\n<\/strong>*This weekend & \u00a0throughout half term*<\/span><\/p>\n
The Southbank Centre have done it again curating a fantastical festival for all the family celebrating children\u2019s theatre and literature. \u00a0The Imagine<\/a> Festival opens today, Wednesday 10th February, offering a cornucopia of theatre, storytelling, art, dance and, of course, marvellous music for all the family; some events are ticketed, some are free with lots offering plenty of interactive fun<\/a> through workshops as well as an array of free activities<\/a> throughout half term. \u00a0The kids can also see their literature heroes including authors Judith Kerr, David Walliams, David Baddiel and Holly Smale.<\/p>\n This year marks the 100 centenary of Roald Dahl <\/a>\u2018s birth and the Southbank Centre has oozles of fantabulousness planned! Highlights include a new interactive experience The Wondercrump of Roald Dahl<\/a> where you\u2019ll discover the surprising inspiration for his most famous characters and stories, \u00a0Dahl in a Day<\/a> where families are invited to \u00a0listen to Matilda read from cover to cover with a few well-known faces popping in throughout the day or let the kids create their own BFG-inspired dream jar<\/a>.<\/p>\n When: until Sunday 21st February LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Be inspired by Roald Dahl<\/a> in the comfort of your own home with these fabulous Roald Dahl activity books sets<\/a> – perfect for half term to spark young minds. Save 56% with LittleBird<\/a> and buy now<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n LONDON PUDDLE JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE LONDON WETLAND CENTRE, BARNES Don those wellies, put on that kagool and get yourselves over to the London Wetland Centre<\/a> this weekend\u00a0 for first ever London Puddle Jumping Championships<\/a> and throw some shapes! It\u2019s serious stuff – there will be a prize each day and points will be given for style, creativity, enthusiasm and size of the splash. Everyone who enters will receive a sticker and there will be a prize each day with a ‘super-splasher’ selected and a London Puddle Jumping Champion will be chosen at the end of the week, with the chance to go on to further glory by becoming WWT’s Big Splash national champion. \u00a0The \u00a0competition \u00a0takes place at 2.30pm every day, but there will be practice jump sites around the grounds so you can try out your technique before.<\/p>\n London Wetland Centre offers a great family day out<\/a>; there\u2019s the outdoor adventure playground with zip wires, climbing walls, giant water vole tunnels and water games (yes more!). \u00a0Plus the Pond Zone and the Discovery Centre – great environments for the kids to explore and\u00a0 discover through hands on play.<\/p>\n When: until Sunday 21st February LittleBird Top Tip: Don\u2019t miss the Otters; feeding times are 11 am & 2 pm daily and note, if you book your tickets online, you can save 10%.<\/p>\n RIPLEY\u2019S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! + NEW HARD ROCK COUTURE EXHIBITION – SAVE UP TO 46% WITH LITTLEBIRD Head to Ripley\u2019s Believe It Or Not<\/a> this half term for their brand new, unique, music-inspired exhibition from the Hard Rock Caf\u00e9 – Hard Rock Couture! Get up close and personal with some iconic clothing from the World\u2019s Greatest musicians with items on display including stage costumes from Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Jimi Hendrix, Rihanna and many more.<\/p>\n With over 700 amazing artefacts and oddities at Ripley\u2019s including the Harry Potter Hungarian Horntail made from recycled bike parts, Tower Bridge made up of matchsticks and a transformer there\u2019s also plenty of \u00a0interactive fun you won\u2019t be able to tear the kids away from \u00a0including the mirror maze and Impossible LaserRace, the Black Hole and the Graffiti Wall.<\/p>\n When: Open daily with the Hard Rock Couture running until 10th April LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: You\u2019re ever so close to Piccadilly Circus and the iconic statue of Eros.\u00a0 The Royal Academy,\u00a0<\/a> where kids go free, is a 5 minute stroll is hosting the current Ai Weiwei<\/a> exhibition (running 20th November) and virtually opposite the RA is Fortnum and Mason<\/a> always good for a whizz around the chocolate and sweets departments on the ground floor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ORCHIDS AT KEW GARDENS Kew Gardens, set in 326 acres, \u00a0is \u00a0a great family day out all year round. There\u2019s \u00a0plenty of things to do as well as the promise of lots and lots of fresh air and that all important wild time. \u00a0To celebrate and compliment Kew\u2019s Orchid 2016 Festival<\/a>, you and kids are invited to step into the tropical paradise of Kew\u2019s Princess of Wales Conservatory as it’s transformed into a celebration of Brazil\u2019s plant life and habitats.This half term<\/a>, there are drop-in sessions of activities with an orchid theme. There\u2019s carnival inspired headdress making at the weekends and carnival inspired face painting on offer throughout the week (extra cost).