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IN THIS ISSUE Energy-packed lunchboxes Calming anxiety What’s On for kids in North London
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Issue 180 September/October 2026 September October 2026
A Small School With A Big Heart!
familiesonline.co.uk Families North London
1
Seeing is
believing! Come and take a peek.
Choosing the right nursery is a big decision - and nothing compares to seeing it for yourself. At Bright Horizons Crouch End Fields, we create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn every day. Come and explore our bright, airy spaces, meet our dedicated nursery team and ask us any questions - from fees and funding to mealtimes and routines. We’re here to support you and your family, every step of the way.
Book your tour at Crouch End Fields. Hornsey Cricket Club, Tivoli Road, Crouch End, London, N8 8RG
www.brighthorizons.co.uk 2
9.9
daynurseries.co.uk overall rating*
Families North London
September October 2026
A new group for the youngest Scouts, Squirrels, is being launched by 224 North London Scouts in Highgate, on September 12. Squirrels, for boys and girls age 4-6, will meet on Saturdays from 9am-10am, where they can make friends, play games, get creative, explore the outdoors and begin their Scouting adventure. Register interest at 224northlondonscouts.org.uk
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September October 2026 Issue 180 4 Nutritious and delicious lunchboxes 6 How sport and education work together
Tweet us on @FamiliesNthLon
8 Using anchoring to calm anxiety 10 What's on for kids in
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Welcome
north London 11 Heads up on What's On for Christmas 15 Purple Pages directory 16 Fireworks near you School open days bit.ly/FNLSchoolopendays
GIVEAWAY
As we settle into a new school year we have a great article on an easy technique to help calm anxieties – a great tool for kids, and adults, to learn. We have some top suggestions for making sure packed lunches give kids the energy to keep them going through the day, and the low-down on how parents can use sport to build resilience and confidence and support their child's educational journey. Plus, we have a look ahead to Christmas shows and events, so you can book early to get the best choice. Never miss an issue. Sign up at familiesmag.co.uk/go to receive every issue to your inbox
Amanda
Advertise in our next issue: Contact us on 07359 133 954. editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk
Families North London Magazine Editor: Amanda Greenley 07359 133954 ✉ editor@familiesnorthlondon.co.uk Families North London is a franchise of Families Print Ltd of 75 Lisbon Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 5HL. Families is a registered trademark of Families Print Ltd. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. The contents of Families North London are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families North London. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but the franchise owner and Families Print Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
September October 2026
Contents
Ultimate Stitch Interactive Plush Toy
Worth £80 each
Discover the out-of-thisworld personality of Disney’s Ultimate Stitch 100+ sound and motion combinations – from cute and silly to alien temper tantrums Press his features for sneezing, giggling, munching, dancing and singing 2 available
Ages 3+
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3
News Views Early & Education
Ideas for a delicious and nutritious lu Research shows fewer than two per cent of packed lunches meet School Food Standards, but it doesn't have to be that way. Can lunch boxes can be delicious and nutritious? Certainly – here's how! Swap white bread for wholegrain or sourdough White bread is low in nutrients and digests quickly, leaving children hungry before the afternoon is over. Wholegrain and
Bounds Green Hendon Highgate Islington Muswell Hill
Music Kindergartens … … for babies, toddlers and children!
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Call or email Yvonne on 020 8444 9435 - admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk Colourstrings … a wonderfully imaginative musical journey ... Helping children to long-term musical success since 1995
By Samantha Gnimavo sourdough breads are more nutritious and release energy slowly. It’s a simple swap that makes a real difference. Fresh fillings in sandwiches Hitting five-a-day starts at lunchtime. Adding veg to a sandwich boosts fibre, vitamins and minerals, keeping energy levels steady all afternoon. Let your child choose– salad leaves, tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, grated carrot or sliced bell pepper. Swap your usual spread for something with more flavour Trying new spreads introduces children to different flavours and sneaks in extra nutrients. Instead of butter or mayo, why not try hummus or pesto? Both add fibre and taste great. Small changes like this gradually broaden a child's palate. For a sweet treat, add a piece of seasonal fruit Fruit is nature's dessert. Regularly rotating one or two pieces exposes your child to a range of flavours. Seasonal fruit is usually cheaper too, so beyond the banana or apple standbys, try a pear, satsumas, apricots or berries. Keep it simple: add a flask of water Staying hydrated is essential for concentration and overall health, yet it's often overlooked in lunchboxes. A flask of water is all you need. If your child isn't keen on plain water, try adding a lemon slice, sprig of mint or swap to sparkling water. Swap crisps for popcorn Crisps are a lunchbox staple but salted popcorn is higher in fibre and lower in fat. A small change, a big win! Who doesn't love a good dip? You can never have too many vegetables. Chop carrots, cucumber and bell peppers, add a pot of hummus and you
Highgate Junior School Bursaries Highgate Junior School is encouraging families to apply for a bursary for academically gifted children from the north London community. The school believes an independent education should be accessible to all children, regardless of their background. The school can offer several fee assisted bursary places for families applying at 7+ entry, including parents who are key workers. Eligible children could receive 100% funding towards their school fees, as well as additional financial support throughout their education at Highgate. A Junior School parent whose child received a bursary said: “My daughter has really gained confidence and flourished at Highgate. She has become the child that I always knew she could be.” Families interested in applying for a place for their child to start in September 2027 should take a look at the criteria on the Highgate website, or they can meet staff at the school open day on Saturday 26 September. highgateschool.org.uk/bursaries 4
Families North London
September October 2026
Early Education
unch box
As recommended on Daynurseries.co.uk, please visit to see what our parents say
put fun and fibre into any lunchbox or after-school snack. Children who help prepare their food are more likely to eat it. Choose hot over cold Insulated flasks and food jars work for colder weather lunchboxes. A warming bowl of last night’s leftover pasta, soup or stew is comforting, nutritious and reduces food waste.
Quality Care and Education
Providing a fully inclusive service for families with children aged 6 weeks to 5 years from 7.30am to 6.30pm
Don't forget dairy Babybel or small cheese chunks are easy, protein-rich additions. If packing yoghurt, check the sugar content – fruit yogurts can contain a surprising amount. Stir a little jam into plain yogurt instead.
At all our nurseries the warm and welcoming environment ensures that your child’s individual needs are prioritised, and their interests nurtured.
It's not all about sandwiches A cold salad makes a brilliant lunch. Try pasta, rice or quinoa with chopped veg and a simple homemade dressing of lemon, olive oil and seasoning. Pack an after-school snack The school day doesn't end at lunch. An extra snack for home time satisfies after-school hunger. Good options include a small handful of nuts (if school allows) or seeds, a cereal bar, rice cakes or a piece of fruit. A little goes a long way. Eat the rainbow The more colours on a plate, the better. Fruit and veg all contain different vitamins, so variety really does matter. Challenge your child to spot every colour in their lunchbox to turn healthy eating into a game.
⏺ Samantha Gnimavo is owner of Happy Body (www.happy-body. co.uk), a women's health and fertility nutritionist and NHS-accredited health coach.
T: 020 8882 6917 E: woodberry.nursery@childbase.com Woodberry Day Nursery, 63 Church Hill, Winchmore Hill, London N21 1LE
T: 020 8447 1914 E: woodlands.barnet@childbase.com Woodlands Day Nursery, 1/3 Orchard Rd, Barnet EN5 2HL
Now taking registrations We’d love to show you around
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September October 2026
Families North London
5
Education
How sport and education work together The start of a new term is a good time to think about how children can enjoy a healthy balance between education, sport and family life. Over many years of working with young people, I have seen how participation in sport can support progress in school. Sport encourages perseverance, concentration, self-discipline and resilience. Young people learn that improvement comes through regular effort rather than instant success. They discover how to cope with setbacks, learn from mistakes and keep trying when things become challenging. These are valuable lessons both on the sports field and in school. However, balance remains important. Children benefit most when sport is enjoyable rather than another source of pressure. Not every child wishes to become a champion and that is perfectly acceptable. The real value lies in participation, friendship, enjoyment and personal development.
By Dennis J Smith Confidence is one of the greatest gifts that sport can offer a child but it rarely develops overnight. Instead, it grows gradually through positive experiences, encouragement and learning how to cope with challenges. Parents play a vital role in this process. Children often judge their own performance through the reactions of the adults around them. A supportive comment after a match, race or competition can have a lasting impact. Statements such as: “I enjoyed watching you play,” or “I loved your effort today,” help children feel valued regardless of the result. Mistakes are an important part of development. Every athlete experiences setbacks, disappointments and periods when progress feels slow. Children who learn that mistakes are opportunities to improve are more likely to persevere. Rather than focusing solely on winning, parents can encourage effort, commitment, learning and enjoyment. When children feel accepted whether they succeed or struggle, they develop confidence that extends beyond sport, into school, friendships and everyday life too.
