What’s on this weekend while we’re stuck at home? The government has extended Lockdown 3 until at least March (and probably longer, judging by the current state of things). So it’s time to dig in and enjoy some culture from our living rooms. Here’s your Weekend Scoop of 12 fun things to do in lockdown for kids and families — from virtual theatre to family cooking.
12 fun things to do in lockdown for kids and families
Thu-Sun: Stick Man Live
LAST CHANCE: Catch Stick Man (pictured above), the popular stage adaptation by Freckle Productions of one of Julia Donaldson’s much-loved tales. Follow the Stick Man through the forest as he tries to get back to his family tree. The made-for-TV version streams until Sunday, for £20 per household.
Thu & Tue: Step It Up with the Royal Academy of Dance
RAD invites you to beat the lockdown blues with a range of dance fitness classes, delivered straight to your living room. All ages and abilities are welcome to join in and try out a range of styles — from ballet to jazz, ballroom to street. Classes are live on 12.30pm (Tue & Thu) and available on RAD Facebook and YouTube channels after; FREE (Jan 28-Feb 18/ongoing)
Sat-Sun: Tails from the Zoo
Are you sitting comfortably? Raise a paw if you’re ready to begin. Tails from the Zoo is a series of virtual bedtime stories from London and Whipsnade zoos. Animals are at the heart of each session with zookeepers reading in the company of Sumatran tigers for the Tiger who came to Tea and with Ganas the Komodo dragon for Tom Fletcher’s There’s a Dragon in my Book. Catch a tale told live from the two zoos’ most popular exhibits every Sat and Sun evening. All ages welcome, best for 3+. 6.30pm (Sat & Sun); live stream and catchup free on the Zoos’ official Facebook pages (Jan 16-Feb 21)
Sat-Sun: Garfield: The Musical + More Children’s Theatre On Demand on Stream.Theatre
stream.theatre is the world’s virtual stage, helping audiences stream brilliant live shows and offering a platform for theatre performers and producers. This month, they’ve launched some fab children’s content including Pongo’s Party, for ages 2-7, featuring the voice of CBeebies legend Justin Fletcher (Jan 30-Mar 31); Garfield: The Musical with Cattitude starring everyone’s favourite sardonic kitty (Jan 30-Feb 14); Grimmz Fairy Tales, a hip hop spin on fables like Snow White and Rapunzel (Jan 30-Mar 31). Coming up: The Velveteen Rabbit, adapted from the classic children’s story (Jan 30-Mar 31) and Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba, about 11 year old Daniel who escapes Nazi Germany for adventures in Cuba (Jan 30-Mar 31). Available on demand: ticket range £13-£15 (includes transaction fee) (Jan 30-Mar 31)
Various: Wild Life Drawing
Ever wanted to draw a live animal? Stretch your creative abilities with these popular Wild Life Drawing Classes. They are running free classes on Instagram Live (donations welcome) and paid classes via Zoom. These are step-by-step tutorials from reference images you can follow along with, and all ages and abilities are welcome to take part. Be sure to download Reference Image Pack and list of materials before the drawing session. Upcoming classes include Horse, Baby Chimps and another Instagram Live drawing Rhinos! Watch the most recent Instagram Live on Drawing Cats HERE https://www.instagram.com/wildlifedrawing/. Various times and prices; check website for next sessions (ongoing)
Daily: The Very Hungry Caterpillar virtual stream
The Very Hungry Caterpillar was Ezra’s favourite book when he was about 2. I remember him climbing up and ‘reading’ it aloud, before he could form words from letters, simply because he’d heard me read it so many times. Babes ages 1 to 6 (and families) will adore the live stream version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar production. This colourful show features a menagerie of 75 enchanting puppets weaving in four classic picture books from the wonderful world of Eric Carle. Available on demand: 50 minute show; £14.50 (3 Day Pass), £16.50 (5 Day Pass), £18.50 (7 Day Pass) (until Feb 28)
Daily: Zebra Skate: Private Skating Lessons at the Albert Memorial, Kensington Gardens, S Carriage Dr, London SW7 1QH
I’ve asked the kids to get me roller skates for my birthday. Am I nuts? Midlife crisis? Skating is a huge lockdown craze and a great way to get the kids outdoors. Zebra Skate are offering 1:1 Covid-secure classes for young rollerblading and skateboarding enthusiasts. They’ll provide free rental equipment (or bring your own but check ahead if it’s the right kit), you just turn up with socks or shows and loose, comfy clothing. 1 hour lesson £65; bookings via +44 (0)7888 044 544 or website. (ongoing)
Daily: Sadler’s Wells: Dancing Nation
Don’t miss this special 3-hour festival of world-class dance. Go behind the scenes with Brenda Emmanus and watch hot talent from ballet, contemporary and hip-hop dance. Companies include Akram Khan, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Boy Blue, Breakin’ Convention, Candoco Dance Company, English National Ballet, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and more. The show was pre-recorded at Sadler’s Wells and airs from Jan 28 on BBC iPlayer (international audiences can watch via the Sadler’s Wells website). All day, FREE (Jan 28-Feb 28)
Daily: Sherlock Holmes: An Online Adventure
Go on a cracking adventure with Sherlock Holmes, created by theatre troupe Les Enfant Terribles. You’ll time travel back to Victorian London where you’ll have to figure out why Lord Chamberlain, the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary have all snuffed it. The online activity is part escape room game, part live performance and should entertain anyone ages 12+. Play with your household (on different computers if possible) or with friends on remote screens. You’ll need a pen, paper and a computer with webcam and Internet access — the event is not available yet for smartphones or tablets. Fancy dress welcome — deerstalkers encouraged. Booking ahead essential. Tickets are available to book 24/7 but do arrive promptly for your allocated time slot; individual tickets £15/group tickets for 6 players £90 — hurry only 1 slot left for Jan! (Jan 27-Mar 10)
Daily: Story Maps: Story Adventure Trails for All the Family
The wonderful company Tea Dance for Little People has produced a range of activities to stop you climbing the walls through lockdown. Grab one of their Story Maps to help you enjoy a safe, socially distanced time with your crew, while exploring some of the best of south London. There are exploration and escape trails for Severndroog Castle Woods, Beckenham Place Park and Greenwich Park, suitable for all but best for ages 5+. Activities last 1 hour; £0-£9.99 (ongoing)
Daily: Cendrillon (Cinderella) via Royal Opera House
One of the fringe benefits of being on lockdown is that a whole lot more of us (locally and globally) have access to some of the best of London’s theatre, opera and ballet. This weekend, why not give your tots a taste of opera with the ROH’s streamed production of Cendrillon aka Cinderella. Described as ‘funny and touching’ the trailer offers an enticing glimpse into a spectacular fairytale come to life. Watch on demand for just £3 (requires ROH Stream account). (until Feb 21)
Daily: Make Guacamole with Martyn from Tortilla
Step away from that sour bread and try something Mexican instead. The folks at Tortilla restaurant have given over their Instagram feed to chef Martin and his mini assistant Harry. Watch their ultra cute videos and learn how to make a range of Mexican staples. Like this easy peasy guacamole via @tortillauk on Instagram — perfect for little hands to mash.
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