Weekend Scoop for London Kids and Families (Nov 15-18)

There’s toddler jazz and Beethoven for bubs, magical lights in Syon Park and a Stick Man loose in Leicester Square. Plus don’t miss the amazing line-up at the Barbican’s Framed Family Film Festival. Tons on for London kids and families in town this week. Enjoy!

Thu: Jazz for Toddlers at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
Vibraphonist Orphy Robinson leads a swinging session aimed at kids ages 2 to 5 as part of the London Jazz Festival. 2pm, adult £5/child £3 (Nov 15)

Fri-Sun: The Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park, Syon House, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF (Waterloo to Kew Bridge/Brentford or Syon Lane rail)
Thousands of colourful lights transform Syon Park gardens in this magical seasonal event. 5-9pm, adult £7/child £3 (Nov 16-Dec 2)

Fri-Sun: Stick Man (pic) at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2 (Leicester Square tube)
Hugely acclaimed adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler’s tale returns to the West End for a limited Christmas run. Stick Man embarks on a twiggy adventure to get back to the family tree. Filled with music, puppetry and moves for ages 3+. 10.30am (Wed-Fri), 10.30am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); £10 (Nov 17-Jan 8)

Sat: Mini Maestro: Beethoven’s Eroica at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2 (Charing Cross tube)
Hear great music for little ears with the London Musical Arts Orchestra, ride an orchestra side car, go on a symphonic treasure hunt and even become a conductor. 4.30pm, adult £8.50/child £6.50 (Nov 17)

Sat: Highgate Christmas Village Festival in Pond Square, Highgate Village, N6 (Archway tube)
Get in the spirit of things as cheeky TV chappie Alex Zane turns on the lights (6.15pm) to a backdrop of mince pies, mulled wine and music, plus roast chestnuts, Santa visits and festive shopping. 4.30-6.30pm, FREE (Nov 17)

Sat-Sun: White Night at Discover Story Centre, Stratford, E16 (Stratford tube/overground)
Dress up warm and explore the magical, lit up centre with snow machine. Hear wintry stories and make a magic lanter. 5.30-7.30pm (early booking advised); adult £8/child £6 (Nov 17-18)

Sat-Sun: Framed Family Film Festival at Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC1 (Barbican tube)
Exciting new family film festival launches this weekend at the Barbican (and 9 partner venues), with a range of screenings, talks and workshops including films for young ‘uns like Ernest and Celestine, Lotte and the Moonstone Secret, Alfie the Little Werewolf and Zarafa; plus a chance to learn the nuts and bolts of filmmaking, family crafts and learning and a special animation workshop with Aardman Studios (of Wallace and Grommit fame). Times vary, tickets range from adult £5-£10/child £3-£6 for films and workshops (Nov 17-25)

Local Pick

Fri: Nearly New Baby & Kids Clothing, Toys & Equipment Sale at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Thornhill Square, N1 (Caledonian Rd tube/overground)
Pick up a bargain at this local mums’ sale with top quality clobber going for a song (e.g. Gap onesies for £1, Hugo Boss shirts for £3). More than 10% of the profits will go to the church. 10.30am-1pm; £1 entry (entry fee goes to the church) (Nov 16)

We also like
Watch Singing in the Rain FREE AT 7pm at Green Lens Studio, N4 (Thu); chocoholics indulge for FREE at Bar Aero at Old Truman Brewery, 12-7pm all weekend (Fri-Sun); get up to 70% off top kids brands at Sparkle and Spin Sample Sale, 10am-1pm at St Barnabas Parish Hall, Dulwich (Sat); big kids (ages 6+ only) will love Pinocchio at Little Angel Theatre (from Sat until Jan 27)