London Kids Weekend Scoop (November 10-12, 2017)

 

 
Our London Kids Weekend Scoop sees Christmas festivals popping up in Southbank Centre and Leicester Square, plus some brilliant family friendly theatre picks too. Plus our cuddly pal from Peru is back in Paddington 2 (read our review), it’s out this Friday and you’d be mad to miss it. Did you know there’s still lots of Paddington fun at Museum of London too? Scroll down for more. Have a fab weekend!

 

Hot Ticket: Win a Family Holiday with Big Fish Little Fish x Villa Pia!

 

 
BOOK AHEAD: Big Fish Little Fish x Villa Pia Drum & Bass Toga Party, The Mangle (basement), 13-18 Sidworth Street, London Fields, E8 3SD (London Fields rail/Hackney Central overground)

It’s a Roman themed party at this upcoming family rave spectacular, with Big Fish Little Fish and headline partners Villa Pia. DJ SS will be taking over the turntables, with eclectic support from Savage Animal Sounds. Come dressed in your finest bedsheets and shake your toga-styled tush to big tunes on the dance floor. Craft with Captain Cookie, enjoy snacks and drinks (+ licensed bar), or relax in the Villa Pia Baby Chill Out space and meet some of the Villa Pia family. And guess what? All visitors will be entered into a prize draw to win a FREE FAMILY HOLIDAY AT VILLA PIA. Can I get a toga, toga, toga? In case you haven’t heard us rave about Villa Pia, read our VILLA REVIEW of this absolutely fabulous, baby-friendly holiday on the border of Umbria and Tuscany. Big Fish Little Fish parties typically sell out so book immediately to avoid disappointment. Visit website. For ages 0-8 and their senior ravers. 2pm-4.30pm; adult £9, child £6 and pre-walkers go free. (Nov 19)

 

London Kids Weekend Scoop (November 10-12, 2017)

 

 
Fri-Sun: Southbank Centre Winter Festival, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Embankment/Waterloo tube and rail)
Just SO excited to announce that Southbank Centre Winter Festival is officially open this weekend! Can you feel the Christmas spirit in the air? One of the most magical places to explore, this festival sees the return of dazzling family circus theatre Slava’s Snow Show (Dec 18-Jan 4). Other highlights include a Finnish rooftop sauna, ABBA singalongs, the winter market, fondue in a snow globe, family theatre Night Lights, Mamma Mia film and fancy dress, and lots more seasonal goodness. Varying dates, times and prices, loads to see and do for FREE for all ages. Winter Market open daily from around 9am-late. (from Nov 10-Jan 4, 2018)

Fri-Sun: Paddington at Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)
As the brand new movie Paddington 2 opens this weekend (it’s fabulous, read our review), this is a perfect time to head to Museum of London for their Paddington exhibit. Go behind the scenes of the movie to check out some of the distinctive costumes, as well as props, sketches and clips from Paddington 2. You’ll see his iconic duffle coat and hat on display, and it’s also a chance to view other well-loved childhood favourites featured at the museum, from Peter Pan memorabilia to the Steiff bears that inspired not only Paddington but Winnie the Pooh. The exhibit is in the Museum of London’s Show Space display, from 10am daily; FREE (Nov 10-Dec 19)

Fri-Sun: Christmas in Leicester Square, WC2 (Leicester Square tube)
Alright folks, so there’s no escaping as Christmas cheer blasts full force into the capital. Go to the heart of London as Christmas in Leicester Square opens for business. There’s cabaret, theatre and performance for all ages, plus Kids at Christmas for the whole family. Kid friendly entertainment includes Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Medicine (Nov 26) and Monski Mouse’s Christmas Baby Disco Dance Hall (Nov 11, 19 & 25), Winter Windows art installation, and a chance to meet the big man in Santa’s Grotto. 12pm-10pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-10pm (Sat-Sun); entry is free, varying times/dates/prices for different events and activities. (Nov 10-Feb 13)

Sat: Lord Mayor’s Show and Fireworks, (nearest tubes Bank/St. Paul’s to arrive, Blackfriars or Mansion House to leave, check TFL for best routes)
Kick off with the flotilla and vibrant procession through the City of London at this colourful annual festival. Then catch London’s most thrilling fireworks this side of New Year’s Eve! Head to Parliament Hill, Primrose Hill, Shooter’s Hill or other London vantage points, or brave the crowds along the riverside. Best views can be found somewhere between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges, either on Victoria Embankment or on the South Bank. Flotilla from 9am, procession from 11am, fireworks from 5.15pm; FREE (Nov 11)

Sat : King Alfred School Fireworks at The King Alfred School, Manor Wood, 149 North End Road, NW11 7HY (Golders Green tube)
It’s become an annual tradition for the Big Apple Hot Dogs family, as the Babe Papa serves up tasty hot dogs here every year. Beyond the yummy street food, you can enjoy fire spectacles, bonfire, kids’ entertainment, DJ tunes, glow toys, a vibrants atmosphere and a breathtaking fireworks display. Gates 5pm, street food 5pm-8.30pm, fireworks 7.45pm; £8-£12 (Nov 11)

