Do you have a stressed out 7-year-old, who’s been stretched by SATS? Or a 4-year-old who says she has to “work hard but only when I’m writing in my book”? Well, don’t worry about busting them out of school for some mindless fun – they get kicked out for a week in a couple of days anyway. And, as ever, there is a plethora of Londony activities to keep them busy. Settle in, I’ll talk you through it.
First up, Chickenshed are hosting a party this Saturday, 28th May. It combines child-friendly performance with interactive workshops and a giant celebration in their ampitheatre. Find out more information here. Chickenshed are also performing at the Old Vic tomorrow morning but, let’s face it, I’ve left this a little late to plug given it’s almost bedtime.
More ongoing is the Roald Dahl event at the Southbank Centre – the Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl. It’s an exhibition on the life and work of the author but – massive disclaimer here – it is more for the Reuben end of the spectrum than the Eva. It’s not recommended for small children, as some content may be disturbing (like, yknow, all of Dahl’s works) and you can’t take buggies in. It’s on till July, so hopefully Roo and I can go without the small and easily spooked one some time. For the older kids, it is said to be excellent so if you have one of those, definitely take a look.
On the other end of the age scale, the preschool delights of In the Night Garden are on tour. And over half term, the giant white dome lands in Blackheath. Have a look here for dates but they are selling out fast so get tickets quickly if your toddler needs their Upsy Daisy fix.
Also selling out quickly are the Big Fish Little Fish half term events. As far as I know, the National Gallery rave is sold out already but there are still a few tickets left for Stratford Circus on May 29th. BFLF events are always huge fun, so it’d make a great start to your half term. Plus, the kids are always really knackered afterwards so you might get a Bank Holiday lie in.
A couple more theatre shows to flag up before I finally give in and go to bed – the roving show by the Discover Centre continues to rove, with “The Librarian” hitting Woolwich Library on Tuesday 31st May til 4th June. More information here and my review is here. The Arts Depot in Finchley have some family shows on too – I like the sound of the ukulele-strumming “Boy and a Bear in a Boat“. If that’s not enough, there’s a version of ursine classic “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” at the Little Angel Theatre in Islington and “Meadow” at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, featuring some handcrafted insect puppets.
Still not inspired? Well, you can take advantage of the “Kids Go Free” offer at the Orbit in the Olympic Park, then relax in the sandpit afterwards. Or go to the half term workshops at the Museum of Childhood. Or try out my Tabby McTat trail around London. Or…just stay home and play XBox. That’s probably what Roo will want to do…
