What's On guide Families NW London March 2024

What's On

listings for all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing. Email Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk.

Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

www.Familiesonline.co.uk for all our local weekly regular events.

Many activities and events require advance booking.

Please check the website in the listing to confirm terms and conditions for attending before heading out.

Until Sat 30 Mar Great Fire of London Family Walk (E14) Join in this fun, safe family walk exploring the Great Fire of 1666, hosted by the Museum of London Docklands. Was the baker of Pudding Lane to blame? What did Samuel Pepys bury in his garden? Find out on this 60 minute interactive walk exploring how the Great Fire started, spread and was finally stopped. This walk is intended for children of primary school age and their families. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ museum-london/whats-on Sun 3 Mar Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra presents Family Film Favourites (HA4) Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra presents an hour-long concert of music from the bestloved children’s films, taking place at Winston Churchill Theatre at 4pm.

Including familiar pieces that are sure to have everyone humming along. The programme will include music from Frozen, Star Wars, Pirates

START YOUR ADVENTURE

of the Caribbean, Beauty and the Beast, The Greatest Showman and Wicked. www.hillingdonphil.co.uk

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Mon 4 Mar Understanding Teen Stress workshop (online) This 2-hour online workshop run by Hope Harrow will help you discover the key insights that will help you to support your Teen(s) through the challenges of stress. You will gain valuable knowledge and practical tools to navigate the complexities of teen stress. www.hopeharrow.org.uk Tue 5 Mar Hillingdon Celebrates International Women’s Day (UB3) Head along to the Beck Theatre for another incredible celebration of Women for International Women’s Day, a co-production with the Hillingdon Women In the Community group! trafalgartickets.com/beck-theatrehayes/en-GB/event/other/ international-womens-day-tickets

Tue 5 Mar & Tue 2 Apr Relaxed Opening Tours (NW1) Relaxed opening tours allow people with autism and other neurodiversities to enjoy ZSL London Zoo in a calm and safe environment. Relaxed opening tours in March and April will take place before the Zoo opens to the public, starting at 8.30am. www.londonzoo.org/plan-yourvisit/events/relaxed-opening-tours Fri 8 Mar Family Under 5’s Workshop: World Book Day (NW1) Go and celebrate World Book Day at the British Library! Join storyteller Paul Rubinstein and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant for this sensory storytelling adventure! Help explore the story of Elmer through music, song, movement and sounds from the British Library Sound Archive.

Suitable for 0 – 5 year olds. thebritishlibraryfamilyevents. seetickets.com/event/familyunder-5-s-workshop-world-bookday/british-library/2925224 Fri 8 – Sun 17 Mar British Science Week (SE10) Uncover the mysteries of time and space this British Science Week with the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

From 8-17 March 2024 they will be hosting a jam-packed programme of events suitable for all ages. Meet Royal Observatory astronomers and curators, delve into hands-on workshops, and come behind the scenes at the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre to discover the science of museum conservation. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ greenwich/british-science-week

CLIMBING SOFT PLAY PARTIES & MORE! WWW.ROCK-UP.CO.UK

10 Families North West London

Sat 9 Mar Family Concert: A Journey Through Space & Time (HA1) Trinity Orchestra’s popular Family Concert for children and adults of all ages returns with a musical journey through continents, galaxies and time.These two enchanting afternoon concerts of orchestral wonders will

feature special guest Sophie Aldred as narrator, known for her iconic role as Ace in Doctor Who. Head along with the family for what’s set to be a fun-filled, educational afternoon – perfect for the young, and the young at heart! Concerts at 3pm & 5.15pm.

