Families North London May/June 24 Print

Ivy House School thrives as a distinguished, co-educational, and non-denominational school for children aged 2 to 11.

www.ivyhouseschool.co.uk

"1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and we want to make sure we are there for everyone, providing vital and free support. That’s why we hold the Night Hike every year; to ask our community to help us, so that we can help others," said Lucy McGinn of the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. Join the walk on May 17. Children under-12 walk free. See p4 for more. www.nightingalesupport.org.uk/nighthike

Summer beckons and so does the outdoors. There are some magical events for children coming up. Immerse yourself in science at the free Great Exhibition Road Festival. Get historical at Barnet's Medieval Festival. Or go wild at the London Wildlife Trust's free nature festival at Camley Street, N1. (Follow us on social media for up-to-date sharing of events). Or If you fancy getting away for a family adventure, check out our picks of great campsites on page 12. We have some great giveaways inside and there are more offers, as well as crafts & recipes to make with your children, in the interactive digital version of our magazine. Sign up at familiesmag.co.uk/go to receive every issue to your inbox.

Advertise in our next issue: Contact us on 07359 133 954. editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk

Families North London Magazine

WIN! Magnet Mouse bundle

A revolution in baby wear

Every parent knows the struggle of changing and dressing a little one who is desperate to escape.

Traditional poppers and buttons can be a chore but Magnet Mouse has a game-changing solution. Its baby grows use ingenious magnetic fasteners so you can fasten and unfasten in a second. Loved by celebs and royalty, they make an ideal gift.

We asked Rachael, mum to a nine-month-old “wriggle-monster” – dad’s words – to review it.

“It’s very nicely designed,” said Rachael. “It fitted really well and it was easy to get on and off. This was a lot quicker than normal. It saved a lot of hassle. It would also be such a benefit if you had twins or another young child."

The magnets used in Magnet Mouse baby grows are securely enclosed within the fabric, so they're completely safe for your baby and have been third party safety tested to comply with EU and British safety standards. The range includes baby grows, hats, toddler tops, maternity shirts, poncho bibs, bed sheets, blankets and more.

Families North London has teamed up with Magnet Mouse to offer one lucky reader a fabulous bundle of a onesie, maternity shirt and bedsheet. Enter at bit.ly/compsFNL by June 20. T&Cs at bit.ly/magnetmouseTCs. www.magnetmouse.co.uk

Navigating primary education

Navigating the education system can be overwhelming.

Primary Pathfinders provides personalised support, advice and guidance to empower you. "Our aim is to help your child reach their potential through tailored assistance and expert mentorship," said founder Gail Clemens. "We are committed to providing unwavering support, expert advice and a nonjudgmental approach."

Primary Pathfinders offers parental mentoring and advice on:

��  The primary curriculum and assessments

��  School reports and parents evening

��  Homework and the wider curriculum

��  Wellbeing, mental health

��  Learning styles and brain development

��  SEND support

��  Online safety guidance

��  Secondary school transition

��  Primary Tutoring

��  KS1 and KS2

��  All subjects

��  Fun, engaging lessons

��  Online or face to face primarypathfinders.com

Join night hike to support those with cancer

from p3

Join over 750 people walking 5K, 10K or 15K on a Night Hike route around beautiful Enfield on May 17 to raise money for the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre.

The fun starts with a Welcome Reception from 6pm at Enfield Civic Centre, Silver Street, EN1 3XA. There is music, featuring MumSing, entertainment, warm up with Tottenham Hotspurs, fun photo opportunities and other surprises before the claxon sounds and the walk starts.

Lucy McGinn from the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre added: “Plus, the most important reason to join is to help people in the community and people you love who are affected by cancer.”

Entry is £16, and includes a goody bag and baseball cap. Children under 12 can register free. You can make a small donation for a child goody bag. www.nightingalesupport.org.uk/nighthike

TfL 2for1 attraction entry

Travel by TfL to the Tower of London or Hampton Court Palace and can claim 2 for 1 tickets in person. The offer runs until December 23, excluding July 20 to September 1.

The 2 for 1 offer applies until July 1 at Ham House and Garden, in Richmond, and Osterley Park and House, West London, run by the National Trust. Excludes bank holidays and bank holiday weekends. Plus single fares are off-peak all day on Fridays until May 31. See other discounts at: https://londonblog.tfl.gov.uk/2022/07/27/in-thecity/?cid=deals

Pick up a Bookstart Pack

If you haven't had a Bookstart Baby Pack by your child's first birthday ask at your library. Dual language packs available.

Open Farm Sunday

Open Farm Sunday on June 9 allows families and individuals to see daily farm activities and learn about sustainable practices. Visitors can enjoy tractor-trailer rides, farm tours, nature trails, bug hunts, and even shop at farmers’ markets. The event, managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), connects consumers and farmers, emphasising the importance of British agriculture. www.farmsunday.org

Growing fun for little sprouts

National Children’s Gardening Week is from May 25 to June 2. Gardening has known health benefits including being active and feeling happier and more connected with the natural world. Find home activities and events at local garden centres at www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk

Enjoy Afro Community Expo, July 6

In the heart of vibrant Tottenham Hale, Angel Foundation UKJA, in association with Grace Foods UK and VM Group, is holding its Afro Community Expo 2024 on July 6.

“We have a rich and diverse culture. We want to bring people together and empower the community,” said organiser Angelia Christian.

Over 50 exhibitors, featuring Paulsimna Creatives face painting, art, craft, beauty, kids, fashion, books, Harris Academy steelpan presentation, celebrities, cultural talks, 100 years of Grace Foods brand giveaway, dance groups, live PA and more, will be at Harris Academy Sports Hall, Ashley Road, N17 9LN, 9am to 6pm. Wheelchair accessible. For info or to have a stand   07445 582303

Free Tickets and raffle tickets bit.ly/ACEXPO24

Play streets take off

Play streets are becoming more and more popular. Hackney was the first borough to close streets to traffic and open them for play, in 2011. Children play, while adults get to know each other. Islington now has over 20 while Barnet is playing catch-up with a pilot of just two followed by a campaign, last year, to encourage residents to try it out.

For information on play streets:

In Barnet: www.barnet.gov.uk/community/getinvolved-your-community/play-streets

In Islington: www.islington.gov.uk/roads/play-street

In Camden: www.camden.gov.uk/play-streets

In Enfield: www.enfield.gov.uk/services/roads-andtransport/road-closures

In Haringey: new.haringey.gov.uk/streets-roads-travel/ street-licences-applications/apply-a-play-street

In Hackney: hackney.gov.uk/play-streets

Help is available from https://londonplaystreets.org.uk

School open days

Les Petites Etoiles – Boys and girls, up to 5. Multi-lingual nurseries in Angel (formerly Mars Montessori) Crouch Hill, Tufnell Park, West Hampstead, and Paddington (formerly Les Trois Oursons). Angel open day May 11. Must book, Girls and boys. Intakes in Sept, Jan & May. See website to book a tour. 020 7099 0452 www.lpe.com

The Cavendish School – Girls 3-11

Open morning tours April 30, May 21, June 18 at 8.50am. Must book. Private tours available. 31 Inverness St, N1 www.cavendishschool.co.uk

Ivy House School – Boys and girl, 2-11 Open day June 14, 10am, must book. Private tours available by appointment. School opens 8am6pm.

Ivy House, North End Road, NW11 7SX www.ivyhouseschool.co.uk

Skills for school performance

By Gail Hugman

Many parents worry about their children not reaching an expected level by the time they leave primary school or sit 11+ exams but by developing your child’s skills it may be easier to improve their performance than you might think.

Palmers Green High School – Girls, 3-16 Nursery open morning May 18, 10am-12pm. Must register. Individual tours available. 104 Hoppers Rd, London N21 3LJ. 020 8886 1135 www.pghs.co.uk

St Anthony’s School for Boys – boys 4-13

Open day June 12, 9.30-11am.

St Anthony’s Nursery NW3 – boys and girls 2½-4 Runs Stay and Play sessions. 90 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, Hampstead, NW3 6NP www.stanthonysprep.org.uk

Hyland House School – Christian school for boys and girls, 2-11 . Call to arrange a visit. Holcombe Road, N17 9AB. 020 8520 4186. www.hylandhouseschool.org

St Joseph’s Primary and Nursery – Boys and girls, 3-11

Open Day May 24 9.15am. Register https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/K7CLYK5 Or tours available most days at 9.30am. Highgate Hill, Highgate, London, N19 5NE. 0207 272 1270. www.st-josephs.islington.sch.uk

Woodlands Nursery – Girls and boys, 6m to 5. Open 7.30am-6.30pm, fully inclusive service. 1/3 Orchard Road, Barnet, EN5 2HL. 020 8447

1914

Book a tour at https://childbasepartnership.com/ nursery/woodlands-day-nursery-barnet/ Email: woodlands.barnet@childbase.com

Puss in Boots Nursery – Boys and girls, 2-4. Nursery and forest school on the edge of Hampstead Heath, open 8.30am-5pm. Teacher-led early years education. Open mornings Fridays. To book, email amelia@pussinbootsnursery.co.uk

The Gospel Oak Methodist Church Hall, Agincourt Road, Hampstead, NW3 2NT. 0207 267 2181 www.pussinbootsnursery.co.uk

Research has shown that to be our most effective as learners, we need to develop a specific set of skills known as “executive function” skills. Don’t be put off by the name. You have all these skills. Some of you will be brilliant at them, others less so but you will not be a stranger to them. We are all born with the potential to develop these skills over time but they are not specifically taught as part of the curriculum in school, even though they are critical for both for effective learning and for everything we do in life.

Self-control, focus and attention, organisation, memory – especially working memory, planning, time management, critical thinking, task initiation, perseverance and flexibility can all be taught. As a basic minimum, when children go to school they need to be able to control themselves, concentrate and listen.

The Midnight Clock WIN!

Mystery, adventure and time travel

North London has been wrapped up in a twisty historical mystery by a leading thriller writer.

The immersive and imaginative new novel. The Midnight Clock, is inspired by Tom's Midnight Garden and is aimed at 12+.

It is set between 1955 and 2023, in and around Holloway, Islington and Highgate Cemetery. It tackles themes of family, loss and justice in a race against time to unravel the truth. Struggling to come to terms with her uprooted life, Millie lives with her father and his new girlfriend in a building on the site of Holloway women’s prison. The only remnant is the old prison clock in the hall – a clock that has long been silent. When the clock begins to strike one night, Millie meets a terrified young woman in a cell. Annie cannot see her, but Millie realises that she may be the key to changing Annie’s fate. But is there enough time for justice to be done?

