Hidden amongst London are a wonderful array of nature reserves, towpath walks and green walkways waiting to be explored. \u00a0The longest linear nature reserve Parkland Walk<\/a> running from Alexandra Palace to Finsbury park is definitely worth a visit, a former railway line it\u2019s a perfect place to meander with the kids on their new bikes or scooters. There is also river walks galore along the \u00a0Thames Path<\/a> – the main artery of London covering a magical 40 miles (64 km) of easy, level walking on both sides of the river from Hampton Court Palace, through the heart of London to the East India Dock on the north bank and the River Darent on the south bank.<\/p>\n When: Whenever LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: If the idea of a walk is always met by unanimous groans, check out the Woodland Trusts fabulous Nature Detectives<\/a> – always full of great ideas and plenty of outside inspiration, print out spotter sheets<\/a> and create your own trails or be inspired by their \u00a0Winter Fun<\/a> activities.<\/p>\n DREAMTIME AT THE LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, COVENT GARDEN<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re in Covent Garden catching the sales, why not visit the London Transport Museum and enjoy their Christmas holidays family fun event – Dreamtime<\/a>. Take part in drama, singing and stories around and under the museum\u2019s winter parachute. \u00a0Let the kids imagine themselves \u00a0on the streets of London as they slither beneath it, and send ping pong balls flying high above to create a truly wintery blizzard. Plus there\u2019s the chance to create a crazy night-time dream and transform it into a snowglobe.<\/p>\n While you\u2019re here, don\u2019t miss the All Aboard Family Play Zone – children can get in the driver\u2019s seat of a real bus, repair a mini Tube train, \u00a0enjoy \u2018sailing\u2019 the Thames Nipper, serve passengers in the Nipper caf\u00e9, fly the Emirates Air Line cable car as well as make driver announcements and help customers at the mini information desk using the magnetic message board, maps and clocks.<\/p>\n When: Weds 23rd & Mon 28th Dec to Sun 3rd Jan LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: While you\u2019re in Covent Garden, don\u2019t forget to climb aboard the LEGO Santa Express<\/a>. Made with 500,000 LEGO bricks, the Santa Express \u00a0is complete with special effects including smoke from the funnel, sounds and lights.<\/p>\n HAMPTON POOL<\/strong><\/p>\n Maybe it\u2019s a bit left field but then again, after being housebound eating, drinking and being merry this might be exactly what the doctor ordered! Enjoy a swim with a difference and head to Hampton Pool. \u00a0<\/a>Open 365 days of the year, \u00a0this heated pool is warm whatever the weather. And if it\u2019s \u2018cold outside\u2019 baby, the pool takes on an ethereal look as a wonderful mist rises out of the warm waters. There\u2019s a cafe for hot drinks and snacks after and if you\u2019ve driven, then you\u2019re only a short drive from Hampton Court<\/a>. You can enjoy the ambience of Hampton Court and the cafe there without paying to enter and there\u2019s an\u00a0ice rink<\/a> too \u2013 open til 3rd \u00a0January.<\/p>\n When: Whenever LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: If an outdoor swim appeals but you\u2019re not near Hampton, check out the King\u2019s Cross Pond Club<\/a> and enjoy a swim in an art installation or pop along to \u00a0Hampstead Heath<\/a> open air pool or Charlton Lido.<\/a><\/p>\n STREAM WALKING IN ISABELLA PLANTATION, RICHMOND PARK<\/strong><\/p>\n Don your wellie boots, fill that flask with hot chocolate and discover the botanical beauty of the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park. \u00a0First opened to the public in 1953, Isabella Plantation is a 40 \u00a0acre woodland garden set within a Victorian woodland plantation planted in the 1830’s. A perfect place to enjoy a magical day outdoors after the indulgence of Christmas \u2013 imagine other worlds as you walk through the streams and garden, it is a true paradise for little people. For information about Isabella Plantation, click here<\/a>. The kids will love seeing the deer roaming free<\/a> in Richmond Park – there are 630 Red and Fallow deer. If you\u2019re not near Richmond Park, find other royal parks close to you by \u00a0clicking here<\/a><\/p>\n When: whenever LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: While you\u2019re in Richmond, treat the kids to \u00a0Michael Morpurgo\u2019s I Believe In Unicorns <\/a>at the Orange Tree Theatre and save up to 50% on tickets<\/a> with LittleBird. Book Now<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALICE IN WONDERLAND AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY, EUSTON<\/strong><\/p>\n Fall down the rabbit hole into the British Library\u2019s Alice in Wonderland<\/a> exhibition. \u00a0Be enchanted by Lewis Carroll\u2019s original manuscript with his hand-drawn illustrations, alongside editions by Mervyn Peake, Leonard Weisgard, Salvador Dali and others.