Trinity Church, Hindes Road, Harrow. trinityorchestra.org.uk/th_event/ mar24 Sat 9 Mar Marching Orders: Marvellous Medicine (SW3) Grab your scrubs, wash your hands and head along to the National Army Museum as they delve into the world of Army medicine in this interactive family tour. How did doctors use to cure headaches? Why did plastic surgery start? What did two women do to challenge the conventions of the world of medicine? Find out on one of the fun-filled family tours all about Army medicine. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/ marching-orders-marvellousmedicine Sat 9 Mar London Museum of Women in STEM: International Women’s Day (TW8) Did you know that just over a quarter of the people working in STEM in the UK are female? This year, for International Women’s Day, the London Museum of Water and Steam are rebranding for the day as the London Museum of Women in STEM. Join in a full day of drop-in workshops, activities, experiments and of course, STEaM, celebrating and promoting girls and women in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. waterandsteam.org.uk/event/ london-museum-of-women-instem-international-womens-day Sat 9–Sun 10 Mar Mothers Cuppa Corner – with a twist! (SE11) Enjoy a cuppa at Vauxhall City Farm while the kids are looked after! Relax in the cafe’s Cuppa Corner whilst your little one heads to the outdoor classroom for Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON an exclusive experience! They will meet, pet and hold some of the small animals. Led by a Vauxhall City Farm expert, the children will learn some fun facts as well as having all the snuggles! www.vauxhallcityfarm.org/events/ mothers-cuppa-corner-with-a-twist Sat 9–Sun 10 & Sat 16–Sun 17 Mar Observatory Unlocked (SE10) Join astronomers from the Royal Observatory Greenwich as they reveal how astronomers use telescopes as time machines.

Learn about how astronomers take images of the Universe and discover how they use invisible colours of light, beyond what the eye can see, to reveal the secrets of the cosmos. Don’t miss your chance to ask questions about space and astronomy to a real astronomer!

Ages 7+ www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ royal-observatory/observatoryunlocked-british-science-week Sat 9–Sun 10 & Sat 16–Sun 17 Mar Young Astronomers (SE10) Join in some free family-friendly activities all about space at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

The Observatory Explainers will show you the scale of our vast solar system and how long it takes to travel to distant worlds in the Charting the Solar System activity.

Suitable for ages 5+. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royalobservatory/young-astronomersworkshop Sun 10–Sat 23 Mar Spring Exhibition by the Society of Ruislip Artists (HA4) A display of paintings of various styles and media, by members of the Society of Ruislip Artists, all of whom are local artists. Open Mon-Sat from 10am-5pm, and Sun 10am-4pm, at The Cow Byre Gallery, Manor Farm Ruislip. Free admission, no need to book. www.ruislipartists.co.uk Mon 11 Mar Supporting Your Childs Learning Online Workshop (Online) A 2-hour workshop for all parents of children aged 3-11 run by Hope Harrow.

As a parent it can be exciting and satisfying seeing our children grow into unique individuals and also challenging if we see them struggling or disinterested with school. You will discuss how to support your children sustain the joy of learning in the face of any possible struggles and frustrations. www.hopeharrow.org.uk Wed 13 Mar British Sign Language Tours at London Zoo (NW1) Led by Deaf presenter John Wilson, discover the amazing animals at London Zoo and learn about ZSL’s global conservation work on a British Sign Language-interpreted tour.

The tour route may change each month so that you can experience a different side of the Zoo on each visit! Tours start at the large map in Barclay Court, in front of the Terrace Restaurant and gift shop at 11:15am and 2:15pm. www.londonzoo.org/plan-yourvisit/accessibility/british-signlanguage-tours Sat 16–Sun 17 Mar The London Festival of Railway Modelling (N22) Regarded as one of the UK’s biggest and best model railway exhibitions, The London Festival of Railway Modelling at Familiesonline.co.uk

Alexandra Palace is the mustattend event for anyone interested in miniature railways. Visitors can expect over 40 of the country’s best model railways hand-picked by The Model Railway Club. You’ll find layouts from the UK and beyond covering all of the major scales/ gauges. www.alexandrapalace.com/whatson/the-london-festival-of-railwaymodelling-8