<\/p>\n Plus, there\u2019s plenty of family friendly areas<\/a> to discover and explore at Kew including badger setts, the Climbers and Creepers interactive botanical play zone, a natural play area and log area, the Temple of Imagination and Treehouse Towers – a tree-themed outdoor play area.<\/p>\n Where: Kew Gardens,\u00a0TW9 3AB<\/span> LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: \u00a0Check out this fab fun film Kids Kew <\/a>and download the Families at Kew discovery and activity map: Family day out at Kew map<\/a>. There\u2019s also Kew\u2019s free app<\/a> taking you on a journey through the Princess of Wales Conservatory to discover stories of Brazilian Plant Hunters<\/a>.<\/p>\n SHAKESPEARE\u2019S GLOBE, BANKSIDE – SAVE UP TO 33% WITH LITTLEBIRD Head to the Bankside and imagine Shakespeare Globe as it would have been: the centre of what was once London’s most notorious entertainment district, surrounded by raucous taverns and bawdy-houses. Explore and experience, discover and learn together about the world\u2019s most famous playwright – William Shakespeare. Shakespeare\u2019s Globe Exhibition and Tour<\/a> lets the kids explore the life of Shakespeare, the London where he lived, and the theatre for which he wrote.<\/p>\n Every weekend there are demonstrations that take place throughout the day, including stage fighting and Elizabethan dressing. Learn about Elizabethan stage combat techniques as well as the \u00a0intricacies of \u00a0Elizabethan clothing \u00a0as you watch a volunteer (it could be you!) be dressed as a character from a Shakespeare play. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the Family Trail when you arrive and there\u2019s a free children\u2019s audio guide for the exhibition to enjoy too. Download the app<\/a> or enjoy the Globe fact sheets<\/a> before you go with the kids and get ready for your historic family day out!<\/p>\n When: Open Daily and save up to 33% with LittleBird<\/a> until 21st February LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Why not combine your trip to Shakespeare\u2019s Globe with a hop on, hop off City cruise<\/a> along the River Thames – save 50% with LittleBird<\/a> on tickets.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n THE LOVE HEART HUNT AT BATTERSEA PARK CHILDREN\u2019S ZOO – SAVE UP TO 50% ON AN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP WITH LITTLEBIRD Have you brought your Battersea Park Children\u2019s Zoo annual membership<\/a> through LittleBird yet? This could be a perfect way to start enjoying your membership<\/a>. \u00a0Visit Battersea Children\u2019s Zoo<\/a> and \u00a0join in the heart shaped fun this weekend. As you go around the zoo, count up how many love hearts you can see. Don\u2019t forget to \u00a0post your answer in the zoo shop and you\u2019ll be entered into a draw to win a \u201cFamily Day Ticket\u201d.<\/p>\n The Lemon Tree Cafe <\/a>is encircled by the zoo\u2019s bird aviaries, so be sure to listen out for a unique greeting from the African Grey Parrots while you enjoy a cake and coffee. There is a fab play area too!<\/p>\n When: until Sunday 21st February LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Celebrate Valentine’s Sunday at the zoo where at various animals’ feeding times the kids \u00a0can help the keepers to prepare their feed in different heart shaped ways! Check the noticeboard upon entry for times.<\/p>\n KIDS GO FREE AT ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT, STRATFORD This half term, kids go free at the ArcelorMittal Orbit<\/a>, \u00a0the UK’s tallest sculpture, \u00a0so why not head over to the \u00a0Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and see the new slide being built close up (scheduled to open this Spring). From the ArcelorMittal Orbit summit there is an amazing 360-degree view of London and the waterways, as well as the iconic sporting arenas that make up Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Standing 80m tall, you can experience views of up to 20 miles across the London skyline!<\/p>\n With so much to see and do surrounding the ArcelorMittal Orbit you\u2019re spoilt for choice; there\u2019s the Copper Box Arena, Lee Valley VeloPark, \u00a0Westfield Stratford City as well as the George Irvins Funfairs<\/a> in resident for the half term in the park.