London Kids Weekend Scoop (October 13-15, 2017)

 

 
Ugh, I’m just recovering from the lurgy of all lurgies. If you’ve been hit by this nasty bug going around, dose up on Vitamin D as well as Vitamin C and zinc (1000mgs) and Echinacea. Managed to survive the week and recover enough voice to deliver a kick-ass blogging workshop with my fab team at Mothers & Shakers. What fun, and we had brilliant feedback. If you want to start or grow a blog, keep an eye on my blog and social channels for details of our upcoming trainings. Meanwhile, check out the London Kids Weekend Scoop!
 

Black History Month in London

 

 
Don’t let October slip you by without celebrating the rich tradition of African and African-Caribbean culture in Britain. There are some fantastic events and activities happening not just during Black History Month, but into next year and beyond. This weekend, you can party it up at Africa on the Square in Trafalgar Square (Sat Oct 14 12pm-6pm, FREE) where there’s funky tunes and live performances, delicious food stalls, and colourful kids crafts on offer. Over at Rich Mix in Shoreditch, there’s the absolutely wonderful African-themed family club, Mwalimu Express (Sun Oct 15 2pm-6pm, FREE), a vibrant and chilled-out session of live music, DJs, film, food, artisan stalls, toddler dance and African board games. It’s on every third Sunday of the month!

If you love African movies, then catch the latest flicks from the continent at Film Africa, or head to Rich Mix again for Film Africa Family Day (Sun Oct 29, 12.30pm, FREE) with market, kids crafts and more food! The Basquiat: Boom for Real exhibition at the Barbican Centre is essential viewing and of course there’s still time to catch Soul of a Nation at Tate Modern before it closes (until Oct 22)
 

London Kids Weekend Scoop

 

 
Fri-Sun: Go Swinging at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
We’ve had the slides at Royal Festival Hall and now Danish artist collective Superflex have brought another playful installation to Tate Modern. You can sit on any one of 30 sets of swings, each designed for three people, that weave through the turbine Hall into the landscape at the south of the building. The idea is to realise the potential of working together, as swinging with two other people helps resist gravity and defy the laws of nature. One Two Three Swing! All ages welcome, parents do keep a close eye on your little swingers! 10am-6pm (Sun-Thu), 10am-10pm (Fri-Sat); FREE (until Apr 2, 2018)

Fri-Sun KidZania: Tom Fletcher’s The Creakers Pop-Up, Westfield London, W12 7GA (Shepherd’s Bush overground/tube)
It’s the famous indoor metropolis run by children and between now and half-term, your mini movers and shakers can immerse themselves in a creepy and magical experience. The Tom Fletcher pop-up marks the publication of his new book The Creakers, about monsters who live in an underground world beneath the bed. Explore your creativity and discover what lies under the oversized bed of protagonist Lucy Dungston, then draw your own Creaker with glow in the dark paint. For ages 4+. 9.30am-6.30pm, adult from £15 (online) or from £18 (door); child 4-14 from £18 (online) or from £39 (door); child 1-3 £10; under 1 FREE (Oct 5-31)

Fri-Sun: Cirque Eloize: Saloon at Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street,Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
Yee haw! Hitch a ride to the old Saloon in the company of stunning Canadian circus troupe, Cirque Éloize. Back at Peacock Theatre in another dazzling show of circus artistry, we follow a stranger as he swings through saloon doors. He meets Belle among a series of action-packed encounters. There’s Cyr Wheel, juggling, acrobatics, Chinese Pole, puppetry and more in this lively show, filled with folk and country music. 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2pm & 6.30pm (Sun); £15-£42 (Oct 4-21)

Sat: Big Fish Little Fish Animal Fantastical family rave with DJ Aphrodite at Fire & Lightbox, 39 Parry Street, SW8 1RT (Vauxhall tube/rail)
The legend that is Aphrodite takes over the family rave massive for a drum n bass spectacular, in what’s a brand new venue for the BFLF crew – Fire & Lightbox. The under-the-railway-arches multi room club promises a jumping dance floor with LED light ceiling and state of the art sound system. DJ Scott Duncan (Savage Animal Sounds) will be supporting on the decks, and Lonely Planet will be on hand to launch their latest kids’ book on animals and dish out prizes to make your cubs roar! Of course there’s all the usual BFLF fun too including Happy Monkey craft room with Captain Cookie, free glowstick and transfer tattoos, colouring mural, licensed bar, cake stalls, play area, glitter cannons and parachute dance finale. Villa Pia babies and crawlers room offers chill out mats and soft play ball pool. For ages 0-8 and their senior ravers. 2pm-4.30pm; adult £9, child £6 and pre-walkers go free (Oct 14)

 

 
Sat: Michael Morpurgo’s King Arthur at Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7 9EF (Caledonian Rd tube)
Award winning Story Pocket Theatre storms into Pleasance Theatre, with an adaptation of a legendary tale, reworked by one of our best loved children’s authors. A drowning boy is rescued by a mysterious old man who claims to be King Arthur Pendragon. Through innovative storytelling, puppetry and a touch of magic, the boy (and the audience) are transported back to the days of Camelot. Merlin, Sir Lancelot, and other Knights of the Round Table are all set to make an appearance in this thrilling tale. Ages 7+. 12:30 – 13:45 16:00 – 17:15; £10/£8 concs (Oct 14)

