– Our June Calendar of Family-Friendly Fetes, Fairs and Fun for Summer 2009 in London with Babies and Toddlers (and even older Kids)
Something missing? Send us an e-mail at info [at] mini-et-moi [dot] com and we’ll add your event.
We’ll update the calendar regularly so check back for more fun and frivolity!
Ongoing in June
- From early June Kew will be buzzing with two bee hives in the wild flower display and a bee discovery centre in Climbers & Creepers, the Gardens’ botanically themed children’s playzone. These hives will help visitors learn more about the important role of bees in the natural environment.
- Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9.30am – 5.30pm with later times on weekends and bank holidays.
- Admission: Adults £13, Concessions £12, free for children under 17 (accompanied by an adult) Visitor enquiries: info@kew.org
Milkshake! Live in My First Concert
- Various dates in June including Monday 8 June – Wednesday 10 June at the Hackney Empire
- Children can join their favourite TV characters and Milkshake! presenters in a brand new, action packed all singing, all dancing musical extravaganza. Peppa & George, Little Princess, Noddy & Tessie Bear all together on one stage.
- See the website.
Free Live Music in Battersea Park
- At La Gondola Cafe at Battersea Park (Next to the boat lake).
- Every Saturday & Sunday to October 25th 2009 (weather permitting).
- Come and experience live music from London’s finest grassroots acts. With special guests, kids entertainment and kids dress up box.
Launch! Shipbuilding through the Ages on the HMS Belfast (SE1)
- A family-orientated exhibition with hands-on and computerised interactive displays and engaging film and footage to demonstrate techniques of shipbuilding, from the ‘age of sail’ to modern prefabrication methods.
- The exhibition will focus on the science, engineering and social history of shipbuilding in Great Britain, and the interactive elements of the exhibition will allow children of all ages to get involved and experience this history
- No pre-booking required.
- HMS Belfast, Morgan’s Lane, Tooley Street, London, SE1 2JH.
Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 June
Kate and Dom at Lauderdale House (N6)
- Saturday 6 June
- A fun packed exploration of different styles of music through cello, singing and piano. Cellist, singer and songwriter Kate Shortt teams up with pianist, composer, musical director and music animateur Dominic Harlem to create lively musical cabaret for families with lots of joining in! Bring your hands, voices and memories!
- Suitable for ages 3 to 8
- Lauderdale House, Highgate Hill, Waterlow Pk, N6 5HG
- Phone 020 8348 8716 to book.
- 6 June 2009
- Choose your favourite painting in the Courtauld Gallery, and sculpt your version in clay, transformed as a 3-D work of art.
- Free family workshop.
- In the Learning Centre
- Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
- Call 020 7845 4600 or e-mail info@somersethouse.org.uk
Take Shape – Family Workshop at Somerset House
The Little Mermaid at the Arts Depot
- Sunday 7th June 2009 at 12h00 and 15h00
- A beautiful fusion of original music, song, physical theatre and puppetry based on the book by Hans Christian Andersen.
- Enter a world where man and woman do not walk with legs but swim with tails … where Mermaids live side by side with sea creatures, where music is the language in the most mysterious depths of the ocean. The Little Mermaid longs to be part of the human world so that she can marry the human prince.
- Suitable for ages 4+
- ArtsDepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, N12 0GA
- Contact the Box Office on020 8369 5455 or info@artsdepot.co.uk
Super Contemporary – Celebrate Your City! at the Design Museum
- Sunday 7 June 2 – 5pm. Workshops start promptly at 2pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early to avoid delays at the Admissions desk
- What would you build to celebrate your capital city? Inspired by Super Contemporary, the museum’s celebration of London’s dynamic design story, here’s your chance to create mini 3D designs for London, from pioneering parks and playgrounds to beautiful bridges and buildings.
- A programme of fun and creative family workshops for children 5 – 11 on Sunday afternoons 2 – 5pm.
- All creativity workshops are suitable for children aged from 5 to 11
- Workshops cost £4 per child and they must be accompanied at all children’s workshops by a paying adult (£8.50).
- Booking is essential on 020 7940 8783 or tickets@designmuseum.org and payment is made in advance and is non-refundable.
