We’re in mid-January already, how on earth did that happen? Don’t let the impending Blue Monday get you down (apparently that date when we realise the year’s kicked in and our resolutions haven’t)!
Get out with your little ones and check out these fun things to do with kids in London we’ve found. From family film, to children’s theatre, we’ve got you covered as always. Have a great weekend!
Thu-Sun: London Art Fair at Business Design Centre, Upper St, Islington N1 0QH (Angel tube)
Head to the premier destination for UK and European contemporary art, where more than 120 galleries are showcasing works by established and emerging artists. Along with exhibitions, there are talks and tours, a film programme and photography on display. 11am-9pm (Thu); 11am-7pm (Fri), 10am-7pm (Sat), 10am-5pm (Sun); adult £15 adv/£17 door/child under 12 FREE (Jan 14-19)
Thu-Sun: War Games at V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green tube)
Delve into the secret history of toys as propaganda tools as well as playthings, in an exhibition that also explores gender differences and looks at popular games from Risk and GI Joe to toy soldiers. 10am-5pm, FREE (until Mar 14)
Sat: Storytelling for Families at National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, WC2H OHE (Charing Cross tube)
Journey across the ocean and hear tales of one writer’s adventure and the diary she wrote chronicling her travels. Followed by an art activity, for ages 3+. 10.30-11.15am & 1.30-2.15pm, FREE (Jan 18)
Sat: Kids Club: Frozen (pictured) at Electric Cinema, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill Gate tube)
Ezra watched this with his school class and assures me it was ‘epic, Mum!’ I’ve heard great things about Disney’s latest release. Cosy up in the Electric Cinema’s cool and snug setting, for a Saturday morning treat. 9.30am, from £5 (Jan 18)
Sat: Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave in Brixton, the Effra Road Social, 89 Effra Rd, SW2 1DF (Brixton tube)
The hippest family friendly rave in town is back at its Brixton launch pad for another afternoon of groovy tunes and good vibes. DJs Joe Muggs (Sound of the Cosmos) and JC (Queen of Hoxton) keep the dancefloor lively, plus crafting with Happy Monkeys, licensed bar, snacks and fancy dress (theme: We Can Be Heroes). 2-4.30pm, adult £8/child £4 (Jan 18)
Sun: Moon Stories Family Workshop, Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, South Bank, SE1 9PH (Blackfriars/Southwark tube)
Join a space adventure where little ones can re-enact the historic moon landing, making space vehicles and a light-based lunar installation. Inspired by the Republic of the Moon exhibition, workshop with Moon Vehicle project leader Joanna Griffin. Best for ages 8+, younger siblings welcome. 2.30-4.30pm, FREE (Jan 19)
Sun: Mwalimu Express: African Family Adventure at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6LA
This month, our favourite multi-cultural family club features Cameroonian songstress Coco Mbassi, along with African film The Ambassador, DJs, food, crafts, market stalls, parent & toddler dance sessions, Oware games and a relaxed vibe. 2-5pm, FREE (Jan 19)
Sun: Family Day at Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, Hampstead, NW3 2RR (Hampstead Heath overground)
Come along for an afternoon of fun, games and crafts activities, taking place regularly on the third Sunday of every month. This Sunday features tales from Rudyard Kipling at 3pm. 1-4pm, FREE (Jan 19)
LOCAL PICK (ISLINGTON)
Thu-Sun: Dogs Don’t Do Ballet at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 (Angel tube)
Settle in for this sweet and funny puppet show for ages 2-6 featuring a ballet-loving puppy, after the popular picture book. 10am, 11.30am & 1.30pm + 10am baby-friendly Sunday shows; adult £10/child £8 (until Jan 27)
We also like
There’s still time to catch Hogwarts in the Snow (until Feb 2); ); get steamed up at the London Model Engineering Exhibition at Ally Pally (Fri-Sun); settle down for Magic Carpet Storytelling for under 5s at National Gallery, WC2 (Suns, 10.30am; take part in a day of arts, song, storytelling, performance and drop-in crafts at V&A Museum’s Chinese Festival (Sun)
