Fun in the sun
Whatever you’re into, there’s no excuse to be bored over the long hot summer holidays. From learning a new sport for free, to enjoying London’s many parks and open spaces and even trying out a musical instrument, there’s tons of fun to be had in the capital this summer.
We'll be adding more events throughout the summer so please revisit the Summer Guide.
If you know of a great event in London this summer that you think everyone should hear about, tell us about it.
The Greater London Authority takes no responsibility for any of the events listed in the Summer Guide.
All events listed are FREE unless otherwise stated.
Look for an event
Events
Summer Uni London
Borough: All
When: All summer -
Who is this event for: For teens
Summer Uni London is an annual programme of 40,000 free course places for young people across Greater London, running over the summer. The courses cover over 1,000 subjects, including music, business and media studies, scuba diving. To enrol, young people and parents should visit the website: www.summerunilondon.org. or contact their local London borough.
Website: www.summerunilondon.org
The Challenge 3
Where: Central Venture, SE15 6SX
Borough: All
When: 09/08/2009, 28/08/2009 - Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm. Sunday: 10.00am -4.00pm
Who is this event for: For teens
The Challenge is a programme for 16 year-olds. Are you up for The Challenge? Spend a week at an Outward Bound centre in North Wales, followed by two weeks working in your own borough. Choose among Art, Music, Drama, Sport and Media activities.
Website: www.the-challenge.org
Elimu/Paddington Arts
Where: Paddington Arts, W9 2BE
Borough: City of Westminster
When: 20/07/2009 - 28/08/2009 - 6.30pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Join in the sociable fun and creative work of a Notting hill Carnival Masquerade camp. Its free to come along and get involved in costume making for the Notting Hill Carnival that takes place the last weekend in August.
Website: www.paddingtonarts.org.uk
Explore Watersports
Where: The Pirate Castle, NW17EA
Borough: Camden
When: 03/08/2009 - 28/08/2009 - 10:00am - 3:00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
The Explore Watersports course is a FREE opportunity for young people to have fun and learn some skills in different types of boats, including kayaks, canoes, Narrow Boats and Power Boats. There will be 1 course running for every week in August.
Website: www.thepiratecastle.org
World's Smallest Sculptures
Where: My Little Eye Gallery, WC1A 1LU
Borough: City of London
When: throughout summer - Monday - Saturday 10.00am-6.00pm Sun 11.00am - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
My Little Eye Gallery shows the World's Smallest Sculptures by internationally renowned artist Willard Wigan (MBE). Wigan managed to capture nine camels in the eye of a needle and created a helicopter on top of a pinhead.
Website: www.willard-wigan.com
MASKerade
Where: Bank of England Museum, Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH
Borough: City of London
When: 20/07/2009 - 28/08/2009 - Monday - Friday 10.30am - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Throughout the summer holidays, step into the role of Ratty, Mole, Badger or Toad and colour your own mask of one of the well-known characters from 'The Wind in the Willows' by Kenneth Grahame. No booking required.
Website: Bank of England Website
Open Door
Where: Bank of England Museum, Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH
Borough: City of London
When: 20/07/2009 - 9.30am - 5.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Want to see how an old bank worked? The Bank of England and Museum will be open to visitors as part of the City of London Festival. 30-minute guided tours of parts of the Bank will include elegant hallways, corridors and meeting rooms, which visitors may have difficulty visualising as working areas at the hub of a busy central bank.
Quest Seekers' - the 2009 Summer Reading Challenge
Where: Barbican Children's Library, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Borough: City of London
When: 18/07/2009 - 12/09/2009 - Various
Who is this event for: For kids
Cadmus the Gatekeeper challenges you to bring back a golden book from your quest which will take you through Firebird Rising, Mountain Mission and Dragon�s Lair.
Website: City of London Website
Mould a Monster, Build a Beast!
Where: Barbican Children's Library, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Borough: City of London
When: 18/07/2009 - 11.00am - 12:00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Get your 'Quest Seekers' Summer Reading Challenge off to a flying start by creating your own fantasy creature from paper, modelling clay and other craft materials. All materials provided.
