sunday of preparations before the church service for Advent. Learn why the pudding is stirred from east to west, help the museum’s Victorian servants pound sugar and spices and discover why mince pie recipes contain three spices. 11.30am-12.30pm, 1-2pm & 2-3pm, FREE (Nov 20)
Local Pick
Sat: Family Film Club: Horrid Henry (U) at Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2 (Barbican tube)
Catch loveable rogue Henry up to all sorts of tricks to foil mean headmaster (Rupert Grant) in this family comedy based on the best-selling books. There’s also a chance to win posters, joke toys or a Horrid Henry DVD in the FFC raffle. 11am, £5/members £3 (Nov 19)
Also check out the Pop Up Vintage Fair at Islington Town Hall (Sun Nov 20, 12-4pm, FREE).
Find out more great London Family Events in our November Calendar
