London Kids and Families Weekend Scoop (Jan 30-Feb 2, 2014)

February’s coming in with a bang this weekend with so much fun for families, we can hardly pack it all in!

Here’s our weekly scoop of things to do with kids in London from Chinese New Year to family theatre to kids disco parties that are cool for grown-ups too. Enjoy!

Thu-Sun: Hogwarts in the Snow, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
It’s the last weekend to experience the Hogwarts castle model covered in a blanket of snow. Explore the Great Hall bedecked for winter, see the jumpers worn by the Weasleys and check out Harry’s gifts like the Invisibility Cloak up close! 9am-10am first tours, last tour 4-6.30pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour) ;adult £29/child £21.50/family £85/under 4s FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (until Feb 2)

Fri-Sat: The Wind in the Willows at The Duchess Theatre, 3-5 Catherine St, WC2 (Covent Garden tube)
Choreographer/director Will Tuckett brings Toad, Mole, Ratty and Badger to the stage in a spectacular production of song, dance and puppetry based on Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved tale. For ages 5+. 7pm (Mon-Tue, Thu & Sun); 2.30pm & 7pm (Wed, Fri & Sat); £15-£50 (Dec 11-Feb 1)

Sat: Cavatina Family Concert: Peter & the Wolf at Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore St, W1U 2BP (Bond St tube)
The young and dynamic Camarilla wind quintet present a fun and interactive hour with music from Prokofiev. Best for ages 5+. 11am-12pm, adult £7/child £5 (Feb 1)

Sat: LOCO London Comedy Film Festival: Matilda at Greenwich Picturehouse, 180 Greenwich High Rd, Greenwich,SE10 8NN (Greenwich DLR)
We ADORE the brilliant West End version of Roald Dahl’s book and now you can catch the original film adaptation starring Danny de Vito, Rhea Perlman and Mara Wilson. An enchanting comedy of a girl with magical powers and a love of books. 11am, adult £10/child £6.60 (Feb 1)

Sat: Chinese New Year at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
Come and celebrate the Lunar Year of the Horse in an afternoon of martial arts demos, Chinese classical and pop music, lively stalls, delicious food, and workshops including sand painting and paper cutting. 12-4pm, FREE entry (Feb 1)

Sat: How to Catch a Star at Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford E15 1BX (Stratford overground/tube)
The wonderful Oliver Jeffers has another bewitching picture book adapted for the stage by Blunderbus, acclaimed kids theatre company. Watch a little boy reach for the heavens in a show blending music, puppetry and storytelling for starry-eyed kids ages 3-7. 11.30am & 3pm, £7.50-£10/family of four £30 (Feb 1)

Sat-Sun: Once Upon a Time at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High St, Stratford E15, 4QZ (Stratford tube/overground)
Join in with National Storytelling Week at the centre’s interactive expedition led by a Story Builder. Make up your own story as a group and then draw your favourite moments on the larger-than-life story board. 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 3pm, adult £5/child £5/family of 4 £18 (Feb 1-2)

Sun: Little Howard’s Big Show for Kids at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Catch a classic kids comedy double act with Big Howard joined by his animated double, Little Howard in their attempt to put on the show of their lives, despite hilarious obstacles. For ages 6+. 1pm & 3pm, £7 (Feb 2)

Sun: Chinese New Year in London, across Chinatown and Trafalgar Square
The Year of the Horse officially kicks off on Fri Jan 31, but the big celebrations in Soho and Chinatown, including festivities in Trafalgar Square are all happening on Sunday. Come down for food, live entertainment, music and the colourful dragon parade. (Feb 2)

Sun: Disco Loco at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, 42-46 Pollard Row, E2 6NB (Bethnal Green tube)
East London’s coolest clubbing event for families is back for its monthly party. Enjoy music from DJs Earl Gateshead, Emilia Harmony, Rev Milo Speedwagon and host MC Chu-i keeping the crowd bubbling. There’s also booze, snacks and a happy crowd. 3-6pm, £4, babes-in-arms FREE (Feb 2)

LOCAL PICK (ISLINGTON)

We also like
Look out! It’s getting Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 at Barbican Centre Framed Family Film Club (Sat, 11am, £2); enjoy character performances at National Storytelling Week at Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich (Sat, hourly 12-3pm, FREE); see miniature wonders at the City of London Dolls House Festival near Tower Bridge (Sun, 11am-5.30pm, £3-£8)