London Kids Weekend Scoop (November 23-26, 2017)

 

 
This Sunday marks the final sprint, just one month until Christmas Day! The London Kids Weekend Scoop is already sparkling with Christmassy fun, from the opening of Winterville on Clapham Common to the Hackney Empire Panto. Whether you’re looking for family theatre, children’s workshops or award-winning cheese (!), I’ve got you covered. Enjoy x
 

Fantastic Family Fun in London this Weekend

 

 
Thu-Sun: Winterville on Clapham Common, Windmill Dr, SW4 9DE (Clapham Common/Clapham South tube, Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Winterville is looking FABULOUS this year as it relocates to Clapham Common for an even bigger, badder Christmas experience. There’s so much to do, it’s hard to know where to start. Check out Mimi and the Mountain Dragon family theatre, or the enchanting Narnia-inspired World Beyond the Wardrobe immersive play sessions led by Tea Dance for Little People. The Big Fish Little Fish family rave sessions are sold out already, but you can hear great DJ music every evening in the Spiegeltent. Ride on fairground attractions, watch seasonal flicks with Backyard Cinema, play Plonk Crazy Golf, glide on the Ice Rink, or slide on the Roller Disco. Join in for free entertainment every Saturday afternoon in the Littlebirds’ Kids’ Quarter. And you can sample delicious food from stalls curated by Street Feast. Plenty of grownup fun for after dark too! All ages welcome (age restrictions apply for some activities). Varying times and prices for activities, Winterville is open 11.30am-10pm (Mon-Thu), 11.30am-10.30pm (Fri), 10.30am-10.30pm (Sat), 10.30am-10pm (Sun); main entry is FREE daily or £3 after 6pm on Fri & Sat (Nov 23-Jan 1)

Thu-Sun: Christmas at Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Step into a sparkling wonderland at Kew Gardens, as the famous botanical centre is transformed again for Christmas. You can catch Santa and his elves along the scenic trail that’s lit with hundreds of globes winding through the trees. There’s also a gigantic Sledge Tree made up of more than 360 wooden Santa’s sledges! Ride the carousel and helter skelter, see luminous petals, discover a walkway of bubbles, and don’t miss the light, water and music display in front of Palm House. Daily from 10am; regular admission adult £15.50/child 4+ £2.50/under 4s FREE (Nov 22-Jan 1)

Thu-Sun: Hackney Empire Panto: Cinderella, 291 Mare St, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central overground)
Everybody’s favourite rags to riches fairytale is given the panto treatment, for another uproarious Christmas season. The Hackney Empire pantomime is the best in town, and this year Aisha Jawando (Motown the Musical) steps into the glass slippers of Cinderella, playing opposite Chris Jenkins (Billy Elliot) as Prince Charming. Writer/director Susie McKenna is the Wicked Stepmother, with Tony Whittle and Kat B as the Ugly Sisters and Krysten Cummings as Fairy Godmother. Expect slapstick fun, lively song and dance numbers, a flying horse and plenty of sparkle. Cinderella shall go to the Ball, darlings! 2pm & 7.30pm; £10-£36.50, concs available (Nov 23-Dec 31)

 

 
Thu-Sun: Boing at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
There’s a midnight feast vibe in the brilliant show Boing, that follows two lads who are too excited to sleep on Christmas Eve. Father Christmas won’t show up until they hit the sack, but will these kids ever nod off? This is one of the bounciest, most entertaining dance theatre shows you can watch with your kids, and it’s back by popular demand at Unicorn Theatre. Perfect for ages 2 to 6 and up. HURRY as limited availability, some shows already sold out! Varying times from 10.15am; adult £12-£20/child £12-£14 (Nov 22-Dec 31)

Thu-Sun: Modigliani at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
A dozen Modigliani nudes (the largest collection ever reunited in the UK) take centre stage at this sweeping retrospective. Modigliani at Tate Modern explores the life and works of one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. His intensely sensuous paintings stirred up controversy when they were first exhibited, 100 years ago. Today they continue to provoke and fascinate. Also catch some of his lesser-known pieces, including portraits of his contemporaries like Pablo Picasso. Adult £16.80/under 12s FREE (Nov 23-Apr 2, 2018)

Thu-Sun: A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 8NB (Waterloo rail/tube)
One for slightly older kids, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale by Jack Thorne stars Rhys Ifans, with direction by Matthew Warchus. Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean old sort until he’s visited by ghosts of past, present and future and discovers the true meaning of Christmas. A heartwarming story filled with music and cheer, aimed at ages 11+ (for haunting, supernatural themes). 7.30pm (Sun-Fri), 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Sat); £12-£67.50 (Nov 20-Jan 20)

Thu-Sun: The Snow Queen at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Meet Kai and Gerda, best buddies who are so close they might be siblings. In this Christmas special, the two join with friends to reimagine Hans Christian Andersen’s classic winter fairy-tale. A dusty attic becomes the Snow Queen’s icy palace, as we get caught up in a storytelling spell, just as Kai is spellbound by the Snow Queen’s frosty kiss. Will Gerda find a way to melt Kai’s heart before he forgets her forever? Ages 5 to 11. Varying times between 11am and 7pm (check times on website); reviews £14/concs £12/general £18.50 (Nov 17-Feb 4)

 

 
Fri-Sun: World Cheese Awards at Canopy Market, West Handyside Canopy, Just off Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BZ (King’s Cross St Pancras)
Cheese lovers of the world, unite! It’s a smelly, delicious affair at this month’s Canopy Market as the World Cheese Awards (run by The Guild of Fine Food) take over. Come and sample some champion cheeses, and pick up hand curated cheese and charcuterie boards in time for Christmas gifting. There will be loads of cheesy street food available, as well as products from indie stallholders, live music and DJs (especially on Friday). All ages. Open Fri (12-8pm), Sat (11am-6pm) and Sun (11am-6pm); FREE (Nov 24-26)

Sat-Sun: Devising: Cunning Champions & Dastardly Dragons at Duffield Studio, National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
Be inspired by the National Theatre’s current production Saint George and the Dragon at this family workshop packed with stories and drama. Don your armour, and brave monstrous reptiles and other fantastical beasts, on an epic quest for ages 6 to 12 and their adults. Younger ones not admitted. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; adult £5/child £3 (Nov 25-26)

Sat-Sun: The Night Before Christmas at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
It’s Christmas Eve and a little grin named Emily is looking excitedly out of the window, waiting for Santa to come. Meanwhile, a little mouse named Eddie is wondering why animals don’t get presents too. Off he goes to find Father Christmas to get some answers. He has to avoid the family cat, and find his way with the help of a cowardly robot, and a tree fairy. Where will it all lead? The team behind Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and Aliens Love Underpants create a fun, festive tale for ages 3+. 11am & 1.30pm, £10/£7 concs (Nov 25 & 26)

 

 
Sat-Sun: Aurora Orchestra – Far, Far Away: Tchaikovsky and the Magical Kingdom at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
See your babes captivated by live concert musicians, as the Aurora Orchestra lead a magical journey through the Marvellous Kingdom. New chamber arrangements of some of Tchaikovsky’s most famous scores create an immersive show, with original story from writer-in-residence Kate Wakeling. See the Sugar Plum Fairy, dance with dewdrops and tussle with the rascally Mouse King. Ballet music and storytelling for ages 0-4 and their families. 10am, 11am & 12pm; adult £8.50/child £6.50/family £21.60 (Nov 25-26)

Sun: Museum Store Sunday, multiple venues
Exhausted by the frenzy of Black Friday? Enjoy a more leisurely shop at Museum Store Sunday instead. I love picking up quirky objects, books and toys at museum shops. It’s a great way to give back to the wonderful spaces that give us so much culture and joy for free. London’s best museum shops including Museum of London, British Library and Geffrye Museum will be among 600 participating stores worldwide. Browse for unique gifts, home accessories, jewellery, prints and gourmet food. All day (check individual opening hours), FREE entry (Nov 25)

 
We also like
The Gruffalo’s Child is now playing at Lyric, Shaftesbury Avenue (Nov 22-Jan 7); there’s laughs aplenty at Nick Cope’s Family Concert at Museum of Comedy (Sun); celebrate artists of all abilities at Royal Academy Family Studio: Free People (Sun); and the ice rinks are opening all across London, look out for full details in the Christmas guide out next week!

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)
Despicable Me 3, 11am; Child £2.50/Adult £3.50 (Nov 25)

Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
My Little Pony The Movie at 9.30am; adult/child £5 (Nov 25)

Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
Frozen + Olaf’s Frozen Adventure at 12pm; Adult/Child £3 (Nov 25)

Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone at 11.30am; £1.75 (Nov 25)

BFI Southbank: BFI Families, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
The Singing Ringing Tree at 12.30pm; adult £11.75/child £4 (Nov 26)

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

Once Upon a Snowflake at Chelsea Theatre (Nov 30-Dec 22)
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)
Framed Film Club Christmas Party at Barbican Centre (Dec 16)
Fun DMC Hip Hop Family Xmas Block Party with Jazzie B (Dec 10) and The Nextmen, at Last Days of Shoreditch (Dec 17)
The Snowman and the Carnival of the Animals at Kings Place (Dec 19)

The Big Babes about Town Christmas in London guide will be out next week!