Website: City of London Website
Calling all Quest Seekers!
Where: Barbican Children's Library, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Borough: City of London
When: 04/08/2009 - 12.00pm - 2.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Pursue the Quest with City of London Libraries through fantasy zones including storytelling, face painting and crafts at Bunhill Fields. Bring your own picnic.
Website: City of London Website
Fabulous Fables!
Where: Barbican Children's Library, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Borough: City of London
When: 20/08/2009 - 10.00am - 11.00am For children aged 4 - 7. 11.15am - 12.15pm For children aged 8+
Who is this event for: For kids
Let your imagination run wild and be entertained and enthralled by fantastical stories of magic and mystery from well-known storyteller John Harris.
Website: City of London Website
Dr Johnson and the Big Dictionary Adventure!
Where: Barbican Children's Library, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Borough: City of London
When: 19/09/2009 - 10.30 am - 12.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Dr Johnson was born 300 years ago and spent much of his life in London. His most famous achievement was his amazing dictionary. Come along and discover amazing words like skimbleskamble, fopdoodle and plunket. The Big Dictionary Adventure will use these and other fabulous words to take us on a journey through Dr Johnson�s London. For children aged 6+
Website: City of London Website
Exploring architecture
Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB
Borough: Camden
When: 04/08/2009 - 27/08/2009 - 10.30am - 12.00pm, 2.30pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Explore architecture at the British Library through drawing, making, mapping and poetry. Each week will focus on a different theme and workshops will feature a range of creative activities including working with architects, exploring our map collection, discovering secret locations in the building and creating a poem city!
Website: Event Website
Tudor Falconry and Hawking: Talks from the Mews
Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB
Borough: Camden
When: 21/07/2009 - 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Learn about the original 'sport of kings' and the favourite pastime of King Henry VIII. Meet period falconers and their noble hawks, discover the skills required to train birds of prey, examine the curious equipment designed to keep them and hear all about the life and duties of a court falconer. Find out how falconry has shaped our English language, how hawking nearly changed the course of British history and why falconry is still practised today.
Website: Event Website
Dragon Quest (Camberwell)
Where: Camberwell library, 17-21 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR
Borough: Southwark
When: 18/08/2009 - 2.00pm - 3.30pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Come and make a Chinese dragon with expert Chinese artists. For ages 7 to 14
Website: Southwark event page
Dragon Quest (Rotherhithe)
Where: Rotherhithe library, Albion Street , SE16 7HY
Borough: Southwark
When: 19/08/2009 - 2.00pm - 3.30pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Come and make a Chinese dragon with expert Chinese artists. For ages 7 to 14
Website: Southwark event page
Birds, bees, bugs and blooms
Where: Cafe Gallery Projects, The Gallery by the lake, Southwark Park, SE16 2UA
Borough: Southwark
When: 10/08/2009, 11/08/2009, 12/08/2009, 17/08/2009, 18/08/2009, 19/08/2009 - 10am- 12pm, 1pm - 3pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Summer Holiday family textile workshops based on wildlife in park
Website: Southwark event page
Nature Photos - for children aged 5 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 21/07/2009 - 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Use the sun and special papers to create nature photos.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
You've got mail - for children aged 5 - 9
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 21/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Create and decorate a special letter rack to hold all your mail.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Ceramic and foam seashore frames - for children aged 10 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 21/07/2009, 30/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Craft and decorate a frame from clay or foam inspired by seaside patterns.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Mini-Beast handling with Zoo Lab - all ages workshop
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 21/07/2009, 23/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 3.00pm, 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
An opportunity to learn about and touch unusual mini-beasts from around the world.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Nursery Rhyme Time - for children aged 3-5 and their carers
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 21/07/2009, 22/07/2009, 23/07/2009, 24/07/2009, 28/07/2009, 29/07/2009, 30/07/2009, 31/07/2009, 04/08/2009, 05/08/2009, 06/08/2009, 07/08/2009 - 10.30am - 11.30am, 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Explore different subjects such as creepy-crawlies or seashores in this interactive storytelling and craft session.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
High-Rise height chart - for children aged 5 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 22/07/2009 - 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Be inspired by the Ethelburga Tower exhibition and create your own height chart.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Pop-Up Sand Castles - for children aged 10 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 22/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Create a fun pop-up seaside card.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Caring for Living Things handling with Zoo Lab - all ages workshop
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 22/07/2009, 24/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 3.00pm, 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Explore the world around us and handle some amazing animals from different habitats.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Mirror Mirror on the wall - for children aged 5 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 23/07/2009 - 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Make a mirror and frame to hang in your room.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Creative Critters - for children aged 10 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 23/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Use fimo clay to make badges, keyrings and magnets inspired by sea and garden creatures.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Seaside booty boxes - for children aged 5 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 24/07/2009 - 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Craft a treasure box and decorate it with seashore designs.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Wonderful window boxes - for children aged 10 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 24/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Make a window box and plant it with vegetables.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Salty sea creatures - for children aged 5 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 28/07/2009 - 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2.00 - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Make a sea creature puppet using recycled materials.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Pinwheel pencils - for children aged 5 - 9
