May Half Term London Kids Scoop

 

 
Here we are, back with another May half term, and didn’t that come around quickly? Make the most of the next 10 days of holidays with our May half term scoop packed with family theatre, family film, family festivals, special events and outdoor activities you should check out. Have fun whatever you do!
 

BABES CHOICE

 

 
The Making of Harry Potter: No 4. Privet Drive Opens (pictured), Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
For the first time ever, visitors can walk through the doors of Harry’s childhood home, No. 4 Privet Drive and experience a piece of Potter history in person. See the Dursley’s exquisitely hideous figure, an installation of letters suspended in the air, and that sad little cupboard under the stairs that once housed a little wizard. This half term offers a chance to go behind the scenes of Privet Drive and also to experience the true magic of Harry Potter, from the sets, costumes and props, to the green screen technology that allows the characters to fly. You can also see the special effects trickery that sent hundreds of letters flying into the Dursley fireplace! First tours from 9am, last tours from 6.30-6.45pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour); adult tickets from £35/child from £27/family from £107/under 5s FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential (May 27-Jun 6)

Aladdin the Musical at Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street London W1D 4HS (Charing Cross rail/tube, Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Rd tube)
A whole new world comes to the West End as one of Disney’s best-loved animated movies hits the stage. All the music from the film, as well as new songs, dazzling choreography, colourful costumes and a stellar cast promise an exciting adventure for all ages. The creative team includes director and choreographer, Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon), music by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast), lyrics from Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tim Rice (The Lion King) and Chad Beguelin (Elf), who also wrote the book. Aladdin the Musical previews this half-term and is set to sweep UK audiences off their feet. Recommended for ages 6+, under 3s not admitted. 2.30pm (Thu & Sat), 7.30pm (Mon-Sat); from £27.25 (May 27-Oct 1)

Stratford Circus Big Fish Little Fish Carnival Rave, Stratford Circus Arts Centre, Theatre Square, Stratford, London, E15 1BX (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
The BFLF party posse bring their outfit to east London, with DJ Camanda (Bestival/Knees Up) spinning the choons and a ‘Carnival’ costume theme. Pop on your dancing shoes for an afternoon party with all the usual BFLF elements including Villa Pia babies and crawlers room, crafts with Captain Cookie, free glowstick and transfer tattoos for the kids, colouring mural, licensed bar, play area, glitter cannons and parachute dance finale. One of your last chances to catch London’s famous family ravers in town before Autumn! For ages 0-8 and their carers. 3pm-5pm, Tickets are adult £10 adv/£11 door, child £6 adv/£7 door and pre-walkers go free but require a ticket (May 29)

Dalston Children’s Festival, various venues in Dalston (Dalston Junction/Dalston Kingsland overground)
Back for another brilliant year, this half term festival brings out the best of Dalston for kids. There’s everything from skipping, hopscotch, hula hooping with Marawa’s Majorettes and other activities in Gillett Square; to family theatre and drawing workshops with Arcola Theatre, and East London Comics and Arts Festival. Take part in gardening, cooking and crafts activities in Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, play boardgames on the Hackney Playbus, experiment with music under the guidance of SoundsCreative Projects, watch family films and lots more. Daily from 10am-5pm (varying times), FREE (May 28-Jun 4)

The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
So many celebrations of Roald Dahl’s centenary around the country this year and this May is a great time to explore the colourful, interactive journey into the mind, habits and inspirations of one of Britain’s most revered authors. Touch, play and listen at this multi-sensory exhibition set to spark the imagination of anyone from age 7 to 12 and older. 11am-3pm weekdays, 10am-6pm weekends (dates and times vary); adult £10/child £8 (until Jul 3)

Why not also check out Quentin Blake: Seven Kinds of Magic at House of Illustration in King’s Cross?
 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

