October

October’s Calendar of Events for Family-Friendly Days Out in London, with Babies and Toddlers (and even older Kids) in Tow.

Sleepless nights about Half Term? We’ve listed all the half-term activities you could need for young children in London.

Scared stiff? See our list of child-friendly ghosts and ghouls for an eerie Halloween.

Something missing? Send us an e-mail at info@mini-et-moi.com and we’ll add your event. Or, better still, add your event to the comments section …

 

We’ll update the calendar regularly so check back!

Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 October

Handa’s Surprise at the Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL

§ Saturday 4 October

§ Be transported to another world, full of the rich colours, sights and sounds of Kenya. Handa takes a basket of delicious fruits to the next village as a surprise for her best friend. But along the way a mischievous collection of animals have other plans for the plump, ripe fruits…

§ With wooden puppets, traditional instruments and African songs.

§ The performance lasts 35 minutes and is suitable for ages 2+

§ Saturday 4 October at 10.30 am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm

§ Telephone: 0871 2211729

 

 

Tuesday 7 October to Saturday 25 October

Momix – Lunar Sea at the Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, WC2

§ Step into another world where figures glow eerily as they float through the darkness, American company Momix returns to the Peacock Theatre to delight audiences with other-wordly dance creation Lunar Sea. Combining props, light and shadow, the performance is presented under black light and features projections and puppets. This surreal world of dance and optical illusion is an exceptionally inventive production that will enthrall all ages.

§ Suitable for 3years+

§ To book tickets, call the box office on 0844 412 4300

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 October

 

Family Festival at the Tate Britain, SW1

§ A Free festival exploring all art that moves.

§ Saturday 11 October from 10am-5pm

§ Age 5 – 12 years

§ Call 020 7887 8000 for further details

 

Three Little Pigs at the Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL

§ Saturday 11 October

§ When you’re a little pig, it’s a dangerous world out there – the sooner you find out who you can trust, the better…With an array of super puppets, music and dance, Krazy Kat continue to astonish and amuse – there’s more than one twist to this version of an old tale!

§ Featuring fully integrated Sign Language.

§ Ages 3+ / 50 mins at 11am and 1pm

§ PLUS Enjoy Some Messy Play! In the new Messy Play art and crafts workshops after the show – with sessions at 12pm and 2pm. (Messy Play workshops cost £2 each.)

§ Contact the Box Office on 0871 2211729

“What a View!” at the London Transport Museum

§ 11 & 12 October at 11.30am – 1.30pm & 2.30 – 4.30pm

§ Feeling arty? All ages and ability are invited to take part in our Big Draw activity! For one day only we will turn our theatre foyer into a breathtaking exhibition of art created by you! Draw inspiration from our collection of posters then create original art to put on display.

§ Covent Garden piazza, Covent Garden, Westminster City WC2E 7BB

§ For further details call 020 7379 6344

§ The event is free but normal admission applies.

 

“The Big Draw Family Day – A Celebration of Drawing” at Dulwich Picture Gallery

§ Sunday 12 October from 10.30am – 4pm

§ A day of exciting drawing activities for the whole family. Check the website for more details or call 020 82998732 further details.

§ Tickets cost £2 per child over 4yrs

§ Gallery Road, Dulwich, London, Southwark SE21 7AD

Monday 13 October

“Big Ships – KS2-4″ at Guildhall Art Gallery

§ Monday 13 October from 10am – Noon

§ Schools Workshop on the Thames, boats and the Big Ship itself – the Cutty Sark. Assemble your own ship, decorate the sails, and use the river as inspiration. Linked to our exhibition of the Wapping Group of Artists, who have painted the changing face of the River Thames for 60 years.

§ Booking and is available on 02073323870

§ Guildhall Art Gallery Guildhall Yard, Corporation Of The City Of London EC2V 5AE

§ This event is free.