The Mowgli Stories presented by Illyria at the Open Air Theatre
- Sunday 7 June at 2.30pm
- A young man emerges from the jungle and leads a Forest Officer straight to where the man-eating tiger has hidden. He summons a wild buffalo at will, and even commands a horse some miles away to deliver its rider to him. How is he performing these incredible feats? He says he grew up in the jungle, speaks all the animals’ languages and learned their laws. He says that the wolves use their speed and skill to act at his bidding. But can this be true? Mowgli’s REAL adventures, as told by Rudyard Kipling, are more extraordinary and a lot more exciting than any cartoon film!
- The show is funny, exciting and suitable for all ages 5+.
- £10.00, under 5 £7.00. Gate opens 2pm.
- Please note – For all outdoor theatre performances seating is not provided, please bring your own low back chair/rug and clothing suitable for the weather.
- Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA, Tel: 020 7736 8140
GOSH Festival of Running and Family Sports Day at Battersea Park
- Festival of Running 5km and Family Sports Day! A race to keep little hearts pumping at Great Ormond Street Hospital
- Sunday 7 June 2009
- The event includes: 5km Run for ages 13 years and above (entry fee: £15 – starts 9.45am) and a traditional family sport’s day with egg and spoon races and sack races (entry fee: £8 – form 11am to noon).
- 3 x 100m runs for age categories: under 5 years, 5 – 7 years and 8 – 10 years.
- 1 x 500m run for ages 8 – 13 years
- A fancy-dress competition for children under 5 years old
- For more information please contact 020 7239 3164 or challenges@gosh.org. To enter online please visit www.gosh.org
Trial-a-Trail Weekend at the V&A Museum of Childhood (E2)
- Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June
- Discover hidden treasures in the Museum with our brand-new selection of intrepid trails. Trial a trail for the chance to win a goody bag! Activities take place throughout the day
- This is a free drop-in event suitable for ages 3+
- V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 June
Kid’s Movie at the V&A Museum of Childhood
- Saturday 13 June at 10.30
- The Borrowers (1997, PG, 89 minutes – Polygram Filmed Entertainment)
- Our monthly Saturday morning movies are perfect for lively kids in need of amusement – and tired parents in need of a rest! Comfy seating provided, bring your own refreshments.
- FREE; Drop-in; Families
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Summerly Room, V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA
Primrose in the Pink – Primrose Hill Summer Fair (NW1)
- The theme is health and fitness. Don your pink shirts, dresses, trousers or hats – dye your hair pink and bring pink balloons or umbrellas and celebrate the magic of Primrose Hill.
- Saturday 13 June from 2 – 5 pm
- At Chalcot Square, NW1
- Call 020 7586 8327 for details
Dream Tree at Lauderdale House (N6)
- Saturday 13 June
- Tortoise dreams of a miraculous tree bearing all the fruits of the earth…but which animal will be clever enough to find it? Amazing puppetry and original African music bring to life this simple and compelling Bantu tale.
- Suitable for ages 3 to 8
- Lauderdale House, Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG
- Phone 020 8348 8716 to book.
Brand of Brothers – Family Workshop at Somerset House
- 13 June 2009
- Create your own poster, logo and brand identity inspired by the people and places you love in London, in this fun graphic styled workshop.
- Free family workshop.
- In the Learning Centre
- Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
- Call 020 7845 4600 or e-mail info@somersethouse.org.uk
Journey of a Turtle at the Arts Depot
- Sunday 14 June 2009 at 12.00 and 15.00
- Presented by Lempen Puppet Theatre
- Follow the imaginative, evolutionary journey of this most fascinating and ancient creature. Turtle is like all of us, often impatient, selfish and faltering through his own mistakes. In this story we see him learning to make the important step that allows him to transform his life. A beautiful story about following your dream, told with shadows, table-top puppets and traditional storytelling.
- Suitable for children aged 5+
- ArtsDepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, N12 0GA
- Contact the Box Office on020 8369 5455 or info@artsdepot.co.uk
Lavender Hill Street Party (SW11)
- Lavender Hill will be holding its annual Street Party on Sunday, June 14, 2009 from 11am until 6pm.
- All proceeds from the event will be donated to local charity, Trinity Hospice.
- These family-style events, many of them traditional to the atmosphere of an old-fashioned village fete, include: a coconut shy; bouncy castle; face painting; candy floss; cake stalls; a dog show and henna painting. Local restaurants will put stalls outside so they can serve a huge variety of Indian, Thai, and Italian ‘taster menu’ snacks, and barbecue food, such as hot dogs and burgers, will be on offer at the pubs. It is also hoped that an attempt at a Guinness World Record will be made, at the Taybridge pub, during the day, and a balloon race is planned for later in the afternoon. Music lovers are also well catered for with a live steel band, and live pop and rock groups, who will continue to play into the evening, in various locations.