 
Beatrix Potter’s Birthday Party at Forty Hall & Estate, Enfield, EN2 9HA (Piccadilly line to Oakwood tube/Enfield Town, Enfield Chase or Southbury rail)
The May half term provides an opportunity to visit the Grade 1 Listed Jacobean manor house, Forty Hall and its glorious Estate in Enfield, where they will be celebrating the 100th birthday of one of our most beloved children’s authors. Come and meet characters from Beatrix Potter’s world, hear favourite stories and make your own hedgehog out of natural materials. Fingers crossed for sunshine, pack a picnic for the gardens! For ages 4-11. 11am-4pm; £4 adv/£5 door (Jun 4)

International Meeting of Styles Festival (pictured), Nomadic Community Gardens, off Brick Lane, 1 Fleet Street Hill, E2 6EE (Shoreditch High St overground/Liverpool St/Aldgate East tube)
Another year, another three days of urban culture represented by the finest graffiti and street artists taking over Brick Lane. Catch live painting from 50+ painters, writers and character artists; hear performances from musicians Ghosttown & Dabbla, Blabbamouf and more; shop the mini market of art and clothing; get the kids into painting workshops; and tuck into Dub BBQ among the pop-up bars and cafes and street food stalls. And you can check out the exhibition (until Jun 9) at Relentless Number 5 space on Denmark Street. All ages welcome, FREE (May 28-29)

Rave-a-Roo at Ministry of Sound,103 Gaunt Street, SE1 6DP (Elephant & Castle/Borough tube)
Kids, Play, Rave, Repeat. Rave-A-Roo describes itself as a “clubbing mash-up of festival fun for the whole family”. This half term sees another series of Rave-A-Roo events featuring DJs, live stage performances, confetti mayhem, neon craft, Glow Chill Room, PlayGlow toys, UV tattoo station and Rave-A-Roo resident artists Go! Go! Go! (Dance Set) as seen on Nick Jr. 1pm-3pm & 4pm-6pm; £11 early bird, £13.75 general admission/group of 6 (6th goes free) £68.75/babies 0-18 months go FREE but require ticket (May 28, Jun 4 & Jun 5)

London Festival of Architecture, multiple locations around City of London
There’s loads to look forward to in this festival including the upcoming Save the Children Den Day event and a special LEGO Architecture Challenge at Royal Academy later in the month. Over half-term kids can hear the story of Crystal Palace in special storytelling sessions, be inspired to create a new design for London Bridge, build a new Cardboard City, or join in a Family Fun Day at RIBA. Lots on for all ages, all of it FREE! Dates, times and venues vary, check web site (Jun 1-30)

London Philharmonic: Bottom’s Dream at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
Fnar fnar, they said ‘Bottom’. Alright pull yourselves together and head to Southbank Centre for a cultured affair aimed at all the family. Immerse yourselves in a sensory landscape of enchantment, confusion and a whole lot of half-assed behaviour as LPO and actors from Shakespeare’s Globe present a lively concert of words and music. Arrive early for free musical activities and a chance to try out different instruments. Lose yourself in the woods with the LPO and Globe Education in this special musical version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Expect enchantment and confusion, and a bit of silliness along the way, told through a magical mix of words and music. 10am activities, 12pm concert; adult £10-£18, child £5-£9, early booking recommended (Jun 5)

We also like
Greenwich Book Festival takes over Old Royal Naval College with 2 days of talks, readings and special Children’s Book Festival line-up (May 27-28);
Superheroes in costume abound at the Comic Con exhibition at ExCel London (May 27-29); Soul in the City is Islington’s community festival, run over a weekend or the entire week, by local churches and community centres including St Mary’s Upper St, King’s Cross Church, Bemerton Estate and St Andrew’s Church, providing free entertainment, games, crafts, kids activities and more (May 27-Jun 5); ride a real steam or diesel train and get tickled pink with Peppa Pig on the Epping Ongar Railway (May 28-29); the Foodies Festival pitches up in Syon Park for 3 days of demos, tastings and gourmet entertainment (May 28-29); bring your mini crime fighters for a FREE Novotel Superheroes Day at multiple Novotel locations (Sat Jun 4); enjoy a day of dancing, music and fun at the 7th Anniversary of Open the Gate African Market (Sun Jun 5, 12pm-midnight, FREE)
 

MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS

 

 
National Maritime Museum: Above and Beyond (pictured), Romney Rd, Greenwich SE10 9NF (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Embark on an epic adventure in this brand new interactive exhibition that explores the unique wonders of flight. Be inspired by the innovation, design and technology that makes air and space travel possible; take an elevator trip to the edge of space and view Earth from above; imagine how your body would cope on a flight to the red planet; design and race a supersonic jet… and loads more activities! Recommended for ages 7+. 10am-5pm; adult from £8.10/child 5-15 from £5.40/under 5s FREE (May 27-Aug 29)

Royal Gunpowder Mills: Wild West Weekend & Spy Kids Half Term, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY (Waltham Cross rail)
Shoot ‘em up at the Royal Gunpowder Mills as bandits from history ride in for an explosive Bank Holiday weekend. Dress up in your cowboy and cowgirl gear and expect loud bangs at this event showcasing gunpowder and shooting demos. Throughout half term the Spy Kids daily activities offer a chance to learn skills like fingerprinting, breaking codes, night vision training, bomb locating and much more. Fun for ages 3+. Gates 2pm, last entry 6.15pm, fireworks 7pm; adult from £9.75/child 3-15 from £7.75/family of 4 from £31.50 (2 adults, 2 kids)-£38.47 (2 adults-3 kids) (May 28-Jun 5)
Geffrye Museum: Spring Has Sprung, 136 Kingsland Rd, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)

Every school holiday the Geffrye Museum’s outdoor space and gardens provides the setting for some engaging family activities and hanging out time. This May you can print your own tea towels, create natural cleaning products, make herbal soaps and creams and bake delicious honey biscuit (with honey fresh from the beehive). All the workshops are inspired by the chores done by families and servants in the home throughout the centuries. 10.30am-12.30pm & 2-4pm, drop-in, FREE (May 31-Jun 3)

Horniman Museum: Dinosaurs – Monster Families at Horniman, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Get to know more about dinosaurs and their babies at this interactive exhibition revealing how the giants of the past looked after their eggs, nests and offspring. You’ll meet T-Rex’s relative – a life-size Tarbosaurus skeleton cast and experience a replica of ‘Baby Louie’, the almost complete skeleton of a dinosaur hatchling. The exhibition also has interactive stations and illustrations by artist Luis V Rey. We absolutely love the Horniman Museum & Gardens and May half term is as good a time as any to go exploring one of London’s treasures. Little ones ages 3+ can also take part in arts and crafts sessions on most days through the holiday. 10.30am-5.30pm, adult £7/child £4/family of 4 £17 (until Oct 30)

School of Noise at Chats Palace, 42-44 Brooksby’s Walk, E9 6DF (Homerton overground)
Fantastic sounding workshops for young ones where they get to experiment with electronic music and sound design. Construct mini synthesisers, watch sand create spectacular patterns as it vibrates, conduct an orchestra of fruit and veg and lots more fun! You don’t need any musical training to participate, just a good ear and a lust for learning. For ages 7-12. Booking ahead advised — don’t worry if you miss out this week more workshops are already scheduled through July and you can also catch them at Latitude Festival this summer. 10am-10.50am & 11am-11.50am; £5 per workshop (until Jul 2)