Sat: Family Tours at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster SW1A 0AA (Westminster tube)
Mark the end of Guy Fawkes and his ‘epic fail’ in making Parliament go BANG at these guided tours for kids and families around the scene of the (almost) crime. These lunchtime tours whizz you through the House of Lords and House of Commons chambers, St Stephen’s Hall and Westminster Hall where Guy Fawkes stood trial. Why not also book for Afternoon Tea at the Houses of Parliament? All ages welcome, tours are best for ages 7-12. 1.30pm & 3pm (Sats); adult £18.50/child under 15 FREE (every Sat until Feb 24, 2018)

 

 
Sat: Kazzum: The Boy, The Bees and The Blizzard at Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, EC1V 9LT (Old St tube)
Be part of an exciting quest at Shoreditch Town Hall, to help Ben find his way out of a beehive. On arrival, you’ll don headphones and dive into the heart of the hive to meet a miserable leader hosting a party that nobody wants to go to. Can you help with prepping invitations, food and music to get the dance floor buzzing? This 50 minute adventure explores a border between two worlds using a mysterious, light and playful mission. For ages 6+ and families. 10.30am & 1.30pm (Sat), 4.30pm (Wed & Fri); £8-£12 (Nov 11-18)

Sat: Baby Broadway in Stoke Newington, 90 Mycenae Road, SE3 7SE (North Greenwich tube/DLR, Westcombe Park rail)
Enjoy a morning of toe-tapping entertainment with Baby Broadway, popping up at a number of venues around London including Blackheath this weekend. The family friendly concerts are set to put all comers in an upbeat mood, as West End singers bust out show tunes from from the likes of Singin’ in the Rain, Hairspray and Mamma Mia! plus new faves Moana and Frozen. Guests are encouraged to sing (and dance) along and all ages are welcome, from babies in buggies to school-age kids and their grown ups/grandparents too. 11am-11.45am, adult £10/child FREE (Nov 12)

Sat: Rave-a-Roo at Ministry of Sound, 103 Gaunt Street, SE1 6DP (Elephant & Castle/Borough tube)
RAVE-A-ROO is back with headline act Shaun the Sheep and a brand new space, the Courtyard stage! Join Dick & Dom and others for live music, stage performances, confetti action, neon crafting, Glow Chill Room, Funky Soft Play room, Old Skool Rave Room, UV tattoo station and Rave-A-Roo artists Go! Go! Go! (Dance Set) as seen on Nick Jr. 1pm-3pm & 4pm-6pm; £10.50 early bird, £13.50 adv, £20 door/group discounts available/babies in arms go FREE but require ticket (Nov 11)

Sat: King’s Cross Wizard School Family Workshops at Skip Garden Kings Cross, 1Tapper walk, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AQ (Kings Cross/St Pancras tube/rail)
Just a short distance from the Harry Potter exhibition at British Library, budding witches and wizards can take part in Skip Garden’s family friendly workshops. Explore myths, science and stories of plants and living things. Try your hand at wand whittling, magic potions and remedies, natural dyes, making spell gardens and discovering the magic of the everyday. For ages 10 and under and families. 2pm-4pm, FREE but advanced booking essential (Nov 11)

 

 
Sat-Sun: Museum of London: Celebrate Your City Weekend, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)
Explore new digital technologies at this special weekend at Museum of London dedicated to celebrating the City of London. Use a Raspberry Pi to create digital pixel pets and wearable tech; learn to code like a pro; help assemble a model of Tower Bridge; take part in interactive storytelling and loads more fun lined up. Various activities for ages 2-5, 5+, 6-11 and 8+. 11am-6pm, FREE. (Nov 11-12)

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)
The Tales of Beatrix Potter, 11am; Child £2.50/Adult £3.50 (Nov 11)

Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
The Jungle Bunch at 9.30am; adult/child £5 (Nov 11)

Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
Monsters Inc at 12pm; Adult/Child £3 (Nov 11)

Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
The Jungle Bunch at 11.30am; £1.75 (Nov 11)

BFI Southbank: BFI Families, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
War Games at 12.30pm; adult £11.75/child £4 (Nov 12)

COMING SOON

Soho Hotel Children’s Film Club, 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH (Piccadilly Circus tube)
LEGO Ninjago Movie at 10.30am (10am brunch); £10 (film only), or £20 (includes buffet brunch at 10am + popcorn and drinks for film) (Nov 26)

Booking Ahead

The Velveteen Rabbit at Unicorn Theatre (Nov 17-Dec 31)
The Snow Queen at Polka Theatre (Nov 17-Feb 4)
Framed Family Film Festival at Barbican Centre (Nov 18)
Big Fish Little Fish x Villa Pia Drum & Bass Toga Party at The Mangle, Hackney (Nov 19)
Hamleys Christmas Toy Parade (Nov 19)
A Christmas Carol for ages 11+ at The Old Vic (Nov 20-Jan 20)
Boing at Unicorn Theatre (Nov 22-Dec 31)
Winterville on Clapham Common (Nov 23-Jan 1)
Pinocchio for ages 8+ at National Theatre (Dec 1-Apr 10)
Disco Loco’s History of Reggae Party for all ages, at Hackney Showroom (Dec 3)
Fun DMC Hip Hop Family Xmas Block Party with Jazzie B (Dec 10) and The Nextmen, at Last Days of Shoreditch (Dec 17)