Jamie Costello is a pseudonym for author Laura Wilson whose work incudes 13 critically acclaimed psychological thrillers, including the DI Stratton series.

Families North London has teamed up with publisher Atom. We have FIVE copies of The Midnight Clock to give away. Enter at bit.ly/compsFNL by June 20. See T&Cs at bit.ly/ClockTCs

The Midnight Clock, £8.99, by Jamie Costello is available from your favourite bookshop.

If any of these skills are weak, it is likely to be flagged up in the child’s school report. Each skill is a complex series of things we need to co-ordinate to accomplish a result. By understanding that, we can break down everything that needs to happen. For example, to be a good listener, we need to be able to stop what we're doing, focus and make eye contact. This last may not be easy for children who are overwhelmed by eye contact, so use discretion. Proper listening also involves cognitive skills: to concentrate, wait, reflect, make connections with reference, take in and sort information and finally, to respond appropriately.

Can your child stop what they’re doing when asked? If not, work on it for a week and tell them that’s the target. Take each part of the process and focus on it until they get it. Clearly define what your child is aiming to achieve. Explain the benefits of growing that skill and the downside of not having it. Create opportunities for your child to get feedback on how they’re doing. Congratulate small successes! Feedback helps their brain to get it right and consolidate it. Find ways to work together with your child, using everyday life for working on the growing skills. Plan homework, time activities, organise spelling, and practise self-control. When teaching concentration, primary-age children need to feel the skill. Fill an ice tray, or a glass, with water. Ask your child to carry it across the kitchen without spilling a drop. When you see they are completely concentrating, tell them “what you are now feeling is called concentration.” This helps their brain recognise when they are doing it correctly. Tell your child when they need to concentrate – for example, when the teacher is talking – and ask how concentration went each day.

Gail Hugman, proprietor of Lessons Alive www.lessonsalive.com and author of A Short and Simple Book for the Why’s, 100 Things to Learn before you’re 10, plus the soon to be published Making the Pennies Drop, which shows parents exactly how to teach key skills to their children.

Preparing the ground

In general, your child’s skills will naturally develop as they mature during the secondary education years but you can prepare the ground earlier. Here are some tips: Critical thinking: ask questions about what they’re doing and what they produce. Encourage discussion about what they think.

Task initiation: explain the need to get things done when you are teaching them time management.

Perseverance: point out “the bigger picture” and the steps to keeping going.

Flexibility: demonstrate being adaptable to change.

Settling in is key to success

No matter how well children are prepared for school, their transition to the classroom during the first few months plays a key role in their success, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that kids who made a more successful transition in the first 10 to 14 weeks of school scored higher in academic and social-behavioural skills tests at the end of the year. Important parts of the transition included making new friends, learning to work with others and adapting to new academic demands. Crucially, this was true for all kids.

"Transition difficulties hurt children's development, regardless of the initial readiness skills that they entered with," said Jing Sun, lead author of the study from Ohio State University.

More info bit.ly/BigLittleLeap

A Pathway to Success

St Anthony's School for Boys' headmaster Richard Berlie tells how he promotes a love of learning both in and outside the classroom

Education is a journey, with a pupil’s destination dependent on their scholastic pathway.

The origin of the word "destination" comes from the Latin "destinare" – to establish or make firm. This derivation illustrates that a chosen outcome is not achieved by knowledge of the geography of the location alone – but also having the necessary preparation to reach the end goal.

In this context, I am talking about senior school destinations. The senior school outcomes, this year, for our Year 6 boys have been outstanding. It is very pleasing, yet again, to see an increase in offers from some of London’s – indeed the UK’s –most academic schools.

St Anthony's holds its own against not just Hampstead’s, but also London’s best prep schools. I believe the boys are doing so well because of their exposure to high quality teaching and a range of co-curricular activities and, perhaps most important of all, because of the kind and caring environment that allows boys to be the best version of themselves.

St Anthony’s makes boys life-ready. A weekly assembly speaker series invites leaders to speak to the boys from all professions – Art History, Journalism, Politics. At lunchtime and after school, the boys continue their learning. Inside and outside the classroom, there is a happy hubbub of excited pupils enjoying Lego robotics, Fencing, Orchestra, Rugby and LAMDA – to name but a few co-curricular offerings. At our Careers Week – an event quite unique among prep, and pre-prep, schools – speakers included the Head of Brand

and Retail for Disney, an ENT specialist, an actuary, a novelist and travel writer and two barristers – one of whom was brave enough to speak to Reception! Several boys took on apprenticeships such as being Headmaster or Deputy Head for the day from Year 1 to Year 8.

Our boys in Year 7 and 8 always take part in the annual Intermediate Mathematical Challenge. Although aimed at pupils in Year 11 (15-16 years old), this year, we encouraged our boys in Years 5 and 6 to take part. We are particularly proud of all the boys who put themselves forward. In total, 45 per cent of boys received an award: 2 Gold, 5 Silver and 20 Bronze. Spectators on the sports pitch cheer with good news too – most recently, the U11s won the Herewood House cross country, winning their event out of the 12 competing schools

“

Most important of all, the kind and caring environment allows boys to be the best version of themselves”

Meanwhile, the U11 and U13 Hockey squads played in the Prep4Sport Tournament and both teams won the Plate competition. Our U9 team recently won the Inspired Football tournament, in which almost 20 schools took part. With our sports fields at Brondesbury cricket club, just 15 minutes from the school – pupils actively grow in their sporting prowess. Naturally, I am a proud headmaster – but don’t just take my word for it! In January, the Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a routine inspection. Two points were clear: pupils make strong academic progress here and they are happy and well supported at school. It was noted that “leaders create an environment where everyone is valued.” Furthermore, it was uniformly observed that “pupils display a real passion for learning and strive to give of their best.”

Sometimes, I struggle to describe St Anthony’s in a nutshell. There is just so much good stuff to squash into a sentence. Fortunately, our boys are adept at putting their thoughts into words. “You never not feel welcome here,” expressed one youngster. I couldn’t have put it better myself.

The strong intellectual, moral and spiritual ethos of the school ensures that pupils embark on an educational pathway rich in academic and personal fulfilment.

St Anthony's School for Boys, 90 Fitzjohn's Avenue, NW3 6NP, boys' prep school for ages 4-13, with associated co-ed nursery from age 2 and a half. Open morning June 12. Tours daily. Learn more at www.stanthonysprep.org.uk

Learning to be life-ready: St Anthony's pupils on path to success

Here comes summer, Stagecoach-style

At Stagecoach Highgate & Hampstead, we're looking forward to our fun Summer Holiday Workshops.

They are carefully designed for 6 to 16-year-olds and during their time at Stagecoach we see young people increase their confidence, social awareness and fitness. At the end of the week, students will join together to showcase their newfound singing, acting and dancing skills to family and friends. They don't need previous performing arts experience – just a willingness to give it a go!

This year we will run from July 29 to August 2 and August 27 to 30. Book now to secure a place! We accept Childcare Vouchers and are OFSTED approved. Visit us at www.stagecoach.co.uk/highgate or call us on 07956436028.

Phone campaign goes viral

Sixty thousand parents (at time of print) have joined a group committed to barring pre-teens from having smartphones, as concerns grow about online safety and the harmful impact of social media on mental health.

Two mums started Smartphone Free Childhood in response to fears about children’s smartphone use and the "norm" of giving children smart devices when they go to secondary school. Ofcom has found 91 per cent of children in the UK own a smartphone by age 11 and 44 percent by age nine. What the mums expected to be a small group of friends has turned into a nationwide campaign. More info: www.smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk

Eco birthday gifting

By Tamsin Ryan

At a time when we are all trying to reduce the amount of plastic we use, it seems toymakers and our little ones are against us every step of the way, filling our homes with plastic toys and gadgets everywhere we look. Moreover, these colourful and joyous pieces of plastic often provide precious little fun before they are pushed aside for the next in line.

When the birthday party season comes along, gifting something that is a little kinder to the planet might also provide some longer lasting fun.

Garden games are a long standing favourite gift. They are great for getting kids outside and provide the opportunity for lots of family fun. Lovely wooden games such as quoits, Jeng, skittles, or Swedish favourite Kubb, will provide years of fun and last a lifetime.

Books are often overlooked but can be such meaningful and enjoyable gifts. Favourite stories can be read and loved again and again and then passed onto siblings, friends or the next generation. Alternatively, a book token gives children the fun of browsing a real bookshop.

Preloved gifts are also a great option. As children often outgrow their toys before they really get a chance to play with them, you can find plenty of preloved toys that are like new. You save money, kids barely know the difference between new and preloved and aren’t bothered anyway. Try nearly new sales, charity shops or school fairs. If you’re short on time, www.rumage. com can search all your favourite marketplaces for you and filter by location so you can find a seller nearby, saving on postage.

A subscription is a lasting gift that keeps on giving, perhaps a monthly magazine or a craft box. Non-physical gifts. Instead of stuff and more stuff, consider a fun day out or an experience that the whole family can

enjoy or some dance, music or sports classes. Another idea is an annual (family) membership to a local amusement park, museum or similar, which means your gift can be enjoyed again and again throughout the year.

Handmade and upcycled presents add a really personal touch. You can make something bespoke that will be unique to the lucky recipient. Previously I’ve upcycled a scooter and a guitar for my daughter, which have been loved and adored.

No presents! If you are having a party for your child, you may just want to ask for no presents at all, if you feel your child has more than enough. Alternatively, ask everyone to bring along a book that they have enjoyed reading and then do a book swap, so everyone goes home with a gift.

“Fiver” parties are rising in popularity and it’s easy to see why. They reduce the pressure on parents to search for the perfect gift and also means the birthday child can use the combined money to buy a meaningful gift that they would really like.

Whatever gift you decide to go with, by consciously avoiding new plastic and making sustainable choices, your biggest gift will be to the planet – and thus the future of the birthday child. What more could they ask for?

For more birthday and party tips, read Tamsin’s blog at www.icecreamandjelly.com or check out her Instagram page @icecreamandjelly_uk.

