The Grant Museum of Zoology <\/a>is the only remaining university zoological museum in London. It houses around 67,000 specimens, covering the whole Animal Kingdom. Founded in 1828 as a teaching collection, the Museum houses around 67,000 specimens, covering the whole Animal Kingdom; many of the species are now endangered or extinct including the Tasmanian Tiger or Thylacine<\/a>, the Quagga<\/a>, and the Dodo<\/a>.<\/p>\n This Saturday at this free family drop in workshop you are invited to be amazed by the beautiful animals on display – \u00a0some that have to be seen to be believed like the quagga, a not very stripy zebra, or the duck billed platypus. Be inspired by the natural world to create your own animal artwork in this Imaginary Menagerie with a Museum artist.<\/p>\n When: Saturday 31st January, 1pm – 4pm LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Pop along to the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology before and immerse yourselves in ancient Egypt and enjoy the \u00a0family trail: Egypt! Can you dig it?<\/a> \u00a0The Museum is renowned for having one of the greatest collections of Egyptian and Sudanese archaeology in the world.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n CIRKUS SPECTAKULAR AT THE HALF MOON THEATRE<\/strong><\/p>\n The Half Moon theatre is a perfect intimate setting for this tender, touching and hilarious show for all the family, drawing vivid colours and rich sounds from Eastern Europe.<\/p>\n From the lands to the east where the Mountain is King and the Forest is Queen comes the topsy-turvy touring troupe Cirkus Spectakular <\/a>in their wandering marquee of dreams. But for one little boy, it becomes more than just a magical show: Cirkus Spectakular offers Pavlo the chance to prove himself and at last to feel like he belongs.<\/p>\n Although there\u2019s no cafe at the Half Moon Theatre, on performance days, there is a simple \u2018snack station\u2019. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink and enjoy a picnic at the tables and chairs in the foyer. There is also an art gallery<\/a> showcasing local artists works with art trails provided to help the kids interact with the art \u00a0and enjoy it all the more.<\/p>\n When: Saturday 31st January at 11am \u00a0& 2pm LittleBird Top Tip: If you can via the DLR, hop back on it heading towards Canary Wharf and Lewisham, \u00a0and visit the London Dockland Museum; free entry and well worth a visit.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n THE SHAPE PARADE AT ST PANCRAS SQUARE\u2019S CHILDREN \u00a0LIBRARY<\/strong><\/p>\n Is it art? Is it maths? No, it\u2019s\u2026. Maths On Toast<\/a>. Join them this Saturday as they host The Shape Parade<\/a> at St Pancras Square’s Children Library. Maths On Toast are on a mission to bring community events where maths is fun; \u00a0What\u2019s your favourite shape? Enjoy the chance to make, create, draw and colour all different types of shapes from the simple to the extraordinary and stretch your brain while you\u2019re at it!<\/p>\n When: Saturday 31st January, 2pm – 5pm LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Able to make a day of it? \u00a0Hang out before in nearby <\/span>Kings Cross Granary Square<\/a> – enjoy the canalside steps, fountains and street food and the <\/span>House of Illustration<\/a> is there too.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n FIREPOWER – THE ROYAL ARTILLERY MUSEUM<\/strong><\/p>\n Discover the fascinating story of artillery and role of the Gunners in our Nation\u2019s history at the Firepower Royal Artillery Museum<\/a>. Explore the greatest collection of artillery in the UK, set in the historic Woolwich Arsenal and its amazing collections. Uncover the story of the Royal Arsenal site and its intriguing buildings.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a Camo Zone for the kids. See how far they can get on the \u00a0\u2018Bungee Run\u2019 before testing their aim skills on the soft \u00a0\u2018Firing Range\u2019. These activities are extra (\u00a32.50 for two activities) and subject to availability.<\/p>\n Enjoy the Unity Kitchen for hot drinks, snacks and meals – there\u2019s a comfy sofa area and free wifi too – and there is a Museum shop.<\/p>\n When: Saturday 31st January (note the museum is closed on Sunday\u2019s) LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: The Thames Barrier isn\u2019t far and is well worth a visit – there\u2019s a playground and riverside walkway too.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n POP LOCK IN AT CLAPHAM JUNCTION<\/strong><\/p>\n Baby Loves Disco are proud to present Pop Lock-in<\/a> for children aged 4-11\u2026 fresh, funky and original!<\/p>\n A fabulous alternative to traditional entertainment for primary school children, this is an afternoon lock-in at the funkiest nightclub in town! The aim of Pop Lock-in is to provide children with an outlet to express themselves and socialise in an environment which celebrates popular culture.<\/p>\n With resident club DJs spinning and mixing only the very latest chart tunes and an expert street dance instructor getting the next generation of dancers and clubbers popping and locking, this is a brilliant experience.