KUNG HEI FAT CHOY! We slip into this weekend of London family activities with several celebrations for the Year of the Snake, along with storytelling at Giraffe and baby animal tales at the French Institute. Plenty to entertain the little monkeys!
Fri-Sun: Tell Us a Story, at Giraffe restaurants London-wide including Islington and South Bank
To celebrate National Storytelling Week, Giraffe is teaming up with Barefoot Books to offer a basket of books in almost every restaurant. There’s also a chance to win prizes and a free kids meal (Friday before 5pm) with every adult meal for kids with their favourite books quoting ‘Tell us a Story’! Until 5pm daily, FREE entry (until Feb 3)
Sat: Baby French Tales at Institut Francais, 17 Queensberry Place, SW7 (South Ken tube)
Come along for a morning of engaging storytelling and songs in French for baby and caregiver. This week’s theme is ‘Les Animaux de la Jungle’. 11am, £7/£5 members (Feb 2)
Sat: Chinese New Year at Geffrye Museum, Shoreditch, E2 (Hoxton overground)
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at one of the museum’s popular workshops, this time to make and decorate your own Chinese lantern. For ages 5+, younger siblings very welcome. 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm, FREE (Feb 2)
Sun: Chinese New Year at Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, N6 (Archway tube)
Enjoy a morning of tales from China about Dragons & Monsters and let these inspire you to make your own Chinese lucky charm in the workshop. 11am (tales), 12-3pm (workshop); £4.50 (tales)/ £6.50 (tales) (Feb 3)
Sun: Chinese New Year at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
Another fabulous party to ring in the New Year featuring Lion dance and martial arts performance, classical and traditional Chinese music, folk dance, stalls, kids art workshops, food and more. 11am-5pm, FREE (Feb 3)
Sun: Disco Loco at Bethnal Green Men’s Working Club, 42-44 Pollard Row, E2 (Bethnal Green tube)
Our favourite family-friendly groove is back with baby disco tunes, dance classics to get the adults raving, popcorn, cakes, Indian vegetarian food (yummy), chill-out and more. For all ages! 3-6pm, £3/babes-in-arms FREE (Feb 3)
Sun: Artplay at Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Rd, SE21 (West Dulwich overground/Brixton tube)
The popular monthly drop-in workshop for all the family gives a chance to make and take home your craft piece. This week’s challenge is making Binka Bookmarks. 2-3.45pm, £3 per child/FREE with gallery ticket (Feb 3)
We also like
Rise of the Guardians at Electric Cinema on Portobello Rd (Sat), plus fun for grown-ups with a John Hughes movie marathon Pyjama Party at Prince Charles Cinema, W1 (Sat) and Classic Album Sundays playing Miles Davis at Hanbury Arms, N1 (Sun)
Image: Geffrye Museum web site
