What’s On This Half Term
We’re already halfway through the final school term – let the countdown to the summer holidays begin! Meanwhile, keep your little ones entertained on their week off with our bumper guide to what’s on…
CULTURE VULTURES
1. SEA LIFE’s Penguin Point
London’s SEA LIFE Aquarium will be reopening its popular penguin display, Penguin Point, just in time for half term. The expanded state-of-the-art viewing and learning experience will give kids the chance to gain a fascinating insight into the habitat and behaviour of these much-loved animals.
When: Opens Saturday May 28th
How much: Adults, from £19.50; children, from £14.50
Where: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
visitsealife.com
2. Aladdin The Musical
This classic movie hit has been brought to London after a superb run on Broadway. Brought to life on stage, the musical features all the well-known songs and beautiful costumes. Book your tickets now for an unmissable show.
When: From Friday May 27th
How much: £27.25
Where: Prince Edward Theatre, 28 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4HS
aladdinthemusical.co.uk
3. V&A Museum of Childhood
There’s plenty of workshops to get stuck into at the V&A Museum of Childhood this half term, all under the theme of movement. From wind-up robots, to toy cars and string puppets, little hands will stay occupied.
When: Monday May 30th – Friday June 3rd, 11am – 4pm
How much: Free!
Where: Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA
vam.ac.uk
LITTLE FOODIES
1. Chocolate Tuesday at Chelsea Physic Garden
Look into the history, geography and science of chocolate and celebrate this very special substance. The day will include craft activities, a garden tour, chocolate tasting and the chance to create your own mixtures to take away. A must for any mini chocoholic!
When: Tuesday May 31st
How much: £15
Where: Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS
chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
2. Biscuiteers Icing Class
Children will be taught how to ice a biscuit like a Biscuiteer pro, and can take home their goodies at the end of the class. There’s a minimum of four children per lesson, so call on school friends and get a group together.
When: Subject to availability
How much: children, £36 each
Where: Biscuiteers Boutique & Icing Cafe, 194 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2ES
biscuiteers.com
3. The Kids Cookery School
The Kids Cookery School’s mission is to give every child in the UK a unique and fun cooking experience to help them make informed choices about food and understand about health and diet. Little foodies will love practising their culinary skills.
When: classes are held throughout the school holiday periods
How much: Workshops £32; classes, £17
Where: The Kids Cookery School, 107 Gunnersbury Lane, Acton, London W3 8HQ
thekidscookeryschool.co.uk
CRAFTY MAVENS
1. Fulham Pottery Café
There’s no better way to while away an afternoon than getting creative with pottery and paints. With a variety of different pottery pieces to choose from, and a plethora of paints, stamps and stencils, adults will have just as much fun as the kids. A word of caution: with all that paint around, this isn’t one for Sunday best…
When: 10am – 6pm (opening times vary)
How much: £5.99 studio fee + pottery from £7.50
Where: 735 Fulham Road, London SW6 5UL / 153 Northcote Road, London SW11 6QB
pottery-cafe.com
2. Cass Art Kids Workshop
Drop in and join the fun, creative activities at Cass Art, designed to inspire and ignite children’s imaginations. Create scenes form nature using pre-cut lino stamps or make your own stamps designs using foam printing tiles.
When: Wednesday June 1st, 10am – noon
How much: Free!
Where: 66-67 Colebrooke Row, London N1 8AB
cassart.co.uk
3. Design a Beano cover at The Cartoon Museum
Using special worksheets, draw your own Beano front cover featuring your favourite comic characters. A must for any comic fans!
Who: Ages 8-12
When: Monday May 30th, 11am – 1pm
How much: £10
Where: 35 Little Russell Street, London WC1A 2HH
cartoonmuseum.org
FREE THRILLS
1. Museum of London Docklands
There’s so much going on at the Museum of London Docklands this half term that it’d be unfair to highlight just one event! From musical sessions to architectural crafts, learn about London’s buildings and the historic Docklands with a variety of workshops.
When: Saturday May 28th – Sunday June 5th
How much: Free!
Where: No. 1 Warehouse, West India Dock Road, London E14 4AL
museumoflondon.org.uk
2. Vauxhall City Farm
A little piece of countryside in Central London, head to Vauxhall City Farm for a fun day out. Experience all the sights, sounds and smells of rural life, and make sure you say hello to the friendly animals, too!
When: Open 10.30am – 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday
How much: Free!
Where: 165 Tyers Street, London SE11 5HS
vauxhallcityfarm.org
3. Camley Street Natural Park
Two unique acres of wild green space right in the heart of London, this innovative and internationally acclaimed reserve on the banks of the Regent’s Canal is a place for both people and wildlife. Teeming with wildlife, kids will love spotting out all the different animals and habitats in the pond, meadow and woodland.
When: 10am – 5pm
How much: Free!
Where: 12 Camley Street, London N1C 4PW
wildlondon.org.uk
FURTHER AFIELD
1. Cogges Kitchen
The newly opened Cogges Kitchen at Cogges Manor Farm in Witney, Oxfordshire, features a daily-changing menu using locally sourced and seasonal produce inspired by the Cogges walled garden and orchard. Featuring a kids section on the menu and children’s play area, little ones will love their visit just as much as you!
When: roughly 8.30am – 5pm (opening times vary)
Where: Cogges Manor Farm, Church Lane, Witney OX28 3LA
cogges.org.uk
2. Bodiam Castle
Learn about the author’s extraordinary life, and his most famous characters and stories. The interactive tour features items from the Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre.
When: Until July 3rd
How much: Adults, £10; children, £8
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
southbankcentre.co.uk
3. Hole Park
Brand new outdoor fun in the Waterwheel Courtyard of this West London museum. The children will be amazed (not to mention a little damp) by the unexpected ways of moving water using gears, wheels, buckets, levers, pumps, pipes and more.
When: Open daily, 11am to 4pm
How much: Adults, £11.50; children, £5
Where: Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, London TW8 0EN
waterandsteam.org.uk
