Looking for fun and exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this October half-term? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re after a creative day out or something to burn off their energy, I’m here to help you plan a fantastic week full of adventures. From museum workshops to theatre shows and hands-on activities, many of these are free or low-cost, making it easy to keep everyone happy without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the best family-friendly events happening near you!

Museum of London

As always, the Museum of London has prepared a variety of interesting sessions and activities this October half-term!
From a dance party to a craft, check out the museum website here for the whole event!
26 Oct – 3 Nov 2024

Museum of the Home

Diwali Family Day
2 Nov 11am-4pm
From making, dancing, and storytelling!
FREE
More information here

National Gallery

FREE drop-in
Click each photo below for the event details page or here for the entire list.

Old Royal Naval College

This half term they prepared a variety of chocolate themed activities as below!
(More information here)
31 Oct 10am-5pm

Hot Chocolate Lolly Making Workshop
£3.50
Booking required (book here)
11am–12pm, 1pm–2pm & 3pm–4pm 

Spooktacular Storytelling
FREE, Drop-in, first come first served. 
(Adults will need to purchase a £3 entry ticket to the Visitor Centre)
11.15–11.45am, 12.15–12.45pm & 2.15–2.45pm 

The Great Chocolate Pumpkin Activity Trail 
Free (adults will need to purchase a £3 entry ticket to the Visitor Centre)
10am–5pm

Cutty Sark

Meet the Characters
Weekends and Fri-Mon in school holidays | 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm
Included with entry to Cutty Sark
Book here

Royal Observatory

Ted’s Space Adventure (Planetarium show)
for under 7’s
weekends and holiday weekdays
Adult £12 | Child £6
Book here

Out of This World: Moons (family workshop)
29 Oct 2024 | 10:30am – 12pm
£5 per child

Natural History Museum

Jurassic Encounters (Animal Show)
1 Nov various times
Adult £8 | Child £8

T.Rex Show with Teach Rex
28 Oct 2024 various times
Adult £12 | Child £12
Book here

Dino Snores for Kids (sleepover at the museum)
19 Oct & 15 Nov 2024 18:30-10:00
Adults £80 | Child £80
Book here

National Portrait Gallery

Family Day
29 Oct 2024 11am – 4pm
Free, drop-in (limited capacity, first come first served)

Hands and faces | 11:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:00
Stand out and shine | 11:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:00
Radical rosettes | 11:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:00
Portraits remixed | 11:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:00

More details here

British Library

Family Workshops | 20 Oct 2024
(all Free, ticketed: click the time slots below for booking links)
– Magical Moths 11:00-12:30 | 13:30-15:00
– Creepy Creatures 11:30-12:30 | 13:30-14:30
– Mysterious Monsters 12:30-13:30 | 15:00-16:00
(For more information)

Postal Museum

Mini Designers: Design your own greetings card
26 Oct – 1 Nov, 10am – 4pm

It would be even nicer to combine it with a train ride – Mail Rail – and post officer role play – Sorted!
(More details here)

London Transport Museum

Depot Family Tours
30 Oct & 1 Nov 2024, various times
Adult £12 | Child (4-17) £6
Book here

Bank of England Museum

October half term: Creepy crafts
28 Oct – 1 Nov
FREE drop-in

“Scare off any thieving hands and keep prying eyes away from your money by decorating your very own scary and gruesome money box.”
(More info here)

Museum of the Order of St John

Seasole Sessions Family Activity: Herbal Pomanders
29 Oct 11:00-15:30
Free, booking essential (Book here)

Bats in the Belfry
30 Oct 11:00-15:30
Free, drop-in (more info)

Royal Academy of Arts
Family Studio: Cut-Out Worlds
27 Oct 2024 11am-1pm, 2-4pm
Free, drop-in
(More info)

National Army Museum

Make Your Own Ration Kit
29 Oct – 1 Nov 2024 10:30am – 12:30pm, 1:45pm – 3:45pm
Free, drop-in
(more info)

Drumming Orders
29-30 Oct 2024, various times
Free, drop-in
(more info)

Orleans House Gallery

Let’s Get Creative (family activity)
29-30 Oct 2024
Details for the event, including whether you need to book will become available closer to the time.
(more info)

Chickenshed Theathre

Halloween Tales (show)
28-31 Oct 2024, various times
From £7
(more info)

Polka Theathre

The Storm Whale
25 Oct – 3 Nov 2024
From £10
(Book here)

Everything Has Changed
30 Oct – 3 Nov 2024
From £14
(Book here)

Little Angel Theatre

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet
13 Sept – 16 Nov 2024
Adult £15 | Child £13
(Book here)

The Mystery of Little Angel Theatre
21 Sept – 17 Nov 2024
Adult £15 | Child £13
(Book here)

Syon Park

Bat Walks
Until 31 Oct 2024, after dusk (see individual dates for exact times)
£2
(Book here)

Kew Garden

Halloween at Kew
18 – 26 Oct 2024, 6pm to 10pm
Adult £20 | Child £15 (Family tickets available)
(Book here)

Room on the Broom
19 Oct – 3 Nov 2024
Included with entry
(More info)

Expressions in Blue (exhibition)
26 -28 Oct 2024
Included with entry

Westminster Abbey

Voice and Verse Family Day: Get Creative!
1 Nov 10:00-12:00
(Book here)

Fulham Palace

A Tour for the Curious
29 Oct 11am – 12pm
£10.50 (a child and their accompanying adult included)
(Book here)

Community Bulb Planting
2 Nov 2024 11:00-12:30
£7
(Book here)

Wigmore Hall

Family Workshop: Woodland Harmonies
31 Oct 2024 10am
Adult £12 | Child £10
(Book here: currently sold out, but check out for possible availability)

Family Concert: Blown Away
3 Nov 2024 3pm
Adult £12 | Child £10
(Book here)

I hope you and your little ones have a fantastic time, creating wonderful memories together! Enjoy every moment! 😊

Hey there, lovely mamas!

I’m so excited to share with you all the fantastic happenings for kids this Easter holiday in 2024! From delightful museum outings to gallery adventures, there’s something for every little one to enjoy, and the best part? Many of these events won’t cost you a penny!