Marylebone Village Summer Fayre (W1)
- Raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust with bustling market stalls, top quality entertainment and great food and drink.
- Last year’s event was big… with approximately 25,000 people attending. This year is set to be the biggest and best so far! Come along to what is a fantastic day out. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a groups of friends or bringing all the family come and help make 2009 a great success. There’s something for everyone whether it’s dining al fresco, dancing in the street, relaxing in the park to the sounds of the concert with a glass of Pimms and a hog roast or simply wandering the streets and picking up great gifts and treats from the vast array of stalls.
- There is lots of activity along Marylebone High Street, Marylebone Lane, Moxon Street, Moxon Street Car Park, Devonshire Street and new to this year Paddington Street. The local retailers and independent retailers who hire stalls for the day all pull together to create a unique and wonderful day selling an array of fantastic cosmetics, clothes, food and gifts.
- Sunday 14 June from 11am – 5pm.
- Marylebone High Street, W1.
- Fun for the whole family!
- Colourful kites of all shapes and sizes fill the sky
- Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 June from 11am-4pm
- Colourful kites of all shapes and sizes fill the sky. Blackheath Bike and Kite Festival is now in its second year, following the hugely popular event last year.
- The event, sponsored by Transport for London, is held during National Bike Week. A children’s fair and interactive bike skill sessions add to the fun.
- Blackheath Market, Blackheath Rail Station Car Park, 2 Blackheath Village SE3 9LE
- Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 June 2009
- Garden Squares throughout London open up, many with dedicated activities for children and families.
- All day Saturday and Sunday – see the website for details. This year more than 190 gardens will be taking part and over 30 of the gardens will be offering activities for children ranging from nature trails to performances of Punch and Judy.
- Various Locations across London including:
- One ticket allows entry to all venues over entire weekend. Ticket prices are £6.75 in advance or £8 if bought during the weekend, and admission is free for children under 12 years. These can be bought from the advance ticket hotline on 020 8347 3230 (Mon to Fri 9am to 6pm).
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- Queen Mary’s Place in Roehampton (SW15) which was built in 1710 by the baroque architect Thomas Archer will have Giggles Creche with activities for toddlers and older children: face-painting, balloon modelling, magic tricks and games. Their grounds and gardens have been sensitively reinstated and are protected by the building’s Grade I-listed status. The original Sunken Garden and Rose Garden have now been restored to their former glory.
- The Creekside Centre (SE8) is a purpose-built environmental centre, with a living brown roof. It is set in a highly diverse landscape at Deptford Creek, which is a haven for hundreds of fresh and salt-water plants and animals. River dipping sessions for the over 8s will take place at 11.30am and 12.30pm (limited places – first come, first served). There will Bug hunts and wildflower discovery sessions throughout the day.
- For those interested in wildlife, many of the gardens have fascinating activities planned. Camley Street Natural Park (NW1) will have a Mini-beast hunt, while Dulwich Picture Gallery (SE21) will be offering a children’s garden trail and providing a map of trees in the garden and East Reservoir Community Garden (N4) will have Bird-watching; Art and craft activities; a Mini-beast hunt and Pond-dipping. Cable Street Community Gardens in E1 are arranging a donkey and animals from the local city farm.
- Among the more traditional squares – Eaton Square in SW1 and Russell Square Gardens in WC1 will have performances of Punch & Judy. William Morris Society in W6 has arranged a Children’s quiz and trail. Please refer to www.opensquares.org for a full list of activities.
Bedford Park Green Days Weekend (W4)
- The two-week Bedford Park Festival runs from 13 – 28 June and kicks off with ‘Green Days’ – a weekend fete and craft fair with attractions for all the family. The fun starts with a children’s fancy dress parade (theme: Wild West 4!) at 11.00am on Saturday 13 June. And there’s a prize for every entrant. (So that won’t be the cause of a tantrum …).
- Saturday and Sunday – see the website for details.
- Acton Green opposite St Michael & All Angels Church and Turnham Green tube station (W4).
