So we are well on our way to Christmas and London has a glittering array of fun activities from mesmerising art installations to music for toddlers, some brilliant shows and of course lots of outdoorsy fun. Here are The Young Londoner’s top picks for November 2019.
Academy Tots
A musical workshop aimed at children aged 2 to 4 and their parents and carers. Hear live music performed by Academy musicians and join in with percussion-based play. A different theme each time.
When: 1 November 10:30am
Where: Royal Academy of Music
How much: £3 adult and £5 for a child more info here.
Junk Orchestra
Families are invited for an exploratory activity of making instruments from disused items which ends with a musical jam.
When: 2 November 2019 12 til 2:30
Where: St John’s Church Yard
How much: free more info here.
Family Day: Journey to the Moon
To celebrate 50 years since the moon landing, families are invited to join professional musicians and artists in an interactive day of workshops where you can expect singing, prop-making, movement and drama. Suggested for ages 7 plus.
When: 9 November 10:30am til 3:30pm
Where: Wigmore Hall
How much: £10-15 more info and booking here.
Lord Mayor’s Show Family Festival
This year the theme is ‘The London that never was’ and families can explore stories of London – past, present and future. Discover the history of Salters’ Hall and help create a new building or chat to Tower Bridge about the plans that were never realised. Settle in for a story about London’s ‘Eiffel Tower’ or chill out with some beastly books and hear about London’s wild side with Culture Mile. There is also the Beasts of London exhibition which you may want to visit.
When: 9 November 2019
Where: Museum of London
How much: free more info here.
Families: Remembrance
Join the National Portrait Gallery in commemorating Remembrance Sunday, make a poppy and add your own message to it or join in the storytelling activities.
When: 10 November
Where: National Portrait Gallery
How much: free more info here.
Family Studio: Model Behaviour
Inspired by Lucian Freud the self portraits families can draw inspiration from Lucian Freud’s bold brush strokes in drawing a portrait and then bringing it to life with plasticine. All against the fabulous backdrop of the Fine Rooms. This workshop includes a drop-in quiet zone and is suitable for all ages.
When: 10 November 11am til 3pm
Where: Royal Academy
How much: free
Tiny Troopers: Poppies
Sing, play and get creative at this monthly toddler and baby event. The theme for November is remembrance and poppies.
When: 11 November 10am and 11:20am
Where: National Army Museum
How much: £5 per child and can be followed by a session in PlayBase the Museum’s answer to Soft Play. Play Base entry is additional £5.75 for Kids under 8. Adults free. More info and booking here.
Little London: Shapes and Skylines
These London Festival of Architecture inspired under 5s events focus on the theme of boundaries. Expect a super relaxed setting where you can introduce young children to London’s architecture via the shapes and lines that make up the Skyline. The hour will include a mark making crafts, storytelling around the model, singing and Lego fun.
When: 11 November
Where: New London Architecture
How much: free more info here
Jazz for Kids at Albert Hall
Introduce young Londoners to the world of jazz music through relaxed concerts for families, performed by professional musicians from Albert’s Band. Each concert features a carefully selected jazz repertoire presented in an informal environment where children can express themselves, with no expectation to stay still or quiet.
When: 16 November 11am (sold out) and 1:30pm
Where: Albert Hall
How much: £12.50 adults and £6 for kids. More info and booking here.
The Sleeping Beauty Children’s Repertoire Workshop
Discover the world of classical storytelling through ballet, music, acting and storytelling. Uncover the story of this timeless classic as it is portrayed through dance and learn about the main characters in the ballet production. From 4 years of age.
When: 17 November from 10am (different times depending on age and dance experience so check website)
Where: Royal Academy of Dance
How much: £16 to £22 more info and booking here.
Jazz for toddlers
This fun and dynamic workshop, led by world-class jazz musicians Juliet Kelly and Tony Kofi, introduces toddlers to the wonderful world of jazz as they explore a range of sounds, techniques and styles.
When: 17 November
Where: Arcola Theatre
How much: £7.89 more info and booking here
Christmas at Kew
A twinkling heaven in the heart of London’s most wonderful botanical gardens. Walk amongst immersive vines as they surprise with changing ribbons of light, and wander beneath the branches where mysterious fairy-fire known as Will-o’the Wisp softly glows. A magical way to start the festive season.
When: 20 November til 5 Jan from 5pm til 10pm
Where: Kew Gardens
How much: Adult from £18 and children from 4-16 £11 with under 4s free. More info and booking here.
Christmas Lights on & Lantern Parade
Join in with the Christmas lights switch on and the spectacular lantern procession. Combine it with a visit to the Old Royal Naval College.
When: 20 November at 4pm
Where: Old Royal Naval College Visitor Centre
How much: free more info here.