<\/p>\n Kids get a free mocktail and cupcake on arrival plus there is a temporary tattoo parlour, a nail bar, neon hair streaking, dress-up, and jewellery making, a photo booth with prop box not to mention the open mic karaoke. \u00a0All activities are included in the entry price and there\u2019s a fully licensed bar for grown ups too!<\/p>\n When: Saturday 31st January, \u00a04pm – 6pm LittleBird Top Tip: Enjoy 30% off \u00a0and book through <\/span>LittleBird<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n FUNDAY PREVIEW AT THE BFI: SHAUN THE SHEEP THE MOVIE, \u00a0Q & A WITH DIRECTOR MARK BURTON & PRODUCER PAUL KEWLEY PLUS WORKSHOP<\/strong><\/p>\n Enjoy this preview of Shaun the Sheep the Movie<\/a> at the BFI this Sunday 1st February with a workshop before the preview plus a Q & A with the Director and Producer after the show.<\/p>\n Aardman\u2019s little hero makes his big screen debut in a story about how we should appreciate the things we have in life. When Shaun and the flock travel to the city to find the farmer, they\u2019re forced to disguise themselves to evade capture by the animal warden, who has a 100% track record. The screening is followed by a Q & A with co-writer and director Mark Burton and producer Paul Kewley.<\/p>\n Arrive early for an exciting workshop and get to join Shaun\u2019s fantastic flock. Packed with arts and crafts, this workshop offers a wonderful introduction to the Aardman world with the opportunity to take part in storyboarding and animation. With great prize giveaways and loads of farmhouse fun, it\u2019ll be baa-rilliant!<\/p>\n When: Sunday 1st February, \u00a0workshop 12pm – 1.30pm, film 2pm <\/p>\n FAMILY DAY: LIGHT AT THE SERPENTINE GALLERY<\/strong><\/p>\n This Family Day<\/a> is inspired by Julio Le Parc\u2019s exhibition<\/a> (running until 15 Feb 2015). Families are invited to visit this immersive and interactive exhibition any time during Gallery opening hours.<\/p>\n This Sunday, \u00a0join filmmaker James Holcombe from no.w.here and explore the magical properties of light in this creative workshop inspired by Julio Le Parc\u2019s exhibition. \u00a0There\u2019ll be scratching, punching and drawing onto 16mm film to make moving images in the Serpentine\u2019s experimental projection room.<\/p>\n When: Sunday 1st February, 12pm – 5pm LittleBird Top Tip: Situated in the beautiful Hyde Park, you\u2019re not far from Princess Diana\u2019s Memorial Fountain<\/a> – worth a visit and a bit of wet play; wellies might be a good idea…there\u2019s a cafe nearby too. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n POTTERY AT HACKNEY CITY FARM<\/strong><\/p>\n Enjoy your Sunday at Hackney City Farm and book in a Pottery class<\/a> for the afternoon and the kids could make a Mother\u2019s Day gift. The sessions are run on a drop in basis and there is no need to book.<\/p>\n Resident potters will help the kids design and make their own clay objects and the price includes firing in the kiln. There are \u00a0two pottery wheels so note that your child won\u2019t be able to spend the whole class using a wheel. It takes up to 3 weeks to get your piece fired for collection (with Mother\u2019s Day being on 15th March this still leaves plenty of time) so talk to the session leader for more exact information about when you are able to pick up your pieces.<\/p>\n Hackney City Farm<\/a> has a range of farmyard animals including goats, sheep, chickens and donkeys as well as some small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.<\/p>\n When: Pottery classes run on Sundays 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: The chickens and ducks lay eggs daily and you can purchase them from the farm shop<\/a>, alongside the honey from Hackney City Farm \u00a0bees. Perfect for boiled egg and soldiers and honey on toast for tea – yum!<\/em><\/p>\n THE REACH CLIMBING WALL<\/strong><\/p>\n Kids inspired by the recent free climbers Kevin Jorgesen and Tommy Caldwell<\/a> 18 day climb of the notorious Dawn Wall on El Capitan peak in California\u2019s Yosemite National Park earlier this month? Head to The Reach<\/a> Indoor Climbing Wall. Located right by the Thames, The Reach \u00a0offers one of the most impressive climbing walls in the country. The spectacular climbing facilities on offer are designed to be enjoyed by climbers of almost any age or ability, from the most formidably experienced altitude chaser or thrill seeker to the complete novice; from fitness fanatics to leisure-loving layabouts…<\/p>\n Check out \u00a0the photographic tour<\/a> of the myriad climbing challenges at The Reach, including around 80 roped lines up to 11 metres high, with around 50 lead climbs; there is also around 650 sq metres of bouldering surface on the mezzanine floor, as well as a huge free-standing 4 metre high boulder on the ground floor…there\u2019s a cafe too so that after you have climbed the dizzy heights you can sit and marvel at your achievements!<\/p>\n When: Open every day LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Wrap up warm – if it\u2019s cold outside, it\u2019ll be cold inside – there\u2019s no central heating at The Reach!