Weaving at the Seed Walk – Sophora
- Saturday 13 June and Sunday 14 June
- Giant woven willow seed sculptures, some up to 4 meters high and 5 metres wide, line the mini-Broadwalk at Main Gate. These towering sculptures feature seeds like star anise, horse chestnut, poppies, devil’s claw and Banksia.
- A further five – lotus, honesty, Sophora, sycamore and coco de mer – will be crafted on site over the summer. Workshops will give families a chance to get involved and help to weave the sculptures.
- See the website for further details.
- Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9.30am – 5.30pm with later times on weekends and bank holidays.
- Admission: Adults £13, Concessions £12, free for children under 17 (accompanied by an adult) Visitor enquiries: info@kew.org
Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 June
Taste of London – Regents Park (NW1)
- Regent’s Park is host to over 40 of the capital’s top restaurants, including Le Gavroche, China Tang and Café Anglais. Plus, for those in need of a little armchair travel (or is that buggy travel) 2008 sees Taste of China offer a unique culinary journey through China showcasing the nation’s best food, drink, destinations, cultural arts and entertainment.
- 18 –21 June in Regent’s Park.
- Book early as tickets sell out.
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June
Note to Moi: Don’t Forget that 21 June is Father’s Day!
- With over 200 stalls in marquees and in the open air and a crèche for tiny tots, this is a new kind of family fun!
- Saturday 20th June from 10.30am – 5.30pm
- Wimbledon Common Southside (SW19)
- For more information about the Fair, contact the organiser, Jane Bretton on 020 8946 0735 .
Court Dress – Family Workshop at Somerset House
- 20 June 2009
- Make a miniature outfit designed for royalty, after visiting the Courtauld Gallery to explore portraits of the rich and grand, and discovering the sort of clothes they wore in the past.
- Free family workshop.
- In the Learning Centre
- Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
- Call 020 7845 4600 or e-mail info@somersethouse.org.uk
Special Family Event: ‘Exploring Stories’ – Family Event at Somerset House
- 20 June 2009
- Discover stories hidden in paintings at The Courtauld Gallery through art and music. Make your own ideas spring to life through making, painting and performance.
- Free family workshop.
- In the Learning Centre
- Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
- Call 020 7845 4600 or e-mail info@somersethouse.org.uk
Teddy’s Zoo Adventure at Lauderdale House (N6)
- Saturday 20 June
- Eddy the Teddy has a wonderful day at the zoo but he will keep wandering off! And somehow he finds himself locked in the zoo for the night. What an adventure! And what a lot of different animals he meets – Hercule Parrot, Timmy the Timid Tiger, the Cheeky Monkeys and the Elephant of Surprise to name a few – before he finds his way home with lots of help from you!
- Suitable for ages 2 to 6
- Lauderdale House, Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG
- Phone 020 8348 8716 to book.
Muddy Boots Croquet Tournament
- Saturday 20 June 11am – 4pm
- A fun knock out competition on the main lawn, the eventual winners will have competed in four gruelling croquet matches. Like to try your hand at swinging the mallet? Join us to compete, spectate or bring the kids along for a croquet lesson.
Places limited, to compete or for a short lesson contact Fulham Palace directly on 020 7736 3233 . - £15.00, lessons and spectators free.
- Family Fun
- Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA, Tel: 020 7736 8140
Terry Jones’ Fairy Tales at the Arts Depot
- Sunday 21st June 2009 at 12.00 and 15.00
- Thurtinkle is a wise old gnome with a big nose, a big heart and a bit appetite for stories!
- He has travelled all over the world and through time and space sniffing out the best tales of them all. With his witty style, author Terry Jones addresses important themes for children such as inclusion and diversity, environmentalism, self-esteem and consumerism. Join us for an exciting mix of puppets, storytelling, percussion and audience participation.
- Ages 4-11
- ArtsDepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, N12 0GA
- Contact the Box Office on020 8369 5455 or info@artsdepot.co.uk
Wimbledon Championships 22 June – 5 July
You’re never too young or old for a picnic with strawberries on Henman Hill / Murray Mound!
Thursday 25 June
- On Thursday 25 June 2008 (from 9am – 8:30pm), the BBC Proms is taking to the streets of London with free live performances throughout the day as part of the Story of London Festival. Look out for members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra performing for free in some unexpected locations across West London, from shopping centres to train stations, engaging with local communities and performing music that reflects London’s history. And while Junior enjoys the performance, you can catch your breath. Music to your ears!