Measles rise vaccine call

A national campaign to boost uptake of a vaccine that protects against measles has been launched in England after a rise in cases of the potentially deadly disease. Measles outbreaks have occurred around the country, including in London, with the West Midlands experiencing cases at their highest level since the mid-1990s.

The situation has led the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to declare a national incident. Figures from NHS England suggest more than 3.4million children under 16 are unprotected.

More info: bit.ly/NHSMeasles

Join Perform for fairytale magic or a space adventure

Perform’s confidence-building summer term classes are off to a flying start and there’s no better time for your child to try a class. Packed with

self-esteem boosting activities, these weekly classes are the best fun of the week for every type of child.

They help reticent children develop confidence in their abilities and provide an outlet for energetic children to sing, dance and make friends.

The curriculum is focused on building the 4Cs – confidence, communication, concentration and coordination – using drama games, improvisation, role-play, catchy songs and funky dances.

This summer term, 4-7s are entering the Fairytale Forest for an adventure

based on favourite well-known stories. 7-12s are blasting off on a journey with Robinson Crusoe where he gets stranded in space!

Every child is welcome to try a free class, and with over 30 venues in North London, there's sure to be a class near you! Visit www.perform.org.uk/try

What's more, Perform Superheroes summer holiday courses are coming to Crouch End, Highbury, Highgate, Muswell Hill, Primrose Hill, St John's Wood and Tufnell Park this July and August – visit www.perform.org.uk/ superheroes for more info and to book.

Hot water burns like fire

By Jenni Dunman

Did you know that hot water burns like fire?

According to the British Burn Association, more than 7,000 children were burned or scalded in 2022 in England and Wales.

This figure doesn’t include the thousands seen and discharged in A&E. These are the children who were so badly injured they had to be admitted to a Specialist Burns Unit. Most accidents that cause burns and scalds to babies and children involve hot water. So let’s take a look at the risks within the home.

Hot drink burns are all too common, but easily preventable with these simple rules:

✩ Keep hot drinks out of reach of young children: placing them at the back of the kitchen surface and never on a tablecloth or teatowel that a small child might reach and pull down;

✩ Never carry a hot drink while carrying a baby;

✩ Never pass a hot drink over the heads of children.

Hot water bottles can be dangerous and cause burns if they are not cared for or used safely. Rubber deteriorates over time so old hot water bottles can burst or leak and cause serious burns. Check for signs of wear and tear regularly. Look for the flower symbol, which indicates exactly when it was made. Don’t use a hot water bottle that is more than two years old and never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water.

Saucepan and kettle spills: It is important that children are not left alone around hot cooking surfaces. Keep them out

of the kitchen when cooking or preparing food and hot drinks. Always use the back burners on the hob when you can, turning handles in and keep kettles and their cords out of reach of little hands.

Bath and shower water can cause such bad burns that children need years of treatment and may be scarred for life. It only takes one second to get a deep burn in hot water when the water temperature is at 70°C. Always run cold water before hot and test the temperature with the back of your hand. Never leave a child alone in the bath, even for a second.

Family camping across the UK

There’s something special about camping with the family, making lasting memories and perhaps sparking a love of the outdoors.

Once you’ve got your gear together, camping can be a cost effective way to have a few days of family adventure. Here are some of our favourite camping and glamping sites that you and your family may want to try.

Love2Stay, Shropshire

A luxury touring, caravan and glamping site that offers everything families could want and more. Whether you want to swim, kayak, complete an assault course or try your hand at archery, this is the place for you.

Castlerigg Hall, Lake District

Near the wonderful market town of Keswick, the site is a walkers’ paradise overlooking Derwentwater. On your doorstep are the likes of Blencathra, Skiddaw and Catbells if you’re looking for a challenge. Or, Latrigg is wheelchair and pushchair friendly.

Loch Ness Shores Club Site, Scotland

With views over Loch Ness, this is a simply stunning location – perfect to explore the surrounding countryside or perhaps while away an hour or two looking out for the elusive Nessie

Sennen Cove Club Site, Cornwall

On a clifftop overlooking the Atlantic, you’ll get a good dose of sea air. The coastline offers secluded coves and sandy beaches where little ones can run and play. Perfect for exploring Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount and St Ives.

Charmill Cottage Campsite, West Sussex

Nestled on the edge of the South Downs, this is a gem you’ll want to visit again and again. It's next to Wild Heart Hill, a beautiful wooded hillside – look out for the rope swings among the trees. It’s a short drive to beaches at Worthing and Littlehampton.

Love2Stay, Mid-Wales

In the heart of the rolling Welsh hills and overlooking the Severn Valley, there’s enough to do here to keep all the family busy. There’s a fantastic adventure play area for the children while adults can relax in the spa or hot tub.

Orcarber Farm, Yorkshire Dales

A family-run site near the village of Austwick with country pub, shop and playing fields with tennis, bowls, football, basketball and a playground –perfect for getting active on a family break.

Verwood Club Site, Dorset

Whether you’re looking to explore miles of sandy beaches in Bournemouth and Poole or the New Forest National Park, this is the perfect base. There’s a great children's playground and your dog is welcome too.

To find out more about all these campsites and more, visit www.theoutdoorguide.co.uk/stay/camping-glamping

My child has been diagnosed

as autistic, now what?

Following a diagnosis, many parents may feel unsure what do next and find that after the initial assessment there isn’t much information about the next steps. Family Futures, a not-for-profit therapy centre, looks at what help is available for you to support your child.

Is neurodiversity the same as autism? Neurodiversity is a word used to describe how no two brains work the same. It is often used when we think about people who have neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism.

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. Early intervention can help your child to reach their full potential. Here are some of the things that can help as next steps:

Psychoeducation: this provides an opportunity for both you and your child to learn not just about what autism is, but also what being autistic specifically means for your child, supporting them to develop insight and understanding about themselves.

Sensory Integration Therapy: many children and adults who are autistic have sensory processing and motor skills difficulties; Sensory Integration therapy is an intervention which can address difficulties in this area such as touch sensitivity, feeding difficulties, noise sensitivity and more.

Speech and Language Therapy: communication difficulties are also common and SLT input can help address both the social communication difficulties, as well as difficulties with language production.

Parental Support: following a diagnosis you may feel lots of different feelings: relief, worry, guilt, confusion, hope and sadness - may all be in the mix. Finding a space to explore these feelings and learning about how autism affects you and your child’s relationship is an important step.

Family Futures is an Ofsted Outstanding not-for-profit therapy centre that has been helping children, young people and their families for 25 years through research-evidenced therapy sessions. You can book a FREE consultation with a Family Futures therapist to discuss your child’s wellbeing and how an assessment or therapy programme could help. Contact the Family Futures Wellbeing Hub on 020 7354 4161, wellbeinghub@familyfutures.co.uk or visit www.familyfutures.co.uk/wellbeing-hub to enquire or find out more. You can also download recent free webinars on Sensory Integration, Gender and Sexuality and other topics on their website.

To have your event listed on these pages email the details to editor@ familiesnorthlondon.co.uk

Disclaimer: We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.

Family Theatre

Ongoing

Saturdays

Tales from the Shed (Not June) Vibrant, inclusive, informal and educational show. 10am & 11.30am. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. 0-6. Adults & children £7. Under 6m free, must book. www.chickenshed.org.uk

Sundays

Les Aventures de Martin Avril

Join Martin and his suitcase full of magic. Puppet show with musicians from around the world. French and English shows. French 10.30am, English 11.20am, at Music Tree, N1 1TP. 6m-6. From £15 adult and child. www.lesaventuresdemartinavril. com

Fridays

Planet Play (Not June) Interactive, sensory show. 10am. Some dates 11.30am too. 0-3. Chickenshed, N14 4P. Adults £10, children/babies free, must have ticket. www.chickenshed.org.uk

Until...

Aug 24

Spirited Away

Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning film reimagined for the stage. Performed in Japanese with subtitles. English translation visible from all seats. 7+. Various prices. London Coliseum, WC2N 4ES https://londoncoliseum.org

Day by Day

May

May 4

Comedy Club 4 Kids 6+. Underbelly Boulevard, W1F 0BT. From £13 www.underbellyboulevard.com

May 4-6

The Lion Inside Heart-warming tale about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar. 3+. Various times. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12. www.artsdepot.co.uk

May 4-Jul 21

The Curious Rat

A small city rat has a big adventure. Various dates/times. 3-8. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. Adult £14, child £12, Thur & Fri 4.45pm £8. www.littleangeltheatre.com

May 12

Marcel Lucont: Les Enfants

Terribles – A Gameshow for

Awful Children

Acerbic humour and quickfire wit in a family gameshow, pitting children against adults and each other to try to find the most awful child. Winner: Best Kids Show 20222 – UK Kids Comedy Festival. 11am, 2pm Rel. 6-12 . artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12. www.artsdepot.co.uk

May 14, Jul 16

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

For over 16s and babies under 15months. 11.30am.

Finsbury Park Picturehouse, N4 3FU www.byobcomedy.com/area/finsbury-park

May 14-Jun 9

Baby Show

Sensory performance, with captivating images, intriguing sounds and time to play at the end. 6-18months. Various times. Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ. From £15 adult & child www.unicorntheatre.com

May 17-24

What Kind of World

When a group of children discover all the adults have gone they realise they have to survive on their own. What kind of world will they build for themselves? By Chickenshed’s Young Company. 7.30pm. May suit older children and teens. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. Pay what you can www.chickenshed.org.uk

May 17-Jun 1

Horrible Histories Live on Stage Rotten Royals. 12pm and 3pm. 5+ Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU. Adult £15, 2-15 £9. No entry to palace but discounted tickets available. www.hrp.org.uk

May 17-Jun 8

The Enormous Crocodile New musical version of Roald Dahl’s picture book, featuring a menagerie of mischievous puppets. Various dates/times. Rec 4+. Regents Park Open Air Theatre, through Queen Mary’s Garden, Regents Park. NW1 4NU. From £15 openairtheatre.com

May 17-Jun 16

The Princess and the Pea Acrobatics, clowning and fairytale adventure. 2+. Various times. Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ. Various prices. www.unicorntheatre.com

May 18

Variety Club 4 Kids Comedy, circus, magic, music silliness and shenanigans. Underbelly Boulevard, W1F 0BT. From £13 www.underbellyboulevard.com

Country for Kids with Remember Monday Family-friendly event as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s Highways Festi-

What's On

val. Rec 4-11 but babies and all ages are welcome. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP. Adult £12.50, child £6. www.royalalberthall.com

The Dream Machine

Haringey Shed’s Children’s & Youth

Theatres explore what happens when a group of curious friends stumble upon a magical box in a park, 2.30pm & 5pm. Bernie Grant Arts Centre, N15 4RX. Pay what you can, rec £5. www.haringeyshed.org

Hansel, Gretal and You… Who?