 

Tuesday 14 October

The Big Draw at Walthamstow Toy Library and Play Centre, E17

§ Tuesday 14 October 10am-12pm (under 5s),1.30pm-3.30pm (undr 18 months)

§ Drawing and painting for ‘Handa’s Surprise’. Listen to ‘Handa’s Surprise’ story and decorate the play room with big jungle animals.

§ Walthamstow Toy Library and Play Centre Comely Bank Clinic, 46 Ravenswood Road, Walthamstow, Waltham Forest E17 9LY

§ £2.50 per child & £1.00 concessions

§ For further details call 0208 509 3401

 

Wednesday 15 October

Food Allergy & Eczema Workshop at St Thomas’ Hospital, SE1 7EH

§ Action Against Allergy in association with the Children’s Allergy Service at Guy’s & St Thomas’s is holding a workshop for parents of allergic children. Sessions include: Eczema Management, Food Allergy Management, Food Allergy in Nursery and at School, Optimising Eczema Care.

§ Wednesday 15th October, from 6.30pm to approximately 9.30pm.

§ The Governors’ Hall, St Thomas’ Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London , SE1 7EH

§ Tickets are £15 and are available online or by calling 020 8892 4949 or e-mail info@actionagainstallergyworkshops.org

 

Thursday 16 and Friday 17 October

Little Fashion Gallery Sample Sale

·         For two days only, Little Fashion Gallery are offering 50% – 70% off labels like Antik Batik, Album di Famiglia, BonPOint, Little Paul & Joe. They’ll be joined by Dolce V (lingerie) and Vinnie Day (jewellery).

·         Thursday 16 from 5 – 9 pm and Friday 17 October from 10am – 5pm

·         At Maggie & Rose, 58 Pembroke Road, Kensington, W8 6NX.

·         RSVP: Sarah@Fresh-Attitude.com 

 

Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 October

Frieze Art Fair http://www.friezeartfair.com/

·         See the website for details.  But be fair to Junior! After all the art, you’ll have to spend an equal amount of time in the Park!

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 October

 

The Tiger Who Came to Tea at the Richmond Theatre, TW9

§ Based on the picture book written and illustrated by Judith Kerr: The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! For the first time ever, the much-loved tale of a tiger creating tea time mayhem is brought vividly to life on stage in a show packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss out on this wonderfully entertaining show for children aged three and up. Tea time has never been so entertaining!

§ Thursday 16 October – Saturday 18 October

§ The Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1QJ

§ Add to the fun with colouring-in sessions on Saturday 18 October at 9.45am & 10.45am

§ Telephone the Box Office on 0870 060 6651 (booking fee)

Little Red You Know Who … at the Lyric Hammersmith, W6 0QL

§ Based on a well-known story (you know which!), follow a magical path through the woods for a memorable journey with puppetry, colour and specially composed music. Listen to the song of the red box, watch a forest grow before your very eyes and find out how an endearing bear gets in on the action!

§ For ages 3+. (The show lasts 45 minutes.)

§ Saturday 18 October at 11am and 1pm

§ The Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL

§ Telephone 0871 2211729

 

“Become an Inventor” Vestry House Museum & William Morris Gallery, E17

§ Sunday 19 October from 12 – 4pm

§ In celebration of Black History Month, Josephine Regis will look at the story of prominent Black Inventors and other individuals who have left a significant historical footprint. Children will be encouraged to consider the individual contributions they could make in the form of an invention and illustrate these ideas in a creative way.

§ Vestry House Museum Vestry Road, Walthamstow, Waltham Forest E17 9NH

§ For further details call 020 8509 1917

Wednesday 22 October

A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party with Cookie Crumbles at Eddie Catz, Putney

§ All about things turned upside down and inside out, join Cookie Crumbles and create magic marble wands, chocolate chip scones, inside out sandwiches and then enjoy a truly magical feast!

§ Wednesday 22 October from 1.00 – 4.00pm

§ Suitable for children aged 4-8 years.

§ Tickets cost £29 per child and includes lunch. There is a 20% sibling discount.