Living in or near London means we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to family-friendly activities, so let’s make the most of this Easter break and create some wonderful memories with our little ones. Whether it’s exploring history, getting creative with art, or simply enjoying quality time together, there’s plenty to keep us all entertained.

So, grab your calendars and get ready to fill them with fun-filled Easter adventures! Let’s make this holiday one to remember for our kiddos. 🐣💐

Click the bold underlined texts for links!

Meet the Romans | British Museum
5 April
FREE, drop-in
Meet Roman re-enactors and living historians

Spring Family Festival | National Portrait Gallery
4-5 & 11-12 April
FREE, drop-in
Badge making, storytelling, drawing and crafts
(Full programme coming soon)

Eggs-quisite Easter crafts | Bank of England Museum
2-5 & 8-12 April
FREE, drop-in
Colour in a rabbit/sheep/chick mask and complete an Easter-themed activity (and win a small edible prize)

Half-term events | Garden Museum
– Branch Out Imaginary Plants Printing: 4 April (FREE drop-in, sign-up on a first come first served basis)

– Branch Out Wiggly Wild Show: 11 April (FREE drop-in, sign-up on a first come first served basis)

– Other sessions (currently fully booked, join waitlist): Canvas bag painting (2 April), Pot painting (3 April), Holiday cookery workshops (4, 9, 10, 11 April), Geli Plate Printing (9 April), Clay tile printing (10 April)

Half-term events | National Army Museum: all FREE, drop-in

– Marching Orders: New Perspectives (30 March), Survival (9-12 April)

– Operation Survival: Giant Board Game (2-5 April)

– ZooLab: Meet Amazing Animals (4, 10 April, Collect a free ticket at the Welcome Desk)

– Meet Soldiers from the Past (31 March, 9-12 April, ): 20-minute character actor performances

Time Travel Easter Trail | Old Naval College
29 March – 14 April
£3 (no booking necessary)
With the self-led activity booklet, complete the trail for the chocolate prize.

Pom pom fun! | Museum of London Docklands
3-5 and 10-12 April
FREE, drop-in
Creating own pom pom accessory

Easter holidays events | National Maritime Museum
31 March – 14 April
FREE, drop-in
So many family events prepared, including spring flowers, sea life puppets, preservation paintings, future travels, postcards for our planet, protecting the poles, hope and regeneration, rock pool habitats, parkside creations, sea-saving superheroes, and mapping migration

Holiday to Space | Royal Observatory
4 April
£5 per child
Planetarium show and interactive workshop

Weaving the seas | Queen’s House
4 & 13 April
FREE, drop-in
weaving workshop (contribute to a large scale sea tapestry & create your own miniature tapestry to take home)

Jurassic Encounters: Animal Show | Natural History Museum
10 April
Adult £8 & Child £8
Animal handling show to meet the modern-day relatives of the animals that lived alongside dinosaurs

Construct and play with Leap Then Look | National Gallery
2 & 3 April
FREE, drop-in
Build sculptures, explore shape, scale and colour in this curiosity-filled space

UNIQLO Tate Play: Yoko Ono, Do it Yourself | Tate Modern
30 March – 14 April
FREE, drop-in
Imaginative play with making, movement and music

Story Space & Play Studio | Tate Britain
FREE
Open every weekend and Thursdays during term-time
Open everyday during school holidays
Explore and test out ways of making and play together as a family

Various events and workshops | Young V&A

<Pop-up Performance: Club Origami>
1 April
£5 (Booking essential)

<Family Workshop: Playable Origami>
3-5 April
£12 (booking essential)

<Family Workshop: Clay Yokai Creatures>
3-5 April
£12 (booking essential)

<Make-Lab Workshop: Paper Theatre with Aya Nakamura>
9 April
£18-£22

Easter holiday events | Postal Museum
FREE, drop-in with museum ticket
– Mini Designers: Design your own postie board game | 3-5 April
– Mini Creators: Learn how to sew a patch | 10-12 April

Easter Holiday: Plants and Poems | London Transport Museum
– Storytelling sessions (drop-in): 30 March, 1, 5, 6, 8, 12, & 13 April
– Creative writing workshop (drop-in): 29-31 March, 5-7 & 12-14 April
– Art and science workshop (drop-in): 2-4 & 9-11 April
– Museum gallery tour (drop-in): 1-4 & 8-11 April

Half-term events | Museum of the Order of St John
– Ambulance Trains (2 April, FREE, booking essential): BOOK HERE
(*This is a sensory friendly events for autistic and neurodiverse families)
– Saving Lives, Saving Memories (3 April, FREE, drop-in)
– Who’s Behind You! Stop Motion Animation (10 April, FREE, booking essential): BOOK HERE

Family Studio: Armada | Royal Academy of Arts
31 March
FREE, drop-in

Interactive exhibition and family activity | Orleans House Gallery

<Play Works>
2 March – 14 April
FREE (recommended to BOOK HERE during weekends and half term)
Play in the interactive exhibition with masks, ribbons, costumes, blocks, balls, and buckets

<Let’s Get Creative>
6-7 April
(Further details available closer to the time)

Play Lab: Water Binds Us | Mosaic Rooms
2 March – 16 June (sensory play space as an exhibition)
11 April (workshop for families, booking links coming soon )

Easter holiday activities | Hackney Museum
2-13 April
FREE drop-in
Create placards, signs and pictures to show how you feel about the Adventure Playgrounds exhibition and play in the exhibition with loose parts play

Time Travel Craft Club | National Archives
2 & 4 April
£2

Spring Family Fun | Southbank Centre

Including family reggae dance, Paddington Film in Concert, Roof Garden for nature and performances, many shows, Family street dance jam, family trail,

<Family Reggae Dance>
29 March
FREE, drop-in

<In the Spring Garden>
3 April
FREE, drop-in

Shows:
Dragons and Mythical Beasts (3-7 April, £14-£24), Terrible Horses (4 April, £10), Jane Eyre for Young Readers (4 April, £10), Plastic Drastic Fantastic (6-7 April, £14)

<The Ceilidh Jam with Folk Dance Remixed>
7 April
FREE, drop-in

Easter events | Valence House Museum
– Easter Egg Hunt (30 March – 13 April): FREE, drop-in
– Easter Farm (3 April): FREE, drop-in
– Easter Cupcake Decorating (6 April): FREE, booking essential (fully booked)
– Eggcellent Easter Crafts (10 April): FREE, booking essential (BOOK HERE)

Wishing you all a delightful Easter break filled with joy and adventure! Take advantage of the wonderful events mentioned above and make this holiday one to remember. Have a fantastic time with your little ones! 🐣💫

Yay, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 🎄✨ Welcome to the second post of my Christmas Gift Ideas series! (In case you missed it, you can check out “Baby’s First Christmas Gifts” here!)