Comic retelling of the classic, u6, 2pm. Karamel Kids, N22 6UJ. Fam £5 www.musicglue.com/karamel

The Science of Fairytales

Could you really dance in glass shoes? What happens to gingerbread houses in the rain? Are big ears really better for hearing with Catherine Cawthorne, author of Big Bad Wolf Investigates Fairytales? Find out. 2-3.15pm. U12 and their families. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. Adult £16, child £10. www.rigb.org

May 18-Jul 27

Prince Charming

It’s a lot of pressure being Prince Charming. Funny, endearing musical for anyone who’s ever felt a bit anxious. Various dates/times. 6+

(See also Family Workshop: Prince Charming, Events pages, Jul 13.)

Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1 2DN. Adult £14, child £12, Thurs & Fri 4.45pm £8. www.littleangeltheatre.com

May 19

In The Dead of the Night

A thrilling, funny, and heart-warming story about an awesome girl called Lily who faces her fears, conquers the ghouls, and saves the day. 11am, 2pm. 3+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12.

www.artsdepot.co.uk

TotFest

Tales from the Shed at Fore Street Library Edmonton. 12.15pm. 0-6 N18 2FX. Free www.chickenshed.org.uk

May 19, Jun 23, Jul 21

Sunday Funday

Drop-in workshops with activities related to the history of Lauderdale House. 4-10. 11am. Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG. Free www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk

May 25

Chris Mayne World of Magic Family show, u7, 2pm. Karamel Kids, N22 6UJ. Fam £5 www.musicglue.com/karamel

May 25-29

Spot’s Birthday Party

Songs, dancing and interactive party games. Various times. 2-5 artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk

May 28-Jun 2

Mr Sleepybum

High-energy, interactive, kids’ comedy show. Various times. 3+. Park Theatre, N4 3JP. £15, child £12.50 https://parktheatre.co.uk

May 29-30

Goldilocks – The Ballet With Let’s All Dance. After-show photo opp. 45mins. All ages.1.30 & 3.30. Lilian Bayliss Studio, in Sadler’s Wells, Theatre, EC1R 4TN. From £17 www.sadlerswells.com

June

Jun 2

The Little Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s tale brought to life with puppetry and songs. 5+. 11am & 2pm. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Jun 4-22

The Wings of Phoenix

Yamamoto, The Drummers of Japan in athletic, high energy spectacle. 2hrs, inc 20-minute interval. Matinees on Jun 8, 9, 15, 16, 22. Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT. From £18. www.sadlerswells.com

Jun 9

Tangled Sing-along Accessible viewing with craft supplies available, 5-11, 11am. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET. Child £10. www.jw3.org.uk

Ted in the Bed Is a bed a bed? Is it a boat, or is it a giant slice of toast? 11am & 2pm. 5-8. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Bring along your favourite bear and help get the picnic ready on time. Puppets, dance and songs. 2-6 11am. Broomfield Park, Aldermans Hill, N13 4HE. Adult £10, Child £7. www.fobp.events

Jun 15-Jul 20

Design and construct flowers with Smoby Flower Market Creations Petals can be re-used plus refill packs available Includes flower press and flower parts

Ages 3+

The Secret Garden Spoilt and abandoned, 10-yearold Mary Lennox is sent from India to Yorkshire, to a broken-hearted house full of secrets and an uncle she has never met, in this new version of the classic tale. Rec 10+, u4s not admitted. Saturday matinees 2.15pm. Regents Park Open Air Theatre, NW1 4NU. From £15. openairtheatre.com

Jun 16

Shelf: The Kids’ Show

Sketch comedy show for kids. Winner: Best Kids’ Show, 2023 Leicester Comedy Festival. 2pm. 3+. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Jun 21-29

The Acrobatic Swan Lake Fusing classical ballet and Chinese acrobatic arts. Various times. 1hr 45 inc interval. All ages. Sadler’s Wells, EC1R 4TN. From £15. www.sadlerswells.com

Jun 23

Eid Stories Tales of wisdom, wonder and humour for families. 2.30pm. 5+ Songs, dancing and interactive party games. Various times. 2-5. artsdepot, N12 0GA. From £12 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Jun 25 & 30

Proms at St Jude’s Jun 25 Teeny Prom 10.15an &

11.30pm, Singing, percussion, props and laughter. Various times. Toddlers and pre-schoolers. The Henrietta Barnet School Drama Room. Adult £5, child free.

Jun 30 1pm African Drumming Workshops 5-7 and 7-12, Central Square. Free, book. 1pm Music on the Square, Learn about wind. Visit a variety of musicians in the tents around the square, ready to play and talk to visitors, with interactive opportunities. Free, drop-in.

1.30-2.15pm Junk Orchestra play wacky instruments from a supersonic collection of re-invented recycled objects. Refreshment Marquee, St Jude’s Church. £10. 3pm Family Concert with Toscana Strings and ballerina Laura Tye. 5+ Henrietta Barnett School Hall. Adult £10, child £5.

3pm & 3.45pm Teeny Prom The Henrietta Barnet School Drama Room. Adult £5, child free. www.promsatstjudes.org.uk

Jun 27-Jul 1

Haringey Arts Festival

See website for events www.haringeyartsfestival.com

Jun 27-29

Much Ado About Nothing

Family-friendly open-air production, in the garden of Keats House, NW3 2RR. 7pm. Sat, 2pm & 6pm. £25, £78 fam. www.hampsteadsummerfestival. com

Jun 29

The London Tattoo

Featuring the band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, the Bands of America Grand Nationals Finalists and more. 6pm. Excel Centre, E16 1XL. Adult £22.50, child £17.50. www.excel.london

Jun 29-Jul 7

Far, Far Away: Mendelssohn and the Moving Machines

Sound your car horn, and build a train with Aurora Orchestra’s immersive storytelling performance. 0-5. Kings Place, N1 9GE. £11.50, children £9.50. www.kingsplace.co.uk

July

Jul 5-7

The Secret Garden

50 performers age 9-16 from London Children’s Ballet perform a revival of the Frances Hodgson Burnett classic. Various times. Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT. From £18. www.sadlerswells.com

Jul 6

The Wind in the Willows Outside. 5pm. Broomfield Park, Aldermans Hill, N13 4HE. Adult £16, u16 £10

www.fobp.events

Events

SEN sessions

Some venues run sessions for children with special needs. See our page at www.bit.ly/FNLsend

Ongoing

Coding Club

New. Tottenham Community Sports Centre, N17 8AD. See online for details. 8-15. Free. Adult volunteers needed. www.breadlinelondon.co.uk

Bow Street Police Museum

Family trail 5-7 & 7-11. Often has bookable holiday activities. Bow Street Police Museum WC2E 7AW. Open Fri-Sun. Adult £6, u12 free. bowstreetpolicemuseum.org.uk

Whitewebbs Museum of Transport

Open Tuesdays and the last Sunday in the month, 10am-4pm, last entry £3pm. Check website for closures. (See Jul 13 for Model Railway Show.) Whitewebbs, EN2 9HW. Adults £11, 5-12 £5.50. www.whitewebbsmuseum.co.uk

Ted’s Space Adventures Planetarium show, u7. 11.30am, weekends and school hols. Check website for The Sky Tonight 7+, We Are Guardians 7+, and others. New: Weekends & holiday weekdays Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System Immersive experience designed to be enjoyed irrespective of level of vision. Transports visitors inside a special spacecraft to the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), to view the stars in the night sky, before lifting off to tour the solar system. Rec 7+ to adult, no u5s.

Plus see Earth From Space through a satellite lens, inc with ticket. (Often runs Holiday to Space fun for 3-6 school hols.) Booking advised. Adult £12, child £6. Royal Observatory, SE10 8XJ. www.rmg.co.uk

Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz & Walks Various dates. Venues throughout North London. www.bringyourbaby.org

Bruce Castle Museum Explorer gallery with interactives and dress-up, 3-8. Free. Plus there is a Mystery Manor Trail with sticker booklet for £1, and a Tree Trail. Weds-Sun 1pm-5pm. N17 8NU www.brucecastle.org/families

Monthly, first Friday Health and Nature walk 10-11.30am. All ages. Islington Ecology Centre, N5 1PH. Free www.friendsofgillespiepark.co.uk/ blank-3

First weekend of month and halfterm

Cutty Sark Family Fun

Meet the cast of colourful characters from the ship’s past. Talk to the captain, chat with the cooks, even take a tour with Nannie, the figurehead. (Sea Shanty Singers May 4&5, Jun 1&2, Jul 6&7 various times) Follow a free family trail and discover what life was like on board as a 19th century sailor and join in musical storytelling sessions inspired by the crew. Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT. www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark

Storytelling and Music for 0-4s Various Weds and Thurs, Various times. £6. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com

Third Saturday of the month

Make, Do and Maintain Facilitated session. Various themes. 10.30am-12pm. Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, SE3 9QS. All ages/abilities. Free, £1 booking fee. www.rmg.co.uk

Saturdays until Jun 24

Transformative Futures

Weekly collective for young people to think, discuss and create together. 15-25. 2.30-4.30pm. Free. Book.

Camden Art Centre, NW3 6DG www.camdenartcentre.org

Sundays

Junior Park Run 2km

Fun family runs. Enfield Town Park, EN2 6TJ, Lordship Rec Ground, N17 6BQ, Priory Park N8 8LN, Caledonian Park N7, Highbury Fields N5, Friary Park N12 9PQ, London Fields, E8 3EU, Leyton Jubilee Park, E10 7BL, Paddington Rec W9 1PF, Queen’s Park NW 6SG, Furzefield Leisure Centre EN6 3BW, Cheshunt Park EN7 6QD. 9am. 4-14. Free, register. www.parkrun.org.uk

Sundays

Crafternoons

Until Jul 14. Not Jun 5. 2pm-4pm. JW3, Finchley Road, NW3. 3-8s and their families. Free, drop-in. www.jw3.org.uk

Sats & Suns

Character Encounters – Sats. Join an exciting performance and see maritime history brought to life. Various times.