§ Eddie Catz, First Floor, 68 – 70 High Street, Putney , SW15 1SF

§ To book call 0845 2011268 and press 1 for Putney.

Friday 24 October

 

Eddie Catz Halloween Party, Putney

§ Join in the Monster March with prizes for the best costumes, party games, dancing, entertainment, competitions, food and goodie bags for all.

§ Friday 24 October from 5.30-7.30pm

§ 68 – 70 Putney High Street, London, SW15 1SF

§ Call 0845 201 1268 to book tickets.

 

“Drawn Together – The Big Draw” at the Claremont Projects N1

§ Friday 24 October, 2 – 4 pm

§ 24-27 White Lion Street, Islington N1 9PD

§ Free event

§ Open to all ages

§ For further details call 02078373402

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 October

“3Ddraw – The Big Draw at Goldsmiths”

§ Saturday 25 October from 11am – 4pm

§ Drawing is traditionally seen as two-dimensional mark-making. However, drawing can also be explored in space, in three-dimensions. Whether, the mark-making is done with wire, movement, light, paper, the body, or natural objects, drawing can be 3D. Think body-drawing, drawing sculptures, and all sorts of other creative ways of drawing.

§ Goldsmiths, University of London, Lewisham Way, New Cross, Lewisham SE14 6NW

§ Free event

§ For further details call 020 7919 7970

 

A Slice of Paradise at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, EC1

§ Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 October

§ A Slice of Paradise is a unique show created especially for children by Spanish company Aracaladanza.

§ Using bubbles, strawberries, puppets, magic and dancing torches, A Slice of Paradise creates a mesmerizing fantasy world in which everyday objects, like newspapers and bin lines, come to life.

§ Families can come early or stay on after Saturday’s shows to enjoy free games and events in the Sadler’s Wells Foyer. These include a chance to draw on and add to a towering sculpture of paper-chain people, create a new wardrobe of paper clothes to wear or stage their own choreography on a fuzzy felt wall.

§ There will be workshops after each performance giving families the opportunity to explore some fun creative dance from the show.

§ A Slice of Paradise is suitable for ages 4 and up.

§ Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Roseberry Avenue, EC1 Tickets: 0844 412 4300

 

TacTac at Sadler’s Wells, EC1

§ Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 October

§ Ashow created especially for babies. Performed in the Lilian Baylis Studio, Tac Tac brings to life the excitement of your child’s daily conquests and games through colour and materials, rhythm, music and movement.

§ Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Roseberry Avenue, EC1 Tickets: 0844 412 4300

Halloween Events at the RAF Museum, Grahame Park Way, London, NW9 5LL

§ How do broomsticks fly? See Aeronauts Interactive and find out!

§ Plus all children aged 3 + can prepare for Halloween by making a mini broomstick complete with witch and cat to take home.

§ On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October: Broomstick making sessions will run from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm on both days. All materials will be supplied free of charge.

§ Telephone: 020 8205 2266 and email: london@rafmuseum.org.uk

 

Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November is HALF TERM

See our Half Term Listings for more details of the following:

• Colours of Autumn Programme at Climbers and Creepers, Kew Gardens
• Halloween Half Term at Battersea Park Zoo
• Half Term at The National Maritime Museum (SE10)
• WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes
• Natural History Museum Half Term Activities
• HMS Belfast ‘Meet the Crew’ and ‘Sea Stories from the Thames’      

Monday 27 October

Spooky Arts & Crafts with the Eddie Catz Team – Mon, Oct 27 at Eddie Catz Wimbledon

§ Join our spooky witches and wizards to create Halloween decorations and trick or treating accessories. Come dressed up if you like! Each child will get a goody bag to take home.

§ Monday 27 October from 10.30am-12.30pm

§ For children aged 4-8 years old

§ Tickets cost £12 per child, with a 10% sibling discount.

§ Eddie Catz, 42 Station Road, Merton, SW19 2LP

§ To book call Tel 0845 2011268 and press 2 for Wimbledon.

