Half Term Fun for Familes and Children
With the whole week of half term coming up next week, and kids under your feet, does anyone have the time to trawl through the momentous amount of stuff that is going on in London? No, didn't think so. That is why London Calling have put together some of the best shows, activities and events for families and children of all ages, to help out those mums and dads out there.
Victorian playgrounds, folk music workshops and fantastical theatre shows. There is something for everyone, and here is our pick of the best places to take your kids this half term.
A great chance to catch the V&A Museum of Childhood’s Magic Worlds before it finishes on 4 March. Explore the other worlds of fantasy and illusion in this fun and informative exhibition.
Until 4 March 2012. Open 10.00am-5.45pm Monday-Sunday. FREE.
Get Your Folk On! with The English Folk Dance and Song Society. This creative musical week for young people aged 11-18. Learning by ear so no need to be able to read music and all abilities and instruments welcome!
13-17 February 2012 10.30am-4.00pm (5.30pm on Friday). £35 for the week.
Fevered Sleep comes to The Albany with The Forest, an immersive piece of contemporary dance theatre, specially created for children, ages 5 and over. With music, light and dance the performance promises to dazzle and surprise.
13 February 11.30am, 2.00pm; 14-16 February 11.00, 2.00pm. £7.50.
The Unicorn Theatre brings the Grim Grimms: Three Drops of Blood, a story created by Ben Haggerty, to their stage. The show invites you to enter and explore the darker sides of the fairytale forest. For ages 8 and over.
14-19 February 2.00pm, 16, 18 February 4.30pm. £7.00
Ever been to a Victorian playground? Now you can at the Museum of London. The museum has created one especially for under 5s to play with games from the past and have the opportunity to make a toy to take home.
13, 15 February 10.30-11.30am, 2.00-3.00pm. FREE.
Island is a new play brought to you by National Theatre for young audiences. Imagine being stuck in the middle of the Arctic Ocean with no phone or computer. Not quite the school holidays one plans for…
15-18 February 3.00pm, 16-18, 22, 23, 25 February 10.30am, 21-23, 25 February 1.15pm. Standard £12.00, Under 18s £8.00
For all Dr Who fans, this Experience is a must! Head to Olympia before the exhibition closes and celebrate with some special half term events.
Until 23 February 10.30am-5.30pm. £12.50-20.00
Not just for kids, but Beano lovers everywhere! The Trial of Dennis the Menace at the Southbank Centre brings an hour of music, words and action in this fun, energetic show. For ages 7 and over.
18 February 2.45pm, 18, 21-22 February 5.00pm, 19 February 1.30pm, 4.00pm
Polka’s wonderful Twist of Gold by Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse, is a great family show, an epic adventure following a family’s struggle to be reunited. For 9-13 years.
Until 21 April. See website for times. £8.00-£12.00
WIN A FAMILY TICKET to see Twist of Gold at the Polka Theatre. Simply answer the following question. Which famous children's novel written by Michael Morpurgo has been made into a successful West End production and more recently a film directed by Stephen Spielberg? Email your answers to katie@londoncalling.com by the 20th of February; don't forget to include your name and a contact number so we can reach you if you win! Good Luck!
Author: Anita Mistry