⏺ With a background in education, sport science and coaching, Dennis J Smith (M.Ed) offers an affordable 12-unit online course for parents titled Supporting Young Athletes, designed to help children enjoy sport, build confidence and reach their potential in a healthy, balanced way. First unit FREE. Email scholarlyachievement@gmail. com
Small school, big ambitions – North London Grammar At North London Grammar School (NLGS), children from the age of four are encouraged to achieve their very best. As a through-school to 18, pupils benefit from a seamless educational journey and the confidence that comes from belonging to a close-knit community. In their Junior School, small classes and expert teaching combine purposeful learning with opportunities for exploration and discovery. An ambitious curriculum nurtures curiosity and confidence, while specialist teachers in Art, Music and PE enrich children’s experiences from an early age. The nurturing approach is reflected in the 2025 ISI Inspection report, which recognised outstanding achievements across every area of the school’s provision. NLGS pupils were praised as “confident and articulate communicators”. For the second consecutive year, The Telegraph has recognised NLGS as one of the UK’s top value-for-money private schools, with fees among the lowest in the area, with Junior fees at £5,895 per term and Senior fees at £7,765 per term, for 2026-27, both inclusive of VAT. Open Day Saturday 3 October, 10am–1pm. Register and discover what makes NLGS a small school with a big heart. northlondongrammar.com 6
Families North London
September October 2026
Education
THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL
VISIT US AT AN OPEN EVENT
The King Alfred School adopts a progressive approach to education through its innovative curriculum, focussing on the whole child’s academic and personal success. Based in Hampstead, it is an informal, co-educational day school for students from Reception to Sixth Form. kingalfred.org.uk | 020 8457 5200 | 149 North End Road, London NW11 7HY Whole School Ad Design_A5_FINAL_extended_2026UPDATE_noQRcode.indd 1
APPLY 027 FOR 2 ENTRY
15/07/2026 15:58:35
Your child could receive a FREE life-changing education At Highgate, we believe an independent school education should be accessible to academically gifted children in our local community, including key worker families. Our Junior School offers fee assisted bursary places for families applying at 7+ entry. Eligible children could receive 100% funding towards their school fees, as well as additional financial support throughout their education at Highgate.
“My daughter has really gained confidence and flourished at Highgate. She has become the child that I always knew she could be.“ Bursary parent September October 2026
highgateschool.org.uk/bursaries
A registered charity, no. 312765
Find out about our criteria on our website or come along to our Junior School Open Day on Saturday 26 September. Applications are now open for places starting September 2027.
Families North London
7
Clubs & Classes
Using anchoring to calm anxiety Anxiety has become incredibly prevalent. But very few people really understand how anxiety works, what causes it or indeed how to change it. Understand what anxiety actually is One of the biggest misconceptions about anxiety is that it is about character – if sufferers were just braver, stronger or more confident, they wouldn’t feel it. But anxiety is much more often a learned reflex. A conditioned response. Trying to think your way out of it often doesn’t help because emotions don’t follow logic. Anxiety can be handled One of the quickest and most useful tools I’ve come across is called anchoring. It creates a conditioned association between a specific internal emotional state and an external stimulus, such as a touch. Anchoring gives us something incredibly valuable – the sense that we can start reclaiming control.
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How to anchor Think of a time when you felt very relaxed. Go fully to that time. See what you saw. Hear what you heard. Feel what you felt. At the peak of that feeling, squeeze your thumb and forefinger together. Hold that for as long as you can stay in that feeling. The second the feeling begins to fade, let go. Now do it again, thinking of a time when you felt very loving or connected. Repeat other positive emotions – a time you couldn’t stop laughing, a time when you felt very confident or very safe. Now test it. Clear your mind. Then squeeze your fingers together in exactly the same way, with the same pressure. This should start sending you back to those positive emotions. Whenever you start to feel anxious, squeeze your fingers together in exactly the same way and fire off positive emotions. If the anchor is strong enough, it should take out or at least neutralise much of the negative emotional charge.
improved mental health weekly classes
By Christopher Paul Jones
Classes for all ages and abilities
www.yati.org.uk 020 7278 2101 Registered charity no. 266765
Anxiety vs phobia Anxiety and phobia are often used interchangeably but the key differences are important. Phobias tend to be tied to a very specific trigger. The time you were chased by a dog. The turbulent flight that frightened you. The moment you were
Boost your child's confidence this autumn with Perform
Are you looking for a fun weekly activity where your child can build confidence, find their voice and make new friends? Perform's drama, dance and singing classes for ages 4-7 and 7-12 are filled with dramabased games, improvisation, catchy songs and fun dance routines and each term ends with a magical performance, giving each child the opportunity to shine. And every child can try Perform, free. This Autumn: Ages 4-7: Super Hero School, actionpacked mission to save the planet. Ages 7-12: Jack and the Wonderbeans, Hollywood-inspired spy thriller. Book a free, no-obligation trial in N1, N2, N3, N4, New N5, N6, N7, N8, N10, N11, N12, N14, N16, N19, N20, N21, N22, NW1, NW3, NW5, NW6, NW8, NW11, EC1R, EC1Y, EC1V, EC1Y, EN5. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try
Half-term adventure: Beauty & the Beast 67 Plender Street, NW1 0LB London
8
Inspired by the classic fairy tale, Perform’s magical three-day holiday course lets children bring Beauty & the Beast to life through drama, dance and singing, with fun games and creative activities along the way. Dates: 26–28 Oct Age: 4-10 Venues: Highbury, Highgate, Primrose Hill, St John’s Wood www.perform.org.uk/beauty
Families North London
September October 2026
Clubs & Classes Box Office 020 8292 9222
www.chickenshed.org.uk
Registered charity no 1012369
AGES 4 - 18
forced to get up and speak in class and everyone laughed. The brain links one thing to one fear response. Anxiety, however, is often more of a prolonged sense of unease. It can come from growing up with anxious parents, moving around a lot, being bullied at school or going through a prolonged period of stress. Rather than one clear moment, it’s often a longer period of not feeling safe, supported or in control. And what then happens is that instead of flying = fear or dogs = fear, the mind starts to generalise. Anything out of your comfort zone, anything slightly uncertain, anything that feels even vaguely unpredictable can begin to trigger that same emotional response. ⏺ Christopher Paul Jones (www.christopherpauljones.com) is a leading Harley Street phobia expert and author of Face your Fears – 7 Steps to Conquering Phobias and Anxiety. Christopher has developed The Integrated Change System™, combining mainstream psychology with cutting edge techniques, which aims to change the mind’s danger response, leaving people free to enjoy things they once found terrifying.
EVERY SUNDAY SUNDAY SHED iS THE PERFECT WAY TO GET iNVOLVED WiTH CHiCKENSHED FOR THE FiRST TiME. THERE ARE DROP-iN WORKSHOP AND PERFORMANCE PROJECTS HELD EVERY SUNDAY!
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Confidence Building FUN Drama, dance and singing classes designed to help 4–12 year olds shine Over 30 venues across North London
BOOK A FREE CLASS Your child’s first class is free, so why not give it a go? Find your nearest class online or call us:
perform.org.uk/try 020 7255 9120 September October 2026
Families North London
9
What's On
WHAT’S ON!
To have your event listed on these pages email 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.