 

Tuesday 28 October

Creepy Cookery with Cookie Crumbles at Eddie Catz Wimbledon

§ Join Cookie Crumbles for some kitchen wizardry! This cooking class will be any child’s delight. We will prepare some traditional Halloween treats as well some exciting new ones such as black pasta with googly eyeballs. Scary stuff!

§ Tuesday 28 October from 10.00am-1pm.

§ For children aged 4-8 years.

§ Tickets cost £29 per child and include lunch (20% sibling discount).

§ Eddie Catz, 42 Station Road, Merton, SW19 2LP

§ To book call Tel 0845 2011268 and press 2 for Wimbledon.

Wizards & Witches School with Deva the Dreamduster at Eddie Catz, Putney

§ Abracadabra! Calling all great Wizards & Witches to our wizardry camp full of wizardry magic and spells. Concoct a Magic Potion, fight the Evil Thingummywort, make your own Spell Hat and decorate Goblin Cakes and dance at the Hex Ball and feast in the Enchanted Forest!

§ Tuesday 28 October from 1.00 – 4.00pm

§ For children aged 4-8 years.

§ Costs £26 per child, including lunch. (20% sibling discount.)

§ Eddie Catz, First Floor, 68 – 70 High Street, Putney , SW15 1SF

§ To book call Tel 0845 2011268 and press 1 for Putney

“What’s On Your Mind?” at the Museum of Croydon, CR9

§ Tuesday 28 October from 11am -1pm & 2 – 4pm

§ Frames of Mind Exhibition event: Create a design showing the contents of your mind and everything that makes you, you!

§ Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET

§ For further details call 020 82531030

§ Free tickets available 30 minutes before start of each session from Clocktower Activities Room

Tuesday 28 October – Saturday 1 November

Hoof at the Lyric Hammersmith Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL

§ A pony’s owner is growing up fast and TV has taken over from riding. When the remote control is unexpectedly dropped within hoof-reach, the horse’s lonely life takes a new tack. Her secret, night-time viewing reveals cowboy films and amazing adventures. She begins to realise she’s not just a dumb animal and a quest for a herd, humour and a life without shoes begins…
Enjoy puppets, tap dancing hooves and nostalgic TV clips of Black Beauty and Champion the Wonder Horse.

§ Performances on 28^that 11am and 1pm, 29th at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, 30th at 11am, 1pm 3pm, 31st at 11am, 1pm and 1st November at 11am, 1pm, 3pm

§ Suitable for children aged 3+. The production lasts 50 minutes.

§ Lyric Hammersmith Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL

§ Telephone 0871 2211729

Wednesday 29 October

Michael Jackson’s Thriller Dance with Safrey Dance Academy at Eddie Catz Wimbledon

§ Safrey Academy will be re-creating the famous dance routine of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Come dressed in your spooky, freaky, ghostly costumes to rein act this spectacle. You will learn the funky moves as seen in the video and will also get a chance to add your own choreography to be performed at the end of the session.

§ Wednesday 29 October from 10.30am-1.30pm

§ For children aged 6-10 years

§ Tickets cost £20 per child, with a 20% sibling rivalry. Please bring a packed lunch.

§ Eddie Catz, 42 Station Road, Merton, SW19 2LP

§ To book call Millicent Borde-Kuofie on 020 8664 6676 .

 

Creepy Cookery with Cookie Crumbles at Eddie Catz, Putney

§ Join Cookie Crumbles for some kitchen wizardry! Prepare traditional Halloween treats as well exciting new ones such as black pasta with googly eyeballs! Scary stuff!

§ Wednesday 29 October from 1.00 – 4.00pm

§ Costs £29 per child, including lunch. (20% sibling discount.)

