The LittleBird Family Pass Top Picks for the week ahead 8th – 14th October
It’s hard to keep up with everything; what’s launched, what’s new, what’s become available, what’s now digital. Fear not, we’ve done the hard work for you.
We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do this week, virtual events as well as actual real life events plus some online anytime activities too.
Celebrate Space Week with Stemfest In Space and ask questions to real astronauts, catch up with Anthony Horowitz and find out about the latest Alex Rider instalment, tune into the countdown global launch, learn how to make shadow magic or be part of the world’s biggest community of drawing enthusiasts. Explore outdoor art in Regent’s Park and find out where you can pick your own pumpkin, find out how to create marbled paper with foam and learn how to make an origami cup – there’s lots to do, see and fun with.
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OUR VIRTUAL TOP PICKS
Stemfest In Space, Thursday 8th October, 9.30am – 7pm
Celebrate Space week and join a virtual celebration of all things Spacey at STEMFest in Space!
Get hands-on with STEM Ambassadors who support the international space industry, discover all about space missions, learn about the career opportunities within the space sector, listen to inspiring speakers and question real astronauts! It’s free but you’ll need to register, families and schools are both welcome.
Find out more here
The Den, part of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, events until Wednesday 14th October
Immerse yourself in a world of books with draw-alongs, storytelling, facts, fiction, and even a live poetry show to watch. Catch remarkable authors, illustrators and poets live including Liz Pichon, Joseph Coelho, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Anthony Horowitz at this year’s The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival. Head over to the family digital hub The Den where events are free and even better, if you can’t tune into The Den this weekend, all events are available to watch on demand until 31 December.
Head to the Den here
You can watch all events from The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival live as they’re happening, you just need to register. To find out what’s on and when, click here
And don’t forget to download your free Beano comic here
A Climate of Change at The Courtauld, Saturday 10th October @10am – 3pm
Part of the Big Draw Festival (running until 31st October), the Courtauld invites you and your family to be part of the world’s biggest community of drawing enthusiasts. Join artists, creators, makers and experts for this day long online festival. Explore and get creative with your own habitat and materials you can find in your home, garden and local area to adventure through oceans, rainforests, the countryside, urban spaces and habitats in danger! Aimed at ages 6+
To find out more and book, click here
And for more info on the Big Draw Festival, what’s on and when, click here
Countdown Global Launch, Saturday 10th October @ 4pm
Watch the Countdown Global Launch, an initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis, turning ideas into action.
This live event will feature hosts Jane Fonda, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle, Al Gore, Xiye Bastida and Jaden Smith and includes speakers Prince William, His Holiness Pope Francis and Ursula von der Leyen. This virtual event will explain the climate crisis, focusing on solutions and calling for leaders and citizens everywhere to step up.
The first-ever free TED conference, watch on YouTube here
Wolfwalkers, Saturday 10th October at 6.30pm
Part of the BFI London Film Festival (7th – 18th October) and the latest from the Cartoon Saloon, Ireland’s answer to Studio Ghibli, Wolfwalkers is an original and exciting tale that weaves Irish identity into the film’s rich visuals and the compelling narrative explores friendship, difference and acceptance.
It’s the mid-17th century and the Irish city of Kilkenny is occupied by Cromwell’s forces. Robyn and her father arrive from England. His job is to hunt down the local wolves, part of a plan to ‘tame’ what Cromwell regards as a wild country. Meabh is a young Wolfwalker; when she sleeps, her wolf form leaves her body and roams the land. She befriends Robyn, but that friendship is tested when the lives of the wolves and Wolfwalkers are threatened by the invaders. Available on BFI player, a ticket is £12. Book here
To find out more about the BFI London Film Festival 2020, what’s available online and when, click here
Shadow Magic, Monday 12th October 10am
Join Emma Boor from Wild Boor Ideas as she shares with you five marvellous, magical and mysterious ways to make ‘Shadow Magic’ using things from around your home that are easy to find. Children will also be introduced to some of the simple science in using light to make shadow puppetry work.
If you can’t make Monday, the video will be available to watch and enjoy until Friday 16th October. Brought to you by Dancin’ Oxford, it’s free but you’ll need to book here and donations are welcome.
#LetsMakeWednesdays with the V & A, Wednesday 14th October – weekly
Every Wednesday the V & A post a new activity to inspire creativity. Previous activity themes include Time Travel, Fashion and a photography challenge!
Find out more here
OUR TOP PICKS OF THINGS TO DO
Frieze Sculpture in Regent’s Park, until 18th October
Frieze Sculpture returns to Regent’s Park this year. Exhibited in an open-air setting, you can explore 12 outdoor works by internationally acclaimed artists. There is a free audio tour by curator Clare Lilley (Director of Programme, Yorkshire Sculpture Park). The works included in Frieze Sculpture also have a virtual presence on the Frieze Viewing Room platform, offering the opportunity to everyone to view the works online.
Find out more here
Spooky Trail at Priory Farm, 10th October – 1st November
Time to jump on your broomstick and help the Priory Farm Police solve the mystery of the missing pumpkins on this spooky trail. Plus, at the weekends and during half term you can also hitch a ride on a tractor (£3 per person) to the pumpkin field and pick your own pumpkins or simply select your own at the Pumpkin Palace (prices start £1.50).
Trail tickets £5 per person, with pre-booking essential.
For full details, click here
Kara Walker in the Turbine Hall, Tate Modern, extended until Sunday 8th November
Kara Walker’s Fons Americanus is a 13-metre tall working fountain inspired by the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, London. Rather than a celebration of the British Empire, Walker’s fountain explores the interconnected histories of Africa, America and Europe.
Extended until 8th November, you still have a chance to see this large scale work of art for free. Find out more here and to have a read of the Tate’s Kids Kids View before you go, click here
ONLINE ANYTIME
Make Marbled Paper with Foam
Head over to Tate Kids and make swirly patterned prints using multi-sensory shaving foam and find out what you need to make marbled paper with foam.
To find out how, click here
Hubble Inspires
Celebrate Space week and expand your cosmic horizons. Get to know the telescope behind some of astronomy’s most groundbreaking discoveries. Explore videos, interactive activities, e-books and imagery. Find out more here
DK findout!
DK Children’s Books have built a safe place online for kids to see, learn, and explore almost everything. There’s quizzes and videos on just about everything, tons of fun facts and top tips too.
Go to find out! here
Make an Origami Cup
Maths On Toast is a UK charity with a mission to make everyone, kids and parents too, positive about maths. There’s tons of activities and resources, Stay-in sessions and How to videos – find out how to make a hexaflexagon, a pair of maths glasses or an origami cup. It’s time to have fun with maths here
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