WHAT TO DO WITH THE KIDS Museums
If you haven’t visited the Museum of Childhood, well, where have you been? There is always something to keep the kids entertained, from exhibitions and displays, to events and activities. www.museumofchildhood.org.uk. Sutton House is not only beautiful but fun for the kids, too. Explore the family friendly treasure chests and discover the lives of the people who lived there through puppets and costumes. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-house/
Children’s Centres
The three in E9 are Wentworth on Cassland Road (www.wentworth.hackney.sch.uk), Gainsborough on Berkshire Road (www.gainsborough.hackney. sch.uk/childrens-centre), and Morningside on Chatham Place (www.morningside.hackney.sch. uk/childrens-centre), but there are many others nearby. All of them run drop-in play sessions, and a range of activities and support for families.
Theatre
Hackney Children’s Theatre is Hackney’s newest theatre space for young audiences. Situated in 700-year-old St John at Hackney church, the theatre hosts monthly performances for kids and their families.Check out www.facebook.com/ hackneychildrenstheare
Reading
Don’t forget the libraries, We have quite a few of them, so find out what’s on at www.hackney.gov.uk/libraries-whats-on.htm
Farms
At city farms (in South Hackney, or further afield in Stepney, Spitalfields and Mudchute) you can introduce your kids to the pongs and pleasures of real farm animals. Stepney City Farm has a great café, as well as a farmers’ market every Saturday from 10am-3pm. www.stepneycityfarm.org, www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk, www.mudchute.org www.spitalfieldscityfarm.org,
Chess
If you’re aged between 7 and 11 and like chess, or would like to learn, why not try it out? Contact 12 E9 magazine JANUARY 2015
Hackney Central Library. All players welcome – from beginners to the more advanced. (Hackney Library, 1 Reading Lane, E8, 020 8356 4358)
Cinema
Every Saturday morning the Hackney Picturehouse hosts a family-only matinee of a specially chosen children’s film, plus fun activities. From recent blockbusters to classic favourites, Kids’ Club is for children aged 3-12 years. Membership is £4 a year, including the first visit free. Tickets for members and accompanying adults are £1.50 each. Non-members and accompanying adults pay £3.50 each. No adult unaccompanied by a child will be admitted. There’s Toddler Time, too. Thirty-minute shows for kids and parents/carers. Admission £3 per child and accompanying adults free when they become members of Toddler Time. 0871 902 5747.
Dancing
There’s ballet for children at the Hackney Forge on Tuesdays from 4pm-4.45pm and 5pm-5.45pm. Call Mafalda on 07550 722 693 for details. Also at the Hackney Forge you’ll find Saturday Street Dance and Musical Theatre classes. 12 noon-1pm, 1.15pm-2.15pm and 2.30-3.30pm Call Lisa on 07985 945 335 for details.
Music
Piccolo music for babies and toddlers runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the V&A building in Victoria Park. The toddler class is at 10am and the baby class at 11am ─ just drop in. For more info call Stefanie on 07708 451 314. Suzuki Hub runs music lessons for kids (violin, viola, cello or flute). Suzuki Hub, 116 Weymouth Terrace, E2 8LR. www.suzukihub.com.
Acting
If you’re looking for something a little different to do with your pre-school-age child, try Hackney Forge on a Wednesday morning. Cbeebies actress Samantha Seager runs acting classes for little tots. www.actingbugs.co.uk