Discover Sundays – term-time. Creative activities. Drop-in. Plus hands-on galleries and trails. Holiday activities.

(See Astronomer Photographer of the Year Exhibition, in Until…) National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. All ages, Free. www.rmg.co.uk

Tuesdays

Buggy Fit In The Park

Dates given until May 21. See web site for later dates. Meet at Broad water’s Children’s Centre, N17 6HE, 10am for a buggy walk around Lord ship Rec supported by Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. For parents/ carers & children in buggies. Free. https://www.tottenhamhotspur. com/the-club/passionate-about-tottenham/our-work

Tuesdays term-time

Play Tuesdays

easy-rollerz

Weekends and Weds

UNIQLO Tate Play Make Studio: Kinetic

Until Jul 17. Weds u5. Weekends all ages. Balance, move and create, inspired by balancing, wobbling and moving artworks in the collection. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. Free www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

Weekends, Fridays and holidays Play Studio

A place for families to play, make and create together. Plus Story Space (weekends, Thursdays and holidays) and Tate Draw, every day. First Sat of the month Read Aloud storytelling 2pm. Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG. All ages, Free. www.tate.org.uk

Fridays

Storytime for Pre-Schoolers

10-11am. About 1hr. The All Good Bookshop, N8 0EP. Suggested donation £3. www.allgoodbookshop.co.uk

Fridays

Bees and Buds

Drop-in for little ones and carers to explore nature and do crafts. 10-

11.30am. Wolves Lane Centre, N22 5JD. Min £3 donation

www.wolveslane.org

Until...

Until May 19

Skateboard

Chronicling the history of the skateboard. With bookable skateboard ramp for 16+. Exhibition adult from £16, 11-15 from £8, u11 free.

www.designmuseum.org

Booking until May 22

Horizon of Khufu

VR tour of the great pyramid of Giza – and more. Great fun and brilliantly done. All ages. Unit SU1060 Westfield Stratford, E20 1EJ. Easily accessible on Elizabeth Line. No toilets on site. Prices vary.

www.horizonkheopsexperience. com/london

Until May 24

Life at Sea: Scrambled Eggs

Pick up a trail guide to help the ship’s cook find the eggs, and enjoy interactive activities along the way. 7+. HMS Belfast, The Queen’s Walk, SE1 2JH. www.iwm.org.uk Enfield Civic Centre

Facilitated play, songs and stories. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. u5, £4. www.rmg.co.uk

Tuesdays in term time

Library Club

With reading corner and diverse book-pairing service. 0-11. 3.305.30pm. Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN. Free, drop-in. www.hackneyshowroom.com

Wednesdays

Easy Rollerz

Hang-out for babies, toddlers and their adults, with soft play and music. 10-10.45am for pre-walkers 11am-noon 1-2s on the move. £3 donation. Book. Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN www.hackneyshowroom.com/

What's On

Until Jun 2

The Box Rocket

Play exhibit, 0-8, running alongside permanent play spaces, 0-11, designed to fire up children’s imaginations. May 6 Storybuilders, 3-7s. May 28 Storytelling and Crafts, 3+, and on May 29 for 0-7. Jun 2, Elmer Day Storytelling, 3+. Often has holiday events. Must book. Discover Children’s Story Centre, E5 4QZ. www.discover.org.uk

Booking until Jun 9

Art of the Brick

Over 100 works and sculptures

Lego, including recreated artworks and play and build area. Closed Tues. All ages. The Boiler House, 153 Brick Lane (yep, you read that right), E1 6RU. Adult £15.90, child £11.90, u4 free. www.theartofthebrickexpo.com/ london

Booking until Jun 21

Disney 100: The Exhibition

Celebrates the iconic characters and stories from Disney’s history and present day. Promises unique interactive installations. Excel Centre, E16 1XL. Adult £28, child £20. www.excel.london

What's On in the Library

Many boroughs run a programme of community events and most are free. Find out more online.

Barnet: Rhyme Time, Baby Bounce and Play, Lego Clubs, author talks, story writing, crafts, holiday activities, Teen Book Club plus special events. www.barnet.gov.uk/events

Islington: Baby Bounce and u5 Rhyme Time sessions, toy libraries. www.bit.ly/islibfam

Camden: Rhyme Time, Baby Bounce, Storytime, Chess, Lego, Lego RoboTechs, crafts, after-school reading. www.camden.gov.uk/whatson-this-month

Haringey: Rhyme Time, Spanish Rhyme Time, storytime, stay and play, arts and crafts, and messy play u5. Film showings, After-school Craft 3-10. Chess, Comics club. www.libraries.haringey.gov. uk/events

Enfield: Stories, Songs & Chat, Friday fun after-school club, Chess, Homework, Lego, Coding, Scribeasy, Creative Writing, Sensory Space for children with SEN, plus seasonal events. www.enfield.gov.uk/services/ libraries/events-in-enfieldlibraries

Hackney: Chess, stories and rhymes, art and crafts, Lego clubs, creative writing classes, reading groups. www.lovehackney.uk/regularactivities

Until Jun 23

Medieval Mayhem

See a group of busy medieval Londoners get ready to serve the Queen and put on a mini pageant. 1.30pm and 2.30pm daily. Also 11am weekends and hols. 15 mins. Tower of London, EC3N 4AB. Inc with admission. (See TfL 2for1 entry offer on p4.)

www.hrp.org.uk

Until Jun 23

Legion: Life in the Roman Army What did life in the Roman Army look like from the soldier’s perspective? Follow Rattus, AKA Claudius Terrattus, on the Horrible Histories trail of fun interactive stations for all ages, as you walk around some truly remarkable archaeological treasures, some of which have never before been seen in the UK. Plus May 18 & 25 Making Mosaics: Rome, free drop-in. British Museum, WC1E 7JW. Exhibition various prices, u16 free. Other free drop-in activities: May 4 Making Masks, May 11 Masterpieces in Minecraft. Museum entry free. www.britishmuseum.org

Booking until Jun 30

Power Up

Consoles and games from the past 5 decades. 5+. Must book. Science Museum, SW7 2DD. £10, Annual pass £15. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Until Jun 30

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Various prices. Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD www.nhm.ac.uk

Until Aug 27

Astronomer Photographer of the Year Exhibition

Now free. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF. All ages. Book free entry. www.rmg.co.uk

Until Sep 8

Japan: Myths to Manga Exhibition. Explore how landscape and folklore have influenced Japan's culture, technology and design. Young V&A, E2 9PA. £10. www.vam.ac.uk/young

Until Sep 2025

The Future of Money

Can the tooth fairy go cashless? Who decides how we pay? How will the Bank of England futureproof the economy? Plus, until June, Pardner Hand, how the Windrush Caribbean community were denied access to banking and what they did about it. Has holiday activities. Bank of England, museum entrance on Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH. Free. www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

Until Oct 13

The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks

Family-friendly immersive telling of the story of the Apollo missions to the moon, and the coming Artemis missions. Will please families and space buffs too. There is one very loud noise as Apollo 11 takes off. All ages. From £25, child from £15. U3 free. Dynamic pricing. Book early. Lightroom, N1C 4DY

www.lightroom.uk

Until October 19

Heroes: The British Invasion of

American Comics

How early American comics inspired British artists leading to decades of collaboration and competition across the Atlantic. Discover British attempts to imitate American strips in the 1940s, find out the story behind the 1972 launch of Marvel UK, and enjoy stunning artwork by key figures from DC Comics and the British Invasion. Closed Mon. The Cartoon Museum, W1A 3AE. Adult £9.50, u18 free. www.cartoonmuseum.org

Day by Day

May

May 3, 10, 17, 24

Sound Explorers and Mini Play

Check online for later dates. Sound Explorers: Listen, play and make some noise, informal session. 0-2. 10.30-11.10am. Free, first-come first-served.

Mini Play: creative and sensory play (not May 3), 6m-3, 1.30-3pm, £12. Young V&A, E2 9PA. www.vam.ac.uk/young

May 3-4

The Three Little Pigs

Storytime and Craft. 2-7. Various times. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. £5 redeemable against any book in store on the day. www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk

May 3-6 & 10-12

Funfair

Check times. Clissold Park, N16 9HJ www.londonfunfairs.com

"I saw you in Families

May 5

Skandar and The Chaos Trials Meet and greet with author Alison Steadman. 4pm. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. Ticket £14.99 includes personally signed copy.

www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk

May Day Special Stalls, crafts and May Day Celebrations. 11am-4pm. Myddleton Road Market, N22 8NE www.myddletonroadmarket.co.uk

May 5 & 6

Planetarium Celebration Shows Marking 100 years since the invention of the Planetarium.

May 5

11.30am Animals in Space

Constellation critters and animal astronauts. 3-6

12.30pm Planet Factory Explore the past, present and future of our solar system as dust evolves into worlds. 7+

1.30pm Uranus – a Planetary Catastrophe Unravel the secrets of this giant icy world. 7+

2.30pm Ted’s Space Nightmare! A gruesome alternate to the popular family friendly show Ted’s Space Adventure, which contemplates the many ways it is possible to die in space. 11+. 2.30pm.

4.30pm African Astronomy

Discover how people from regions around Africa have perceived the night sky throughout history. 7+ 4.30pm.

May 6

11.30am Animals in Space. 3-6 12.30pm We’re All in the Dark Take a tour of the sky where even the guide doesn't know what's coming next! 7+

1.30pm The Sky Tonight: Down Under The southern sky and its stories. 7+ 2.30pm The Gravitational Universe Using Einstein's mysterious gravitational waves to search for elusive black holes and more. 11+

3.30pm Are We Alone? What makes a world suitable for life. 7+ 4.30pm Choose Your Own Show Decide what you see in your show.7+

Adult £12, Child £6. Royal Observatory, SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royal -observatory/planetarium-celebration-shows

May 6, 27, Jun 23

Special Steaming Days

May 4/5

Highgate Wood Walks

May 4 Tree Identification Walk 11-12.30pm. Free. Turn up. Meet outside the café.