We also like
The Science Museum sleepover is fully booked but there are lots of fun activities for children over May half term (daily until Jun 5); robots, technology and more at V&A Museum half-term workshops (May 28-Jun 5); Tate Modern hosts for a discussion Art Matters: Contemporary Art and Philosophy with Children, for ages 8-12 (May 29); enjoy Ghost Stories, games and music at Handel & Hendrix Museum (May 29); try green screen technology to recreate a family portrait at British Museum, for ages 5+ (May 29); play with wind up toys and other devices at Museum of Childhood workshops (May 30-Jun 3); plant Sunflowers or tour spaces and characters from Shakespeare’s plays at Westminster Abbey (May 31 & Jun 1); Alice, Mowgli, Oliver and other Victorian kids inspire half-term fun at Ragged School Museum (Jun 1-2)
 

FAMILY THEATRE

 

 
Northern Ballet Present The Tortoise & the Hare at Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
Little ones will love the Tortoise & the Hare, Northern Ballet’s adaptation of Aesop’s fable about a very speedy hare who can’t stop gabbing about how he’s the fastest in the land. So along comes a tortoise, constantly mocked for his slowness, to challenge the hare to a race. He’s the outside favourite, but thanks to a little ingenuity, there’s a big surprise for those who don’t already know how it ends. Classic underdog tale in a child-friendly 40 minute production with music and live ballet. All ages. 12pm & 2pm; adult £8/child £6 (May 27)

Royal Albert Hall Half Term Fun for Families, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP (South Kensington/High St Kensington tube)
So much on for kids at Royal Albert Hall this May half term. Space Spectacular is a music and lights show celebrating the sounds of deep space (May 27-28); you can also join in Space Explorers and Space Ignite musical workshops (May 28). There’s a Family Discovery Workshop taking young ones ages 5-11 behind the scenes of the Shakespeare Memorial Ball of 1911, with a make and take craft session (Jun 1-2); classical concert for kids with virtuoso violinist Sophie Lockett – babies, buggies and budding musicians welcome (Jun 2). Go to infinity and beyond with Albert’s Band playing classical music for all ages (Jun 3); or take part in fun, creative workshops exploring Tchaikovsky’s music before watching the ‘in-the-round’ performance of Swan Lake (Jun 5). Swan Lake in-the-round performances play from Jun 1-12. Activities at various times and prices, check web site (May 27-Jun 5)

Udderbelly Festival Southbank Centre: Brainiac Live, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
It’s all happening in the big purple cow as the zany team from multi-award winning TV programme Brainiac Science Abuse bring their madness to Udderbelly Festival. Brainiac Live! promises a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful. Expect plenty of bangs, mishaps and mischief aplenty! Don’t forget your safety goggles… Ages 7+ 1pm (May 28 & Jun 4) or 1pm & 3.30pm ( May 29-Jun 3 & Jun 5); £17.50, sirloin seats £22.50, family of 4 £60 (available weekdays only) (May 28-Jun 5)

Morgan & West’s Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show for Kids (and Childish Grown Ups) (pictured) at London Wonderground, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
Prepare for a whole heap of tomfoolery as the time-travelling Victorian duo Morgan & West unbox a craft of wonders, surprises and what the heck? Described by critics as ‘brilliantly funny’, the show blends brain-busting illusion with nudge-wink trickery and laughs for anyone age 5 to 105. 3.30pm (2.30pm on Jun 4); £10/wonder seats £15/family of 4 £32 (May 31-Jun 5)

Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Queen Mary’s Garden, Inner Circle, York Gate entrance, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
You know summer’s around the corner when Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre launches for the season. We’re excited about this weekend’s opening show, Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild, described as the largest-scale production ever to be presented at the Open Air Theatre. Based on Morpurgo’s book and adapted by Samuel Adamson, it’s the story of Will, torn apart from his mum by the tsunami in Indonesia, who must learn to adapt to life in the rainforest. He befriends Oona the elephant, and an orang-utan clan, but then the hunters arrive… We’ve seen some stunning shows at the Open Air Theatre and this tale of love, loss and learning to live in the moment promises to be one you don’t want to miss! Look out for puppetry workshops before select performances during half-term. For ages 4+ (younger ones not admitted), but NB: scenes of high tension/bereavement themes, parental discretion advised). Shows at 2.15pm (Sat/Sun and Wed from May 21) and 7.45pm (Tue-Sun), no shows on Mon; tickets from adult £23-£46.50/child under 18 £25 (until Jun 12)

