This month, London is bursting with family-friendly events; let’s say there are no January Blues here. From the magical puppetry at Little Angel Theatre, showcasing adaptations of children’s books, to the immersive storytelling and cultural workshops at Young V&A, there’s a world of imagination for the little ones. For those seeking adventure, the theatrical rendition of Peter Pan at Eventim Apollo offers a spectacular spin on the classic tale. Tech-savvy families can explore digital creativity at the Samsung Digital Discovery Centre, and for budding artists, TATE Britain’s Story Space Read Aloud promises a delightful mix of stories and nursery rhymes. Adding to the excitement, Cirque du Soleil’s iconic production “Alegria: In a New Light” graces the Royal Albert Hall; I can promise you will not be disappointed. Not to forget the unique comedy experience for kids at Park Theatre, where stand-up meets family fun, and the enchanting ‘Life’ light show at St Martin-in-the-Fields, which offers a mesmerising journey through earth, sea, and sky.
I meant it when I said January is a month packed with diverse and enriching experiences for families in and around London. So, take your pick and enjoy!
1. LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE
03 Jan – 04 Feb, Little Angel Theatre, Islington LONDON
Discover the enchantment of twilight in the stage adaptation of Tim Hopgood’s “WOW! It’s Night-time” (Suitable for ages 2 – 4) and delve into Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, animated with puppetry and captivating songs, where you might help his sister uncover the wonders within a book (Suitable for ages 3 – 8).
PAID
2. STORIES FROM JAPAN
04 – 05 Jan, Young V&A, Bethnal Green LONDON
Hear captivating Japanese folk stories from storyteller Laura Sampson this winter school holiday (Suitable for ages 5+), experiment with patching and sashiko stitching to revitalise clothing (Suitable for ages 8 – 14), take your worn-out toys for repair or learn to fix them yourself at the open studio, join School of Noise to explore sound design and recording in film, engage in a free session exploring museum displays through sound and music with your little one (Suitable for ages 7 – 14), participate in five weeks of creative sessions for babies and toddlers inspired by the museum’s Play Gallery (Suitable for ages 0 – 2), explore new materials and designs with special Play Hacks kits (Suitable for ages 6 m – 3), and join Young V&A for a Celebration of Storytelling, featuring performances inspired by the Japan: Myths to Manga exhibition.
PAID / FREE
3. PETER PAN
05 – 07 Jan, Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith LONDON
Experience an extravagant adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s beloved tale, Peter Pan, as it takes a spectacular spin on this classic adventure at top UK venues from October, landing at Eventim Apollo for three days in January 2024.
PAID
4. SAMSUNG DIGITAL DISCOVERY CENTRE
06 – 10 Feb, Samsung Digital Discovery Centre, Bloomsbury LONDON
Visit the Museum to craft a unique family photo using green screen magic in a free, drop-in event unlike any you’ve experienced; take your family on an exploration of historical colours and design a magnificent mask inspired by Museum objects, and delve into history using Minecraft in another engaging, free drop-in event.
Suitable for ages 5+.
FREE
5. STORY SPACE READ ALOUD: JAMEL CARLY CAMPBELL
06 Jan, TATE Britain, Millbank LONDON
Hear stories and sing along to nursery rhymes in the first Story Space Read Aloud of 2024!
Suitable for all ages.
FREE
6. NOT YET A YETI
07 – 27 Jan, Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford LONDON
Explore the uniqueness of George, a non-typical yeti among his family, in a wintery, interactive storytelling session for ages 2-5 based on Lou Treleavan’s picture book.
Suitable for ages 2 – 5.
PAID
7. National Army Museum (NAM)
07 Jan – 04 May, NAM, Chelsea LONDON
Meet fascinating characters from the Army’s history and hear their incredible stories in the galleries (Suitable for ages 7+), embark on a special adventure for ages 2 to 5 exploring Army rations, enjoy singing, playing, and creating at fun, sensory sessions for little ones, participate in an exciting family tour to discover the evolution of soldiers’ rations over time, and join the National Army Museum’s weekly Society & Change Saturday Club for young people to engage in debates about the future of conflict (Suitable for ages 13 – 16).
FREE
8. RIBA BABY: BRICKS AND BUBBLES
09 Jan, RIBA Architecture, LONDON
Join RIBA Learning in the Clore Learning Space for a morning of blocks, bubbles, and emboldening babies through play and exploration.
Suitable for ages 3 and under.
FREE
9. Royal Albert Hall (RAH)
11 Jan – 25 Apr, RAH, South Kensington LONDON
Step into the light in January 2024 with Cirque du Soleil’s most iconic production Alegria: In a New Light, playing at the Royal Albert Hall for a limited season (Suitable for all ages) or embark on a musical journey enhancing coordination and self-confidence in children through songs, sounds, rhythms, and rhymes, exploring the Hall’s rich musical history (Suitable for ages 0 – 4).
PAID
10. The British Library
12 & 20 Jan, The British Library, St Pancras LONDON
Discover Dapo’s illustrations in “We’re Going To Find The Monster,” and hear the story of two imaginative explorers turning their house into an adventure (Suitable for ages 3+), and relish an experience rich with singing, music, and movement, enhancing the captivating stories of the First Folio’s journey (Suitable for ages 5+).
FREE
11. FAMILY TAKEOVER: MAKING WITH MYTHS
13 Jan – 03 Feb, Camden Art Centre, Camden LONDON
Join artist Emma Sheehy for a series of free hands-on family sessions using drawing, painting and sculpture to create art together.
FREE/ PAID
12. ART SUNDAYS
13 Jan, Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich LONDON
Get inspired to make art together as a family in these free monthly creative activity sessions.