SEND sessions Some venues run sessions for children with special needs. See our page at www.bit.ly/FNLsend
Ongoing Monthly
Nappy Swap at Islington Ecology Centre, N5 1PH First Tue 10am-11.30am (9am from Nov.) Exchange preloved, good quality reusable nappies, baby clothes, and maternity wear. www.friendsofgillespiepark.co.uk/ events Little Explorers at National Portrait Gallery, WC2H 0HE Normally Third Wed 10.45am 11.30am (In Oct, 14) Songs, stories and creative activities. 2+. 30mins. Must book. Free. www.npg.org.uk Family activities at Railway Fields, N4 1ES 3rd Sat, 2nd and last Sun 10am2pm Children’s activities at the reserve. Also occasional special events. Donations welcome. Free. https://friendsofrailwayfields. wordpress.com Kids Bike Ride and Repairs at Our Yard at Clitterhouse Farm, NW2 1AP Last Sat 12pm-3pm Get your bike checked, enjoy a ride. Free. www.ouryard.org Safe Harbour at National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF Last Sat 12.30pm-2.30pm Workshops for foster and adoptive families with children u13. Free. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ national-maritime-museum/ safe-harbour
Family Activities at Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre, EC2V 5AE 2nd Sun and holidays 11am-4pm. Activities, plus story corner, costumes and building bricks available. 3-13 and their families. Best to book. Free. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/events/ second-saturday How Does It Feel To Be Loved at The Phoenix, W1G 0PP Last Sun 12pm-4pm Children’s disco with grown up, but suitable, music. £3 for children, £7 for adults. www.howdoesitfeel.co.uk/ hdifkidsdisco.html
Weekly
Kids Story Club at the Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN – H3 Tue (term time) 3.30pm-5.30pm With reading corner and diverse book-pairing service. 0-13. Drop in. Free. www.hackneyshowroom.com Interactive Storytelling at The Woodman N6 5UA Tue Times vary 0-5. From £8.50 parent and child. www.littlesupernovas.com Planet Play at Chickenshed, N14 4PE Fri 10am. Until 26 Oct, check for later dates. Interactive, sensory show. 0-3. Adults £10. Little ones free. www.chickenshed.org.uk Crafternoon at Well Walk Theatre, NW3 1TS Fri 3.30pm-4.30pm Craft activities in the bookshop. Drop in. Free. www.thewellwalktheatre.com
GIVEAWAY
Ages 18mths+
Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max Get ready for max giggles with Tickle Me Elmo Plush toy from Sesame Street
The perfect friend for cuddles & laughter
Worth £25 each
Use QR code or apply at www.familiesmag.co.uk/go 10
Heads up for
Character Encounters at National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF Sat Meet a different character from history each week, with a fascinating story to tell. All ages. Free. www.rmg.co.uk
Santa’s First Christmas at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ 14 Nov-3 Jan Santa is so busy, the elves decide to help him celebrate. 4+. From £10. www.unicorntheatre.com
Tales from the Shed at Chickenshed, N14 4PE Sat 10am, 11.30am (Until 24 Oct. Check for later dates.) Vibrant, inclusive, informal and educational show. 0-6. Adults & children £7. Under 6m free. www.chickenshed.org.uk Basketball Session at Waltham Cross Playing Fields Car Park, EN8 7LX Sat 12pm 17-25, 1pm 10-16. No experience necessary. With qualified coaches. Book. Free. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/freebasketball-session-12pm-ages17-25-1pm-ages-10-16-tickets1279272170499?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Queen’s House Characters at The Queen’s House, SE10 9NF Sun Meet historical characters connected to the Queen’s House and take part in exciting performances. All ages. Free www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ queens-house/character-actors Junior Park Run 2km Sun 9am 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, Pymmes Park, N18 2UG, London Fields, E8 3EU, Leyton Jubilee Park, E10 7BL, Paddington Rec W9 1PF, Queen’s Park NW 6SG, Furzefield Leisure Centre EN6 3BW, Meadow Park WD6 5HQ, Waltham Cross EN8 7LX, Cheshunt Park EN7 6QD. 4-14. Register. Free. www.parkrun.org.uk Power, Perfume and Scandal at Kensington Palace, W8 4PX Weekends (Until 22 Nov.) Travel back to a time when Kensington Palace was the ultimate party palace. See The Duel at 11am and 2pm. www.hrp.org.uk The Space Show at Science Museum, SW7 2DD Weekends and hols 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 3pm. (Until 1 Nov). With flames, fun and a floating plate of whipped cream. 5-12. 20 mins. Complements new Space Gallery. Book ahead. Free. Book free museum admission for easy entry. Also Bubble Explorers. Family show, u7 £4.50, u2 free. And Smithsonian Starstruck VR experience, booking until end Sept. 10+, prices vary. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Tickle Elmo and watch him shake with joyful delight
5 available
Astronomy LEGO brick club at National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF Fri LEGO brick building club themed around the night sky. U12. Drop in. First-served. Free. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/astronomy-lego-brick-club
T&Cs apply
Welcome Space at The National Gallery, WC2N 5DN
Families North London
Christmas Light Trail at Kew Gardens, TW9 3AE 13 Nov-3 Jan Gets booked up quickly. www.kew.org
12 Days at Chickenshed, N14 4PE 18 Nov-9 Jan Five children uncover empathy, courage and belonging, all told in Chickenshed’s joyous trademark style – big cast, big energy. www.chickenshed.org.uk Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire, E8 1EL 21 Nov-31 Dec Climb into a world of magic and mischief as Clive Rowe returns. Giant laughs, toe-tapping songs, extravagant costumes and chances for everyone to join in the fun. All ages. www.hackneyempire.co.uk The Snowman at Sadlers Wells, Peacock, WC2A 2HT 21 Nov-3 Jan The beloved Christmas spectacle is back with a mesmerising makeover, with new choreography, beautifully crafted puppets and costume design, and stunning visual projections. Family ticket offer available. www.sadlerswells.com The Snowflake at Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH 21 Nov-23 Jan A snowflake, a little girl and her Pappie are all longing for their own special place in the world. 5+. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH. Adult £18, child £16. Thurs 4.45pm £8.50. Fri 4.45pm £12. www.littleangeltheatre.com Ebony Scrooge at Sadlers Wells East, Stratford, E20 2AR 24 Nov-3 Jan Dickens’ classic gets a bright, bold hip-hop makeover,. 7+. From £15. www.sadlerswells.com Huddle at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ 27 Nov-3 Jan A child and parent learn to thrive despite the odds. 1-4. www.unicorntheatre.com Christmas Tales at Chickenshed, N14 4PE 28 Nov-29 Dec Clumsy the elf has lost the code to the Christmas Safe. Interactive live theatre. 0-6. U12m free. From £10. www.chickenshed.org.uk Pinocchio at Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT 28 Nov-3 Dec Magical musical. £5-£88. U16 half price seated tickets. (Plus, various dates between 28 Nov-19 Dec, Pinocchio: Puppetry and Drama Workshop (5-8) and (9-11). Fun activities, play and performance. £12.) www.shakespearesglobe.com
September October 2026
What's On
🟅 🟅
r a brilliant Xmas
25% off children’s tickets!* *When booking through the London Coliseum Box Office. T&Cs apply.