- There will be a Family Orchestra from 4.30pm – 5.30pm on 25 June 2009 Westfield Shopping Centre (that famously family –friendly shopping mall *ahem* where you are prohibited from taking your tot in the shopping trolley. Try not to roll around the floor laughing.).
- Further information to be announced. See the website for further details.
- For more information please contact promslearning@bbc.co.uk or phone 020 7765 0643 .
Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 June
Abbeville Wild West Fete (SW4)
- An annual village-style fete with a pet show and dog show, childrens’ fancy-dress parade, jugglers, musical performers, the waiters’ race, Pimms tent, and over 40 stalls from local traders and organisations. This year the theme is Musicals.
- Saturday 27 June from 12 to 4 p.m.
- At the junction of Abbeville Road and Narbonne Avenue in Clapham (SW4)
- Keep checking the site for updates on what’ll be happening on the day.
- Bring your family and friends!
Little Bo Peep at Lauderdale House (N6)
- Saturday 27 June
- Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep. Can you help her to find them? A concert of traditional nursery rhymes, with singing, dancing and lots of audience participation. Bring your teddies or soft toys.
- Suitable for ages 2 to 6
- Lauderdale House, Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG
- Phone 020 8348 8716 to book.
- 27 June 2009
- Discover how to make your very own Pop-up versions of Somerset House past or present, including the people and events that you think make the place special.
Popped up! – Family Workshop at Somerset House
Flower Fairies Midsummer Festival (in conjunction with Frederick Warne)
- Sunday 28 June 12pm – 4pm
- Do you believe in fairies? Created by Cicely Mary Barker almost 100 years ago, flower fairies make their homes in flowers and plants. We celebrate the most important date in their calendar with a midsummer festival in our ‘mystical’ walled garden. With magical makeovers, dance workshops, nature trails and story telling sessions, come and find a fairy at Fulham Palace!
- £4 children, £2 accompanying adults.
- Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA, Tel: 020 7736 8140
And for the super-organised (yes, a self-congratulatory pat on the back is warranted):
Room on a Broom at the Arts Depot
NOTE: THIS IS FULLY BOOKED ACROSS LONDON. OH HOW WE WISH THEY’D EXTEND THE SEASON!
- Sunday 28th June 2009 at 12:00 and 15:00
- How the cat purred and how the witch grinned, as they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind… The witch and her cat are flying happily – until a stormy wind blows away he witch’s hat, bow and wand. A helpful dog, bird and frog find the witch’s lost things, but this broomstick is not meant for five and – CRACK – the broom snaps in two!
- Songs, laughter and scary fun for children, adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.
- Tickets for this show have now sold out.
- Ages 3+
- ArtsDepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, N12 0GA
- Contact the Box Office on020 8369 5455 or info@artsdepot.co.uk
Super Contemporary – Celebrate Your City! at the Design Museum
- Sunday 28 June 2 – 5pm. Workshops start promptly at 2pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early to avoid delays at the Admissions desk
- What would you build to celebrate your capital city? Inspired by Super Contemporary, the museum’s celebration of London’s dynamic design story, here’s your chance to create mini 3D designs for London, from pioneering parks and playgrounds to beautiful bridges and buildings.
- A programme of fun and creative family workshops for children 5 – 11 on Sunday afternoons 2 – 5pm.
- All creativity workshops are suitable for children aged from 5 to 11
- Workshops cost £4 per child and they must be accompanied at all children’s workshops by a paying adult (£8.50).
- Booking is essential on 020 7940 8783 or tickets@designmuseum.org and payment is made in advance and is non-refundable.
Weaving at the Seed Walk – Sycamore
- Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June
- Giant woven willow seed sculptures, some up to 4 meters high and 5 metres wide, line the mini-Broadwalk at Main Gate. These towering sculptures feature seeds like star anise, horse chestnut, poppies, devil’s claw and Banksia.
- A further five – lotus, honesty, Sophora, sycamore and coco de mer – will be crafted on site over the summer. Workshops will give families a chance to get involved and help to weave the sculptures.
- See the website for further details.
- Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9.30am – 5.30pm with later times on weekends and bank holidays.
- Admission: Adults £13, Concessions £12, free for children under 17 (accompanied by an adult) Visitor enquiries: info@kew.org
London Mums - Baby and Toddler Classes, Activities, Reviews 