May 5 Dawn Chorus Bird Walk 5-8am. Adult £5, children free. Book for meeting location. Highgate Wood, Muswell Hill Rd, N10 3JN. www.heath-hands.org.uk

May 4-7

Mill Hill Art Exhibition

Over 160 paintings by Milldon Arts Society. Come and vote for your favourite painting. May 4 2pm-8pm, May 5 1pm-8pm, May 6 10am-8pm, May 7 10am-5pm. All ages. Trinity Church, The Broadway, Mill Hill NW7 3TB. Free. milldonartsociety.org.uk

Apr 1 Easter Fun. Open 10am-4pm. Engine runs 12.30-1.15pm, 2.30pm3.15pm. General open days, second and fourth Sundays, 10am-3.30pm. Free kids’ activities and guided tours. 11am-5pm. Markfield Beam Engine and Museum, N15 5UL. Free www.mbeam.org

May 8 & 22

Tiny Tales and Tails & Trails

The Secret Garden Pop-Up Café is popping up at Firs Farm Wetlands N21 2PJ. Tiny Tales will delight babies and the fun Tales & Trails will stimulate and entertain toddlers and preschoolers.

https://pbbl.uk/thesecretgardenpopup

May 10 & 11

Aliens Love Underpants

Storytime and Craft. 2-7. Various times. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. £5, redeemable against any book in store on the day. www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk

May 11

Woodland Explorer’s Club –Benji’s Emerald King

Join author Ewa Jozefkowicz and illustrator Gillian Flint to learn about their new series for 5-8s. Draw your own woodland characters and create your own magical tree. 3.30pm. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL. £7.99, includes copy of the book. www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk

Model Railway Day

11am-4pm. In the church. Monken Hadley Church, EN5 5PZ www.monkenhadley.church/venue_1/events

Customise Your Amulet

Create a unique amulet to take home. 11am, 12pm or 1pm. All ages Petrie Museum, UCL, Malet Place WC1 6BT. Free, must book. ucl.ac.uk/culture/petrie-museum

May 11-12

Big Birthday Family Weekend

Help decorate a giant birthday cake for the gallery’s 200th birthday. All ages. 11am-4pm. Room 36. The National Gallery, WC2N 5DN. Free www.nationalgallery.org.uk

May 11 & July 27

Learn to Juggle: for adults and children 8+, 10.30am. £6

Game Design with Makecode Arcade: 2hrs, 7-12, 3pm. £10 Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

May 11-12

Family Hour: Affordable Art Fair 11am-12noon. Activity packs, scavenger hunts, facepainting and more. Plus children aged 7-12 can enjoy the fun-filled Little Grand Tour, led by art history wizards, exploring popular art movements and techniques, £20, must book in advance. Family hour ticket, £23, admits 2 adults and up to 3 u16s. (Part of the Affordable Art Fair, runs May 8-12.) Lower Fairground Site, Hampstead Heath, NW3 1NT https://aafhampstead.seetickets. com/timeslot/affordable-art-fairhampstead

May 12

Book Launch: Puppet

Plus Q&A, with David Almond, author of Skellig. 8+. Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1 2DN. £6.50. www.littleangeltheatre.com

Fun Fair Church Street, NW8. Check times. https://irvinleisure.co.uk

May 13

Little Feet: Life in the Fort

The teddies have arrived in the Roman army and there is so much to do, barracks to build, food to prepare. Can you help them? Activity for u5. Part of Legion: Life In The Roman Army. 10.30am-12pm. Drop-in. British Museum, WC1E 7JW. Free. Book free timed museum entry. www.britishmuseum.org

From May 15

Faithful Companions: Charles Dickens & his Pets

Meet Turk, Sultan, Grip, Duke and Mrs Bouncer. Family-friendly exhibition that spotlights the dogs, ravens, goldfinches and cats who shared houseroom with Charles Dickens. Many of the tales of animal antics are told by Charles Dickens himself, in a series of rarely-seen letters. With story space for younger visitors. Weds-Sun. The Charles Dickens Museum, WC1N 2LX. Adult £12, u16 £6, u6 free. dickensmuseum.com

May 17

Night Hike for Nightingale Cancer Support

Welcome reception, warm up and entertainment from 6pm.Hike starts 7pm. 15k, 10k or 5k walk for little legs, around Enfield. In support of The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. Meet at Enfield Civic Centre, EN1 3XA, 6.pm for All ages. Entry £16, u12 walk free. Make a small donation for a child goody bag if wanted. Register. www.nightingalesupport.org.uk/ nighthike

May 18

Brilliant Butterflies

Make some butterfly craft with the London Wildlife Trust. Story and craft workshop, u12, 1-1.45pm & 3.15-4pm. Adult and children 12+, 12-12.45pm and 2.15pm-3pm. At Grosvenor Square, W1K 6AN. Free, must book. www.wildlondon.org.uk/springevents

Hearts of Arkley Village Fayre

Face painting, street food, bouncy castle, children’s games, fun dog show, stalls, afternoon tea and more. 12-5pm. Brickfield Lane, EN5 3LD. To volunteer or run a stall, email arkleycommunityfayre@outlook.com

Introduction to Web Development 3pm. Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2, £10. www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

May 18, July 6

Nearly New Sale

Top-quality baby and children’s clothes sold by mums to mums at a fraction of the high street price. Parents with outgrown goods can sell and keep 100 per cent of the proceeds. 10am-12noon. St Stephens Church Hall, Park Avenue, EN1 2BA. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

May 18, June 22

Nearly New Sale

Mum2Mum Market Haringey. 10am12. Earlham Primary School. N22 5HJ. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

May 19

Primrose Hill Street Fair Dog show, stalls, fun fair and more. 9.30am-6pm. Regents Park Road, NW1

https://irvinleisure.co.uk

Classic Car Show Vehicle parade through Barnet High Street from 10.30am with show on top of car park, Spires Shopping Centre from 11am-3pm. Proceeds

to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. www.barnetclassiccar.club/bcccannual-show

May 22-Jun 2

Moments in Colour

Vibrant, colourful paintings by Eugenia Alekseyev. Weds-Fri, Sun & bank hols. 10am-4pm. Burgh House, NW3 1LT. Free www.burghhouse.org.uk

From May 24

Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre

Unravel the epic story of birds. Swirl around with a murmuration, chirp along with the dawn chorus and see if you have the stomach to sniff a stinky seabird egg. All ages. Various prices. With related activities. Tour: May 31, Jun 16, Jun 28, 9-10am, 11+. Adult £25, child £17, includes exhibition entry.

Family Flight Night: May 31 6.309.30pm, 5+. Hands-on workshops and activities all about flight. £25, includes exhibition entry. Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD www.nhm.ac.uk

May 24-26

MCM ComicCon

Gather your padawans, young wizards and little superheroes. Has family activities in The Treehouse area. Excel Centre, E16 1XL Various prices, u10 free. www.excel.london

May 24-Jun 2

Funfair

Check times. Pymmes Park, N18 2UG www.londonfunfairs.com

May 24-Jun 9

A Birthday for Bear

Various times. 3+ Upstairs At The Gatehouse, N6 4BD. £15, conc £13. www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com

May 25

Origami Animals

Family workshop, 11am-2pm. All ages. Grant Museum for Zoology, UCL, University St WC1E 6DE. Book 11am. Drop-in 12-2pm. ucl.ac.uk/culture/grant-museumzoology

London’s Roman Amphitheatre Tour: Discovery, Function and Form

Guided tour, designed for adults children rec 8+. 1hr. 12pm, 3pm. The Guildhall Art Gallery, EC2V 5AE. £7.50

https://guildhall-art-gallery.myshopify.com/products/tour-of-londons-roman-amphitheatre

From May 25

Life Chronicles

Immersive VR expedition through the history of the Earth and the living world, showing the evolution of the planet over more than 3.5 billion years. 8+. Westfield Stratford City Mall. 1, The Street, E20 1EJ. From £18.

https://eclipso-entertainment.com/ london

May 25-27

Coggers Fun Fair Broomfield Park, N13 4HE www.fobp.events

May 25-Jun 1

Half-term Trail

Zoo experiences available. Plus May 25-26 Bonsai Show, May 25-27

Cactus and Succulent Show. Capel Manor Gardens, Enfield, EN1 4RQ. Adult £10, child £6, u3 free, family £30.

www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk

May 25-Jun 2

Routes and Roundels

Family activities based on the famous logo. Various times. See online for details. London Transport Museum. The Piazza, WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk

May 27

Bluey

See the children’s favourite and ride the trains at Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN. See visiting info for parking and public transport. Various prices. www.eorailway.co.uk

Nature Storytime

Interactive nature-themed story session and craft or habitat exploration. U6 but all welcome. 10.30am11.30am. Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW. Free, drop-in, donation welcome. www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Family Nature Discovery

Learn about habitats and wildlife. Aimed at parents and children together. 1pm-3pm. Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW. Free, dropin, donation welcome. www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Amphibious Adventures

Workshop with creative interactive activities, for 6-12s. 1-3pm.

Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH. Free, donations welcome. £3 deposit per family, refunded on attendance.

www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

May 28

Nature Storytime

U6, all welcome. 10.30am-11.30am. Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH. Free, drop-in, donation welcome. www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Family Nature Discovery

1pm-3pm. Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH. Free, drop-in, donation welcome. www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Amphibious Adventures

6-12, 1-3pm. Woodberry Wetlands, New River Path, Woodberry Grove, N16 5HQ. Free, donations welcome. £3 deposit per family, refunded on attendance. www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Kids Lab: Friendly Insects Meet and Greet

Find different micro-habitats and learn about a variety of insects. 121pm. 5+. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. Adult £10, child £5. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

May 28-31

D-Day Deception

Workshop: Create your own army and learn how the Allies prepared to invade occupied Europe during the Second World War. 10.30am12.30pm & 1.45-3.30pm. 5+

Marching Orders: Daring Deception Family-friendly tour to learn about the daring deception tactics the Army has used throughout history. 30 mins. 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm.