Book early for the best choice Scruff’s Christmas Adventure Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1 2DN. 28 Nov-3 Jan It’s Christmas Eve and Scruff can’t sleep. How can he find a totally pawsome gift for his owner. 3-6. Adult £18, child £16, Weds 4.45pm £8.50. Fri 5pm £12. www.littleangeltheatre.com The Elf Factory at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 1-6 Dec Playful and mischievous show about three eccentric elves. 5-9. £10-£30. www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Pinocchio. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 15-20 Dec See Pinocchio carved on stage as a carpenter's tools are used to tell the tale. 4+. £10-£30. www.jacksonslane.org.uk Starchitects Save Santa! at The Place, WC1H 9PY 16=23 Dec Dance. On Christmas Eve, Santa’s missing. Join a daring mission to save him. 3+. £14, adult £18. https://theplace.org.uk
Beauty and the Beast 2026 at Alban Arena, St Albans, AL1 3LD 4 Dec-3 Jan Panto. With Joe Swash. All ages. From £17.50, adult £20. alban-arena.co.uk
Nutcracker at the London Coliseum, WC2N 4ES 17 Dec-11 Jan Step into a world where anything is possible. Join Clara on a fantastical adventure with over 100 dancers and musicians. From the orchestra’s first notes to the final bows, Nutcracker is your ticket to magical memories with friends and family. 5+. www.ballet.org.uk/production/ nutcracker
Beauty & The Incredible Beast at Millfield Theatre, N18 1PJ 4-30 Dec Panto with a modern twist. An experiment to create the perfect man goes wrong. Can Belle undo the experiment? 3+. From £14. www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
A Christmas Carol 2026 at Hoxton Hall, N1 6SH 21-23 Dec Show. With his cast stuck on a train, Charles Dickens and his faithful tour manager must portray over 30 characters. 1hr 30. 8+. www.hoxtonhall.co.uk
Dick Whittingberg Gets Into A Pickle at JW3, NW3 6ET 6 Dec-3 Jan Panto. All ages. From adult £27, u16 £17. U2 free. www.jw3.org.uk
There’s A Monster in Your (Christmas) Show at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 22-28 Dec High energy adventure version of Tom Fletcher’s book. 3+. £10-£35. www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Cinderella On Ice at Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY 3-6 Dec Performed by Alexandra Palace Ice Rink Amateur Productions. 2 hrs. 3+. From £11. www.alexandrapalace.com
Aliens Love Panta Claus at artsdepot, N12 0GA 8 Dec-3 Jan Show. Aliens and Santa spread festive knicker cheer. 3+. From £15. www.artsdepot.co.uk
Disney on Ice: Discover The Magic! at The O2, SE10 0DX 24 Dec-3 Jan Follow the search for Tinkerbell though Disney worlds. www.theo2.co.uk
Jack & The Beanstalk at Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HZ 11-31 Dec Panto. £25, child £20, fam 4 £81. www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk
The Nutcracker at artsdepot, N12 0GA 29 Dec-3 Jan Super-accessible ballet. Photo opp after. All ages. From £13.75. www.artsdepot.co.uk
A Christmas Wish at Jacksons
September October 2026
17 Dec – 10 Jan ballet.org.uk/nutcracker Principal Building Partner of English National Ballet
21 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027 Sadler’s Wells and Birmingham Repertory Theatre present
A brand new stage show landing in the West End Music and Libretto by
Howard Blake
Based on the book by
Raymond Briggs
Scrooge! Cirque Extravaganza at Excel Centre, E16 1XL 23-28 Dec A circus twist on the classic. scroogecirque.com
Beauty and the Beast at Halo Theatre, N14 5PP 11-22 Dec Community theatre production. £15, child £12. orsiproductions.co.uk
Rapunzel at artsdepot, N12 0GA 12-24 Dec Panto. Adapted from Bethan Woollvin's book. 3-11. £13.75. www.artsdepot.co.uk
The magical Christmas adventure
Photo by Drew Forsyth
Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella at Sadler’s Wells, EC1R 4TN 1 Dec-17 Jan Ballet. Some matinees. Set in WWII. May suit older children. 2h 20m with two intervals. From £15. www.sadlerswells.com
Nutcracker
Lane, N6 5AA 15-20 Dec Ballet. Fern the fairy and Eggnog the elf play, exchange gifts and become friends. 0-8. £10-£30. www.jacksonslane.org.uk
The Snow Queen at Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HZ 14-16 Jan Panto by The Warren.. £14.50, adult £17.50. www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk
Directed and Choreographed by
Will Tuckett
Production Design by
Anna Fleischle
The stage show based upon the book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by John Coates. By Arrangement with Snowman Enterprises Limited and Chester Music Limited
Families North London
11
What's On Weekends and hols 10am-6pm Explore paintings with provided play boxes. Drop-in. Free. www.nationalgallery.org.uk Play Studio Tate Britain, SW1P 4RG Weekends and hols 10am-5pm Exploratory art space. Check online for dates of free Family Tours. Also offers Story Space and Tate Draw. Free. tate.org.uk Cutty Sark Adventure at Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT Weekend and hols A swashbuckling family day out, with hands-on crafts. Meet characters from the ship’s past, including the fearless Captain Woodget, and hear stories of life aboard the fastest ship of its time. Explore the main deck, take the wheel, and enjoy interactive games charting Cutty Sark’s journeys. Sea shanty singers first weekend of the month. Look out for holiday workshops. rmg.co.uk/families
Until
Visions of Nature at Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD Booking until Oct 31 Mixed reality peak into the future to see how our actions can make a better world for wildlife. 10+. £9.95. www.nhm.ac.uk Power Up at Science Museum, SW7 2DD Booking until 3 Nov Play consoles and games from the past 5 decades. 5+. Must book. £12, Annual pass £18. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at Young V&A, E2 9PA Until 15 Nov Exhibition. Explore how the iconic characters are brought to life. From £11, u3 free. www.vam.ac.uk/young Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep at Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD Until 3 Jan 2027 Exhibition. Touch a mosasaur tooth and feel a shark’s skin as you learn how the legends of the prehistoric oceans rose to marine dominance. 8+. From £15, 4-17 £7.50. www.nhm.ac.uk The Jolly Postman at The Postal Museum, WC1X 0DA Until Jan 2027 Immersive exhibition celebrating the much-loved children’s book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Plus ride the Mail Rail. Often has holiday activities. Inc in admission. www.postalmuseum.org Julio Le Parc: Light. Colour. Action at Tate Modern, SE1 9TG Until 3 May 2027 Exhibition. Immersive, playful and mesmerising. Shimmering light sculptures and large geometric paintings. (Tate Modern often has kids’ holiday activity. See online for dates of free Family Tours.) Adults £15. 16-25 sign up for £5 ticket. 1218 £5. U12 Free. www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern Colosseum: The Legendary Arena at Eclipso, NW1 7BT Booking until Jun 2027
VR experience. Immerse yourself in ancient Rome. 8+. £26, child £19. https://eclipso-entertainment. com/en/london/colosseum
Day by day September The Colour Monster at Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL 11, 12 & 14 Sep Storytime and craft. 18m-7. £5.50. £5 redeemable on a book. www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk Ask The Nincompoops at Kings Place, N1 9GE 12 Sep 11.30am Riotously funny show where children ask the big questions and have them answered – very badly. 4-12. Part of London Podcast Festival. £14, adult £16, u18m free. www.kingsplace.co.uk Family Fun Day at St Mary's Church, N1 2TX 12 Sep 2pm-5pm Bouncy castles, facepainting, treasure hunt and more. Part of St Mary’s Festival. Drop in. Free. www.stmaryislington.org/events/ st-marys-festival-family-fun-daysaturday-12-september-2026 The Pied Piper: A Rat’s Tale at Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH 12 Sep-7 Nov Funny, imaginative story-behindthe story. 5+. Adult £16, child £14 Previews 12-13 Sep £8. Thurs 4.45pm £8.50. Fri 5.15pm £10. www.littleangeltheatre.com Special Steaming Days at Markfield Beam Engine and Museum, N15 5UL 12, 13 Sep 10am-4pm. Engine runs 12.30-1.15pm, 2.30pm-3.15pm. (General open days, second and fourth Sundays, 10am-3.30pm. Free guided tours and kids’ activities.) Free. www.mbeam.org SPLAT! at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 13 Sept 11am, 2pm Show. Two very different painters are at work. As their neat and messy worlds collide they take you on journey through the history of art. Packed with physical comedy. 3-7. £10-£25. www.jacksonslane.org.uk The Hideout at artsdepot, N12 0GA 13 Sep 11.30am Show. Vibrant mix of circus, parkour and storytelling about making a new friend. 4-8, 45mins. From £13.75 www.artsdepot.co.uk Bee Bug Crafty at Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS 13 Sep 11am-1pm Family workshop. Use natural materials to create bugs, birds and imaginative creatures to take home. 5+. £10, adult £15. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Build a Bug Bunker at Broomfield Park, N13 4HE 13 Sep 11am Workshop. Learn what types of creatures need messy garden corners to overwinter. See live species. Create your own bug bunker to take away. Adult with child £5. www.fobp.events
12
Families North London