Wed 27 Mar Tiny Troopers: Terrific Transport (SW3) Sing, play and create with your little ones at these fun, sensory sessions at the National Army Museum, perfect for ages 2 to 5. This month, you’ll be learning all about how soldiers get around and making your own helicopters. 11am-12pm and 1.30-2.30pm. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/tinytroopers-terrific-transport

Thu 21–Sun 24 Mar North London Book Festival (N22) Join Alexandra Palace’s North London Book Fest 2024 for a literary celebration featuring debut and iconic authors with readings, panel discussions, Q&As, workshops and book-signings across multiple stages at the palace – a literary marketplace for readers of all ages, genres and tastes! www.alexandrapalace.com/whatson/north-london-book-festival

Wed 27 Mar–Sun 14 Apr Easter Adventures at Waddesdon (HP18) As well as the popular Easter trail, make sure to stop off at the newly-refurbished playground and refuel with delicious food and drink from the various food outlets. This Easter the trail is jam-packed with lots of fun games and creative activities. Follow the map, get involved in each activity and collect your chocolate egg at the end! waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/ easter

Sat 23 Mar World Water Day: Film Festival (TW8) World Water Day is an annual United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of freshwater.

World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. This year the London Museum of Water & Steam will be the first venue in Europe to screen evocative, educational and inspiring films, submitted from across the world. waterandsteam.org.uk/event/ world-water-day-film-festival Sat 23 Mar-Sun 14 Apr Easter Adventure Quest At Kenwood (NW3) Join in a cracking adventure quest at Kenwood House this Easter holiday. Hunt for clues in the grounds, track down the Easter eggs and get rewarded with a tasty chocolate treat. You can take on the quest every day of the school holidays, and it costs just £2 to take part. There’s no need to book and you can pay when you arrive. www.english-heritage.org.uk Sat 23 Mar–Sun 2 Jun Bing’s Nature Explorers (SW13) Join Bing and Flop at WWT London Wetland Centre to become a Nature Explorer with activity trails, storytelling, character appearances and much more. www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ london/whats-on/bings-natureexplorers-4 Sun 24 Mar Hop to it! (N3) Hop-on down to Stephens House & Gardens for an egg-citing Easter Trail. Follow the clues and claim your prize and enter your map into the draw to win theatre tickets in the Summer. 1-3pm, Booking essential. www.stephenshouseandgardens. com/events Sun 24 Mar Heritage Stories (HP8) Go along to Chiltern Open Air Museum and listen to a collection of stories told by local storytellers about how they have come to be in Buckinghamshire and how their communities have become firmly established as part of the beautiful county. Weather permitting, the storytelling will happen around a campfire adding both atmosphere and warmth! Visitors will have the chance to share some of their own stories and toast marshmallows. coam.org.uk/events/campfireheritage-stories

Wed 27–Sun 14 Apr Easter Egg Hunt at Osterley (TW7) This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Osterley on an Easter trail. Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ london/osterley-park-and-house Fri 29 Mar–Mon 1 Apr Easter At Knebworth House (SG1) Enjoy a visit to Knebworth House, Gardens and Park over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend and take part in the Knebworth Easter Trail!

Suitable for children aged 3+. www.knebworthhouse.com/ events/easter-at-knebworthhouse-gardens-park