<\/em><\/p>\n ICE RINK AT CANARY WHARF<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0Didn\u2019t get round to organising an ice skating event pre-Christmas? Feeling inspired by the wintery weather? Well its not too late! Canary Wharf\u2019s ice rink<\/a> is open until 28th February. With all the ice skating opportunities available to enjoy now, this winter activity is \u00a0becoming a firm favourite with families.<\/p>\n Located in the heart of Canary Wharf, the ice rink has a unique skate path which leads skaters under trees lit with fairy lights then back onto the main rink. With fabulous skate aids in the shape of polar bears donning a tie (very smart!) newbie skaters are catered for and for those who prefer to simply watch the fun, \u00a0frolics and falls, \u00a0there is a viewing terrace too.<\/p>\n When: until 28th February LittleBird Top Tip: Canary Wharf now has one of the UK\u2019s largest collections of Public Art. After a sit down and a hot chocolate, download the latest art map<\/a> and create your own art trail of discovery. You might end up having tea here and if you do, there is plenty of choice<\/a> including firm family favourites Nando\u2019s, Wagamamas and of course Pizza Express!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" FUN AND FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO WITH THE KIDS SATURDAY 31ST JANUARY \u00a0& SUNDAY 1ST FEBRUARY \u00a02015 THE IMAGINARY MENAGERIE AT THE GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY The Grant Museum of Zoology is the only remaining university zoological museum in London. It houses around 67,000 specimens, covering the whole Animal Kingdom. Founded in 1828 as … Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":986,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,563],"tags":[853,854,785,569,855,513,856,857,858,859,810,860,861,812,862,863,553,864,865,866,867,13,868,254,869,870,871,73,872,873,874,875,311,876,877,878,879,880,605,564],"class_list":["post-977","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","category-whats-on","tag-aardman","tag-baby-loves-disco","tag-bfi-southbank","tag-canary-wharf","tag-children-library","tag-circus","tag-cirkus-spectacular","tag-clapham","tag-clapham-junction","tag-climbing-wall","tag-family-day","tag-firepower","tag-grant-museum-of-zoology","tag-hackney-city-farm","tag-half-moon-theatre","tag-ice-rink","tag-ice-skating","tag-julio-le-parc","tag-light-at-the-serpentine-gallery","tag-limehouse","tag-little-bird","tag-littlebird","tag-littlebird-co-uk","tag-london","tag-maths-on-toast","tag-museum-of-zoology","tag-pop-lock-in","tag-pottery","tag-pottery-class","tag-princess-diana-memorial-fountain","tag-shaun-the-sheep","tag-shaun-the-sheep-the-movie","tag-southbank","tag-st-pancras","tag-tasmanian-tiger-of-thylacine","tag-the-reach","tag-the-royal-artillery-museum","tag-the-shape-parade","tag-whats-on-3","tag-whats-on-2"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/977","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=977"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/977\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5716,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/977\/revisions\/5716"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=977"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=977"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"museum_of_zoology_littlebird_whatson\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/01\/museum_of_zoology_littlebird_whatson.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Grant Museum of Zoology, WC1E 6DE
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Free – drop in<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Half Moon Theatre, E1 OND
\nAge: 4 +
\nCost: \u00a36<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: St Pancras Square\u2019s Children\u2019s Library, N1C 4AG
\nAge: 5 – 12 year olds
\nCost: Free<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Royal Artillery Museum, SE18 6ST
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Adults \u00a35.30, Children \u00a0\u00a32.50, Family ticket \u00a312.50, \u00a0under 4s free<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: DNA, SW11 1TN
\nAge: 4 – 11 year olds
\nCost: \u00a312 plus 95p booking fee<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: BFI Southbank, SE1 8XT
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Adult \u00a311, under 16s \u00a36 – the workshop is free to ticket holders of Shaun the Sheep The Movie.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Serpentine Sackler Gallery, W2 2AR
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Free, drop in<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Hackney City Farm, E2 8QA
\nAge: Families
\nCost: \u00a35 per child.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: The Reach Climbing Wall, SE18 5NU
\nAge: 7+
\nCost: Adults \u00a311, under 18s \u00a35 – harness hire is an extra \u00a32.50<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Canary Wharf, E14 5AB
\nAge: Families
\nCost:\u00a0Cost: Book through LittleBird <\/a>for 40% off your tickets!<\/p>\n