How’s February half term treating you so far? We’re into the home stretch and the London Kids Weekend Scoop highlights a handful of events we’re excited about over the next few days.
Thu: Kung Hei Fat Choy! Get thee to Chinatown for a much more relaxed version of the Year of the Sheep (or Goat) that begins TODAY (Thu, Feb 19). The big Chinese New Year celebration of course is happening on Sunday, but if you have teeny ones who don’t fancy crowds, there will still be fun activities, food and sights to get you in the spirit from today. (Feb 19-22)
Thu-Sat: We like the sound of Dragon Storytelling at Foyles, Westfield Stratford, E20 (Stratford tube/overground). Head to the shopping centre for Chinese New Year celebrations including Lion Dance performances TODAY (Thu Feb 19, 2-9pm) and dragon storytelling at the Foyles bookshop (Sat, Feb 21, 11am) FREE, all ages.
Sat: The Royal Institution is a great place to spend with the kids learning about the mysteries of science and human nature and their family days are not to be missed. Sparks Will Fly at the Royal Institution (21 Albermarle St, W1S 4BS, Piccadilly Circus tube) offers hands-on workshops from phone hacking to simple programming to painting with light, giving kids a chance to get the most out of the technology we carry with us daily. Best for ages 6-12, younger ones welcome. 11am-4pm, drop-in, adult £12/child £6 (Feb 21)
Sun: It’s gonna be a roadblock for Sunday’s Big Fish Little Fish FREE Family Rave at Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, Se1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube). Get your dancing shoes on and prepare to bump hips with party people of all sizes in the Clore Ballroom, as you boogie down to live music from DJ Food. Aimed at ages 8 and under, BFLF raves appeal to all ages. (Sun Feb 22, 2-4pm, FREE).
Sun: Fun DMC at Blueberry Bar, 4 Paul Street, London EC2A 4JH (Old St tube/Shoreditch High St overground) is one of our top picks for the Half Term Scoop. A daytime hip hop groove for families including pre-party breakdancing workshop, followed by lots of throwing down (and hands in the air) to phat tunes from guest DJ Shortee Blitz, and founders Charlie Dark and The Doctor’s Orders. Hip hop hooray! 11am-12pm Break Dance workshop, £15 per walking kid (includes entrance to FUN DMC party / adults need tickets too); 12-5pm Party, adult £6/walking kid £5/family of 5 £20/non-walkers FREE (Feb 22)
Read more about Fun DMC, Imagine Festival, Chinese New Year and dozens more family friendly events in the Half Term London Kids Scoop!