We also like
Hurry, hardly any tickets left for Little Angel Theatre: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Jun 4 & Jun 5, limited availability, other shows SOLD OUT); back by popular demand, colourful dance spectacular The Merchants of Bollywood is at Sadlers’ Wells, ages 5+ (May 24-Jun 11); celebrate Roald Dahl’s centenary with James and the Giant Peach at Polka Theatre, Wimbledon (May 27-Aug 14); catch Shakespeare Untold at Wilton’s Music Hall, a family friendly double bill putting a fun twist on Romeo & Juliet and Titus Andronicus (May 31-Jun 4); come in your PJs and onesies for Little Red Riding Hood at Arts Depot (May 27-31); see one-man dance piece Joseph Kids at The Place, for ages 3+ (Jun 4); Goosebumps Kids) in The Vaults at Waterloo is immersive theatre for plucky 5-11 year olds (until Jun 5); don’t miss Septimus Bean and His Amazing Machine at Unicorn Theatre (ongoing until Jun 26)

 

KIDS CINEMA

 

 
Alice Through the Looking Glass
From the wild, weird and wonderful imagination of producer Tim Burton comes the second instalment in the Alice legend. Alice Through the Looking Glass is Disney’s take on Lewis Carroll’s fantabulous sequel, with Alice slipping back in time to Underland to confront the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter). Johnny Depp reprises his role as Mad Hatter, along with Sacha Baron Cohen in a movie that will have your senses toppling through time, space and possibility. Released nationwide (opens May 27)

Streetdance Family
Follow the roller coaster journey of Entity Allstars, the under 16 dance troupe that stole the hearts of audiences at Britain’s Got Talent to reach the finals, as they aim to be the best in the world at the Hip Hop championships in Germany. This emotional documentary gives an amazing insight into the challenges faced by the youngsters, the guts and grits needed to make it, and the sense of community and family that comes from working towards a common goal. Showing in selected Odeon cinemas from Fri – read my Streetdance Family Review (opens May 27)

Thomas and Friends: The Great Race
The famous tank engine is back on the big screen in a brand new CGI adventure. Thomas gets himself in a bit of a mess (in more ways than one) when trying to compete with engines from around the world at the Great Railway Show. Fortunately engine Ashima can look beyond the surface to appreciate the good sort within. A film about being true to yourself that will appeal to all choo-choo crazy toddlers and fans of the Thomas franchise. Playing at selected cinemas (ongoing)

More London Kids Cinema Listings

A selection of movies from some of our favourite family friendly cinemas in London.

Barbican Cinema Framed Family Film Club, Cinema 1, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Kiki’s Delivery Service (May 28) and Zootropolis (Jun 4), both at 11am; Child £2.50/Adult £3.50

Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
Maya the Bee (May 28) and Zootropolis (Jun 4), both at 9.30am; adult/child £5

Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
Space Jam (May 28) and Kung Fu Panda 3 (Jun 4), both at 12pm; adult/Child £3
Half term daily screenings of The Jungle Book Live 2D (May 28-Jun 3, various times); adult £7/child £5/family £5 each

Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
Fantastic Mr Fox (May 28) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Jun 4) at 11.30am; £1.75

Rio Cinema Saturday Morning Kids Club, 107 Kingsland High St, Dalston E8 (Dalston Junction/Dalston Kingsland overground)
Zootropolis half term daily screenings (May 28-Jun 3, various times); adult £8/child £6.50/family £6.50 each
Kirikou et Les Hommes et Les Femmes at 11am + special live theatre performance Kirikou et La Sorciere at 1.30pm, part of Dalston Children’s Festival. Suitable for all ages, both FREE (Jun 4)

