School’s out for half term! Yes, next week is half term week for many children across the country, and there is many a parent planning a week of activities to keep them occupied! One of the most popular places to visit is London, and there’s plenty to see and do that’s not the traditional sights – child, teen and adult-friendly! So, let’s have a look.
At the Southbank Centre is a great children’s festival, the Imagine Festival, with plenty of events planned all week, from family and music workshops to an animal parade and author appearances, including David Lucas. For all those Harry Potter fans, head a little way out of London to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios where you can meet a menagerie of acting animals, such as owls, a toad and cats, some of whom you may recognise from the films!
Like a film? Why not make it a little different and head to a theatre instead. Make your way to artsdepot in North Finchley to see the well-known children’s tale of The Elves and the Shoemaker; the lovely story of a not very good shoemaker who is visited during the night and lend a helping hand. The Open Book Theatre Company is touring several of London’s libraries throughout half term with their Wind in the Willows show. Join Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger on their journey through the English countryside.
Arts and crafts more up your street? To link with the Small Stories exhibition at the Museum of Childhood, listen to stories and dress up in the Miniature Worlds, make a Miniature Book, Miniature Wallpaper or Miniature Furniture. Or why not head to the V&A Museum in South Kensington who is running a series of creative events centred around ceramic. In their Imagination Station, get creative with ceramic, while their Digital Kids event invites children to create an interactive landscape with the use of digital tools, and their Pop Up Performances gets mums and dads involved to solve the puzzle of the Willow Pattern, a famous blue and white ceramic print.
Who’s up for playing with Lego and building one of London’s famous landmarks? At the ArcelorMittal Orbit in London you can do just that, and then get to compare your model with the real thing! Alternatively, head over to the Art of the Brick exhibition which is running at the Truman Brewery, near Brick Lane, and fall in love with their interpretations of dinosaurs, buildings and even One Direction!
With so much going on in London, you’ll have this half term week all wrapped up!