Sat-Sun: Polka Theatre: Child of the Divide, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
LAST CHANCE: 2017 marks the 70th anniversary of the partition of India and Child of the Divide is a timely reminder of its lasting effects. Set in the summer of 1947, it tells the tale of young Pali whose hand slips from his father’s, as 16 million people move between India and the new Pakistan. He’s taken in by a Muslim family and when his real dad comes to claim him, Pali has to choose between his Hindu birthright and his Muslim upbringing. Rich and compelling drama for ages 7-14 (unsuitable for younger ones). 2.30pm & 5.30pm (Sat Oct 7), 4.30pm (Wed), 2pm & 5pm (Sat Oct 14), 2pm (Suns); £13.50 (until Oct 15)

Sat-Sun: Beowulf (ages 8+) at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Monster slayer, hero, rock star…Beowulf is a legend in the true sense, and in this 21st century reimagining, he’s more than just a name in Olde English folklore. One actor plays Beowulf as he prepares for his final battle. He looks back over his life and examines what it means to be a leader — is it about victory at all costs, or is there another way? Chris Thorpe brings this tale to life with an immersive metal and electro-infused live soundtrack, flashing lights and dry ice! For ages 8+. 1.30pm (Sat-Sun), various other times and dates available; adult £10-£18, child under 18 £8-£10 (until Nov 5)

 

 
Sun: Gordon Buchanan: Animal Friends and Me at Royal Geographic Society, 1 Kensington Gore, SW7 2AR (South Kensington tube)
Something to make your heart sing, wild things! BBC TV wildlife presenter and cameraman Gordon Buchanan takes your burning questions on animal life, at this one-off show in central London. He shares his globe-trotting adventures, with film footage and photography of some of his most daring encounters with beasts of all nations. An evening not to be missed, more suitable for older kids ages 7+. 7pm-9.30pm, £18.50-£22.50 (Oct 15)

Sun: Dr Seuss’s The Lorax (main image) at the Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 8NB (Waterloo tube/rail)
Dr Seuss’s classic tale of a moustached creature on a mission to save our planet is back by popular demand at the Old Vic for a limited run. The Lorax has one goal in mind: to put a stop to The Once-ler, a mean old tree-slaying businessman. The environmental themes are cleverly weaved in to this gloriously infectious show created by David Greig and director Max Webster (James and the Giant Peach, To Kill a Mockingbird, Twelfth Night). Dazzling puppetry, catchy music and rave reviews. For ages 6+. Kids ages 3 and under only admitted at special Relaxed Performances for younger ones (check web site for details). Show times 3pm & 7pm: £12-£38/under 16s half-price on bands A, B and C tickets (Oct 15-Nov 5)

Sun: Arts Depot: The Hunting of the Snark, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
Climb aboard for an incredible voyage, with an improbable crew, to hung an imaginary creature in this lively adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s much loved poem. The Hunting of the Snark sees five actors, and their life-life puppets, lead viewers on an adventure on the high seas. On the quest to catch the mythical Snark, you’ll encounter the Bandersnatch, the Boojum, the Jub Jub bird and other tongue-tangling creatures. Funny, fast-paced and perfect for ages 3+. 1.30pm & 4.30pm; £8/£11/£13 (Oct 15)

Sun: Royal Institution Family Masterclass, 21 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BS (Green Park tube)
Join the Ri’s Science Presenter Dan Plane to delve into the mysteries of the mind, exploring the science of psychology and what makes is behave the way we do. This hands-on workshop will take us into the deepest parts of our brains to ask questions about why our body knows where it is, how our brain understands what we see, and much more. For ages 7-12 and at least 1 adult/carer. For ages 7-12. 10:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm; adult £20/child £15, discounts for members (Oct 15)

 

 
Sun: The Big Draw at Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, NW3 2RR (Hampstead Heath overground, Hampstead/Belsize Park tube)
If you’re a fan of literary giant Keats, then it’s worth visiting the Georgian villa where he drew inspiration for some of his greatest works. This weekend, it’s the art of drawing, not writing, that’s being celebrated at Keats House as the annual October Big Draw Festival takes over the house. Bring the whole crew along for a family workshop led by artist Zoe Bates exploring this year’s theme ‘Living Lines’. All ages welcome. 1pm-4pm drop in; FREE (Oct 15)

We also like
Discover and make decoupage caskets at the Sir John Soane’s Museum family workshop (Sat); enjoy a rare date night while your kids get looked after by Showstoppers at Arts Depot (Sat); sign up for the Lab Life: Coding Weekend with the fantastic Institute for Imagination (Sat-Sun); trip to the light fantastic at the wonderful Diwali on the Square festival in Trafalgar Square (Sun)

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)
Framed Film Club: Captain Underpants), 11am; Child £2.50/Adult £3.50 (Oct 14)

Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
The Lion King at 9.30am; adult/child £5 (Oct 14)

Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
Despicable Me 3 at 12pm; Adult/Child £3 (Oct 14)

Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
Captain Underpants at 11.30am; £1.75 (Oct 7)

COMING SOON

BFI Southbank: BFI Families, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Whistle Down the Wind at 1pm; adult £11.75/child £4 (Oct 22)

Soho Hotel Children’s Film Club, 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Captain Underpants at 10.30am (10am brunch); £10 (film only), or £20 (includes buffet brunch at 10am + popcorn and drinks for film) (Oct 29)

Booking Ahead

Gerry Cottle’s Magic Circus on Ealing Common (Oct 19-29)
Harry Potter: A History of Magic (Oct 20-Feb 28, 2018)
Kidtropolis at ExCel London (Oct 23-26)
Hitchcock for Kids at Ragged School Museum http://www.raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk/

Loads of ideas also in my London in Autumn guide