Fri 29 Mar–Mon 1 Apr Easter Weekend (HP8) Go and discover the fascinating historic buildings this Easter weekend at Chiltern Open Air Museum! Immerse yourself in the new willow sculptures and have fun participating in the Easter trail. Bring out your creative side with some family crafts and make unforgettable memories. coam.org.uk/events/easter-events Fri 29 Mar–Sun 14 Apr Gnome Trail (HA2) Can you find those pesky gnomes hidden around Headstone Manor? Find them all and solve their puzzle to earn a prize! headstonemanor.org/events/ gnome-trail-2 Fri 29 Mar–Sun 14 Apr Space, Race and Fly (NW9) Head to the RAF Museum this Easter for Space, Race and Fly! From a mobile planetarium to have-a-go activities and drone racing, there is so much to excite and thrill. Put your engineering and scientific thrills to the test and soar! www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/ whats-going-on/events/spacerace-and-fly Fri 29 Mar–Sun 14 Apr Easter at London Zoo (NW1) The Zoonormous Egg Hunt family trail will guide you around the Zoo where eggs of all sizes and colours are waiting to be discovered, while learning about egg-ceptional species along the way. Solve the clues at each checkpoint to crack the code, revealing the Golden Egg in a special, hidden location. Successful egg-splorers will be rewarded with a tasty treat! www.londonzoo.org/plan-yourvisit/events/easter-london-zoo

Terrific Tuesday

CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM

family fun on

2 & 9 April

Find out how people used to live and work

STEP BACK IN TIME

Visit www.coam.org.uk for full details Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB Families North West London 11

WHAT’S ON Fri 29 Mar–Sun 14 Apr Bluey at Kew Gardens (TW9) Bluey, the loveable Blue Heeler puppy, is heading to Kew for interactive activities inspired by the show.

Bluey is guaranteed to deliver laughter, discovery and fun in the beautiful setting of Kew Gardens in spring. Combining a celebration of nature and the joy of play with the adventures of a beloved TV character. www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whatson/bluey Fri 29 Mar–Sun 14 Apr Easter at Whipsnade Zoo (LU6) From giant ostriches to tiny butterflies, discover all kinds of amazing egg-laying animals this Easter at Whipsnade Zoo with a fun trail for all the family. Unravelling clues or solving riddles at each location will crack the code, leading successful egg-splorers to the magnificent golden egg, where they’ll be rewarded with a tasty treat! Along with Easter crafts and over 10,000 amazing animals in the UK’s biggest Zoo, you’ll be all set for a cracking day out! www.whipsnadezoo.org/plan-yourvisit/events/easter-at-whipsnadezoo Sat 30 Mar Marching Orders: New Perspectives (SW3) Discover how war and conflict can create surprising and shocking stories in this interactive family-friendly tour at the National Army Museum. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/ marching-orders-new-perspectives Sat 30–Sun 31 Mar Kew the Run (TW9) Enjoy a cherry blossom run this spring at the Kew

the aim to give families the chance to enjoy the facilities in a quieter, more peaceful environment. www. knebworthhouse.com/events/ autism-friendly-early-opening

10K and half marathon. All abilities are welcome; runners and power walkers can enjoy a scenic tour past the beautiful architecture of Kew’s Palm House and Temperate House. www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whatson/kew-the-run Sat 30 Mar–Mon 1 Apr Easter Steam Up (TW8) This year the London Museum of Water & Steam are bringing their engines back to life! Share in the history and energy of the Kew Bridge Waterworks and marvel at the amazing working pumping engines that helped make London the city it is today. waterandsteam.org.uk/event/ easter-steam-up/2024-03-30 Sat 30 Mar–Wed 3 Apr The Space Odyssey Planetarium (NW9) Get inside the spectacular Galileo Dome for a live and interactive experience which will educate and entertain visitors of all ages during a super session of interstellar excitement.

www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/ whats-going-on/events/the-spaceodyssey-planetarium Mon 1–Fri 12 Apr Wat’s On (various) The popular Wat’s On programme of free, fun and challenging activities run during the Easter Holidays in Watford. The aim is to keep children safe at the same time as providing challenges through free open access multi skilled activities, adventurous and risky play and creative sessions. The activities will be held across Watford, in parks, open spaces and some indoor locations. All activities must be pre booked. www.watfordevents.com/wats-on Tue 2 Apr Autism Friendly Early Opening at Knebworth House and Gardens (SG1) The Gardens, Park, Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail will open early at 8:30am for families with autistic children and adults, with learning disabilities or sensory and communication disorders with

Tue 2 & Tue 9 Apr Terrific Tuesdays at Chiltern Open Air Museum (HP8) No need to worry about entertaining your children during the school holidays!

