It’s been a week of ups and downs here at Babes HQ, but as usual we’ve bounced back in style. Looking forward to a chilled-out weekend, loads on from children’s theatre to baby disco! Here’s our pick for London kids and families:
Fri-Sun: The Tear Thief at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 (Angel tube)
Adapted from the book by poet Carol Ann Duffy, this heartwarming fairytale with puppets is about a thief who steals the tears of children – but what does she do with them? For ages 3+ (baby-friendly performances Sun 11am). Wed & Thu 10am & 1pm (11am & 2pm in half term)/Fri 1pm & 5pm (11am & 2pm in half term)/Sat 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm/Sun 11am & 2pm; family gala performance Sun Oct 14, 3pm; adults £12/child £10/half-price tickets Sat (Sep 22, previews) and Fridays after 5pm. (until Nov 4)
Sat: Family Fun Day: Live Life in Colour at Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle St, W1 (Green Park tube)
Find out how fireworks get their range of colours, try to trick your taste buds and make rainbows with indoor mists. Drop-in workshops suitable for ages 6-12, younger siblings welcome. 11am-4pm, adult £10/child £5/under 3s FREE (Oct 6)
Sat: Cabbages & Frocks Dog Day Afternoon, St Marylebone Parish Church Grounds, Marylebone High St, W1 (Marylebone tube)
Puppy love is the order of the day at this special canine edition of the popular central London market. There’s a dog show competition with fab prizes as well as doggy stalls to get your tail wagging. 11am-5pm, FREE entry (Oct 6)
Sat-Sun: The Big Draw Weekend at Cutty Sark, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 (Cutty Sark DLR)
Kids of all ages are invited to explore the ship, taking in her lines inside and outside and then to draw what they see using materials provided, as part of the month-long, London-wide Big Draw festival. 11am-1pm & 2-4pm, FREE with Cutty Sark entry (adult £12.50/child £6.50/under 5s FREE) (Oct 6-7)
Sat-Sun: Family Open Weekend at London Transport Museum Depot, 2 Museum Way, 118-120 Gunnersbury Lane, W3 (Acton Town tube)
Explore the museum’s treasure trove of 400,000 objects along with fun for kids including Toby the Taxi storytelling, miniature railway rides, make and take workshops, heritage vehicle runs and more. 11am-4pm, adult £10/child under 16 FREE (Oct 6-7)
Sat-Sun: Wimbledon Bookfest, various local venues, SW15 (Wimbledon tube)
This 9 day festival celebrating literature for old and young features a variety of events, talks and workshops including A Mouse’s Tale art workshop with Tony Kane, a meeting with Belle and Boo and a storytelling and singalong with the Wombles on Wimbledon Common! Times and venues vary, average price £7, some events are free (Oct 6-14)
Sun: Disco Loco at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, 42 Pollard St, E2 (Bethnal Green tube)
East London’s coolest family party is back with a bang featuring DJs the Lovely Emily and Reverend Milo Speedwagon and a brand new reggae room to get you in the groove. 3-6pm, £3/babes in arms FREE (Oct 7)
Sun: Pinocchio (pic) at Arts Depot, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 (West Finchley tube)
The classic tale of the wooden puppet who longed to be a boy is brought charmingly to life, using puppets and illusion. For ages 3+. £7 (Oct 7)
LOCAL PICK
Sun: London Orchard Festival at Camley Street Nature Park, N1 (King’s Cross tube)
Enjoy a seasonal celebration of all things apple at the park and wildlife centre. There’ll be live music, folk tales, local food and drink, activities for kids and workshops with an apple theme. 10.30am-7pm, FREE (Oct 7)
We also like
Tuck into the Real Bread Festival at Southbank Centre (Fri-Sun); keep cool at the Scandinavia Show at Earl’s Court (Sat-Sun); there’s a Japan Matsuri in Trafalgar Square (Sat); catch The Gingerbread Man at Jacksons Lane, N6 (Sun); visit The Big Draw at London Canal Museum (Sun); join a 10K Challenge and 3K Family fun run with Chickenshed Theatre, N14 (Sun)
