There’s so much going on right across London this summer! We’ve picked our favourite events to get you in the mood for the sunshine season!
Drama in the great outdoors National Theatre South Bank, London SE1 9PX
Watch this Space July and August
‘Watch This Space’ is the National Theatre’s free festival of al fresco performance. Join them on the Astroturf in Theatre Square for a rich variety of theatre, circus, dance, music, family events and exhilarating world class entertainment. The giant playful installation, ‘Armchair Theatre’, will be back for your comfort, providing you with the best seats in (or outside) the house to watch the summer unfold in Theatre Square. A special Family weekend is planned for July or August. For full details of performances and events check out their website. Tel: 020 7452 3000 www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
Monsters in the Museum Horniman Museum & Gardens 100 London Rd, Forest Hill, London, SE23 3PQ Myths and Monsters Exhibition Until 5 Sep If there’s an odd rainy day in the capital this summer, we’ll be popping down to the marvellous Horniman Museum with our tots, for a trip to the Temporary Exhibition Gallery, which will be displaying ‘Myths and Monsters’ throughout the summer. This family friendly exhibition has a kids’ area within the exhibition, offering plenty of interactive fun to engage little ones; including a dressing-up area, games and a story bag filled with books and toys. Nothing like a few monsters to get the children excited! If the sun comes out you can go and explore the lovely grounds. Although entry to the Horniman is free there will be a charge to go into the exhibition. Tel 020 8699 1872 www.horniman.ac.uk
Down on the Farm Kentish Town City Farm 1 Cressfield Close, off Grafton Road, London, NW5 4BN Under 5s mornings
Throughout the summer One of the aggravating aspects of the school holidays for us parents of pre-schoolers is that all our usual activities close down and for six weeks everywhere seems to be full of things to do for older children! However, if you’re in Camden then you’re in luck, as the lovely Kentish Town Farm ‘Under 5s mornings’ will be running right through the summer. The farm runs a drop-in session just for under 5’s on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings every week from 10am to midday. They ask for a suggested donation of £1.They’ll also be making sure that there’s an art table for under 5s at the afternoon craft sessions they run, which are suitable for older children. Kentish Town City Farm is an educational and recreational project that developed out of the needs of local people. Your little ones will discover chickens, cows, ducks, geese, goats, horses, pigs and sheep! Tel: 020 7916 5421 www.ktcityfarm.org.uk
Fly away on the Magic Carpet! National Gallery Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Family Sundays at the National Gallery Every Sunday throughout summer
Under-5s can jump aboard the Magic Carpet for a storytelling session in front of a painting from 10.30am and 11.30am every Sunday at the National Gallery. Fly away on the magic carpet as it comes to land in front of a different painting each day. Each story ties in with the theme of the workshops that take place on a Sunday morning for children age 5 -11. Places at these lovely storytelling sessions are limited and are allocated on arrival and children must be accompanied to all events. Meet at the Education Centre foyer to secure a place. Admission is free. Tel: 020 7747 2885 www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Come to the Big House! Osterley Park & Garden Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 4RB
Community Day 27 June, 12-5pm
One of Osterley’s most popular events, Community Day is a celebration of local life, with live music, dance performances, art, crafts and children’s activities. And the event is free! Last year’s event included a host of local talent, providing everything from Bollywood-style dance routines, and craft and poetry workshops, and this year promises to be equally packed with fun for all the family. Osterley Park always has plenty of events planned for families and this year is no exception; there will be ‘Wild Child’ days – every Thursday from 29 July-26 August. With free entry for kids the ‘Wild Child’ days will encourage children to delve into the natural world around them. Tel 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Tighten your grip on ten centuries of history!
Tower of London London EC3N 4AB ‘Hands on history’ exhibition From 24 July
The Tower of London is a great summer day out for the family. There’s lots to do and see whenever you visit Britain’s famous landmark, but the fun and interactive ‘Hands on history’ exhibition, opening on 24 July, offers the chance to handle objects which demonstrate the Tower’s thousand years of history. Little children love being able to reach out and touch objects; there’s nothing more frustrating for tiny hands than being forced to press them up against a glass case! Here they’ll be able to join in without cries of ‘don’t touch!’. This popular exhibition, with new and enhanced interactive displays, is aimed at encouraging visitors to literally get to grips with items, including swords and armour inspired by the Royal Armouries’ collection. Tel: 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk
