We are such fans of the V&A Childhood Museum in Bethnal Green, and as would be expected they have joined forces with the local community and have an inclusive family day out at the heart of their events, so their list of Summer Family events, is one to tag for any spare days that you have coming up over the coming weeks.
The museum is really close to tube/transport links, has decent Benugo coffee, cake, charming staff and a lovely shop full of inspiration for your Christmas list, or for those kids that deserve a treat after getting such excellent school reports! You can choose from a range of kids and family events, such as daily drop in art play, dance workshops, festivals, exhibitions, family packs for U5’s, family chess club, Art in the Gardens, Music in the Gardens, picnics, lectures, and special one day events. Don’t forget they also host adult workshops, tours and lectures, and the best bit it’s all as cheap as chips.
See their What’s On leaflet here for a full guide, and below are just a couple of our picks to get you started.
Cockney Heritage Festival : Friday 19 July : 11 & 2pm
Come and ‘have a giraffe’ at a hands on workshop making your own ‘pearly memento’. This workshop is part of the first Cockney Heritage Festival taking place in Tower Hamlets, 18-27 July.
Sunday 28 July : Summer Festival
The best in family festival fun, right on your doorstep in Bethnal Green. Join us for our ever popular annual summer event. The Museum grounds will be buzzing with live music, dance, walkabout acts, art and craft activities, designer stalls, food, face painting, rickshaw rides and games. Not to be missed whatever the weather!
Family Fun Fridays – Medieval Picnic
Friday 16 August : 10.30-16.00
Looking for something to do with the kids this summer? Come along to the Museum on Fridays in August and enjoy art, games and (hopefully) sunshine!
This week we’re having a Medieval Picnic – you could even come dressed up as a princess or knight! Enjoy painting toy soldiers, make a shield or join in with medieval games.
There’s also creative fun to be had with Story Spinner:
Mask Making : 10.30-12.45
Make your own animal mask.
Storytelling : 11.15 and 12.45
Join Story Spinner and help tell the Bengali folk tale of ‘Buri and the Marrow’. Buri is going to stay with her daughter on the other side of the forest, but on the way there encounters some hungry creatures who are keen to eat her! She gets past them this time, but what will happen when she comes back home? Includes live translation into Bengali.
SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES : Every Day : 25 July – Monday 2 September
10.30 Animal Magic : Active storytelling for children aged 5 and under, based on well-loved tales about animals.
11.15 Explore : Object handling and have-a-go sessions
12.00 Telling Tales : Active storytelling session based on much-loved classic tales.
14.00 Art Smarts : Paper-based arts and crafts for children of all ages.
Creative Bus Stop 