Apple Day at Broomfield Park, N13 4HE 13 Sep 1pm-5pm In the Orchard. Try apples and apple juice. Local honey sale and music. Free. www.fobp.events How To Catch A Star at Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL 18, 19 & 21 Sep Storytime and craft, space adventure. (See online for later events.) 18m-7. £5.50. £5 redeemable on a book. www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk The Devil, The Tsar & Three Dry Biscuits at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 19 Sept 2pm Storytelling show. Thrilling re-telling of a classic Russian fairytale about outwitting and trickery, with Ben Haggarty of the Crick Crack Club. 8+. £10-£25. www.jacksonslane.org.uk Mini Folk Gigs at Kings Place, N1 9GE 19 Sep 2pm Live music and crafts. 2hrs. 0-8. £12, adult £17, u18m free. www.kingsplace.co.uk Blood, Guts and Nasty Cuts at The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS 19 Sep 2.30pm-3.45pm Science show. A whistle-stop tour of the weird and wonderful ways humans have treated illnesses. Aimed at 7-13, all welcome. £10, adult £16. www.rigb.org Family Shakespeare: Pyramus & Thisbe at The Cockpit, NW8 8EH 19 Sep, 17 Oct 2pm Show. The Rude Mechanicals have forgotten to write a play for the Duke’s wedding. Can you help? All ages. Pay what you can, £18, £15, £13. Westminster locals, £10. www.thecockpit.org.uk Visit My Mosque Weekend 19-20 Sep Lots of mosques open. All welcome. See online for open mosques. vmm.mcb.org.uk Pip and Posy Live on Stage Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1 2DN. 19 Sep-22 Nov New live show celebrates the power of imagination, kindness and creativity. 2-5. Adult £16, child £14. Previews 19-20 Sep £8. Weds 4.45pm £8.50. Fri 4.45pm £10. www.littleangeltheatre.com Rabbit & Rey and The Lost Things at artsdepot, N12 0GA 20 Sep 11am, 2pm Show, which asks if losing things isn’t the problem, but the path. With puppetry and imaginative twists. 3+. From £13.75 www.artsdepot.co.uk HAY! at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 20 Sep 11am, 2pm Show about realising that you can live your dreams. 3+, 50mins. £10£25. www.jacksonslane.org.uk Little Story Feast 2026 at British Library, NW1 2DB 20 Sep Story Jungle Creative Installation, 11am-4pm, 4+. Drop in. Adventure Board Games, creative family workshop, 11.30am, 7+. Must September October 2026
What's On book. Free. How to Grow a Story, storytelling workshop, 11.30am. 4-7. Must book. Free. Comics Jam, creative family workshop, 1pm. 7+. Must book. Free Popsicle Characters, creative workshop, £1pm. 7+. Must book. Free Design My Cover, workshop, 3pm. Must book. Free Tweet Tweet! Bow Wow! Kokak!, Lift-the-flap book workshop, 3pm. 4-7pm. Must book. Free events.bl.uk Parent and Baby Soundbath at Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP 23 Sep, 25 Nov For parents and babies up to early walking. £27.50. www.royalalberthall.com Peter and The Wolf at The Cockpit, NW8 8EH 24 Sep Early Years adventure through dance. Adult+child £17.46. www.thecockpit.org.uk Depot Open Days: Design Classics at London Transport Museum, Acton Depot, W3 9BQ 25-27 Sep 11am-5pm Drop-in creative activities for all ages, historic vehicles, interactive demos and more. www.ltmuseum.co.uk/visit/museum-depot Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in Concert at Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP 25-27 Sep Fancy dress welcome. From £20£109.50. (Also Matilda in Concert, 30 Oct.) www.royalalberthall.com Rooted at V&A, SW7 2RL 26 Sep 11am-3pm Workshops inspired by South Asian creativity. Create a Bandhani, Storytelling and Fabric Lotus Making. 5+. Free. www.vam.ac.uk Airfix Model Club at RAF Museum. NW9 5LL 26-27 Sep Build a different aircraft each time. 26-27 Sep Mustang. 10-11 Oct Gloster Gladiator. 14-15 Nov De Havilland Tiger Moth. 8+. Must book in advance. £5. Museum entry free. Parking charge. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london Pocket Money at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ 26 Sep-1 Nov Interactive theatre show about finance where children make the decisions. 7-13. From £3. www.unicorntheatre.com Mother Deer at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 27 Sep 11am, 2pm Show, with aerial acrobatics, dance and sensory theatre, about us, our environment, and the animals we share it with. 3+, 50mins. £10-£25. www.jacksonslane.org.uk HAY! at artsdepot, N12 0GA 27 Sep 11.30am Show about realising that you can live your dreams. 3+, 45mins. From £13.75 www.artsdepot.co.uk Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP 30 Sep, 18 Dec September October 2026
Grown up comedy, u15m welcome. Adults £13.50. www.royalalberthall.com October Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape at artsdepot, N12 0GA 2-4 Oct Show based on Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling book. 5+. From £15. www.artsdepot.co.uk Home Song at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 2HZ 2 Oct- 8 Nov Multi-sensory show about the meaning of home. 6-18m. 30mins plus play time. Adult+child £20.50. Extra child £10. www.unicorntheatre.com Prism Break at The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS 3 Oct 3pm-4.15pm Science show. Discover how light bends, reflects and scatters into colours of the rainbow. Rec 7-13, all welcome. £10, adult £16. www.rigb.org
What's On
COMING SOON AT ARTSDEPOT TOTO THE NINJA CAT AND THE GREAT SNAKE ESCAPE
Fri 2 - Sun 4 Oct | Ages 5+
SURINDERELLA
Sat 17 & Sun 18 Oct | Ages 3+
NICK COPE FAMILY SHOW
Sun 18 Oct | Ages 3+
DEAR ZOO
Fri 23 - Tue 27 Oct | Ages 1+
That’s How The World Was Made! at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 3 Oct 2pm Storytelling show with myths from the Arctic Circle. Feisty, fierce, funny creation stories full of tricksters, trouble-makers and barbarous beasts. 8+. £10-£25. www.jacksonslane.org.uk
...and LOTS more! See the full line up at artsdepot.co.uk
Fun Palaces 3 Oct at Hoxton Hall, N1 6SH. Creative activities. See online for details. www.hoxtonhall.co.uk 3 Oct 3pm-5pm at St Anne’s Church Hoxton, N1 5LF. Bread-making, drawing workshop, craft activities. Followed by bread and soup shared meal. All ages. Drop in. Free. funpalaces.co.uk/fun-palace/ bread-festival-at-st-annes-withgrace-church-fun-palace
Booking: 020 8369 5454
Open Weekend at Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS 3, 4 Oct 10am-5pm Step into London’s oldest botanical garden. Pond dipping, craft activities, lively storytelling sessions and encounter historical characters. (Part of Chelsea History Festival.) Drop in. Free. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Festival of the Girl at Business Design Centre, N1 0QH 3, 4 Oct Exciting workshops and activities to empower girls to break down stereotypes with confidence. Free to £67.59. www.festivalofthegirl.com Chelsea History Festival at Soane Stable Yard, Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 4SR. 3, 4 Oct 3 Oct 11am-3pm Living History Enactors. Meet a Roman, an Anglo-Saxon, a Suffragette and Christopher Wren. Drop in. Free. 3 Oct 11am-4pm Print, Pattern & Plan Artist-led family workshop. Create with colour and shape. All ages. Drop in. Free. 3 Oct 12pm, 1.30pm Family Story Walk. Step back in time with musician and storyteller Paul Rubinstein. 45mins. 5-10. Book. Free. 3 Oct 1pm-2pm The Sound of Punjab: Dhol Drumming. With
artsdepot.co.uk
MAKE THEIR WEEKENDS EXTRAORDINARY INSPIRING THEATRE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
✓ TICKETS 12.50 ✓ A SEASON OF STORIES THEY WON T £
FORGET ✓ MA E MADE FOR YO NG YOUNG IMAGINATIONS
'
FIND OUT MORE
JACKSONSLANE.ORG.UK 269A ARCHWAY ROAD, N6 5AA Families North London
13
What's On 20min intermission. Drop in. Free. 3 Oct 1.30pm Sir Christopher Wren Family Walk. 30mins. Book. Free. 3 Oct 2pm-3pm The Chelsea Pensioner Singers. Joyful and uplifting music. Drop in. Free. 4 Oct 10am-4pm Hands on History: World War Two. Object handling. Discover what life was like for children through toys, and incredible artefacts. All ages. Drop in. Free. 11am-3pm Living History Enactors. Meet a Roman, an Anglo-Saxon, a Suffragette and Christopher Wren. Drop in. Free. 11am-4pm Creative Collage: Maps, Memories & Making. Family workshop. All ages. Drop in. Free. 1.30pm Sir Christopher Wren Family Walk. 30mins. Book. Free. For all, enter by Chelsea Gate. chelseaheritagequarter.co.uk/chelsea-history-festival Bloomsbury Festival Children’s Events 3-31 Oct Includes Family Art Day, Treasure Hunt, Discovery Hub, The Science of Growing Minds, and more. Various venues. bloomsburyfestival.org.uk On Your Bike Baffo at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 4 Oct 11am, 2pm Bumbling Baffo returns in a riotous, cycle-themed clown show. 3-9. £10-£25. www.jacksonslane.org.uk Foundling Museum Libraries Session Holborn Library WC1X 8PA 9, 23 Oct 11am 9 Oct Interactive musical storytelling workshop. 23 Oct Creative, music and storytelling workshop. For accompanied u5. 1hr. Drop-in. Free. foundlingmuseum.org.uk Make a Mark at Broomfield Park, Aldermans Hill, N13 4HE 10 Oct 10am-4pm Part of The Big Draw Festival. Explore drawing as a way of seeing, thinking and connecting. Four lo-
cations in the park. All ages. Drop in. Free. www.fobp.events Big Bayeaux Bash at British Museum, WC1E 7JW 10-11 Oct 11am-4pm Family activities (not entry to see the tapestry). 6+. First-served. Book free timed entry ticket to museum. Free. www.britishmuseum.org Pumpkin Picking at Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm, EN5 10,11 & 16-31 Oct Games, story trail, marshmallow toasting and photo opportunities. Additional charge for Poison Onion Cannon. Advance tickets adult £4.95, child over 92cm £7.95, u92cm £4.95, u12m free. Pumpkin, extra. (Also Creepy Creatures 24-31 Oct. Meet five spooktacular creatures. Session numbers limited. 12m+. £4.95, child £8.95.) www.lewisoflondon.co.uk Petit Pierre in Transylvania at Well Walk Theatre, NW3 1TS 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 27 Oct-1 Nov 11am & 3pm Puppet show. Join Petit Pierre on an adventure with surprising twists, spooky encounters and laughs. 3-103. £15.90. www.thewellwalktheatre.com Family Design Challenge at Young V&A, E2 9PA 10 Oct, 14 Nov, 12 Dec, 13 Mar 12pm, 12.40pm, 13.20pm, 2pm, 2.40pm, 3.20pm Workshop. Solve a design brief as a family, design and make together. For u15 and their families. Rec 5-14. First-served. Queuing opens 10 minutes before start times. Free. www.vam.ac.uk/event/WpMv9q5lVqB/family-design-challenge-2026-27 New Scientist Live at Excel Centre, E16 1XL 10-12 Oct Science expo with loads for families to look at, investigate and do. live.newscientist.com Mr Sleepybum’s Dream Machine at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 11 Oct 11am, 2pm Show. Mr Sleepybum invents a machine that brings dreams to life.