So when it comes to Christmas gift for toddlers, in my personal experience, especially until they turn 2-3 years old, Christmas provides a great opportunity to fulfill practical needs along with a sprinkle of toys for that extra joy! In this list, you’ll find a mix of practical suggestions alongside some delightful toys. (Of course, if I’ve misjudged, feel free to prioritise the toys from the list below over the practical recommendations!) Here’s to a thoughtful and joyful holiday season for you and your little one! 🎄🎁👶

Crocs Unisex Kid’s Crocband Rain Boot

My boys and I absolutely adore these Crocs wellies! We’re so smitten with them that we keep ordering the same pairs in different sizes as the boys grow!

Living in the UK, it’s a must for toddlers to have wellies, given the frequent rainy or damp days. You want to make sure they’re ready for mud and little puddles!

The unique thing about these Crocs wellies is that they stay securely on tiny feet. Unlike many other wellies that tend to slip off or cause little ones to tumble, these Crocs wellies stay put unless you intentionally take them off. My boys didn’t face any difficulty walking in them, even though they started wearing them just a month or two after taking their first steps!

Waterproof Dungarees

If you’re anything like me and value letting kids play freely outdoors, then this is a game-changer! It’s unrealistic to expect your toddler to stay dry while playing outside—they still tumble and choose to sit down on less-than-ideal surfaces. That’s where waterproof dungarees come in handy, making life easier for mums too. No need to change your toddler into fresh clothes after outdoor play; simply take off the dungarees, and they’re clean! Paired with wellies, this combination not only reduces the post-play cleanup but also ensures that toddlers look absolutely adorable in their outdoor gear!

LittleLife Animal Toddler backpacks

Let me introduce you to these utterly adorable animal backpacks by LittleLife! Just look at how cute they are on those little backs!It has a safety rein, so it can be useful when you go somewhere busy and crowded. It is quite small, so may not be ideal for nursery bags as you would want something spacious for spare clothes and other stuffs. But this is ideal when you go out with your toddler and let them just have a couple of toys in their bags for the sake of their fun. With a variety of animals to choose from, you can pick your little one’s absolute favourite!

Car Ramp Toys

One of children’s classic toys! They say this toy helps hand-eye coordination, but what’s more important is that kids love it and they spend hours playing it! There are plastic ones and wooden ones, and you can choose whatever you prefer as the fun won’t be different!

Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide-Out Xylophone

Toddlers are naturally drawn to the joy of banging and pounding, and Hape has brilliantly combined this fascination with the magic of musical sound! And the xylophone alone will last one of their go-to toys and stand the test of time, lasting well into their preschool years. I will say no more as over 16K reviews of 4.7 out of 5.0 will say enough!

Shape sorters

Every child is unique, but generally, toddlers begin to show interest in shape sorters around 16-18 months. (But it doesn’t mean that they can put the right shape into the right holes at this stage). Since shape sorters come in various levels of complexity, it would be nice to try different shape sorters and see how your little one finds it!

Pretend Vacuum Cleaner and Cleaning Toys

Isn’t it just adorable how toddlers are so into vacuum cleaners, brooms, and mops? My older kiddo got this Dyson toy for Christmas when he turned one, and he couldn’t get enough of it. And guess what? His friends during playdates were just as obsessed! Some of their parents ended up getting the same toy because it was such a hit.

If your little one loves tagging along when you do the vacuuming and has a special place in their heart for “dirty” brooms and mops, here’s the perfect fix! This toy not only keeps them entertained but also lets them join in on the cleaning fun in a safe and playful way. It’s a win-win!

Galt Toys Pop-Up Toy

This straightforward toy guarantees hours of play for your little one! The concept is simple: you stick them into the hole, press, and let go—voila, they pop up! It never fails to bring a giggle to your child’s face. Besides the joy of the popping action, let’s not forget how toddlers just love sticking things into any available holes (or is it just my boys?). So, they’ll have a blast putting those colorful sticks into the holes and enjoying every moment of it!

Little Brian Paint Sticks

Moms want their kids to explore colours and be creative, but let’s face it, the cleaning aftermath can be a bit daunting. Traditional paint brushes can create a mess that might make you hesitate to try again. And that is where these paint sticks come! In my experience, while toddlers can still colour with crayons, the lack of hand strength can make it challenging to draw or create vivid marks. These paint sticks, however, effortlessly produce vibrant marks even with tidy hands! They work on papers, whiteboards, and glass. Plus, they are easy to wash off in case your little one gets a bit too creative in places they shouldn’t. (Just a quick note: If your toddler still puts things in their mouth, you might want to wait a bit before introducing these!)

Peg puzzles & Peg toys

Around 18 months, toddlers often begin exploring peg puzzles, and Melissa & Doug offers two delightful options to kickstart the fun! These puzzles, featuring adorable farm animals and exciting transportation themes, are sure to captivate your little one’s interest.

At first glance, this peg board may seem ordinary, (I thought so, too) but toddlers are at an age where sticking things into holes and stacking becomes utterly fascinating for them. You’ll be surprised by how much they love it!

Lift-the-flap books and pop-up books

Reading with your toddler is essential in nurturing their love for reading, and lift-the-flap books and pop-up books will enhance the fun and make it more interactive. Here I introduce some of classics!

With my list above, I hope your Christmas present shopping becomes less stressful! And I hope your little ones will like the presents from the list!

* I’ve chosen the products above based on my genuine recommendation, and it’s important to note that this selection is not influenced by any commercial request. However, please be aware that the links provided are affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a commission. Your support is appreciated!