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 28/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Draw in the gardens and then create a spinning top for your pencil.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Lighthouse Night Lights - for children aged 10 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 28/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Emboss and pierce metal to make a lighthouse-shaped night-light.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Pop-up Garden Cards - all ages workshop
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 28/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Create a pop-up insect card.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Good enough to eat - for children aged 5 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 29/07/2009 - 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Craft picnic food from clay and decorate a plate to put it on.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Busy bee lights - for children aged 10 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 29/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Create flower-shaped candles and a bee-shaped holder from clay.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Build a high-rise - all ages workshop
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 29/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Join the Building Exploratory and build your own flat using jacks and straws.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Flora and Fauna flip-flops - for children aged 5 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 30/07/2009 - 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Make flip-flops inspired by garden flowers and insects.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Massive garden bugs - for children aged 5 - 9
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 30/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Create larger-than-life bugs from recycled materials.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Scenic seaside scenes - for children aged 5 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 31/07/2009 - 10.30am - 12.30pm and 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Make a mini seaside scene in a box.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
High-rise tidy - for children aged 10 and over
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 31/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Craft a high-rise pen tidy from clay.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Summertime stories - all ages workshop
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 31/07/2009 - 2.30pm,3.30pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Hear fascinating stories about inside and outside summer spaces.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Picture Postcards - for children aged 5 - 15
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 04/08/2009 - 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2.00 - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Collage a postcard to send to a friend or family member.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
How does your garden grow? - all ages workshop
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 04/08/2009, 05/08/2009 - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Help create a giant garden print using real fruit and vegetables!
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Summertime Stories - all ages session
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 04/08/2009 - 2.30pm, 3.30pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Hear fascinating stories about inside and outside summer spaces.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Young Volunteer Tours - all ages
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 04/08/2009, 06/08/2009, 07/08/2009 - 3.00pm, 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Join the museum's young volunteers for a tour of the museum's period rooms.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Curious nature domes - for children aged 5 - 15
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 05/08/2009 - 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Make a garden or seaside sculpture inspired by Victorian nature domes.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Face painting - all ages workshop
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 05/08/2009 - 12.00pm - 2.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Drop-in and have your face painted like a bug or sea creature.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Windy Windmills - for children aged 5 - 15
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 06/08/2009 - 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2.00 - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Make a fun mini windmill to use outside in the summer.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Bee Hive observations - all ages workshop
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 06/08/2009, 07/08/2009 - 10.30am, 11.15am, 12.00pm, 1.15pm, 2.00pm, 2.45pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Join beekeeper Angela Dougall to learn more about the life of bees.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Sandy castle blocks - all ages workshop
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 06/08/2009, 07/08/2009 - 2.00.pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Create some high-rise sand castles on our urban beach.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Inside Out - all ages workshop
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 07/08/2009 - 10.30am - 12.30pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Create a collage mixing outside scenes with inside furniture and objects.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Terrific Tide Totes
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 22/07/2009 - 2.00.pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For teens
Print a cotton tote bag with seaside designs.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Copper Crunchies
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 24/07/2009 - 2.00.pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For teens
Bake delicious copper-coloured crunchy biscuits.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Sounds like the sea
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 29/07/2009 - 2.00.pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For teens
Make a wind chime to remind you of the sea.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Beautiful Bunting
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA
Borough: Hackney
When: 31/07/2009 - 2.00.pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For teens
Bring the outdoors in and make some bunting for your room.