GIVEAWAY
Worth £30 each
Minnie Mansion Playsets Storytelling fun with Minnie Ages 3+
Mansion and Disney’s Minnie Mouse and Cream Puff figures 2 levels of play spaces, detailed rooms & design accessories 12-piece playset includes furniture items 2 available
Cable Street Stories: A Family Story & Creative Workshop at JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET 11 Oct 11am-1pm Family-friendly workshop about friendship, courage and standing against division, with storytelling and making. 4+. Book. Free. www.jw3.org.uk Harley Bikes Display at Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, EN2 9HW 11 Oct Display by Harley Owners Group. Plus Museum open from 10am4pm. £12, 5-12 £6, Fam 4 (£33), u5 free. www.whitewebbsmuseum.co.uk Larger Than Life: Starring Wallace & Gromit, Shaun and More at Lightroom, N1C 4DY From 14 Oct Step into Aardman's world in immersive cinema and see how their films and characters come to life. With archival treasures and bespoke new animation. All ages. From £25, child from £15. Families get discount. U3 free. Dynamic pricing. Book early. www.lightroom.uk Halloween Light Trail at Kew Gardens, TW9 3AE 16 Oct-1 Nov Entry slots 6pm-10pm 16-24 Oct, 4pm-10pm 25 Oct-1 Nov. www.kew.org Aurora Orchestra: Meet The Instruments Kings Place, N1 9GE 17 Oct 11am, 1.30pm Concert. Sing, dance, play games, and discover the magical sounds of orchestra. 3-7. £18, adult £23, u18m free. www.kingsplace.co.uk Family Festival: Stories, Sign and Shine at British Library, NW1 2DB 17 Oct 12pm-4pm Make, move, sign and explore, through fun and play. All over the library. All ages. Drop-in. Free. events.bl.uk/events/family-festival-stories-sign-and-shine Surinderella at artsdepot, N12 0GA 17-18 Oct Show. Laughter, romance and larger-than-life entertainment. 3+. From £15. www.artsdepot.co.uk Hey Duggee at Kew Gardens, TW9 3AE 17-24 Oct Autumn outdoor trail with challenges. Inc with entry to garden. www.kew.org Nick Cope Family Show at artsdepot, N12 0GA 18 Oct 11am Concert with all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more. 3+. From £15. www.artsdepot.co.uk
£10-£25. www.jacksonslane.org.uk Family Sundays at the Royal Ballet and Opera, WC2E 9DD 18 Oct, 15, 29 Nov 10am, 1.30pm Informal performances, interactive singing or dance, theatrecraft, and upcycling activities. Rec 3-10, all welcome. 2hr 30mins. Gets booked up. If interested, get on mailing list. www.rbo.org.uk Sunday Funday at Lauderdale House, N6 5HG 20 Sep, 18 Oct, 15 Nov 11am Workshops with activities related to the history of Lauderdale House. 4-10. Free, drop in. www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/ whats-on/sunday-fun-day Family Halloween at Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS 23, 27, 29 Oct 1pm-2.30pm Pumpkin Carving Uncover the mysteries of pumpkin plants and create a jack-o-lantern. 5+. £15, adult £20. 27 Oct 10am-11.30am Broomstick Making. Learn about the craft, make your own, and enjoy a broomstick ride round the garden to learn about some of the plants. 5+. £10, adult £15. 28 Oct 10am-11.30am Silly Slime Making. A gooey workshop. Experiment with different textures and colours, and leave with a jar of slime. 5+. £10, adult £15. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Dear Zoo at artsdepot, N12 0GA 23-27 Oct Show based on Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift-the-flap book. 1+. From £15. www.artsdepot.co.uk Family Fun Day: Spooky Science at The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS 24 Oct 11am-4pm Explore the eerie side of science through hands-on experiments, demos and shows. Rec 6-12, older and younger siblings welcome. Fills up quickly. Book early. £10, adult £16. www.rigb.org Along The Piccadilly Line at London Transport Museum, WC2E 7BB 24 Oct-1 Nov Fun family activities celebrating the line’s 120th anniversary. www.ltmuseum.co.uk Jet & Space Week at RAF Museum. NW9 5LL 24 Oct-1 Nov Percy & Mr Fox: Attack of the Clones 3+, £5. Oct 24-27 Space Odyssey Planetarium 6+, £6.50. Oct 29-Nov 1 Laser Tag 7+, £6.50. Museum entry free. Parking charge. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london Halloween at Tower of London, EC3N 4AB 24-Oct-1 Nov Meet the Tower’s Ghosts. Look for clues to find the Haunted Forge, where they will gather at 11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.45pm. www.hrp.org.uk
Alice In Wonderland at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 18 Oct 11am, 2pm Ballet with Let’s All Dance, in their crystal-clear storytelling style. 2-12.
Telling Tales Season at Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT 24 Oct 11.30am. Telling Tales with Rachel Morrisroe. Join a fantasy journey through London and more. 25 Oct 11.30am. Drawing Tales
Families North London
September October 2026
T&Cs apply
T&Cs apply
Use QR code or apply at www.familiesmag.co.uk/go 14
With sketches, slapstick and silliness. 3-8. £10-£25. www.jacksonslane.org.uk The Mystery of Artsdepot at artsdepot, N12 0GA 11 Oct 12pm, 2.30pm Award-winning board game-style theatre show. Solve a thrilling murder mystery. 7+. From £13.50. www.artsdepot.co.uk
Purple Pages Holiday Clubs
After-school Education
Little House of Science
Hillgate Tutors
Fun term-time STEM clubs and holiday camps where curious minds can learn and experiment. Autumn Camps 1923 Oct and 26-30 Oct, for 5-7s and 8-14s. Book individual days or whole weeks. Interactive hands-on experiments with expert instructors, take-home projects and outdoor breaks too, help children develop essential skills such as problemsolving, critical thinking, teamwork & communication. 10% sibling & friends discounts. 07843 346557 info@littlehouseofscience.com www.littlehouseofscience.com
We 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
Performing Arts EnoDanse EnoDanse is a friendly, welcoming 5-star ballet school in Camden, offering nurturing ballet classes from 18 months to adults. Led by Enora, a Royal Academy of Dance teacher and Silver Swans Licensee, the school provides a supportive environment where dancers build confidence, creativity and friendships. Students can take ballet exams and perform in our annual theatre production. ✉Eno.danseldn@gmail.com. enodanse.co.uk
"I saw you in Families magazine and..." Young Actors Theatre Islington Theatre made by and for young people. 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. We have a number of free spaces through our Stage Door scheme. Call us on 020 7278 2101 to find out more. See online for Halfterm Holiday Courses for 7-18s. Full schedule and how to book at www.youngactors.org.uk/classes
Highgate School
Puss in Boots Nursery
Highgate is one of the UK’s leading co-educational independent schools for pupils aged 4 to 18 who come from a diverse range of backgrounds across North London and beyond. Families looking to apply to Highgate can Choosing the right nursery is a big decision - and find our Admissions information compares to seeing it for yourself. on ournothing website, including how to At Bright Horizons Crouch End Fields, we create a apply and visiting an open warm, nurturing environment where day. children feel safe, confident and excited to learn from every day. We welcome applications Come and explore our bright, airy spaces, meet eligible families looking for financial our dedicated nursery team and ask us any questions help through our bursary scheme. - from fees and funding to mealtimes and routines. We’re here to support you and your family, Fee-assisted bursary places forevery step of the way. 7+ entry. Eligible children could receive up to 100% funding for school fees, plus additional support. See website or learn more at our Junior School Open Day 26 September. Applications now open for September 2027. Highgateschool.org.uk
Our happy, nurturing environment and forest school for children aged 2-4 is nestled on the south west tip of Hampstead Heath. 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
Seeing is
IMIT 11+ Mock Tests
believing!