The approaching festive season has already filled me with excitement! But, as a mum, I know there’s a ton of stuff to plan and prepare to make it a magical Christmas for the kids. And one of those important tasks is picking out the perfect gifts! Maybe you’ve been on the hunt for baby’s first Christmas gift ideas because you want to surprise a friend or colleague with a little one, but you’re feeling a bit stumped.

Well, I’ve got your back! I’ve put together a hassle-free list of options for you to choose from. This post “Baby’s First Christmas Gifts” is just the beginning of a series on Christmas gift ideas for kids, and I’ll be covering ages 1 to 5. Stay tuned for more wonderful suggestions that are sure to bring smiles and delight to children of various ages! 🎁👶🎄

Considering that Christmas can put a strain on your budget with all the other expenses, most of my suggestions are wallet-friendly, coming in at under £20. You’ll find a few options that are slightly pricier, but nothing exceeds £50, so you can enjoy the holiday without breaking the bank! So, without further ado, dive in and find the perfect gift! 🎁🎄

1. Personalised Christmas Stockings (click here or the photo for link)

The moment we hung our firstborn’s Christmas stockings on the tree, it melted my heart. It’s a truly special experience for both the baby and the parents, creating memories that will be cherished. If you’re searching for a gift that will warm the hearts of new parents on their baby’s first Christmas, this is the perfect choice! 🧦🎄💕

2. Personalised Christmas Ornament & Baubles (click here or the photo for links)

Absolutely, hanging the baby’s first Christmas ornament is another precious moment for parents. I still hold onto my firstborn’s first Christmas bauble, a thoughtful gift from one of my husband’s patients. It’s not just an ornament; it’s a keepsake with memories woven into it. Here’s hoping it becomes a cherished tradition, something you can pass on to your little ones when they’re all grown up! 🎄✨💖

3. TOMY Toomies Hide and Squeak Eggs Baby Toy (click here or the photo for link)

Here’s another delightful toy that holds a special place in my heart and my son’s early memories! This baby play gym is incredibly versatile. You can use it from the newborn stage as a comfy tummy time mat. As your little one starts moving their legs around 3-4 months old, they’ll absolutely adore kicking the piano keys with their feet while reaching for all the dangling toys above. Once they begin to crawl, they’ll explore all around the mat, and they may even flip over to interact with the piano using their hands too! While there’s an upgraded version with lights on the piano called the Deluxe Kick & Play, I can assure you that this basic version is more than sufficient for hours of playtime fun! 🎹👶💫

8. Baby walker (click here or the photo for link)

As your little one approaches the later part of her first year, consider surprising her with a baby walker—a perfect companion for those imminent first steps! While a classic wooden walker (like this one) is always a charming choice, my two boys absolutely fell in love with this VTech baby walker. Bonus: the mobile phone toy it comes with became one of their must-have items whenever we ventured out! 🚶‍♀️✨📱

I’ve shared a list of toys that brought endless joy to my kids, and I hope you find the perfect one for your child, nephew, niece, or a friend’s little one! May these gifts bring smiles and laughter. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas filled with happiness and warmth! 🎁🎄✨

Hope you and your little one are settled in school days by now. Feels like the summer has just finished, but it’s already half-term around the corner!

I’ve put together a fantastic list of family-friendly events happening at some of London’s finest museums and cultural spots.

Some of these events require advance booking! So, why not take a peek and discover the ones that attract your interest for a fun and educational day out with your little ones next month? Get ready for some family fun in the heart of London! 🌟🏛️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

And for your convenience, it is listed by region!

[CENTRAL]

1. British Museum WC1B 3DG (FREE drop-in | 5+)

• 21 Oct 10am-4pm | Impossible images: Japan
• 26 Oct 10am-4pm | Masterpieces in Minecraft: Rome
• 28 Oct 10am-4pm | Making masks: Aztecs

2. Bank of England Museum EC2R 8AH (FREE drop-in)

Many people would not know Bank of England has a museum and that it is very child-friendly! They host family events every half-term and it is very educative and you will want to visit one of their sessions if you are thinking of teaching your children about money and saving!

• 23-27 Oct, 10am-5pm | Data Detectives: Solving a forgery crime as a little detective!

3. Postal Museum | WC1X 0DA (Free with entry ticket | 5-11 yo)

Crafts, making, and storytelling with a theme of Dressed to Deliver exhibition

• 21 & 22 Oct 10am-4pm | Mini Designers: Create your own postal uniform

• 24 & 26 Oct 10am-4pm | Mini Makers: Design your own good deed patch

• 25 & 27 Oct 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm (45 minute long) | A Postal Journey Through Time: Storytelling Session 

4. National Gallery WC2N 5DN (FREE drop-in)

• 24 & 25 Oct 12:00-12:45pm, 2:00-2:45pm | Shared storytelling (all ages)
• 25 & 26 Oct 11:00am-12:15pm, 1:00-2:15pm | Drawn together (all ages)

5. London Transport Museum WC2E 7BB (Free with entry ticket)

• 21 -29 Oct All day | Perfect Posters: Designing a perfect transport poster, lively puppet theatre show, and a trail to find a secret artwork

6. Museum of the Order St John EC1M 4DA (FREE | 3-10 yo)

Family activities below take place in their Learning Centre (EC1V 4JJ), which is over the road from the museum. Both are recommended for 3-10 yo, but siblings & babies are welcome.

• 24 Oct 11am-3:30pm | Seacole Sessions Family Activity: Slimy Dragons (Booking essential)
  • Includes Storytelling at 12pm and 1pm (30 min long)
• 25 Oct 11am-3:30pm | Secrets of Crypt (Drop in)

7. Westminster Abbey SW1P 3PA (Free with entry ticket, suitable for 3+ and younger children are welcome.)

• 21 Oct 10am-2pm | Family Day: Living Memory – Dress up
• 24 Oct 10am-2pm | Family Day: Monumental Memories: including dress up, family tour, and storytelling

[EAST]

1. Young V&A E2 9PA (FREE drop-in | all ages)

• 25-27 Oct 12-4pm | Contribute to a Origami Sculpture and create & dress up as a character

2. Museum of London Docklands E14 4AL (FREE, some require sign-up on arrival)

There are so many events prepared for children over the week of half-term (21-29 Oct ), so check out the specific dates on their websites if you like any from the list below!