Website: Geffrye Museum Event page
Hands on special - archaeology mash up (Saturdays)
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 18/07/2009, 01/08/2009 - 11.00am, 12.15pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Where did it come from? Who made it and why? Put on your white gloves and learn how to discover vital clues from objects, some of them thousands of years old, in this fun family session celebrating the Festival of Archaeology. For families with children aged 7+. Tickets available half an hour before the session from the Information Desk. Limited spaces.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Hands on special - archaeology mash up (Sundays)
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 19/07/2009, 02/09/2009 - 2.00pm,3.15pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Where did it come from? Who made it and why? Put on your white gloves and learn how to discover vital clues from objects, some of them thousands of years old, in this fun family session celebrating the Festival of Archaeology. For families with children aged 7+. Tickets available half an hour before the session from the Information Desk. Limited spaces.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Make and create
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 18/07/2009,25/07/2009, 01/08/2009, 08/08/2009, 15/08/2009, 22/08/2009, 29/08/2009 - 1.30pm - 2.15pm, 2.45pm - 3.30pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Celebrate festivals and the changing seasons through art and craft each weekend. This summer make a lantern for Japan's Tanabata star festival, celebrate carnival with a pair of wings, make Jack climb a real beanstalk and create your own pop-up animal toy. Sessions are repeated so please check below for details.
Jack and the Beanstalk: 18/07/2009, 25/07/2009
Pop-up Animals: 01/08/2009, 08/08/2009, 15/08/2009
Carnival Wings: 22/08/2009, 29/08/2009
Free admission! For families with children aged 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available half an hour before the session from the Information Desk. Limited spaces.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Fusion Fest
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 19/07/2009 - 1.00pm - 6.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Come and celebrate summer at the Horniman Museum & Gardens' Fusion Fest! The Horniman's award-winning gardens will play host to a variety of events. Including: Music - Listen to the best of music from around the world brought to you live in the Horniman Gardens! Art - Get arty and make your own fantastic artwork. Dance - Try out dance from India, Africa and Latin American. Food - Enjoy food from across the globe, including India and the Caribbean. Shopping - Buy gifts from world inspired stalls.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Nature explorers - Flowers, Flight and Food
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 23/07/2009, 30/07/2009 - 11.30am - 12.30pm, 1.15pm - 2.15pm, 3.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Investigate how fruits and seeds are made, then explore the gardens in search of flowers and bees. For families with children aged 3+.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Nature explorers - Wild Weaving
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 3/08/2009, 10/08/2009 - 11.30am - 12.30pm, 1.15pm - 2.15pm, 3.00 - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Create a dream catcher of leaves and flowers and join circle time for seasonal stories and games. For families with children aged 5 and under.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Nature explorers - Outdoor Discovery Fun
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 28/07/2009, 11/07/2009, 18/07/2009, 25/08/2009 - 11.30am - 12.30pm, 1.15pm - 2.15pm, 3.00 - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Get hands on with nature on your doorstep. Different activities each week including visits to the Wildlife Garden, bug hunts, pond dipping, outdoor play and more! For families with children aged 3+.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Nature explorers - Eco Explorers
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 6/08/2009, 13/08/2009, 20/08/2009, 27/08/2009 - 11.30am - 12.30pm, 1.15pm - 2.15pm, 3.00 - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Explore the gardens and nature trail through environmental games and activities, discovering more about the plants and animals that we find. Be inspired by experienced staff from the Epping Forest Field Centre. For families with children aged 7+.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Discovery for all
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 25/07/2009, 28/07/2009, 04/08/2009, 08/08/2009, 11/08/2009, 18/08/2009, 22/08/2009, 25/08/2009 - 2.00pm - 3.30pm
Who is this event for: For kids
How sharp are shark's teeth? How do you wear a sari? Have you ever played a West African thumb piano, balanced a gourd on your head or stroked a badger? Explore thousands of real objects from around the world in these special sessions. Everyone welcome. Children must be aged 3+ and accompanied by an adult. Drop in.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Dances of the world - Indian Dance with Crishna Budhu
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 29/07/2009 - 2.00pm - 2.45pm, 3.00pm - 3.45pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
This summer join our demonstration and participation dance session in the Gardens. Each session contains a short talk about the dance's origins and significance, followed by a demonstration to music and the opportunity to join in and learn steps. Weaving together the graceful movements of Classical Kathak dance from northern India with popular Bollywood dance steps.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Dances of the world - Kpanlogo with Nzinga Dance Ensemble