<\/p>\n When: until 21st February LittleBird Top Tip: Kids go free<\/a> at The View From The Shard,\u00a0too, this half term, from Monday 15th – Sunday 21st February. Get your free tickets here<\/a>.<\/p>\n THE MYSTERIOUS MIDNIGHT BUS AT THE LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM, COVENT GARDEN Visit the London Transport Museum this weekend and throughout half term and enjoy their family fun event – The Mysterious Midnight Bus<\/a>. Let the kids listen to magical stories \u00a0all about the fleet of mysterious night buses which journey into the night as London goes to sleep and in particular, a special bus that uses magical tricks. Inspiration from the museum’s Night Shift exhibition invites the kids to make a mosaic using pieces of colourful card – they can choose to take them home or have their artwork added to a 100m long collaborative artwork.<\/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: until Sunday 21st February LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: While you\u2019re in Covent Garden, enjoy hanging out and watching the street performers. \u00a0Look out for the Opera Singers in the Market Building (Lower Courtyard) performing outside the Eric Snook Toyshop<\/a>; a treasure trove of wonderful, weird and wacky toys. \u00a0If you\u2019re hungry and like a bit of spice, try out the fab \u00a0Dishoom <\/a>– Indian street food in Bombay cafe style surroundings – \u00a0family friendly with a \u00a0children\u2019s menu <\/a>and totally scrummy too!<\/p>\n THE LONDON\u2019S CHILDREN BOOK SWAP 2016, VARIOUS VENUES, LONDON WIDE<\/strong><\/p>\n Calling all bookworms! It\u2019s the London Children’s Book Swap this Saturday so get the kids to grab their old favourite books and trade them in for a new adventure and enjoy another child\u2019s favourite read. \u00a0The London Children’s Book Swap takes place in family friendly venues across London so you\u2019ll be able to find one near you.<\/p>\n Venue\u2019s taking part \u00a0include \u00a0ArtsDepot<\/a> (showing The Cat in the Hat<\/a> until 17th Feb), William Morris Gallery<\/a> (where the kids can also join artist Sba Shaikh and make and decorate a fabric book bag to store their favourite book in), Geffrye Museum<\/a> (where the kids can also use inspiration from the museum’s collection and the museum\u2019s favourite book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, for some fun tea-themed activities!) and the Polka Theatre<\/a> (showing Not Now, Bernard<\/a> until 21st Feb).<\/p>\n When: Saturday 13th February, 11 am – 4 pm LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Encourage reading in your little ones<\/a> and create that \u2018wow\u2019 moment with a personalised book. It’s time for your child to become an adventurer and be at the centre of their own story with this personalised story book<\/a> treat.<\/p>\n CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES IN CENTRAL LONDON<\/strong><\/p>\n Welcome the \u00a0Chinese New Year<\/a> in this Sunday and celebrate the Year of the Monkey.<\/p>\n The celebrations start at 10 am with a parade along Charing Cross Rd and Shaftesbury Avenue. There\u2019ll be the iconic Chinese lion dances, martial arts and stage performances as well as the popular parade of floats plus music, dance and acrobatics.<\/p>\n Trafalgar Square\u2019s programme will kick off with the Chen Brothers Flying Lion Dance, plus a host of visiting artists from China. There will be fun activities across central London, including Charing Cross Road, Leicester Square and Chinatown plus craft stalls, Chinese food stands and activities.\u00a0 Don\u2019t miss the grand finale <\/strong>as pyrotechnics illuminate Nelson\u2019s Column (scheduled for 5.20pm) to round off the celebrations in Trafalgar Square. Gong Hey Fat Choy!<\/p>\n When: Sunday 14th February, main stage in Trafalgar Square from 10 am \u2013 6 pm, parade at 10 am along Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue. LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Need to escape the crowds, head to the National Gallery<\/a> or the National Portrait Gallery<\/a> if the weather isn’t so good otherwise St James Park<\/a> is a 5-minute walk from Trafalgar Square with pelicans, a playground with a giant sandpit and a cafe.