Schools out for most kids now, and the kids will be swarming your ankles asking “What are we doing today mum?!” Take a deep breath, have a swig of coffee and read over our suggestions here. We’ve got five great ideas for family fun in London this weekend. Enjoy!
Mimi and the Mountain Dragon at Hoxton Hall
Skewbald Theatre company bring Michael Morpurgo’s atmospheric tale of Mimi and the Mountain Dragon magically to life. With lively original songs, atmospheric storytelling and magical puppets this is an exciting family show about friendship, courage and adventure for anyone who loves snow, dragons and stories.
When: 20-24 Dec; 11am & 2pm
Where: Hoxton Hall
Cost: From £8.50; free lap seat for toddlers under 18 months.
Age guidance: 4-8
More info: website
The Shard’s Festive Family Morning
Celebrate the festive season at the highest viewing platform in London, in the capital’s tallest building! The Shard will be opening its doors early to welcome a limited number of families to this exclusive out-of-hours event. They’ll be unlimited hot drinks and juice (breakfast items for additional purchase), face painting and crafting. St Nick will be wandering about chatting with the children.
When: 21 Dec; exclusive access for event 8.30am-10am (stay as long as you like after event ends)
Where: The View from The Shard, London Bridge
Ages: all
Cost: £20 on Little Bird website; under 4s are free
More info: website
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Oi Frog & Friends!
The much-loved childrens’ book series Oi Frog! has hopped on to a West End stage and become a family theatre experience. Whether you have just one book or the whole series – Oi Frog!, Oi Dog!, Oi Cat! and Oi Duck-billed Platypus!, are much loved in many family homes. The new stage show which brings together Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling and award-winning picture books.
When: Until 5 Jan
Where: Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES
Age guidance: 3+
Cost: tickets from £15.50
More info: website
READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF OI FROG & FRIENDS!
Frost Fair Festival
Experience the fun of the Frost Fair both days this weekend at the Museum of London Docklands. When the River Thames would freeze over, many years ago, huge celebrations called Frost Fairs were held on the ice. Join us for a weekend of festivities recreating the magic of these special festivals, with interactive games and workshops, enchanting performances and arts and crafts. Plus learn about winter traditions from around the world in this wintry festival for the whole family.
When: 21-22 Dec
Where: Museum of London Docklands
Age guidance: all
Cost: free, drop-in activities
More info: website
Ice skate at Somerset House
Cruise the ice on a rink ensconced by the glorious Somerset House. There are lots of extras here as well including skate aids for little skaters, Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade and Lodge and (ticketed separately) an amazing village made of gingerbread to explore. Gingerbread workshops available as well.
Where:Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA
When: Open until 12 Jan, excluding Christmas Day
Cost: Adult tickets from £11; Children 12 and under tickets start from £8.50; 10% families discount applied to groups of four (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children)
More info: website
RELATED: WHERE TO ICE SKATE IN LONDON
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