Come and take a peek.
Music Tuition Colourstrings
Hendon Highgate Islington Muswell Hill Stoke Newington Rolling bookings... apply now to start soon!
Music Kindergartens … for babies, todd
· Enjoyable, active, Our students are traditional and clas Kindergartens for offered places in top · Fosters social inter a brilliant start and self-esteem in sma state selective and · High quality music long-term proven methodolog independent schools – · Foundation for our success in programme more than 95% success Bright Horizons · Professional music music! Develop Kodaly/child devel rate. Affordable prices. Discount · Long-term success your child’s Crouch End Fields for pupil premium students. See musical talent Call Yvonne www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk website for parent guides: How in Kodaly-based Book tour a warm, Weyour create Colourstrings … a wonderfully imaginati to Pass 11+ and 11+ Preparation at Crouch End Fields. music kindergartens and nurturing environment Helping children to long-term musical Timeline. In-person tests April to instrumental programmes 6ms where children feel November, at The Latymer School, Hornsey Cricket Club, to 6yrs, and avoid waits for our Tivoli Road, Crouch safe, confident and FOR CHILDREN AGED Wren Academy and Woodhouse End, London, 6 WEEKS TOinstrumental 5 YEARS NL Conservatoire N8 8RG excited to learn every College. OPEN 7.030AM TO 6.30PM programme for 5-19s. Muswell Hill, daynurseries.co.uk day. Come and explore ✉helpdesk@imittraining.com 9.9 www.brighthorizons.co.uk overall rating* Highgate, Islington, Bounds Green, Availability may be limited in certain age groups or booking patterns our bright, airy spaces and meet www.imittraining.com Hendon, Call 020 8444 9435 for our dedicated nursery team. a trial of 3 discounted lessons or We’re here to support you and email admin@nlcolourstrings.co.uk your family, every step of the way. Schools & Nurseries www.nlcolourstrings.co.uk Open Day 3 October. Register or book your tour at Lauderdale Suzuki Violin Group bit.ly/crouchendfields King Alfred School – Nurture your child’s love of Fun is an essential music with the Lauderdale Suzuki ingredient in all our We know that each child is Violin Group! From age 3+, our nurseries where the care unique and has their own Childbase Nurseries and education opportunities programme combines individual for each and every child are set of strengths and areas lessons, group classes, concerts, as extraordinary as our to develop. Our childcolleagues who Outstanding care and special events to inspire provide them. centred approach allows and education for confidence and joy in every child. us to foster joy and understanding children aged 6 Join our vibrant musical community may be limited in certain of the learning process. We have Availability weeks on Wednesday afternoons at age groups or booking patterns to 5 years, instituted child-friendly, rigourous with days packed Lauderdale House, Highgate. 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM and informal testing. We celebrate FOR CHILDREN AGED full of activities T: 020www.lauderdalesuzuki.org.uk 8882 6917 commitment, curiousity, courage E: woodberry.nursery@childbase.com designed in line and compassion to create the Woodberry Nursery and Preschool, Church Hill, with EYFS principles Primrose Hill63Children’s Choir Winchmore Hill, London N21 1LE foundations for happy, successful and implemented Fun popular songs and Use and fulfilling lives. We are rated by highly-trained knowledgeable games for 5 to 11-yearexcellent in all areas. Open days: 8447 1914 staff. Daily access to outdoor space. T: 020 olds. Great for their code FNL20 Upper School (Yr7-11) 17 Sept. E: woodlands.barnet@childbase.com Open 7.30am to 6.30pm Mon-Fri. musical and personal for 20% off Woodlands Nursery and Preschool, Lower School (Reception-Y6) 8 Oct. Fully inclusive service. development. Past 1/3 Orchard Rd, Barnet EN5 2HL Sixth Form 28 Sept & 5 Nov. https://childbasepartnership.com first term’s performances: BBC www.kingalfred.org.uk Radio London and fees www.childbasepartnership.com We look forward to hearing from youStadium. Wembley See videos on our website. Fun is an essential Les Petites Etoiles North London Grammar £20 for three-week trial, then £10 ingredient at Woodlands Day Nursery and Preschool a week. Concessions available. School where the care and education Our five Wednesdays 4.30-5.30pm in NW3. opportunities for each and multilingual every child are as extraordinary ✉ maestromattheww@yahoo.co.uk For all families in as our colleagues who nurseries in www.primrosehillchoirs.com/ provide them. North London, Angel, Crouch Hill, Paddington, childrens-choir award-winning Tufnell Park and West Hampstead, North London provide exceptional Please call 020 8447 1914 orchildcare in a Grammar School Baby, Toddler, Preschooler nurturing environment. In addition email woodlands.barnet@childbase.com (NLGS) proves to our focus on Rd, French Woodlands Day Nursery and Preschool, 1/3 Orchard Barnet, EN5 and 2HL small classes fuel big ambitions. Tiny Talk – Learn to communicate English, our Mandarin programme Pupils from age 4 to 18 thrive We look forward to hearing from you with your baby before they can introduces children to the beauty in a nurturing community. To speak, at an award-winning TinyTalk and richness of Mandarin Chinese. experience life at NLGS, visit our baby signing class. Interactive music Our children enjoy a perfectlyOpen Day on 3 October, meet class and sensory activities, plus time balanced 4-course menu, organic senior leaders, chat with teachers for a cuppa. wherever possible. and students, and take part in a www.TinyTalk.co.uk/zahrak www.lpe.uk Q&A. 110 Colindeep Lane, Hendon NW9 6HB. 020 8205 0052. ✉ admissions@ northlondongrammar.com. Register to secure your place at www.northlondongrammar.com
Nursery Places Available
crouch end field magazine advert 2026.indd 1
10/06/2026 15:42:16
Nursery Places Available
www.childbasepartnership.com
Perform Confidence-building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s: N1, N2, N3, N4, New N5, N6, N7, N8, N10, N11, N12, N14, N16, N19, NW1, NW2, NW3,NW5, NW6, NW7, NW8, NW10, NW11, EN5, EC1R, EC1V, EC1Y. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class. Beauty & The Beast 3-day October half term holiday clubs for 4-10s: Highury, Highgate, Primrose Hill, St John's Wood 020 7255 9120 ✉enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/beauty
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Kido High Barnet Our brand new custom-built nursery offers inspiring spaces for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, with exceptional early years education and care and a progressive international curriculum. We are just 4 minutes from High Barnet Station. Register to join our Grand Opening. Learn more. 07502 183112. ✉ enquire. highbarnet@kidoschools.com kidoschools.com
“Sad child? Nature. Cranky child? Nature. Bored child? Nature. You’re welcome.” – Penny Whitehouse, founder Mothernatured.com Families North London
