Some great London events to keep them occupied over the holidays!
- Entertainment
- 07 December 2011
- by Alex Zagalsky
Christmas Day is always so special for children, but anyone who has younger kids (or small nieces and nephews) knows how important it is to keep them occupied. While adults can quite happily sit back and watch
A Christmas Carol for the millionth time on TV, little children just get cabin fever. Here is our pick of the best things to do this holiday time, so you can fill your diary with fun outings, and enjoy a peaceful mince pie when you get home! Just make sure you book now as tickets are very sought after, particularly for shows in the days between Christmas and New Year!
The Gruffalo at the Lyric Theatre
This musical adaptation of the award winning story by Julie Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is now on its forth Christmas run. Set in the deep dark forest with a nut-hunting Mouse as its unassuming hero, this tale of magical beasts and bravery is bound to enchant the kiddies and give you a few laughs along the way too…Just wait until the Gruffalo busts out some Michael Jackson moves while singing, 'don't stop till you get a nut'! The three actors on stage make the impressive sound effects themselves and play all the characters, including a camp snake called ' Wahkim'! My three-year-old daughter loved it. The Lyric Theatre, until January 15th 2012. See the London Theatre Land for more information on The Gruffalo
Pinocchio at The Museum of Childhood
The V&A's Museum of Childhood is worth a visit anytime of the year. It's small enough to let the kids run around, there's an indoor sandpit and the museum always has an interesting workshop on. Plus there's a delicious café on the ground floor for that well-earned cappuccino. On the 28th and 29th of December, pop in for the Pinocchio puppet show, using hand carved characters, which really captures the magic of the original story. The Museum of Childhood, London E2, Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th of December at 11h30 and 14h00.
Go to VAM for more information on Pinocchio
Ring A Ding Ding at the Unicorn Theatre
A fully interactive adventure for children aged three to six, with an all singing cast and some wacky looking props and puppets made out of all manner of recycled bits and bobs. Join Alice on her quest to find her lost dog and prepare to be amazed. This award winning theatre company works solely with children, so they know how to engage their imaginations! Unicorn theatre, London SE1. Until December 30th. Go to the Unicorn Theatre for more information on Ring A Ding Ding
Santa at Battersea Zoo
Battersea Zoo is really a miniature farm with a few exotic animals dotted around the place, but it's perfect for short attention spans - plus there are loads of things to climb on, including a mini fire engine and sand diggers. Santa will be around this holiday time and for an extra £3.50 on top of the entrance price (£6.50), kiddies get to meet the man himself and receive a pressie and some foodie treats. There is also a 'Christmas Stocking Trail' for children to follow with maps. Battersea Park Children's Zoo, call 0207 924 5826 to book until December 24th. Go to Battersea Park Zoo for more information
Forkbeard Fantasy: Theatre of Animation, The Royal Festival Hall
Tell the kids that they are going to stroke a unicorn and you can bet they'll have their coats, hats and gloves on in a flash. The Royal festival Hall is celebrating 37 years of the multimedia theatre company Forkbeard Fantasy. Children can inspect and interact with some amazing sets and props including a seven-foot-tall white rabbit, a teenage brontosaurus skeleton and a life-size unicorn. Southbank Centre, until January 8th. Check out South Bank Centre website for more information on ForkbreadFantasy