<\/p>\n As we celebrate 150 years since the publication of Alice in Wonderland, discover<\/a> how Lewis Carroll\u2019s story has been re-imagined, re-interpreted and re-illustrated over the last 150 years with newly commissioned articles, a selection of manuscripts, reviews and literature relating to Alice in Wonderland.<\/p>\n While you\u2019re here, take the kids to see the Magna Carta, Shakespeare first edition of plays published in 1623 and Dickens \u00a0handwritten draft of Nicholas Nickleby, penned around July 1838. If they\u2019re into music, they can also see original manuscripts handwritten by some of the world\u2019s greatest musical talents. There\u2019s a family trail too – Download a PDF copy<\/a> or collect from the Box Office in the main entrance.<\/p>\n When: until 17th April, 2016 LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Why not walk to Granary Square and enjoy the fountains<\/a>; spectacular day and night. Did you know you can \u00a0download an app<\/a> that lets you control the fountains in Granary Square from you phone? How brilliant is that! \u00a0Although to ensure you’re not the world’s greatest party pooper, \u00a0make a note it\u2019s only between 4pm – 5pm.<\/p>\n CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY FUN \u00a0AT THE MUSEUM OF LONDON, THE CITY<\/strong><\/p>\n There\u2019s lots happening throughout the Christmas Holidays<\/a> at the Museum of London. \u00a0There\u2019s an array of storytelling, crafts, art activities and interactive activities promised exploring London\u2019s winter feasts and celebrations, past and present. Travel back in time with the kids and see Victorian London come to life in a family friendly and up-close production of Charles Dickens classic winter tale \u2018A Christmas Carol\u2019, make firework-themed crafts to celebrate the New year, join in Frost Fair celebrations and discover the tale of what Tudor Londoners did when the Thames froze over. To see the full schedule of family friendly fun\u00a0click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Plus , there\u2019s plenty of family favourites<\/a> at the Museum not to be missed when you visit including walking around Roman London, stepping inside a life-size Saxon house plus enjoy a reconstructed Georgian Pleasure Garden.<\/p>\n When: Sunday 27th Dec – 3rd Jan 2016 LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Kids eat free at the London Wall Restaurant<\/a> and why not download Museum of London free Streetmuseum app<\/a> before you leave and let the kids discover a unique perspective of old and new London on your way home.<\/p>\n THE GRUFFALO AT THE VAUDEVILLE, WEST END – SAVE UP TO 50% WITH LITTLEBIRD<\/strong><\/p>\n The Gruffalo has become a classic, voted the number one bedtime story, loved by children and grown ups alike. Head to the Vaudeville Theatre on the Strand over the Christmas holidays and enjoy this musical adaptation of the award winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.\u00a0The Gruffalo<\/a>\u00a0 is \u00a0a wonderful family show with just the right amount of scary fun bringing everyone\u2019s favourite furry monster to life on stage!<\/p>\n Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep dark wood – in the search for hazelnuts – as she meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake, and outwits them all with the story of the fabled Gruffalo. Armed with only a nut map and a little courage Mouse must make sure she doesn\u2019t end up as dinner for these wily woodland creatures.<\/p>\n When: until 3rd Jan 2016 with up to 50% savings on LittleBird on selected shows LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip:\u00a0We\u2019re walking in the air\u2026..come on, I know you know the next line! Enjoy a 50% saving<\/a> with LittleBird<\/a> on selected performances on Raymond Briggs much lovedThe Snowman – book now<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n THE NUTCRACKER AT THE V&A, SOUTH KENSINGTON <\/strong><\/p>\n Enjoy \u00a0free pop up performances of the Christmas classic \u00a0The Nutcracker <\/a>at the V&A . Head to the Lecture Theatre and discover the enchanting world of The Nutcracker with contemporary dance performances.<\/p>\n The V&A has lots of offer families<\/a> with art trails, hands on galleries and backpacks and is in a great location. You\u2019re right by the Science Museum<\/a> and Natural History Museum<\/a> and Hyde Park is just down the road – current home to the fabulous Winter Wonderland<\/a>, open to 3rd Jan.<\/p>\n When: Mon 28th – Thurs 31st December at 11am, 1pm & 3pm LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Inspire the kids and learn more about Shakespeare this holiday and enjoy a great day out at Shakespeare\u2019s Globe on Bankside \u00a0– there are family trails, sword fighting demonstrations and a complimentary children’s audio guide too! Book your tickets here<\/a> and save an exclusive 11% on family tickets with LittleBird.