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n TW9 3AB<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Fun and fantastic things to do with the kids in London this Weekend & throughout half term Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th February IMAGINE FESTIVAL AT THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE *This weekend & \u00a0throughout half term* The Southbank Centre have done it again curating a fantastical festival for all the family celebrating children\u2019s theatre and … Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2749,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,563],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2720","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\/2720","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=2720"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2720\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5527,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2720\/revisions\/5527"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2749"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2720"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2720"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2720"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"imaginechildrensfest\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2016\/02\/imaginechildrensfest.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX (various venues)
\nAge: Families
\nCost: A mixture of free and ticketed events<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>*This weekend & throughout half term*<\/p>\n![\"wwtbigsplash\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2016\/02\/wwtbigsplash.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: London Wetland Centre, SW13 9WT – the competition takes place at 2.30pm each day
\nAge: Families
\nCost: The competition is free and included \u00a0in the normal admission (adults \u00a310.72, children \u00a35.90) prices.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>*This weekend & throughout half term*<\/span><\/p>\n![\"ripleyshardrock\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2016\/02\/ripleyshardrock.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Ripley\u2019s Believe It Or Not, W1J ODA
\nAge: All ages
\nCost: Save \u00a0up to 62%<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0on fast-tracked tickets with LittleBird<\/a>, 2 Fast Track Tickets \u00a323, 3 Fast Track Tickets \u00a334.50 – book now<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>*This weekend & throughout half term*<\/p>\n![\"orchidskew\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2016\/02\/orchidskew.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhen: until 21st February, (half term activities 11.30am – 3.30pm)
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Adults \u00a316, Children \u00a310 (advance ticket prices), under 4s free \u2013 booking recommended<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>*This weekend & throughout half term*<\/span><\/p>\n![\"shakespearesglobe\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/10\/shakespearesglobe.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Shakespeare\u2019s Globe, SE1 9DT
\nAge: All ages
\nCost: Adults, \u00a310, Children \u00a36, Family Tickets \u00a335 – book now<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>*This weekend & throughout half term*<\/span><\/p>\n![\"battersealovehearthunt\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2016\/02\/battersealovehearthunt.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Battersea Children\u2019s Zoo, SW11 4NJ
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Adults, \u00a38.95, Kids \u00a36.95 or buy an annual membership<\/a> and save up to 50% with LittleBird<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>*This weekend & throughout half term*<\/p>\n![\"arcelormittal2\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2016\/02\/arcelormittal2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: ArcelorMittal Orbit, E20 2AD
\nAge: Families
\nCost: One child goes free with every full paying adult \u00a312 (or \u00a310 if you book before you go).<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>*This weekend & throughout half term*<\/span><\/p>\n![\"transportuncovered\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/04\/transportuncovered.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: London Transport Museum, WC2E 7BB
\nAge: Storytelling; 11am & 2pm – all ages, Creative workshops; 11.30am & 2.30pm \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![\"bookswap\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2016\/02\/bookswap.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Various venues across London, to find your nearest venue, click here<\/a>
\n<\/a>Age: Families
\nCost: Free<\/p>\n![\"CNY2016\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2016\/02\/CNY2016.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: The festivities take place in and around Trafalgar Square & Westminster, \u00a0WC2N 5DN
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Free<\/p>\n