• Cookery creations workshop (Sign-up required on arrival)
• Story of an East End champion boxer (Sign-up required on arrival)
• Ilana Banana toddler party
• Digital fashion design
• Button it! Stich it! Dress it!
• Decorate our succah
• Song and dance performances from Jewish schools
• Zingt: Yiddish family sing-along!
• Jewish schools art installation
• Jewish Museum object handling
• Migration stories
• Who Jew Think You Are?
• Object handling
• Cover your heads!
• Tots at the Docks – Little Fashion City
• Clay charity pot making

[SOUTHEAST]

1. Old Naval College SE10 9NN

• 24 Oct 11am, 1:30pm, 3pm (50 mins long), 25 Oct 11am, 1:30pm (50 mins long) | Mambo Jambo’s Spooktacular Halloween Session (£2, booking in advance, for 3-7 yo)

2. Royal Observatory SE10 8XJ

• 26 Oct 10:30am-12:00pm | Holiday to Space (£5, booking in advance, recommended for 3-6 yo)

[SOUTHWEST]

1. Natural History Museum SW7 5BD (Booking in advance)

• 25 Oct 11am, 12pm, 13:15pm, 14:15pm (45 mins long) | Jurassic Encounters: Animal Show (£8)

• 24 Oct 11am, 1:30pm, 4pm (1.5h long) T. Rex Show with Teach Rex (£10, suitable for 3+ yo)

2. National Army Museum SW3 4HT (FREE drop-in, suitable for 5+ yo)

• 24-26 Oct 10:30am-12:30pm & 1:45pm-3:30pm | Army Animal Crafts
• 24-26 Oct 11am, 11:45am, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm (30 mins long) | Marching Orders: Amazing Animals

3. Mosaic Rooms SW5 0SW

• Until 5 Nov | Tools for Solidarity: RESOLVE Collective (play installation/outdoor play commission)

4. Tate Britain SW1P 4RG

• 21 Oct 2pm | Read Alouds by Flavia Z. Drago in Story Space (Recommended for 5-12 yo, but all ages are welcome)
• Every day during school holidays (and every weekend and Thursdays during term-time) | Story Space

• Every day during school holidays (and every weekend and Fridays during term-time) | Play Studio

5. Polka Theatre SW19 1SB

• 27 Oct 10am, 1pm, 3:15pm (45 mins long) | Clowning Around Comedy Workshop (£12 Adult & child, £6 for each additional person, 3+, booking in advance)

• 25 Oct 10am-12pm & 2-4pm | Spooky Halloween Character Workshop (£25 child only, 4-7 yo, booking in advance)

• 26 Oct 10am-4pm | Halloween Hair and Make-Up Masterclass (£50 child, 8-12 yo, booking in advance)

6. Kew Garden TW9 3AB

• 21-20 Oct all day | We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Free with entry ticket)

7. Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery W5 5EQ

27 Oct 10am-12pm, 12pm-2pm | Mini Makers (£5, Booking in advance, 6 mths – 8 yo)

[NORTH]

1. Chickenshed Theatre N14 4PE

• 22 Oct 11am & 2pm (35 mins long) | OperaUpClose present Peace at Last (£5, 3-5 yo, FREE to under 12 months, booking in advance)

• 28 Oct 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm (1h long) | The Brick People (LEGO activity tables and self and monitored building activities) (£5, 3+ yo, booking in advance)

2. Little Angel Studios N1 2EH

• 21-22 Oct 10am, 1pm, 3pm* (1h long) | Family Workshops – Big Bad Me (£8.50, for 6-11 yo, *3pm session only on 21 Oct)
• 24-26 Oct 10am (6h long) | Puppet Playcation – Let’s Make Halloween Town! (£48 full price, £25 sibling, 5-9 yo, booking in advance, children supervised by staff throughout the day, need to bring a packed lunch)
• 28-29 Oct 10am, 1pm, 3pm (1h long) | Family Workshops – Create a Creepy Costume (£8.50, 5-9 yo, booking in advance)

Hope you guys have a lovely half-term and for more information on what to do with kids in London, please visit our Instagram account, instagram.com/londonful_kids!

Did you find my previous post on City Farms, which is a part of my ongoing series on Things to do with Kids Outdoors in London (Summer Edition), to be of interest? If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, you can check it out right here!

So this is my second post and I have prepared a selection of activities that are perfect for spending an entire day with your kids in each area! Hope you and your little ones have a blast in these sunny days!

1. Granary Square

[1] Water fountains

[2] FREE Snug soft play

• Daily throughout summer, 10am – 6pm, weather permitting
• Lewis Cubitt Park
• building dens, tunnels, obstacle courses, and trampolines

[3] Wildlife Wednesdays at London Canal Museum

• 16 & 23 August
• Adults £9 | child (0-14) £4 | £15 for family of 5
• Includes a boat ride on Regent’s Canal, interactive family trail, wildlife scavenger hunt, and crafts at the art trolley

[4] Crafts Council FREE Summer Saturday Workshops

• 12 & 19 Aug, 11am – 4pm
  • 12 Aug: Creatures of the Yard (using recycled materials)
  • 19 Aug: King’s Cross Sound Waves (playing with various natural materials)

[5] Camley Street Natural Park

• Various drop-in FREE family events: Family nature discovery, nature story time, and wonderful wildlife weekends (various dates)

2. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

[1] Olympic Park Fountains

• Daily 10am – 5pm except on Stadium event days (20 August but please check the website in case another event day is added)

[2] Tumbling Bay Playground & Pleasure Gardens Play Areas

Rock pools, sand pits, treehouses, and all the usual playground stuff like slides and swings

[3] FREE gardening workshops

• Hackney Bridge Gardens (East Bay Lane, London E15 2SJ) 
• Fridays, 12-2pm – Little Shoots and Wise Owls (intergenerational sessions for children and seniors)

[4] Cruising the Park Waterways: Swan Pedalos & Boat Tour

• Swan Pedalos

• Weekends & school holidays until the end of October, 12pm-5pm
• No booking required
• Adult £9 | Child (under 16) £5 | Family £22 (2 adults and up to 2 children)