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 19/08/2009 - 2.00pm - 2.45pm, 3.00pm - 3.45pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
This summer join our demonstration and participation dance session in the Gardens. Each session contains a short talk about the dance's origins and significance, followed by a demonstration to music and the opportunity to join in and learn steps. Kpanlogo is a celebratory dance and drumming style from Ghana performed by the 'Ga' people who mainly live in and around the capital city of Accra. Kpanlogo came to popularity during the 1960s as a celebration of Ghana's independence.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Dances of the world - Samba with Mandacaru Dance Theatre
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 26/08/2009 - 2.00pm - 2.45pm, 3.00pm - 3.45pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
This summer join our demonstration and participation dance session in the Gardens. Each session contains a short talk about the dance's origins and significance, followed by a demonstration to music and the opportunity to join in and learn steps. The national dance of Brazil was created by slaves brought over from Central Africa and is greatly influenced by the Semba dance from Angola.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Meet the Archivist
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 01/08/2009 - 10.30am - 5.30pm
Who is this event for: For teens
Join Hayley Egan for a fascinating look into the Museum's history. Discover photographs of the galleries when they first opened, letters from Mr Horniman, and find out what our visitors thought about us back in 1902.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Chill out Sundays - CocoXpress
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 02/08/2009 - 3.00pm - 5.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Playing an exciting mix of popular modern salsa and meringue dance hits and hailed as one of London�s hottest salsa bands, CocoXpress cover a whole range of Latino rhythms.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Chill out Sundays - Beckenham Concert Band
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 16/08/2009 - 3.00pm - 5.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
A highly popular community big band performs a wide range of styles, including traditional marches, popular show selections, light classics and contemporary pieces.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Chill out Sundays - Ludomix
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 23/08/2009 - 3.00pm - 5.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Seven piece North African and Arabian band Ludomix produce a powerful and original sound with funky bass and guitars, bubbling percussive rhythms and stunning vocals to create a truly uplifting performance.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Chill out Sundays - The Coal Porters
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 30/08/2009 - 3.00pm - 5.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
The Coal Porters are a band in the truest sense of the world, with great harmonies and memorable songs. Led by ex-Long Ryder Sid Griffin, this is acoustic bluegrass at its best.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Animal encounters
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 05/08/2009, 19/08/2009 - 11.30am - 12.15pm,1.00pm - 1.45pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Join animal expert Tim Maynard and a range of fantastic creatures for an exciting family interactive discussion.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Nature trail discovery
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 29/07/2009, 05/08/2009, 12/08/2009, 19/08/2009 - 2.00pm - 3.30pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Join Jim Murphy from the Trust for Urban Ecology at the Nature Trail and discover a summer environment alive with insects, animals, birds, trees, plants and amphibians.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Playday at the Horniman Museum
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 05/08/2009 - 11am - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Celebrate national play day at the Horniman Museum and Gardens. Handle toys from around the world, make time to play fun-filled garden games, get crafty, hear magical storytelling and much more. Everyone welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Check at the Information Desk for activity locations and details.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Park life Capers - The Moon Fish and the Sea
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 07/08/2009 - 12.30pm - 1.15pm, 3.30pm - 4.15pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Come on an amazing adventure! Two girls arrive on holiday in Guadaloupe and meet a local fisherman on the beach. It's carnival time and the fisherman helps them turn rubbish in to carnival costumes and musical instruments to play.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Park life Capers - The Peacock and the Dragon
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 14/08/2009 - 12.30pm - 1.15pm, 3.30pm - 4.15pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Come on an amazing adventure! When the Chinese Dragon borrows the peacock's horns he likes them so much he doesn't want to give them back! Who should keep the horns, the dragon or the peacock?