BFI Southbank: BFI Families
Half Term Filmmaking and Crafts for ages 8-12 (drop-off, packed lunch required). Timing 10am-4pm; prices £27.50/siblings £22.50; pre-booking essential
It’s Wonky Animation Time: filmmaking workshop 10am-2.30pm and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory screening 2.30pm-4pm (May 31)
The Great Glass Elevator… To Space and Beyond: filmmaking workshop 10am-2.30pm and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory screening 2.30pm-4pm (Jun 1)
Insectomania: filmmaking workshop 10am-2.30pm and James & the Giant Peach screening 2.30pm-4pm (Jun 2)
 

NATURE AND OUTDOORS

 

 
Camley Street Pirate Treasure Hunt Pizza Party at Camley Street Natural Park, 12 Camley Street, London, N1C 4PW
Ahoy mateys! Small pirates are on the prowl in this magical park, one of King’s Cross best kept secrets. Follow the woodland walks to where the pirates have anchored their boats; take part in treasure hunt games, disco dancing, marshmallow roasting, pizza making and more; enjoy giant bubbles, pirate gadgets and official pirate certificates to take home. All led by 2 entertainers from Puddles, who love using wildlife environments to create good times for families. 2pm-4pm; child age 2-11 £25/sibling £15/adults and babies under 2 are FREE (May 28)

WWT Pirate Treasure Hunt at WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes Bridge rail/Hammersmith tube)
Aaargh! Captain Blackbird’s animal crew has stolen his treasure and hidden it around the Centre. With the help of Polly his faithful parakeet you can piece together the puzzle, as you search for sleek fox, elusive water vole, cheeky otter and the rest of the crew. Together you can uncover the map and dig out the missing ‘pieces of eight’. X marks the spot! Pirate costumes encouraged. 10am-4pm; £1 per trail (includes small prize) plus regular admission adult from £11.91/child from £6.55/family of 4 from £33.27/under 4s FREE (May 28-Jun 5)

Victoria Park Water Week, Grove Rd, Bow E3 5TB (Bethnal Green/Mile End tube)
Head to gorgeous Victoria Park for a festival of water involving canoeing activities on the model boating lake; fishing taster sessions for budding anglers; an amphibian discovery day; a Water Fun Festival day celebrating the reopening of the Pools Playground; and pond dipping with the Junior Wildlife Club. All ages welcome. From 12pm-3pm (except wildlife club from 10am-12.30pm), FREE but booking ahead strongly advised (May 31-Jun 4)

London Zoo: Sunset Safari and Land of the Lions at ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
Visit London Zoo after dark as the Sunset Safari returns for select Friday evenings in the company of the zoo’s furry and feathered inhabitants. Experience the more than 700 species before bedtime, hear acoustic guitar and smooth jazz, tuck into treats from the World Food market. It’s also the perfect chance to discover the stunning new enclosure Land of the Lions where the Asiatic lions reign. All ages. 10am-5pm daily; regular zoo admission adult from £24.25/child from £17.60/family of 4 from £75/under 3s FREE (zoo open daily; next Sunset Safari on Jun 3)

Sensational Butterflies at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
The butterflies are back for another sensational season at Natural History Museum’s massively popular walk-through exhibition. Go on a hunt for caterpillar camouflage, and see the young ones awed by sights like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. All ages. 10am-5.50pm, adult/child £5.85, family £19.80, advanced booking recommended (until Sep 11)

We also like
Rain or shine, there’s tons to explore in glorious Kew Gardens (open daily); Spring Spectacular at Vauxhall City Farm brings sheep shearing, pony rides and nature crafts (May 28-Jun 5); pop to Battersea Park Zoo for Love Your Zoo Week (May 30-Jun 3); Chelsea Fringe festival offers a bloomin’ lovely mix of family friendly activities (until Jun 12)