The Museum’s Education team has got you covered with their special themed family activities on every Tuesday in Bucks school holidays.

Thirr fun-filled activities, games, and crafts can be enjoyed without having to pay any extra, as they are included in the admission price. Tues 2 is an Easter theme, and Tues 9 will be an Earth Day theme. coam.org.uk/events/easterholiday-activities Wed 3 Apr Family Workshop: Mini Gnome Gardens (HA2) Back by popular demand, go and design your own magical mini garden at Headstone Manor. Make tiny trees, teeny weeny water features and fiddly diddly flowers…. the possibilities are endless. 11am, 12:15pm & 1:45pm.

Ages 5+. headstonemanor.org/events/ family-workshop-magical-minigarden-workshop Sat 6 Apr Good Ancestors: Portrait Drawing Workshop (HA5) This workshop at Harrow Arts Centre workshop will look at some historic portraits and decipher what the sitters are trying to tell us about themselves.

Next, you will develop your own self-portraits aimed at delivering a message to your descendants

Sea Monkeys Mini Pet Activity Bundles Giveaway

Ages 6+

Put a spring in your child’s step with Perform Perform is a unique type of children’s drama school.

Focusing on child development, a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing is used to bring out every child’s true potential. Their classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination and Concentration and having the best fun of the week.

The curriculum uses a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform with a different theme each term to keep young imaginations buzzing.

The new term starts in April with two brilliant themes. Ages 4–7 will be entering the Fairytale Forest for an adventure with some familiar characters - they’ve taken much-loved classic fairytales and mixed them up with the latest funky moves and grooves. While ages 7–12s will zoom off on an exhilarating adventure with Robinson Crusoe -but he’s stranded in space, not on a desert island!

Book a no-obligation FREE trial at www.perform.org.uk/try 12 Families North West London

Hatch, grow and nurture your own swimming pets!

Bundles include: Sea Monkeys Ocean Zoo Sea Monkeys On Mars Tank Sea Monkeys Magic Castle Tank Sea Monkeys Instant Life Mystery Egg

Wort h £53 each

PLEASE NOTE: COLOURS MAY VARY

APPLY at familiesmag.co.uk/go

T&Cs apply

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON 100 years in the future. This is a chance to think about how we are contributing to a positive future.

10am-12:30pm. Ages 6+. harrowarts.com/whats-on/event/ learn-harrow-good-ancestorsportrait-drawing-workshop Sat 6 Apr Frozen 2 Sing-A-Long (WD17) Why was Elsa born with magical powers? What truths about the past await Elsa as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle?

The answers are calling her but also threatening her kingdom. Join in with this sing-a-long of Frozen 2 at Watford Palace Theatre and enjoy a FREE ice cream with every ticket! watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/ events/frozen-2-sing-a-long Sat 6 Apr Northwood Craft Market (HA6) Taking place at Methodist Church Hall, Northwood from 10am-2pm, there will be a variety of handmade crafts to browse & buy. It’s the perfect place to find original gifts, or a treat for yourself. Children can try some hands-on crafts and make something to take home. www.northwoodcraftmarket.co.uk Sat 6–Tue 9 Apr Bubbly Maths Show (NW9) This Easter, the RAF Museum is teaming up with Bubbly Maths to provide fun and engaging Bubble shows! In this live and interactive show, see the world of maths and science come to life through soap bubbles and massive balloons. Audiences of all ages exercise their maths ‘muscles’ without even realising it, whilst thoroughly enjoying mathematical puzzles and activities with lots of