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What's On with Rob Biddulph. Learn how to draw one of Rob’s amazing illustrations. 25 Oct 1.30pm. Drawing Tales with Mariajo Ilustrajo. Explore storytelling through drawing. Creative workshop. 25 Oct 2.30pm. Telling Tales with Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé. Explore themes and characters in her gripping novels. 26 Sep 11.30am. Telling Tales Little People, BIG DREAMS. Join Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara for an interactive high-energy game show. 26 Sep 2.30pm. Telling Tales with Kaz Penny and illustrator Sammy Elgie. Fun-packed mystery take on Shakespeare and his stories. 28 Oct 2pm. Telling Tales with Sita Brahmachari and Jane Ray. Explore The Tale That Time Sews, through storytelling and craft. 28 Oct 12pm. Writing Tales with Joseph Coelho. Creative workshop celebrating the power of community and small actions. 28 Oct 2.30pm. Telling Tales with Joseph Coelho. Create new poems. 31 Oct 2.30pm. Telling Tales with Terry Deary. Laugh-out-loud storytelling, fascinating historical detail and audience interaction with the creator of Horrible Histories and over 150 fiction books. 7+. All £12. www.shakespearesglobe.com Veteran Car Display at Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, EN2 9HW 25 Oct Display by Enfield and District Veteran Vehicle Society. Plus Museum open from 10am-4pm. £12, 5-12 £6, Fam 4 (£33), u5 free. www.whitewebbsmuseum.co.uk Book Buzz at artsdepot, N12 0GA 25 Oct 11am-3.30pm Book swaps, book stall and creative drop-in activities. All ages. Free. www.artsdepot.co.uk Club Origami artsdepot, N12 0GA 25 Oct 11.30am, 2pm Immersive, interactive dance show. 40mins plus stay and play after. 2-5. From £13.75. www.artsdepot.co.uk Halloween Tales at Chickenshed, N14 4PE 26-29 Oct 10am, 11.30am Tales From The Shed’s vibrant, inclusive, informal and educational show gets a makeover with just the right amount silly-spooky for 0-6. Adults & children £7. Under 6m free. www.chickenshed.org.uk Halloween at Capel Manor Gardens, Enfield, EN1 4RQ 26-31 Oct 10am-4pm Themed trails, live entertainment and animal encounters. www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk Samhain Celebrations 2026 at Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon, SG13 8NY 26-31 Oct 10am-4pm Celtic activities include decorate a chalk auroch, make a mini broom, burn your worries in the fire, drumming workshop and much more in this family day out. 26-30 Oct £15. 31 Oct £20, includes effigy burning. celticharmony.org/product/october-days-out 16
Spooky Halloween Family Fun Day London Canal Museum, N1 9RT 27 Oct Boat trip, entry to museum, trail and led craft workshop. £10.50, u16 £5.50. www.canalmuseum.org.uk
Science show. Could there be a scientific explanation for every spooky story? Or are some mysteries still waiting to be solved? Rec 7-13, all welcome. £10, adult £16. www.rigb.org
Family Day: Hidden Kingdoms National Portrait Gallery, WC2H 0HE 27 Oct 11am-4pm Creative workshops across the gallery celebrating heroes, heroines and legends. Drop in. Free. www.npg.org.uk
Halloween Piano Party at Kings Place, N1 9GE 31 Oct 10.15am Family concert, featuring music for two pianos. 45mins. £12, adult £22. www.kingsplace.co.uk
The Utterly Revolting Science Show at Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HZ 27 Oct 11.30am, 3pm An explosive journey through the human body. £17, adult £19. www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk Twelfth Night Family Storytelling Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT 27, 29 Oct 12.30pm, 3.30pm Step into a world of disguise, mischief and mistaken identities in Shakespeare’s whirlwind comedy (sure to be rendered absolutely hilarious by Shakespeare’s Globe’s master storytellers). 5-11. £15. (Also running: Ghosts and Ghouls Family Tour on these and other dates.) www.shakespearesglobe.com Super Spooky Cabaret for Kids at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 27 Oct-1 Nov 11am, 2pm, 5pm Dress up for Halloween for a wacky show of circus, magic, jaw-dropping juggling and family fun. 4+. £10-£25. www.jacksonslane.org.uk The Mystery of Dugdale Arts Centre at Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS 28 Oct 12pm, 2.30pm Award-winning board game-style theatre show. Solve a thrilling murder mystery. 7+. £11.50, adult £13.50. www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HZ 28 Oct 2pm Show. Song, games, stories and laughter with Barney Bear. U5. Free craft activity after. £13, adult £15, u12m in arms £3. www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk Depot Family Tours at London Transport Museum. Acton Depot, W3 9BQ 28, 30 Oct Uncover the stories of some of the very special vehicles in the bus and train shed, aimed at families with children 5-11. 1hr 15m. £15, 4-17 £8 www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/ family-events/depot-family-tours The Amazing Bubble Man at artsdepot, N12 0GA 29 Oct 2pm Show. Art, science, comedy and bubbles with Louis Pearl. 2+. From £15. www.artsdepot.co.uk Spine Chilling Cellars and Garden Ghost Hunt at Stephens House and Gardens, N3 3QE 30, 31 Oct 1pm-4pm Spot the ghosts and win a prize. Last entry 3.30pm. Must book. £5.50. www.stephenshouseandgardens. com ShRIek: The Spooky Science of the Paranormal at The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS 31 Oct 2.30pm-3.45pm
Halloween Spooky Walks at Lauderdale House, N6 5HG 31 Oct Join a cast of live performers for an immersive adventure through Lauderdale House and Waterlow Park, with just the right amount of family-friendly fright. £12.50, cons £9. www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk Family Workshops at Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT 26-31 Oct 26, 30, 31 Oct. Macbeth On Stage Workshop (9-11). £12. 27 & 29-31 Oct. Twelfth Night: Family Workshops (5-8) & (9-11). £10. 27, 29, 30 Oct. As You Like It: Family Workshops (5-8) & (9-11). £10. See online for The Tempest Onstage Workshop for 12-14s Macbeth Workshop for 12-16s, Romeo and Juliet: On Stage Workshop (14-16), Hamlet: Workshop (14-16), Othello: On Stage Workshop (17-19). See online for dates for GCSE Boosts. Also runs Young Actors Short Courses 8-10 and 11-13, various dates, £400. www.shakespearesglobe.com Trick and Treat Circus Live at Dugdale Arts Centre, EN2 6DS 31 Oct 11.30am Spooky, scare-free experience with family-friendly characters, rib-tickling laughter and magic. £13.50, adult £15.50. www.dugdaleartscentre.co.uk November Magic Flute at artsdepot, N12 0GA 1 Nov 2.30pm
Acclaimed new dance-theatre adaptation of Mozart’s opera for 7+ and their grown-ups. 1hr 10m. From £15. www.artsdepot.co.uk Baby Knees Up at Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP 3 Nov 11am Show and singalong. Zany, interactive family event with West End singers. Expect bubbles, puppets and plenty of singing along for adults, babies and children aged 0 – 100. £13.50. www.royalalberthall.com How to Build a Chocolate Bridge at The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS 07 Nov 2.30pm-3.45pm Science show. Engineer Roma Agrawal uses surprising materials to explore some whacky engineering challenges. Rec 7-13 but all welcome. £10, adult £16. www.rigb.org The Wind in the Willows at artsdepot, N12 0GA 8 Nov 10.30am, 1.30pm Show. A marvellous adventure for Ratty, Toad, Mole and Badger, with puppets and an original score. 5+. From £13.75. www.artsdepot.co.uk Grow at Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA 8 Nov 11am, 2pm Show. Interactive adventure to spark curiosity about the natural world. 3-7. 30mins. £12.50. www.jacksonslane.org.uk
These venues often have holiday family events
No details as we went to press Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice www. bowstreetmuseum.org.uk The Cartoon Museum www. cartoonmuseum.org Bank of England Museum www.bankofengland.co.uk Museum of London Family Walks (easiest to search it) RSPB Rye Meads, SG12 8JS events.rspb.org.uk/ryemeads
Fireworks 🎇
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Here's all the information available at time of printing. Check websites for full details Enfield Town Park Fireworks: A Halloween Spectacular at Cecil Road, EN2 6LE 31 Oct 4pm-8pm Display, funfair, entertainment, fire dancers, fancy dress competition, family fun. £15.40, u16 £10.50, u5 £4.25. www.alexandrapalace.com Coram’s Field Fireworks, WC1N 1DN Nov 5 times tbc. Free. coramsfields.org/event/fireworks-night-2026 Alexandra Palace Fireworks and Drone Festival N22 7AY 7-8 Nov www.alexandrapalace.com Gunpowder Mills Fireworks Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY.
Families North London
7 Nov 4pm-8.30pm www.gunpowdermills.com Walker Cricket Ground Fireworks and Drone Show N14 7JZ 7 Nov times tbc www.thewalkerground.co.uk No details as we went to press, but keep an eye on: StoneX Stadium NW4 1RL saracens.com Hadley Wood Association, EN4 0EL. www.hadleywood.org.uk Totteridge Millhillians, N20 8PB www.cricket.totteridgemillhillians. com Moss Hall School, N3 1NR www.mosshall.school Osidge School, N14 5HD www.osidgeschool.org Underhill School, EN5 2LZ www.underhillschool.co.uk September October 2026