• Boat Tour

• 27 Aug (limited availability)
• Adults £19 | Children £8 | Under 3’s FREE

3. Canary Wharf

[1] FREE Minigolf by CRAIG & KARL and Pingpong

• Daily 12pm – 6pm (until 30 Sept)

[2] Family Film Club

• 12 Aug 10:30 (Inside Out) | 19 August 10:30 (Paddington)

[3] Crossrail Place Roof Garden

• FREE, Open daily until 9pm

4. Somerset House + Covent Garden

[1] Water fountains in the courtyard

• Weekdays in August (fountain off 7-15 Aug)
• There will be art & installations, food & drink pop-ups
• On weekends, there are live events & performances.
  • 16 Aug 12:00-15:00 Drumming Workshops (all ages)
  • 23 Aug 12:00-14:00 Make Your Own Puppet (all ages)

[2] The Tusk Gorilla Train at Covent Garden

• FREE, throughout summer, across the Covent Garden estate

[3] IDENTIKIT! A Family Workshop at Bow Street Police Museum

• Thursdays to Saturday from 10-31 Aug, 14:30 (Saturdays have additional 11:30 sessions)
• FREE with entry to the museum (adult £6, under 12’s FREE)
• Limited spaces – booking essential
• 5+ yo

[4] London Transport Museum

Or you can combine with the classic children’s museum – London Transport Museum!

So many family activities are going on daily throughout the summer, so check them out before going!

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5. Southbank Centre

[1] Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Room

• FREE, Wed-Sun 10am-9pm

[2] Replay: A Limitless Recycled Playground

• 8 Jul – 3 Sept
• Adult £6.50 | Child £6.50, booking required

[3] Queen Elizabeth Hall Rooftop Garden (“London’s very own secret garden”)

• Garden: FREE, Wed – Sun (& Bank Holiday Mon), 12pm – dusk
• Cafe & bar: Wed-Fri, 4pm – dusk | Sat & Sun (& Bank Holiday Mon) 12pm – dusk

What do you think of this compilation of outdoor family activities you can do this Summer?

If you like it, share the link with your friends and bookmark it so you can come back to check anytime!

Hope you have a great Summer time in Granary Square, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Canary Wharf, Somerset House & Covent Garden, or Southbank Centre?

You can visit my Instagram account @londonful_kids for more posts and reels of reviews!

Take care, mamas!

City Farms – by region

Hi mamas!

At last, a few sunnier and warmer summer days are gracing us this week!

With this wonderful weather in mind, I’ve curated some delightful outdoor family outing suggestions for you—why not consider paying a visit to CITY FARMS? And the best part is, these ideas won’t break the bank! The city farms listed below offer free admission and are also hosting numerous cost-free events for the summer holidays. Let’s make the most of these upcoming sunny days, as regrettably, this is the summer we’re given this year.

[ EAST LONDON ]

1. SPITALFIELDS CITY FARM: Buxton St, London E1 5AR

I’ve placed this particular farm at the top of the list due to its diverse free events catering to a wide range of ages throughout August. Click on each title to access their website for more detailed information!

Events listed – all FREE

• Farm 2 Fork // Kids Cooking Workshops
  • 11:00-13:00
  • Wednesdays 9, 16, 23 (fully booked) Aug | Thur 10 (fully booked), 17, 24 Aug
  • for 5-12 yo
  • booking required (education@spitalfieldscityfarm.org or call 02072478762.) (A free and balanced vegetarian meal will be available for each session.)

• MEET & BLEAT : Animal encounter
  • 9, 16, 23 Aug, 2:00-3:00pm
  • 3-10 yo
  • drop-in

• STORY HOUR: with Rez Kabir
  • 9 Aug, 2:00-3:00pm
  • drop-in
  • Songs, movement, mime and puppetry (trained at Little Angel Theatre)

• OLOGY HOUR
  • OLOGY HOUR – Zooarchaeology
    • 10 Aug, 1:30-3:00pm
    • drop-in
    • Investigate a range of animal skulls and taxidermied creatures.
  • OLOGY HOUR : Mini beast discovery walk with Edward Milner
    • 24 Aug, 1:30-3:00pm
    • 6+ yo
    • booking recommended but not essential (reserve a place: education@spitalfieldscityfarm.org)

• MAKE-BUILD-GROW
  • Fridays 10:00-13:00 (2 joining times: 10:00, 11:30)
  • Drop-in (but limited spaces, so on a first come first serve basis)
  • MAKE-BUILD-GROW // Fire lighting & Tea making: 11 Aug, 7-15 yo
  • MAKE-BUILD-GROW // Woodwork: 18 Aug, 7-15 yo
  • MAKE-BUILD-GROW // Den building & Clay Creatures: 25 Aug, 5-12 yo

• Felting Workshop
  • 15 Aug, 1:00-3:00pm
  • 5-15 yo

• Mini Mornings: Little Red Hen Workshop
  • 16 Aug, 10:30-11:15
  • 2-5 yo

2. Mudchute Park and Farm: Pier St, London E14 3HP

Mudchute Park and Farm has this lovely play session every Saturday (11am-3pm, Free, Drop-in), called Mudchute Play – rain or shine! So kids get to enjoy the child-led play led by playworkers from Assembly Play, on sunny days or rainy or even snowy days!

• Mudchute Play
  • Saturdays 11-3pm
  • Free, drop-in
  • Child-led play led by playworkers from Assemble Play

• Summer Activities: Animal Petting (£3), Arts & Crafts (£2.50), Donkey rides (£4), Farm shop

3. Stepney City Farm: Stepney Way, Stepney Green, London E1 3DG

4. Hackney City Farm: 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA

Mini Farmers club: Saturdays, 10:30–12:30, for 8–12 yo

Children’s pottery class: Wednesdays and Sundays, £5/£10

[NORTH LONDON]

1. Freightliners Farm: Sheringham Rd, London N7 8PF

Events listed below all: Free, drop-in, for younger school aged children

• Wildlife and Plant Activities: 9, 16, 30 Aug, 11am-1pm
• Farm Art: 10, 17, 24, 31 Aug, 2-4pm
• Woodwork: 11, 25 Aug, 1 Sept 2-4pm
• Meet the Animals: 12, 26 Aug, 11am-1pm | 14, 28 Aug, 2-4pm
• Crafts on the Farm: 13, 27 Aug, 2-4pm