Winter Wonderland
There is loads on at Winter Wonderland, from the magical Zippos Circus to Paddington on Ice and of course Santa’s Grotto and a Magical Ice Kingdom.
When: 4pm on 21 November then 10am til 10pm til 5Jan 2020
Where: Hyde Park
How much: various more info here
The Snowman
The Snowman has whisked generations of children off to a wintery wonderland for a festive adventure year on year. Based on the much-loved film and book, the stage adaptation of The Snowman features dancing, magic and live music, including the unforgettable classic Walking in the Air.
When: from 21st of November
Where: Peackock Theatre
How much: Tickets from £21 more info and booking here.
Bach to Baby
Award winning classical music concert for children, babies and their adults. Combine it with a visit to the Foundling Museum.
When: 21 November
Where: Foundling Museum
How much: £12 adults children free. More info and booking here.
Kids in Museums Takeover Day
Join in to run the mini Museum of Methodism for the morning. There will be lots of things to do, see and explore.
When: 22 November 10:30 am til 12:30am
Where: John Wesley’s House, Old Street
How much: free more info here.
The Wolf The Duck and the Mouse
Join Unicorn Theatre this Christmas for the stage adaptation of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s brilliantly subversive picture book which finds joy and friendship in the darkest and most unusual of places. The Mouse who is eaten by a wolf who is then stalked by a hunter.
When: 23 November til Jan 2020
Where: Unicorn Theatre
How much: £12 – £22 visit their website here for more info and booking.
BFLF Clangers baby rave
Join DJ Barry Ashworth of the Dub Pistols to celebrate The Clangers turning 50 this year! Make animal and plant inspired decor with Captain Cookie Crafts and in the special Clangers room decorate eco-friendly plant pots and take a pack of seeds to grow at home. Explore the fascinating and surprising world of the sewer in the sensory room while little ones can enjoy our Mudlarks children gallery. With a sensory light, confetti, balloons, bubbles and music from acid house to drum and bass plus a licensed bar to enjoy it’ll be a fantastic party for all the family to enjoy.
When: 23 November 2 til 4:30
Where: Museum of London Docklands
How much: £7 for a walker and £9 for adults. More info and booking here.
The Showstoppers Christmas Kids Show in Leicester Square
Join the Showstopper Elves in the Christmas grotto where they will take your kids suggestions (however outrageous!) and transform them on the spot into magical, musical interactive adventures. Shaun the Sheep meets Dora at the North Pole? Done! The Paw Patrol help Father Christmas deliver presents? No problem! Peppa Pig and Spiderman build a snowman? Of course!
When: 23 November
Where: Leicester Square
How much: from £14 more info and booking here.
Musical Storytelling for under 5s
Join the Barbican and the London Symphony Orchestra in this child friendly re-imagining of a popular story through dance and music.
When: 24 November
Where: LSO St Luke’s
How much: £7 for adults and £5 for children more info here.
Stir up Sunday
Traditionally, Christmas preparations would begin on the last Sunday before Advent, known as Stir-Up Sunday and this event gives families the chance to work alongside Victorian servants to pound the sugar and spices and get ready for the festivities. There will also be an interactive promenade for the whole family.
When: 24 November
Where: Gunnersbury Park Museum
How much: £4 per person and kids need their own tickets. More info and booking here.
Family Fun Day: Palace at War
Visit the Palace’s World War I hospital and learn what life was like for the nurses who worked here and the patients they treated. There will be crafts, costume and the chance to get hands on with objects from this period.
When: 24 November 11 am til 3pm
Where: Fulham Palace
How much: free more info here.
Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever
Get ready for a road-trip full of Peppa style adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles – there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more. The show will have lots of songs, games, laughter and is perfect for any Peppa Pig fan.
When: 29 November til 5 Jan
Where: Duke of York’s Theatre
How much: From £12.25. More info and bookings here
Goldilocks and the three musketeers
Goldilocks flees from the Three Bears into the deep, dark wood. As she stumbles down a rabbit hole to escape, she finds herself in Wonderland! Teaming up with The Three Musketeers and a whole host of fairy tale favourites (with a little help from the audience), can Goldilocks rescue Wonderland and live happily ever after before it’s too late?
When: 30 November til 31st December
Where: Battersea Arts Centre
How much: all tickets £10 on 30th more info and booking here.
Christmas Tales
With plenty of puppets, singing and dancing, Christmas Tales is brought to you by Chickenshed theatre and is guaranteed to entertain the very youngest of audiences (and their grown-ups too!), leaving everyone happy and joyful at this most wonderful time of the year.
When: 30 November
Where: Museum of Comedy, Bloomsbury
How much: £15 adults and £8.50 for children. More info and booking here.