National Army Museum, SW3 4HT. Drop-in, first-served, free. www.nam.ac.uk

May 29

Family Quiet Hour: Painting with Plants

Make paint using plants. 11am12pm. 5+. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS. Adult £10, child £5. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Amphibious Adventures

6-12s. 1-3pm. Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW. Free, donations welcome. £3 deposit per family, refunded on attendance. www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Sensory Connections

Explore connections between sensory materials and the buildings and paintings. 11am-4pm. All ages. Room 6. The National Gallery, WC2N 5DN. Free, drop-in. www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Family Fun Day

Boat trips, wildlife spotting and craft activity. Boat trips must be booked in advance online. Open 10am4.30pm, Tues-Sun. London Canal Museum, New Wharf Road, N1 9RT. Adult £9, u14 £4 www.canalmuseum.org.uk

May 29, 31, Jun 15, Jul 24 & 31

Depot Family Tours

Uncover the stories of some of the very special vehicles in the bus and train shed, aimed at families with children 5-9. 1hr. Various times. London Transport Museum. Acton Depot. W3 9BQ. £12, child £6 www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/ family-events/depot-family-tours

May 30

Gold Reflections

Families can work together to explore the paintings through shapes and mirrors, reflection and sparkling gold. 11am-4pm. Room 6, The National Gallery, WC2N 5DN. Free drop-in www.nationalgallery.org.uk

May 30

Nature Storytime U6 but all welcome. 10.30am11.30am. Woodberry Wetlands, New River Path, Woodberry Grove, N16 5HQ. Free, drop-in, donation welcome.

www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Family Nature Discovery

Parents and children together. 1pm-3pm. Woodberry Wetlands, New River Path, Woodberry Grove, N16 5HQ. Free, drop-in, donation welcome.

www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

May 31, Jun 28, Jul 26

Family Freestyle Workshops for 2-4s led by professional dancers. 2pm, 3pm. Sadler’s Wells, EC1R 4TN. From £4 www.sadlerswells.com

May 31-Aug 24

Family Workshops

Macbeth 5-8 & Macbeth 9-12. Various dates/times. £10.

See online: Ghosts & Ghouls Family Tour, and Family Sword Fighting Demonstration

Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT. www.shakespearesglobe.com

June

Jun 2

Wild Camden Community Festival Celebrating nature. 12-4pm. All ages. Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW. Free. www.wildlondon.org.uk/events

Herts Heavy Horse and County Show

10am-5pm. Adult £12, child £6, u2 free, fam £35. Capel Manor Gardens, Enfield, EN1 4RQ www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk

Jun 8

Fair in the Square Community event: dog show, fairground rides, Children’s Tent with activities for younger visitors. Pond Square, N6 6BS. Free. www.fairinthesquare.co.uk

Jun 8-9

Barnet Medieval Festival

Battle re-enactments, mounted knights in combat, cannon-firing, archery, living history encampment, Medieval market, crafts and more. 10.30am-5pm. Barnet Elizabethans Rugby Club, EN5 4NP. Public transport advised. All ages. Some loud cannon fire. Adult £7, children £3. www.barnetmedievalfestival.org

Jun 9

Wonder Walk

5k or 10k walk in aid of Chickenshed, and celebrating its 50th birthday. Registration adults £17.50, child 5+ £12.50, u5 free. Includes T-shirt and goody bag, except u5s. Chickenshed, N14 4PE www.chickenshed.org.uk/support-us/wonderwalk

Jun 9 & Aug 4

Paw Patrol

See the children’s favourite and ride the trains at Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN. See visiting info for parking and public transport. Various prices. www.eorailway.co.uk

Jun 14-16

Crouch End Festival

Three days of fun, entertainment and music and more. See website. www.crouchendfestival.org

Jun 15

Nature Crafts

Hapa zome cloth prints, woodcraft and more with the London Wildlife Trust. 12-4pm. At Grosvenor Square, W1K 6AN. Free, must book. www.wildlondon.org.uk/springevents

Introduction to Python

3pm. Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. £10.

www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

World Juggling Day Demonstration

10.30am. Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. Adults £8, children £6. www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

Jun 15-16

1940s Weekend

Epping Ongar Railway, CM5 9BN.

See visiting info for parking and public transport. Check online for prices.

www.eorailway.co.uk

Jun 15-16

The Great Exhibition Road Festival

Massive free festival with cutting-edge science, live art, new inventions, music, games and experiments. All ages. With Zones for Future Food, Family Fun u12 Space, Tech, NextGen 13-25

Creative Science 18+, Energy and Brilliant Bodies. Highlights include the fridge of the future, science cabaret, the pavement that saves energy when you step on it, the real Loch Ness monsters and virtual reality devices that improve mental health. Last year some shows needed to be booked. 126pm. All free, register.

www.exrdfestival.com

Jun 16

Family Disco Boogie

Old school party hits, bubbles, lights and lots of props, for u7s and their families. 11am. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET. Adult £5, child £7. www.jw3.org.uk

Jun 18-Aug 18

Summer Exhibition

Eclectic art exhibition. Great for introducing children to art galleries. Closed Mons. Royal Academy of Arts, W1J 0BD. Adult from £22, u16 free.

www.royalacademy.org.uk

Jun 20-Aug 21

Earth Photo 2024 Exhibition

Thought-provoking photos from around the world. Royal Geographical Society, Exhibition Road, SW7 2AR. Free.

www.rgs.org

Jun 22

Red Bull Soapbox Race

The pinnacle of non-motor racing. 2pm-8pm. Tickets must be bought in advance. Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY. 25+ £33.03, u25 £22.10.

www.alexandrapalace.com

The Little Children's Market

London

Baby and children's nearly new sale. 10.30-12pm. Book a stall for £17. Buyers £2, children free. Enfield Grammar Upper School, EN2 6LN

thelittlechildrensmarket.com

Robotics with Lego

2hrs, 10.30am, 7-13 Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. £10.

www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

Marching Orders: Marvellous Medicine

Family tour. Delve into the world of Army medicine. About 30mins. 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm. 5+ National Army Museum, SW3 4HT. Drop-in, first-served, free.

www.nam.ac.uk

Jun 23

Barnet Vale Festival

Music, talks, food, workshops and children’s activities. Run by Friends of Tudor Park and Pavilion. No details yet. Tudor Park, EN5. Free.

www.fotpp.org.uk/events

What's On

Hampstead Heath Community Day

Live music, craft, nature activities and more. 2pm-6pm, by Parliament Hill Bandstand. www.heath-hands.org.uk

Art Fair

Open exhibition of painting and sculpture. Art activities for kids. Keats House Garden, NW3 2RR. 12-5pm. Free www.hampsteadsummerfestival. com

From Jun 27

Anthony McCall Solid Light

Step inside sculptures of light. £10, u12 free. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

Jun 28-30

East Barnet Festival

Fancy dress competition and parade, activity Arena packed with free fun games, demonstrations, interactive classes and more, fun dog show, live music, craft and community stalls, car show, giant Fun Fair and more, at Oak Hill Park, EN4 8JP. Open from 5pm Friday, 12noon on Sat/Sun. To volunteer see website. www.eastbarnetfestival.co.uk

Jun 29

Composing with Code 3pm. Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. £10 www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

Jun 30

Family Pottery Class 11am, for 5-11 and their families. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET. Child £10. www.jw3.org.uk

Picnic on the Lawn Craft stalls, children’s activities, face painting, bouncy castle and performers, 11am-6pm, Forty Hall, EN2 9HA. Adults £10 until Jun 1. Book free ticket for 2-15s. www.fortyhallestate.co.uk

Family Garden Party

Magician, face painting, rhyme time, birds of prey, Mystical Fairies, giant chess set and a ballet performance. 2-5pm. Keats House Garden NW3 2RR. www.hampsteadsummerfestival. com

July

Jul 5-7

Depot Open Days: From Past to Present

Discover the story of transport past and imagine what a green future could look like for London. Music, food, expert talks and family activities. London Transport Museum. Acton Depot, W3 9BQ. See online for prices www.ltmuseum.co.uk/visit/ museum-depot

Jul 6

Afro Caribbean Expo 24

Over 50 exhibitors, featuring Paulsimna Creatives face painting, art, craft, beauty, kids, fashion, books, Harris Academy steelpan presentation, celebrities, cultural

talks, 100 years of Grace Foods brand giveaway, dance groups, live PA and more. 9am-6pm, Harris Academy Sports Hall, Ashley Road, N17 9LN. For info or to have a stand (07445 582303. Free Tickets and raffle tickets bit.ly/ACEXPO24

Family Fun Day: Taste, Touch, Feel

Discover why we may have as many as 20 senses, and how we experience the world around us. 7-12, older and younger siblings welcome. 11am-4pm. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS. Adult £16, child £10. Sells out quickly. www.rigb.org

Jul 7

The Cally Festival Performances, art, food and more. 12-6pm. Caledonian Road. www.thecallyfestival.co.uk

Big Fair

120 stalls, funfair, music, circus school for kids, SportZone. 125pm. Heath Street, Hampstead. www.hampsteadsummerfestival. com

July 13-14

Family Workshop: Prince Charming

Create a royal family of puppets. (See Prince Charming, Family Theatre pages, May 18.) 9.30am and 12.30pm. 6-11. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. Adult £8, child £8.50. www.littleangeltheatre.com

Jul 13

Stop-motion Animation, 8-13, 2hrs. 10.30am

Roblox 3D Games Design, 7-12, 2hrs, 3pm.

Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS. £10 www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

Looking ahead...

July 20-Aug 24

Rough Magic

The Weird Sisters from Macbeth have a silly, spooky adventure of their own in this family show, from the team behind the Globe’s hilarious Midsummer Mechanicals. Indoors. 5-105.From £15.

Sam Wannamaker Playhouse, The Globe, SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com

Jul 20

Planet of Play

Part of UCL’s Festival of Engineering. Immerse yourself in virtual reality adventures and interactives, STEM scavenger hunts and more. 10am-4pm. 6+, UCL Bloomsbury Campus, WC1E 6AE. Free, book. www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ucl-faculty -of-engineering-sciences -44995397333

Jul 30-Aug 29

T. Rex Show with Teach Rex Interactive, prehistoric journey. Show 1hr, then 30m photo opp. 3+ to adult. Various dates. Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD. £12. www.nhm.ac.uk

July 6: Afro Caribbean Expo 2024

... and further afield

Jun 16

Medieval Jousting

Costumed knights show off their horsemanship at 12pm & 2.30pm. Knebworth, SG1 2AX. Gardens, park and jousting £13 online, u3 free. www.knebworthhouse.com

Jul 6

Tot Fest

Shows, rides, sessions and play activities from a wide variety of under 5 specialists. Ticket includes all attractions. 0-5. Hertfordshire County Showground, The Showground, Dunstable Road, Redbourn, AL3 7PT. Other venues/ dates nationwide. Adult and 1-5s £24.75, 6-11m £13.20, u5months free must book. www.totfestfestival.com/hertfordshire

These venues often have holiday family events

No details as we went to press

Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk

Little Angel Theatre www.littleangeltheatre.com

The Cartoon Museum www. cartoonmuseum.org

Bank of England Museum www.bankofengland.co.uk Museum of London (check out family walks). EC2Y 5HN. www.museumoflondon.org.uk

National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Rd, SW3 4HT. Character meets www.nam.ac.uk

RSPB Rye Meads, SG12 8JS events.rspb.org.uk/ryemeads

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey KT8 9AU. Character meets and talks www.hrp.org.uk

After School Education

Kumon Islington

Delivering proven academic success in maths and English, through work that is set at just the right level for your child, keeping them engaged and making progress to develop their confidence and help them thrive at school. In-person or online. Ofsted-registered, we accept childcare vouchers. We offer Kumon Connect. Our students are currently 3-18.  07888 594144. www.kumon.co.uk/islington

Hello Italia

We post events on our social media. Follow us and stay up to date

We are an independent non-profit organisation teaching Italian language, culture and literature to children from Reception and Pre-School level up, offering accredited GCSE and A-Level courses. Our teachers are qualified and highly skilled. We hold classes in N12.

www.italianschool.co.uk

Vincent & Frida

Unlock your child's creativity in our fun and exciting art appreciation lessons!