2. Kentish Town City Farm: 1 Cressfield Cl, London NW5 4BN

• Tempo Tots North London: interactive music class for 0-4 yo held in the Farm
  • Mondays 10:30am, 3:30pm, £8
  • booking: https://www.tempototsnorthlondon.co.uk/

[SOUTH EAST LONDON]

1. Surrey Docks Farm: Rotherhithe St, South Wharf, London SE16 5ET

• Piglets Club
  • 10am – 11:30am on Thursdays
  • 2-4 yo
  • 3 sessions for £27
  • Learn about farm animals, plants and nature. stroking and feeding the animals, seasonal arts & crafts using natural materials, fire building, cooking and so on
  • Summer holiday ones all sold out. Book for autumn term

2. Vauxhall City Farm: 165 Tyers St, London SE11 5HS

• Cuddle Corner
  • Weekends 10:30am – 1pm & 2pm – 3:30pm (every 10 minutes during these times)
  • £4

3. Crystal Palace Park Farm: Ledrington Rd, London SE19 2BS

[SOUTH WEST LONDON]

1. Deen City Farm: 39 Windsor Ave, London SW19 2RR

• Ukulele Jam
  • Tuesdays in August, 16:00-18:00
  • Free, drop in
  • All ages and skill levels
  • Bring your own ukulele or pick up one of theirs (first come first served)

[CENTRAL LONDON]

1. Oasis Farm Waterloo: 18 Carlisle Ln, London SE1 7LG

Hope you have a lovely time with your little ones at one of the city farms above!

Stay tuned for the next post on another outdoor day out idea!

Find us on Instagram @londonful_kids!

Here are free and paid events for kids in London this summer! Hope you and your little ones make the most of it!

Click each underlined title to check out further details on their websites!

1. Chickenshed Theatre (290 Chase Side, London N14 4PE)

Children’s Festival of Fun has various programmes, and you can check each one below for details and the links!

https://www.chickenshed.org.uk/pages/events/category/whats-on?Take=30

• Tales Big Day Out
  • 13 Aug, 11am & 2pm (90mins)
  • 0-7 yrs
  • £10 (Babies under 12 mths FREE)
  • With song, dance and action, performances and workshops.

• Tales from the Shed
  • 5 Aug 11am | 12 Aug 10am
  • 0-6 yrs
  • £7 (Babies under 6 mths FREE)
  • Songs, movement and language games

• Tales Yoga
  • 9 Aug, 2pm
  • 0-7 yrs
  • £5 (Under 6 months FREE)
  • Yoga with fun, interactive storytelling

• Storyworld, Enfield Special
• 5 Aug, 1pm (90 mins)
• 0-6 yrs
• £7 (Under 6 months FREE)

• Planet Play
  • 5 Aug 9:30 | 6 Aug 10:00 | 13 Aug 9:30 (Sept and Oct every Friday 10:00)
  • 0-3 yrs
  • Adults £9 (babies & children FREE)

• Sound Adventures
  • 10 Aug 1:30pm & 3pm | 11 Aug 1:30pm
  • 5+ yrs
  • £6

Family Summer Pantomime – THREE

• 3 Aug – Sat 12 Aug(Time varies everyday)
• 3+ yrs
• £8 (free under 12 months)
• Fairytale through song, puppetry and movement

Baby Broadway Family Concert

• Wed 16 Aug, 10am & 11:30am (45 mins)
• 0-6 yrs
• £7 (under 6 months FREE)
• Well-known musical songs with bubbles, puppetry, dance moves, and lots of audience interaction

2. Mess it up in the park (Priory Park London, Greater London, N8 8LN)

• £13
• Friday 10:00-12:00

3. The Postal Museum (15-20 Phoenix Pl, London WC1X 0DA)

Summer of Invention: 27 July – 26 August, included in ticket, drop in, first come first served

• Family STEAM Trail: 27 Jul – 26 Aug 10:00-17:00
• Construction Zone: Every Thursday and Friday during 27 Jul – 26 Aug, 10:00-15:00
• Pioneering Postcodes: 3, 4 & 5 Aug, 11:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00 (best for 5-11 yrs)
• Mail Rail Science Show: 10, 11 & 12 Aug, 11:00-11:45, 13:00-13:45 (best for 7-11 yrs)
• Pioneering Postage Stamp: 17, 18 & 19 Aug, 11:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00 (best for 5-11 yrs)
• Revolutionary Robots: 24, 25 & 26 Aug, 11:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00 (best for 5-11 yrs)

* Add Sorted(Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-16:45 | £4 online, £5 on the day, £11 Museum + Sorted | ages 8 and under) to your ticket!

4. Try an Instrument Workshop for Kids: Book for a FREE 30 minute slot!

• 19 Aug, Highbury Fields Playground, Fellowship Square
• 26 Aug, Fellowship Square, Queen’s Park
• 2 Sept, Cutty Sark

5. Somerset House (Strand, London WC2R 1LA)

Summer in the Courtyard (FREE)

• Weekdays in August: art & installations, food & drink pop-ups and water fountains (The fountains will be off from 7-15 Aug inclusive.)
• Weekends: live events & performances
• 16 Aug 12:00-15:00 Drumming Workshop (for all ages)
• 23 Aug 12:00-14:00 Make Your Own Puppet (for all ages)

6. Strand Aldwych Summer Social

• 5 Aug, 12:00-18:00
• FREE
• Roller staking and face painting, interactive games and activities for all the family

7. National Gallery

Summer on the Square: throughout August, 11am-4pm (break 1-2pm), FREE

• Interactively art gallery: 4-6 Aug
• Tuning in: 7-9 Mon
• London Drawing: 10-13 Aug
• Imagineer and Imagine Bamboo: 14-16 Aug
• Moving colours, moving selves: 17-20 Aug
• Originary Arts: 21-24 Aug
• Leap Then Look: 25-28 Aug

8. Republic London – Sandpit Play Days

• Every Thursday 3-14 August, 11:00-15:00
• FREE
• Enjoy their water gardens, lakeside, and sandpit

9. National Portrait Gallery

• 31 July – 4 Aug, 7-11 Aug
• FREE
• Different art & craft programmes prepared for each day! (Check the programmes here for Week 1 and here for Week 2!)