Suitable for ages 7 – 12.
FREE
13. A REWARD FOR ALBERT
13 Jan, Tower Bridge, LONDON
Create a lasting tribute to Albert Gunter, who heroically ‘jumped’ his Number 78 bus over Tower Bridge in 1952, by crafting a medal in his honour to take home and cherish.
FREE with admission
14. OAE TOTS AT ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL
14 Jan, Festival Hall, South Bank LONDON
Get ready for an hour packed with spirited music, clapping hands and stamping feet.
Suitable for ages 2 – 5.
PAID
15. GLOWBOT GARDEN
17 – 20 Jan, Air Giants, The Strand LONDON
Approach, touch and interact with giant soft robots in a free, outdoor experience like no other, inspired by a collaboration with King’s robotics research.
FREE
16. EARLY YEARS STUDIO: TEXTURE
17 Jan, Royal Academy, LONDON
Explore the way different materials feel at this session for under fives.
Suitable for under 5s.
FREE
17. UNICORN THEATRE
17 Jan – 18 Feb, Unicorn Theatre, Southwark LONDON
Engage in a cosmic adventure with A Line Art’s Ready Steady Lift Off! at the Unicorn, blending interactive arts and musical theatre for a family-friendly escapade (Suitable for ages 3 – 8)and join hungry goats Baby, Middle, and Big, alongside Little Bo-Frilly, on a whimsical adventure to find green pastures across the bridge, while dodging the crafty troll (Suitable for ages 3 – 7).
PAID
18. LITTLE FEET: THE WONDER OF WINTER
18 Jan, British Museum, Bloomsbury LONDON
Little Feet come together to celebrate the beauty of the winter months.
Suitable for under 5s.
FREE
19. THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD
20 – 21 Jan, Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells KENT
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Suitable for ages 3+.
PAID
20. MEET MISS NIGHTINGALE
20 Jan – , Florence Nightingale Museum, Lambeth LONDON
Find out how Miss Nightingale became known as the “Lady with the Lamp”. Performances are free with admission and last approximately 30 minutes.
FREE with admission
21. HALF MOON
20 & 27 Jan, Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, Limehouse LONDON
Join Gertie on her adventures through the Himalaya in this beautiful adaptation of the award-winning children’s book. With beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance (Suitable for ages 3+) or Experience the diverse world of noise with Dommy B (Suitable for ages 5+).
PAID
22. BIG WETLAND BIRDWATCH
20 Jan, Morden Hall Park, Morden LONDON
Discover a wealth of wetland bird life at Morden Hall Park this January. Join expert volunteers and help us to identify the feathered friends that call this urban oasis home.
FREE
23. COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS
20 – 28 Jan, Park Theatre, Finsbury Park and artsdepot, North Finchley, LONDON
Discover a unique comedy club experience for families, created by stand-up comedian James Campbell, where kids and their parents enjoy proper stand-up comedy tailored for young audiences, moving beyond traditional children’s shows to provide laughter, learning, and shared enjoyment for all ages, fostering a lifelong appreciation for comedy.
Suitable for ages 6+.
PAID
24. MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE
21 Jan, Richmond Theatre, Richmond LONDON
Discover the anarchic side of science communication, celebrating scientists, engineers, and inventors who’ve shaped our world, and inspiring everyone to make a positive change.
PAID
25. CAN BEARS SKI?
21 Jan, artsdepot, North Finchley LONDON
Join Little Bear and Dad Bear as they learn how there are many ways to communicate love and to find your place in the world.
Suitable for ages 3+.
PAID
26. AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER
21 Jan – 10 Feb, Southbank Centre, South Bank LONDON
Experience the beloved animated series soundtrack performed by a live orchestra as Aang’s epic journey comes to life on a cinema screen.
Suitable for ages 7+.
PAID
27. MIMELONDON 2024
23 Jan – 17 Feb, Barbican Centre, Barbican LONDON
Witness four international companies showcase remarkable productions that embrace the unspoken with visual performances, including a mesmerising puppet show, an animated film brought to life on stage, a show unravelling human body mysteries, and a combination of shadow puppetry, animation, and music about the universe, all part of MimeLondon, a new project by Helen Lannaghan and Joseph Seelig, directors of the former London International Mime Festival.
PAID
28. LITTLE SWIFTS
25 Jan – , RAF Museum, Hendon LONDON
Go and join our fun and lively sessions for pre-school children which include arts and crafts, games, stories and songs.
Suitable for ages 2 – 5.
PAID
29. CUTE
25 Jan – 14 Apr, Somerset House, Strand LONDON
Explore the compelling force of cuteness in contemporary culture in a major new exhibition featuring various contemporary artworks, cultural phenomena, and artist commissions. Delve into how cute culture, from emojis to internet memes and plushie toys, has profoundly influenced our times, examining its emotive power and potential through contributions from artists like Mark Leckey, Sean-Kierre Lyons, and AYA TAKANO, and a special celebration of Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary in partnership with Sanrio.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
30. TORTOISE & THE HARE
27 – 29 Jan, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden LONDON
Discover a playful twist to the classic tale of the Tortoise and the Hare in a lively ballet performance at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, London.
Suitable for all ages.
PAID
31. LIFE
30 Jan – 03 Feb, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square LONDON
Embark on a 40-minute immersive journey through earth, sea, and sky with ‘Life’, a spectacular sound and light show at St Martin’s, transitioning from the age-old building facades to the mysterious Crypt and culminating in a dazzling day-night cycle within the serene Church, all accompanied by bespoke music and an invitation to reflect on the natural world.
PAID