<\/p>\n SMELLY CHRISTMAS AT THE MARITIME MUSEUM, GREENWICH<\/strong><\/p>\n To complement the current Samual Pepys: Plague, Fire, Revolution<\/a> Exhibition, \u00a0the National Maritime Museum \u00a0asks the kids to discover how whiffy the city use to be. Get the kids to pinch their noses (you might want to too!) and learn about smelly London<\/a> finding out how holiday decorations kept the season fresh before we all took regular baths…There\u2019s also the chance to go Wassailing<\/a> and explore Christmas through the ages. Enjoy the chance to mull over Britain\u2019s fascinating story of fruits and spices used at Christmas!<\/p>\n When: Weds 23 & \u00a0Mon 28- Thurs 31st Dec at 11.30am -1pm, 1.30-4pm LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Greenwich Market is a perfect place to grab a bite to eat<\/a> \u00a0and have a wander around the markets<\/a> and if it\u2019s a nice day, take your market morsels and find a seat by the Cutty Sark<\/a> – maybe even fit in an amazing \u00a0walk under the Thames<\/a>. \u00a0If you have any energy left \u2013 enjoy Greenwich Park<\/a> and visit the Astronomy Centre<\/a> – it\u2019s free.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n NEW YEAR’S DAYS PARADE 2016, CENTRAL LONDON<\/strong><\/p>\n Celebrate the New Year<\/a> in this colourful spectacular parade extravaganza in central London. Dancers, acrobats, cheerleaders, musicians and performers assemble in the heart of the city with a parade \u00a0that combines contemporary performances with traditional pomp and ceremony. The biggest of its kind in the world, the parade features more than 8,000 performers representing the London boroughs as well as 20 countries worldwide.<\/p>\n 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the New Year’s Day Parade in London which first took place on 1 January 1987. To celebrate, this year\u2019s entries will reflect the parade\u2019s theme of 30 Magical Years.<\/p>\n When: Friday 1st January 2016, starts in 12pm Piccadilly, finishing at 3.30pm in Parliament Square LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: If you decide to stay in Piccadilly after seeing the start of the parade \u00a0Ripley\u2019s Believe It or Not<\/a> is a hop skip and a jump away – enjoy a Christmas holiday family treat with a meal at Planet Hollywood<\/a>, an adventure at Ripley\u2019s<\/a> plus enjoy their interactive Christmas trail and save 25% \u00a0in the shop<\/a> too. Only with LittleBird, book now<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Fun and fantastic things to do with the kids in London over the Christmas holidays WINTER WALKS IN LONDON Hidden amongst London are a wonderful array of nature reserves, towpath walks and green walkways waiting to be explored. \u00a0The longest linear nature reserve Parkland Walk running from Alexandra Palace to Finsbury park is definitely worth … Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2263,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,563],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2254","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","category-whats-on"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2254","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2254"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2254\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5874,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2254\/revisions\/5874"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2254"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2254"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2254"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"winterwalk\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/winterwalk.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Various locations across London
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Free<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: London Transport Museum, WC2E 7BB
\nAge: Storytelling & Singalong – all ages, Creative workshops \u00a03 \u2013 12
\nCost: Adults \u00a316 with tickets valid for a year \u2013 children go free. All events are free once you\u2019re in.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Hampton Pool, TW12 2ST
\nAge: Families
\nCost: A Family ticket, depending on when you go costs between \u00a314.45 \u2013 \u00a319.55<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Richmond Park, TW10 5HS
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Free<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: The British Library, NW1 2DB
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Free<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Museum of London, EC2Y 5HN
\nAge: 5+
\nCost: Free<\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/a>Where: Vaudeville \u00a0Theatre, WC2R 0NH
\nAge: 3+
\nCost: Band A tickets save up to 50% on selected performances<\/a> with LittleBird – for \u00a312 tickets book now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n
\nWhere: \u00a0V&A, SW7 2RL
\nAge: All
\nCost: Free, drop in<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMuseum is closed 24th – 26th Dec
\nWhere: National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Free<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Piccadilly to Parliament Square, check the route here
\n<\/a>Age: All
\nCost: Free<\/p>\n