Website: Horniman Museum website
Park life Capers - Gaiety Engine
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 21/08/2009 - 12.30pm - 1.15pm, 3.30pm - 4.15pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Come on an amazing adventure! A wolf boy, a squeamish fakir, the world's only feline escapologist, and a mermaid named Terence-half woman, half fish ... and half man! "Impossible!" I hear you cry, "Possible!" retorts Isaiah Crank, the dapper and demented, moustachioed impresario of the world's last Victorian freak show.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Park life Capers - Darwin and the Dodo
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 28/08/2009 - 12.30pm - 1.15pm, 3.30pm - 4.15pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Come on an amazing adventure! A dynamic and entertaining exploration of evolution and extinction, suitable for children aged 7+.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Jerk Cookout Festival
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 09/08/2009 - 1.00pm - 6.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Come to the biggest and best Jerk Cookout competition live from the Horniman Gardens. Relax in our award-winning green oasis, listen to sizzling live music, sample the finest Jerk in south London from the many stalls competing, and buy fantastic gifts.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Falconry Flight Display
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 12/08/2009 - 2.00pm - 2.45pm, 3.15pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Join Ray Aliker on the Meadow Field for a spectacular live falconry display that showcases some of the most amazing birds of prey.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Nature in focus - butterflies
Where: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ
Borough: Lewisham
When: 27/08/2009 - 11.30am - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Join Keeper of Natural History Joanne Hatton for a closer look at these beautiful British butterflies, and find out how you can help to protect them.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Fragments from France
Where: Imperial War Museum London, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ
Borough: Southwark
When: 08/08/2009 - 21/08/2009 - 11.00am - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Join drop-in art activities inspired by the First World War soldier and cartoonist Bruce Bairnsfather and his popular illustrated magazine Fragments From France, which looks at the lighter side of life in the trenches. The activies are running alongside the Horrible Histories': Terrible Trenches Exhibition.
Website: Horniman Museum website
Battle Bowlers, Whiz Bangs and Lucky Bleeders
Where: Imperial War Museum London, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ
Borough: Southwark
When: 18/07/2009, 19/07/2009 - 18th: 1.30pm - 4.00pm, 19th: 11.00pm - 4.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
A chance for you to handle artefacts from the First World War and learn about the life of a soldier in the trenches. Linked to the Horrible Histories: Terrible Trenches - the exhibition.
Website: Horniman Museum website
The Famous Keats House Teddy Bear's Picnic
Where: Keats Grove, Hampstead, NW3 2RR
Borough: City of London
When: 24/07/2009, 31/07/2009, 7/08/2009, 14/08/2009, 21/08/2009, 28/08/2009 - 3.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Bring your teddy bear, doll or spotted dog for a Teddy Bear's Picnic
Website: City of London Website
Big picnic
Where: Downshire hill, NW3
Borough: Camden
When: 29/07/2009, 26/08/2009 - 3.00pm
Who is this event for: For everyone
Family picnic
Be a house detective
Where: Keats Grove, Hampstead, NW3 2RR
Borough: City of London
When: 04/08/2009, 11/08/2009, 18/08/2009, 25/08/2009 - 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Find our mystery objects and discover more about them
Website: City of London Website
Climbers and Creepers
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AB
Borough: Richmond
When: 18/07/2009 - September - 10.30am - 5.30pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Daily summer workshops inspired by useful plants. Blimb into a plant to pollinate it. 'get eaten' by a giant pitcher plant...crawl through a bramble tangle... and have a lot more fun while discovering the importance of plant and animal relationships!
Website: Kew event page
Kids go free at Kew Gardens!
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AB
Borough: Richmond
When: 18/07/2009 - September - 10.30am - 5.30pm
Who is this event for: For kids
Under 16s go free every day at Kew Gardens until earlier September!
Website: www.kew.org
Go to top of page