Give your child the gift of art and help them develop their creative skills with our specially designed classes. Our experienced teachers will engage your child with interactive and enjoyable activities that will ignite their passion for art. We provide a safe and friendly environment that encourages learning and growth. Enrol your child today and watch them blossom into a confident and creative individual that loves art. Private lessons available. vincentandfrida.com

Advertise with

Prices from £100 editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk

Hillgate Tutors

We offer support from age 5 to university, understanding your child’s needs and matching them with one of our highly-qualified passionate educators who will create a tailored learning plan. Hillgate Tutors listen, guide, encourage and monitor your child to help them achieve their absolute best. Tutoring at your home or online. 07748 956581 to discuss.

www.hillgatetutors.co.uk

Top Of The Class Tuition– Our students achieve the highest grades in exams: 11+, GCSE in Maths, Science and English, and A Levels in Pure Maths, Statistics & Mechanics. In Key Stages 1-3 we build strong foundations in Maths, Science and English. All with top quality teaching from highly experienced tutors. See our student grade record online, and our testimonials. In Edmonton, and online by request.

From Year 2 to GCSE, Maths, Science, English. 3 subjects, 3 hours £25 (£8/hr). Family discount (£6/hr).

Sat 9.30-12.30. 07985337275 or 02088840732.

www.jegamaths.co.uk

Performing Arts Perform Classes

Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. Classes are designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Visit www.perform. org.uk/try to book a FREE class.

Venues: N1, N2, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N10, N11, N12, N13, N14, N16, N19, N20, N21, N22, New EN5, EC1, NW1, NW2, New NW3, NW5, NW6, NW7, NW8, NW11, EC1R, EC1Y

Summer holiday clubs: Crouch End, Highbury, Highgate, Muswell Hill, Primrose Hill, St John's Wood and Tufnell Park in July and August. www.perform.org.uk/superheroes 020 7255 9120 ✉enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

Stagecoach - Highgate

Puss in Boots Nursery Young Actors Theatre Islington Theatre made by and for young people. Booking now open for our Summer Holiday classes in acting, musical theatre, film, and dance. YATI offers over 60 hours per week of high-quality, affordable performing arts training for 4s and up, at our home base – Barnsbury Road and our satellite spaces –Archway. Prices from £95/term. We also have a number of free spaces available through our Stage Door scheme. Call us on 020 7278 2101 to find out more.

Full schedule and how to book at www.youngactors.org.uk/classes

Holiday Clubs

Moss Hall Playcentre

Our happy, nurturing environment and forest school for children aged 2-4 is nestled on the south west tip of Hampstead Heath. We are Ofsted Outstanding for 8 years. Our dedicated team Is passionate about early years education but don’t take our word for it, or Ofsted’s. See our testimonials and join our Open Mornings on Fridays. To book email amelia@pussinbootsnursery.co.uk 0207 267 2181 www.pussinbootsnursery.co.uk

St Anthony's School for Boys

Education Advice

Primary Pathfinders

We provide personalised support, advice and guidance to empower you and your child. Our aim is to help your child reach their potential through tailored assistance and expert mentorship. With over 25 years of experience in Primary schools we can help you navigate your child’s education journey. We offer parent advice sessions and KS1 and KS2 tutoring (online or face to face). Visit our website to book a 30-minute free consultation.

07931577850 primarypathfinders.com

We aim to bring out the best in your child and we’re not just talking about their new-found skills in dancing, singing and acting. Our students develop excellent communication skills, grow in self-esteem and enjoy the benefits of improved confidence! We welcome children of all abilities from 4 to 16 and offer 2-week class trials. No previous singing or acting needed, just a willingness to give it a go. 0795643602. www.stagecoach.co.uk/highgate

Live 4 Dancing Ballroom

Team games, model making, den building, bake offs, park trips and more fun days at our high-quality, affordable camps for 4 to 11s. Flexible childcare where everyone is supported. In Moss Hall Infant School, N12 8PE. Tax-free/ Childcare Vouchers accepted.  07731669002. ✉ enquiries@ mosshallplaycentre.co.uk www.mosshallplaycentre.co.uk

Schools & Nurseries

Hyland House School

St Anthony’s School for Boys has now opened a brand new co-educational nursery. Founded in 1898, the school has an excellent reputation for both its academic achievements and pastoral approach and values curious and creative learners. St Anthony's is part of the Inspired Education Group. To register interest, please email, pahead@ stanthonysprep.co.uk www.stanthonysprep.org.uk

Palmers Green High School

Family Wellbeing

My French Physio

We are London’s premier dance school for Ballroom. Parents see the difference in their child’s dancing in just 4 weeks! Our Ballroom dance classes promote improved coordination, correct posture, strength, flexibility, improved self-confidence and body image, teamwork, and discipline. Our dance school offers excellence in Ballroom dance training and students can take exams assessed by the world’s leading body, the International Dance Teachers’ Association, and sparkle on stage in performances. ✉info@live4dancing.co.uk www.live4dancing.co.uk

Dramarama

Our child-centred drama holiday camps are filled with non-stop drama fun, engaging creative activities, and rewarding acting games and exercises. Our camps boost children’s confidence and self-awareness and ignite their imagination. All our experienced drama teachers are trained to help children achieve their very best; we fully encourage children to bring their creative ideas to life, in a safe and nurturing environment.✉ info@dramarama. co.uk      07721 978503. www.dramarama.co.uk

A Christian, independent school, we empower our 2 to 11s to aim high and dream big. Our children are achieving excellence. Our Early Years is Ofsted-graded Outstanding. 1-6 are graded Good. Contact us to arrange a visit. Please contact us for more information or to arrange a visit. Hyland House School is at 97 Holcombe Road, Tottenham, London, N17 9AB. 020 8520 4186 ✉info@hylandhouseschool.org www.hylandhouseschool.org

St Joseph's Primary & Nursery

Based in Highgate, an Ofsted & Diocesan rated "Outstanding" primary school, offering the very best start for children 2-11 with high levels of progress and attainment. We provide an education rich in unique opportunities and experiences which influences a lifelong love of learning.

Provision 7.30am6pm. Arrange a tour by calling 0207 272 1270 or emailing office@stjosephs.islington.sch.uk www.st-josephs.islington.sch.uk

Ivy House School

Ivy House School thrives as a distinguished, co-educational, and non-denominational school nestled within the green spaces of Golders Hill Park in Hampstead. The school is renowned for its outstanding education and core values, instilled throughout pupils’ learning pathway from Early Years up to and throughout the Prep School. Newly welcomed into the Inspired Education Group, Ivy House School embraces Inspired’s three pillars of education: academic excellence, sports, and the performing and creative arts. www.ivyhouseschool.co.uk

At Palmers Green High School, we specialise in educating girls aged 3-16. PGHS is a very special "through-school" where pupils progress in a familiar setting and benefit from seamless transitions across the key stages. Our class sizes and exceptional pastoral care offer a level of personal attention that is unrivalled, and which allows every pupil to be their individual, authentic self. We challenge and guide our pupils to achieve their full potential within our warm and friendly school environment. 020 8886 1135. www.pghs.co.uk

We are a team of physiotherapists, osteopaths and midwife, each highly specialised in their fields. My French Physio combines our expertise, in women’s health, babies and children, osteopathy, sport physio and post-surgery recovery, to provide you with a comprehensive approach adapted to your needs. Based in Camden Town, we offer home visits. 07491 987919 https://myfrenchphysio.london

Family Futures Wellbeing Hub

Our not-for-profit therapy centre helps children, young people and their families through research-evidenced therapy sessions.

Rated Ofsted Outstanding, the therapy team are currently offering a free consultation to any parent who has concerns about their child’s wellbeing and would like to discuss how an assessment or therapy programme could help.

 020 7354 4161

Les Petites Etoiles

For over a decade, our five multilingual nurseries in Angel (formerly Mars Montessori), Crouch Hill, Paddington (formerly Les Trois Oursons), Tufnell Park and West Hampstead, have provided exceptional childcare in a nurturing environment. In addition to our focus on French and English, our Mandarin programme introduces children to the beauty and richness of Mandarin Chinese. Our children enjoy a perfectly-balanced 4-course menu, organic wherever possible. www.lpe.uk

Woodlands Nursery

Nursery Places Available

Our nursery provides outstanding care and education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, with days packed full of activities designed in line with EYFS principles and implemented by highly-trained and knowledgeable staff. Children have daily access to our large recently-renovated outdoor space full of features designed to nurture and inspire children’s imaginations every day. Open 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday. Fully inclusive service. https://childbasepartnership.com/ nursery/woodlands-day-nurserybarnet

Please call 020 8447

1914 or

✉wellbeinghub@familyfutures. co.uk www.familyfutures.co.uk/ wellbeing-hub

for 5-19s. Muswell Hill, Highgate, Islington, Bounds Green, Hendon, Call 020 8444 9435 for a trial of 3 discounted lessons or email admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk

A PATHWAY TO SUCCESS

Academic Excellence

St. Anthony’s School for Boys is an independent preparatory school for boys aged 4 to 13, and a co-educational nursery for children aged 2.5 to 4. The school delivers an exceptional education, with pupils achieving outstanding senior school outcomes.

Ivy House School thrives as a distinguished, co-educational, and non-denominational school for children aged 2 to 11.

www.stanthonysprep.org.uk

www.ivyhouseschool.co.uk