audience interaction and props. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/ whats-going-on/events/bubblymaths-show Sun 7 Apr Spring Fair (N3) Finchley Women’s Institute present their First Spring Fair at Stephens House and Garden from 10.30am-5pm. Over 40 Stalls, offering an exciting variety of gifts and treats, created by local artisans at affordable prices. www.stephenshouseandgardens. com/events Mon 8–Wed 10 Apr Rapunzel Easter Holiday Courses with Perform (HA5) Join Perform this Easter as they unravel the wonderful story of Rapunzel, a feisty heroine who gets locked in a tower in the forest. Will a passing prince save her or will the wicked witch get there first? Ending with a magical performance for family, these three-day drama, dance and singing courses are a real holiday treat. At St Luke’s Parish Hall in Pinner. www.perform.org.uk/rapunzel Tue 9 Apr The Brick People (N12) Artsdepot are delighted to be welcoming The Brick People, who’ll be offering a wide range of LEGO® related activities. Each session lasts for one hour, choose your own adventure and get stuck in to various LEGO® activity tables and check out a selection of amazing official and unofficial LEGO® creations by The Brick People and the wider LEGO® hobbyist community. Ages 3–12. www.artsdepot.co.uk/event/thebrick-people

Wed 10–Sun 14 Apr Easter Have-A-Go Activities (NW9) Back by popular demand, the RAF Museum has once again partnered up with the fantastic UP AN’ AT ‘EM! HISTORY! to provide a fun and engaging experience for all. Costumed re-enactors will take young aviators through four different activities as they look to prove their skills. All four will need to be completed for a young pilot to earn their wings but once they are, it’s time to return to base for your reward. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/ whats-going-on/events/easterhave-a-go-activities Thu 11 Apr Mini-engineers Workshop (HA5) Go along to this fun workshop led by members of the West London Meccano Society and learn how to build with Meccano at the Heath Robinson Museum. Perfect for any young person who loves an engineering challenge! Ages 8+. www.heathrobinsonmuseum.org/ whats-on/mini-engineers-day Sat 13 Apr SEN Nature Inspired Printmaking Workshop (HA5) This workshop will take inspiration from both a children’s book and the surroundings of Harrow Arts Centre for this nature inspired printmaking workshop. The practitioners will teach monotype and gelli plate, which is a great introduction to printmaking. At the end of this workshop each family will be able to take home a number of prints ready to be framed 2-5pm. For families with SEN children aged 5+. harrowarts.com/whats-on/event/ sen-nature-inspired-printmakingworkshop

Every Sun from 14 Apr-5 May Exploring Islamic Geometric Patterns Course (HA5) Geometric patterns adorned palaces, madrassas and mosques and illuminated Manuscripts from Spain across to China from the 8th century till now. In this 4-week course at Harrow Arts Centre, you will explore and draw a historical pattern each week from different corners of the Islamic lands. Ages 11+. harrowarts.com/whats-on/event/ learn-harrow-exploring-islamicgeometric-patterns-course Sun 14 Apr Family Workshop: Make Your Own Miniature Gnome (HA2) Design your very own singing gnome from airdry clay and decorate it with acrylic paints at Headstone Manor. This workshop is a basic introduction to sculpture and you will need good manual dexterity to work with the materials provided. You will also need to bring a box or carton to take your wet gnome home in. 11am & 1:30pm. Ages 5+. headstonemanor.org/events/ family-workshop-make-your-ownminiature-gnome Sat 20 Apr The Sound of Watford (TBC) The Sound of Watford was born out of how Watford does Record Store Day. Lead by the LP cafe and West Herts College, with support from Watford Borough Council, the day sees home grown bands alongside some more major national bands come to Watford to celebrate music and grassroots venues. Musicians, bands and experimental sound acts are all invited to join for free. www.watfordevents.com/thesound-of-watford

Fabulous Family Theatre this Easter!

16 March - 11 April | Tickets from £12

The Amazing Bubble Man Thu 11 April

The Little Mermaid Scan to book Familiesonline.co.uk

The Tiger Who Came to Tea 16 & 17 March

Fri 5 April

020 3773 7161 www.harrowarts.com Families North West London 13