01. In the Night Garden Live
Kids’ theatre – The O2 / Thu May 29 – Sat Jul 5
Event/Venue contact: 0333 300 0023 – http://www.nightgardenlive.com
“Step into the magical world of In the Night Garden and see Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life before your eyes with beautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breathtaking projections.
In the Night Garden Live takes place in its own purpose-built, family-friendly Showdome. With just 13 rows of seats, you’ll be close to the action wherever you sit and everyone gets a great view!” Further details
In The Night Garden Live Trailer – Kid’s Theatre
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02. Sensational Butterflies
Kids’ activities – Natural History Museum – Until Sun Sep 14
Venue Contact: 020 7942 5000/5011
Event Contact: 020 7942 5000 / www.nhm.ac.uk
“The Natural History Museum’s butterfly house returns for a sixth year in 2014 to a specially constructed tropical enclosure on the Museum’s east lawn. Visitors can come face-to-face with tropical butterflies, including the swallowtail, blue morpho, the moon moth and many others originating from Africa, Southeast Asia and North and South America, and take part in games, activities and challenges that teach more about the sensory world of the fluttering creatures.” Further details
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03. Daydreams and Diaries: The Story of Jacqueline Wilson
Exhibition – Families – V&A Museum of Childhood – Until Sun Nov 2
Venue Contact: 020 8983 5200/020 8983 5235 (information line) / www.vam.ac.uk/moc
Event Contact: 020 8983 5200 / www.museumofchildhood.org.uk
“Jacqueline Wilson is one of Britain’s best-loved children’s authors, serving as Children’s Laureate (2005-2007) and – perhaps even the Queen’s a fan – being made a Dame in 2008.” Further details
“This exhibition celebrates all things Jacqueline Wilson, giving you a chance to find out about her childhood, early career and what inspires her to write.” Further details
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04. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Outdoor Activities – Families – Olympic Park
Venue Contact: www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk
“A new heart for east London, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is the city’s newest park. The Park is now open for the public to visit and is already coming alive as visitors explore its unique parklands, waterways, venues and attractions. “
“The Park is the perfect destination for families of all ages and interests. Whether it’s a walk through the parklands looking at the spectacular sites of the London 2012 venues or burning off steam at the Tumbling Bay playground – there really is something for everyone.” Further details
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05. London Museum of Water and Steam
Museum – Brentford – 11am-4pm daily
Venue Contact: 020 8568 4757 / www.waterandsteam.org.uk
“Reopening on Mar 22 2014 after a £2.3m redevelopment, the former Kew Bridge Steam Museum is now the London Museum of Water and Steam. The Grade I-listed pumping station in which it’s housed was built in 1838 and it was the first to drive clean water into people’s homes, 24 hours a day – at an affordable price. The revamped museum now combines remarkable working remains of our Victorian industrial heyday – nine machines (five still in their original locations), including the 90-inch steam-powered Cornish Engine – with the story of how London’s water has been cleaned up since the seventeenth century.” Further details
Families: “Enjoy our brand new Waterworks gallery filled with fun interactives exploring London’s water story and the new outdoor water fun areas, the Splash Zone there is lots to see and do for all ages. Please check our 2014 special events schedule for information about special days throughout the year when there will be hands-on family fun.” Further Details
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BONUS: UNTIL JUNE, 22nd
Vikings, Life and Legend
British Museum
Contact: 020 7323 8000 / www.britishmuseum.org
“The British Museum’s new Sainsbury Exhibition Gallery opened in March, launching with the museum’s first exhibition on the Vikings in more than 30 years.” Further details
“Swords and axes, coins and jewellery, hoards, amulets and religious images show how Vikings created an international network connecting cultures over four continents. At the centre of the exhibition will be the surviving timbers of a 37-metre-long Viking warship, the longest ever found.” Further details