Can you believe it’s already the second weekend of 2015? If you haven’t already done so (where ya been, kid?), check out my 15 Things to Look Forward to in London 2015, it’s crammed with cool stuff to do with your children.
In the first London Kids Weekend Scoop of the year, we’re excited about:
Cirque du Soleil, Hoola Fest at Stratford Circus, Polar Bears go Wild at Unicorn Theatre, Winter Lights Weekend at Canary Wharf and a fab line-up for London International Mime Festival…
Have fun!
Thu-Sun: Cirque du Soleil:Kooza at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP (South Kensington tube)
The spectacular troupe returns with another dazzling show that goes back to their roots. Kooza combines acrobatic performance and clowning telling the tale of a melancholy loner and his quest to find his place in the world. Expect to have your mind blown. For ages 3+ (younger ones admitted if you feel they can handle it). 8pm (Tue-Thu), 3.30pm & 8pm (Fri-Sat); 3pm & 7.30pm (Sun); adult from £28/child under 12 from £17.80, child discounts apply to all except Saturday shows (Jan 6-Feb 19)
Thu-Sun: London International Mime Festival, various locations across London
Some of the world’s biggest circus, clowning, dance and puppetry acts take various stages in this annual festival showcasing the best of performance without dialogue. Recommended for kids age 5+ and 8+ are shows by Lonely Circus (this Sat & Sun at Southbank Centre), Circus Ronaldo and the amazing Gandini Juggling among others. See the full festival programme for times and dates at www.mimelondon.com (Jan 8-31)
Thu-Sun: Little Angel Theatre: Jabberwocky, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Angel tube)
Enter a deliciously dangerous adventure with a boy who leaves the world where grown ups rule, and enters a strange forest where the fearsome Jabberwock patrols. Mischievous musical mayhem from the puppet company behind Jonah and the Whale. Recommended for ages 6+, children under 5 will not be admitted (no baby-friendly performances). Performances at 10.30am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm, 4pm (times vary daily, check website); adult £14/ child and concs £12 children/family of 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children £48; Friday Fives all performances 5pm for £5 (Fris only) (Nov 29-Feb 1)
Thu-Sun: Once there Was… the Wonderful World of Oliver Jeffers at Discover Story Museum, 383-387 Stratford High St, E15 5QZ (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of one of the best loved picture book authors and illustrators. Celebrating the 10th birthday of Oliver Jeffers’ classic tale How to Catch a Star, Discover museum invites little adventurers to play in favourite scenes from his books brought to life. Row a boat, befriend a penguin, take a trip to the seaside, visit the Lost and Found office, and see stars appear as if by magic. For this Opening Weekend you can also meet the characters from his books. Recommended for ages 0-6 and their families. Term time weekdays: 3-5pm (Tue-Fri); 10.20am, 11.20am, 12.20, 1.20, 2.20, 3.15 and 4.15pm (Sat-Sun and school holidays; NB: 10.20 am show on weekdays during school holidays only) (until Sep 6, 2015)
Fri-Sun: Winter Lights Weekend Canary Wharf, E14 (Canary Wharf tube/DLR)
The ever popular Winter Light Weekend brightens up the skies and scenery at Canary Wharf with light installations, sculptures, lasers and projectsions from an array of international light artists. Paint with light, check out the graffiti and watch out for illuminated shapes and glow performances. All ages. Daily throughout Canary Wharf, FREE (Jan 9-11)
Fri-Sun: The Polar Bears Go Wild at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Brave explorers of the toddler variety are wanted for this not-so-ferocious adventure, in the company of two friendly (and rather naughty) polar bears. Where are they going, how will they get there and do they have enough sandwiches? Fun show for ages 2+, also deaf-friendly as very little language used throughout. 11am & 1.30pm (Tue-Fri); book fast as selling out already, limited availability this weekend for Sun shows (Jan 9-25)
Fri-Sun: Polka Theatre: Grandad, Me and Teddy Too, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Bring your own bear to the Polka’s Adventure Theatre, magically transformed into a winter garden with soft grass that kids can sit on and be part of the show. Join in her anticipation for her Granddad’s arrival from a hot country, and journey with them to wherever their imagination takes them. Special show for ages 2-5, younger ones welcome. All kids ages 12 months and over require a ticket. 10.35am, 12.35pm & 2.05pm (Thu), 10.35 & 2.05pm (Wed & Fri), 11.05am, 12.30pm & 2.35pm (Sat), 11.05am & 2.35pm (Sun); adult/child £11.50/under 12 months FREE (until Feb 6)
Sat: Hoola Fest New Year Party, Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, E15 1BX (Stratford overground/tube)
Spin yourself into a frenzy at this family friendly New Year party for hula hoopers of all shapes, sizes and abilities. Whether you’re a hoola pro or haven’t twirled one since your schooldays, you’re bound to have a blast with teacher Charlene the Hoola Queen. There will be hooping workshops along with Latin dance, swing, dancehall and other classes, all set to a massive party soundtrack with DJ Phil Asher and live PA from Moni Tivony (The Voice). It’s set to be a fab daytime fiesta for anyone ages 4 to 104 – and profits go towards funding FREE exercise and hoola hoop classes for London’s most vulnerable families. ! 1-6pm; suggested donation £10-£15 (or pay what you can afford); child under 13 FREE (Jan 10)
Sun: Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town/Chalk Farm tube)
Swing into 2015 with the ever popular family barn dance for all ages (bring baby in a carrier). Get your two step on to folk classics, with a live band and a caller telling you how to make your moves. Huge fun for the whole brood. NB: Limited tickets at door, book in advance to avoid disappointment. 3-5pm, adult £7/child £5/under 2s FREE (Jan 11)
Sat: Somerset House: Part Time Punks, The Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
A retro-themed workshop for the minis this weekend, inspired by current exhibition Chris Stein/ Negative: Me, Blondie and The Advent of Punk. Kids and their adults can recall the era by making neon pop-ups of their names and favourite lyrics to a soundtrack of the times. Ages 6-12 (younger ones welcome). 12-3pm, drop-in, FREE (Jan 10)
We also like
It’s your final weekend to Skate at Somerset House (until Sun); Stephen Sondheim adaptation, lavish fairytale musical Into the Woods (PG) opens in cinemas this weekend (from Fri); make like Enya at the London Boat Show (Fri-Sun); and it’s the last blast for the Southbank Centre Winter Festival (ends Sun)
15 Things to Look Forward to in London 2015!
This is a great round-up, thank you. There are always so many brilliant things to do in London for families.
Heading to Kooza tonight with the kids and will report back! Thanks so much for yet another great ‘to do’ list :)
Ooh how exciting, we’ve actually never seen Cirque du Soleil although we’ve caught quite a few of the other Quebec circus troupes. Do let me know how it goes!
Thanks so much Mums do Travel, glad you found it helpful, and you’re right – we really do live in a special city for kids and families!