§ Eddie Catz, First Floor, 68 – 70 High Street, Putney , SW15 1SF

§ To book call 0845 2011268 and press 1 for Putney

“Leave you mark; mark your leaves!” at Bushy Park (The Royal Parks), TW12

§ Wednesday 29 October from 12noon to 4pm

§ Join the Bushy Education and Community Officers and local artist, Caroline Jones to create artwork inspired by the trees of Bushy Park. A variety of activities and materials will at your disposal to create paper leaves and leaf head dresses. Enter our leaf design competition!

§ Children’s Playground (under shelter): Access via Hampton Court or Teddington Gates, Bushy Park, Hampton, Richmond Upon Thames TW12 2EJ

§ The event is free.

§ For further details call 020 8979 1586 ext 239

Wednesday 29 October

“Make a Museum of you” at the Hackney Museum, E8

§ Wednesday 29 October from 2 – 4pm

§ Which objects, places and people shape who you are? Have a try at making a miniature museum filled with paintings, drawings or models of all the things that are important to you.

§ This is a free, drop-in event and suitable for all ages.

§ Hackney Museum 1 Reading Lane, Hackney E8 1GQ

§ For further details call 020 8356 3500

Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 October

Autumn Adventures at the Polka Theatre, SW19

§ Craft, story telling, drama and movement adventure.

§ Suitable for children aged 3-5years.

§ Call 020 8543 4888 for more details.

 

Thursday 30 October

Eddie Catz Halloween Party, Wimbledon

§ Thursday 30 October from 5.30-7.30pm at Eddie Catz, 42 Station Road, Merton, SW19 2LP

§ Monster March with prizes for the best costumes, party games, dancing, entertainment, competitions, food and goodie bags for all.

§ Tickets are £15 per child£3 per adult. Max 2 adults per child. Tickets sell out very quickly so book soon.

§ Book tickets by calling 0845 201 1268

Friday 31 October is HALLOWEEN – Please see our listing of events taking place on the day.

Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November

The Independent Schools Show, Battersea Park

§ Top independent preparatory and senior schools in attendance providing information for parents.

§ Held at the Battersea Evolution, enter via Chelsea Gate.

§ Register online and save £20 on the price of the tickets.

§ For further details, see the website or call 020 7127 0034

PLUS! Saturdays in October

“Big Draw, Small Act” by Cafe Gallery Projects, SE16

§ Saturdays in October – 11, 18 & 25 October from 10am to noon.

§ A Saturday morning art club for families with three weeks of drawing, making masks and developing acting skills. Artist Mia Fernandes will be pushing the boundaries of drawing by fusing art workshops with performance helped by actor educator Leonie Dodd.

§ All ages welcome.

§ For further details call 020 7237 1230

§ The Gallery by the Lake, Southwark SE16 2UA

Big Draw Saturdays at the Cuming Museum, SE17

§ Saturday 4, 11, 18 & 25 October from 10:30 am to noon

§ Join us at the Cuming Museum every Saturday morning in October and get drawing! Local artists will run sessions drawing on everything big and small in the Cuming Museum.

§ For further details call 020 7525 2332

§ Old Town Hall, 151 Walworth Road, Southwark SE17 1RY

 

“The Big Draw Print Workshop” at the Horniman Museum, SE23

§ Saturdays 4,11 and 18 October

§ Come and enjoy monoprinting sessions themed around the family and see your work displayed in Gallery Square during half term to celebrate the Big Draw.

§ 100 London Road, Forest Hill, Lewisham SE23 3PQ

§ Call for further details and times 020 8699 1872

PLUS! Sundays in October

“Family Creativity Workshops” at the Design Museum

§ Sundays 5, 12, 19 & 26 October from 2 – 5.30pm

§ Budding illustrators are invited to create a large, collaborative, illustrated installation where anything can happen! 2D will merge with 3D as drawings travel from one piece of paper to another, in different and imaginative ways.

§ The workshops are suitable for children aged from 5 to 11. Children must be accompanied.

§ Booking essential. Workshops are £4 per child and accompanying adults are £8.50 (includes entry to exhibitions). Normal admission applies.

§ Shad Thames, Southwark SE1 2YD

§ For further details call 02079408783