10. British Museum (Free)

• Little Feet: Ride the Waves
  • 21 Aug, 11:00-14:00
  • Under 5s
  • Water play on the Museum’s front lawn. Playing with soft sand and friendly fish. There will be activities across the lawn with creative elements, multi-sensory stations and relaxing areas.

• Masterpieces in Minecraft: Ancient Greece OR Ancient Egypt
  • 4, 10, 11, 17, 24 & 31 Aug, 10:00-16:00
  • 5+
  • Make your own unique creation, from theatres to temples

• Making masks: Ancient Greece and Persia
  • 5 Aug, 10:00-16:00
  • 5+

• Impossible Images: Ancient Greece and Persia OR Ancient Egypt
  • 12 & 18 August, 10:00-16:00
  • 5+

• Fabulous fans: China
  • 19 August, 10:00-16:00
  • 5+
  • Design a fan inspired by objects from China

11. Museum of the Home (136 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8EA)

MATT + FIONA: Build & Play Summer Residency

• Every Tuesday in August, 10:00-16:00
• Free, drop-in
• Design a modular and interactive play structure

How to Post a Paper Boat

• 25 August, 12:00-16:00
• Free, booking required
• Paper boat making workshop

12. British Library

Family Workshops: Animal Sounds

• 20 Aug, 11:00-12:30, 13:30-15:00
• suitable for 5-11 yrs
• Activities will include movement, making noise with our voices and playing with materials to create sounds.

13. The Kids’ Table

• A pop-up children’s corner service for pubs, restaurants, food halls and shopping centres. Craft, games and creative table-top fun prepared
• Available free of charge on a first come, first served  basis to customers of participating venues in all around London (Check their website for the list)
• Saturdays or Sundays
• 3-10 yrs

Hope you enjoy!

You can see more frequent updates on my Instagram @londonful_kids!

London, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a plethora of exciting destinations for families to explore. While the city’s bustling streets and iconic landmarks may seem like a daunting prospect for parents with toddlers, fear not! London’s world-class museums have thoughtfully curated exhibits and interactive spaces that are perfect for engaging young minds. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at three of the best London museums for kids: the Museum of London Docklands, the National Maritime Museum, and the Young Victoria and Albert Museum (Young V&A).

1. Museum of London Docklands: Unraveling the City’s Maritime Past

Nestled on the scenic Canary Wharf, the Museum of London Docklands provides a captivating journey into the capital’s maritime heritage. Specifically designed to cater to all ages, this museum ensures that even the youngest visitors have an unforgettable experience.

• Mudlarks Gallery: This interactive play area is a toddler’s paradise. Children can play with ship toys at the dock, explore the sailor themed soft play area, dress up as sailors, and enjoy the water play table. The gallery’s sensory elements allow toddlers to engage with London’s dockyard history in a hands-on and educational way. Book this 40 minute session in advance here (£2.50 per person including adults).
• Sailortown: Step back in time as you and your little ones wander through the recreated Sailortown. This immersive space offers a glimpse into Victorian London, complete with narrow streets and atmospheric sounds. Toddlers will be fascinated by the sounds and sights of a bustling dockyard.
• Children’s corner in galleries: Also you will find little corners in other galleries that are made for young visitors to experience the history of the city, including pretend canteens in the docks, wooden train tracks, and tool boxes.

2. National Maritime Museum: Discovering the Sea’s Secrets

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Situated in the historic Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum takes families on a captivating journey through Britain’s maritime history. It boasts an array of family-friendly activities and exhibits to keep toddlers entertained.

• AHOY! Gallery: This interactive gallery is tailor-made for young adventurers. Toddlers can set sail in a miniature boat, dress up as a captain, and uncover hidden treasures. Exciting experiences include cooking & shop play, baby sensory station, boats in docks, stoking the boiler of a steamship, fish market play, and so on! This Gallery is the very reason why I chose the National Maritime Museum as the one of the best London Museums for kids! It is FREE on weekdays during term time and £3 on weekends and school holidays (one adult is included in the ticket).
• All Hands Children’s Gallery: Though this gallery is aimed for older children (6-12s), there are things that toddlers will also enjoy. Loading cargo in the port (like driving a crane) is certainly something that your little one will enjoy. Also, preschoolers can also try playing a game where you can fire a cannon to defeat a pirate ship.
• Trails and Guides: The museum offers various trails and guides for young visitors, making it easier for parents to engage their toddlers with age-appropriate content. These guides are designed to foster curiosity and keep little minds engaged throughout their visit.

3. Young Victoria and Albert Museum (Young V&A): Nurturing Young Creativity

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The Young V&A, which recently reopened after years of renovation, is the perfect place to introduce toddlers to the world of art, design, and creativity. While the V&A Museum itself houses an extensive collection, the Young V&A caters specifically to young visitors. It has three big galleries: Imagine, Play, and Design.

• IMAGINE Gallery: The Gallery has a storytelling and performance stage, where in between the scheduled performances, children can be performers themselves by dressing up with prepared costumes and props! And it’s got beautiful doll’s house collections that even adults will admire!
• PLAY Gallery: There is a Mini Museum in the Play Gallery, which is designed for babies and toddlers under 3. So from very young, little ones can explore the world of design and beauty and have diverse sensory experience! Though it is designed for Under 3’s, it is fascinating enough for big kids! (My 3.5 year old toddler had such fun, and we saw much older kids having a great time there!) Outside the Mini Museum, there are many sections where kids can explore, from pattern-making with sand, ball-run track, and construction play.
• DESIGN Gallery: Designed for older kids and young people, but even toddlers and preschoolers had fun colouring and drawing on the design table!

Taking toddlers to museums in London is not just about keeping them entertained, but also about nurturing their curiosity and love for learning. These three museums go above and beyond in providing interactive and educational experiences for young children. So, the next time you plan a family outing in London, consider visiting the Museum of London Docklands, the National Maritime Museum, and the Young Victoria and Albert Museum for an enriching adventure that your toddlers will cherish for years to come. Happy exploring! Enjoy those best London museums for kids!