Meet Samuel Pepys
January 7
Discover the history of this great city by one of its most famous diarists, Samuel Pepys, at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Hear tales of the Great Fire of London, the Navy and the Great Plague in a show that is suitable for all the family.
Cupcake and Crayons
January 8
Let your children experience the fun and magic of fancy baking with this morning of cupcake decorating, balloon modelling and colouring at The Tea Box, Richmond North. They may even get to meet a real life fairy.
London International Mime Festival
January 11–29
Let yourself be filled with wonder at the world-class acts performing at the annual festival, held at the Southbank Centre, Barbican, ICA and Linbury Studio Theatre at the Royal Opera House. Children will love the movements, music, colours and buzz of the festival, now in its 35th year, there will also be opportunities to meet the artists and try your hand at a bit of mime.
Perfect Pattern
January 15
Encourage budding designers to use digital technology to design a pattern for a cushion or t-shirt based on the clothing in the Museum Of London's galleries.
Apassionata
January 21
Gallop into 2012 with this stunning show, perfect for young animal lovers. Get caught up in the grandeur and majesty of these splendid animals in a performance at The O2 Arena that features everything from Cossack riders and horse whisperers to Friesians and Shetland ponies.
Burns Supper
January 23–27
Call in the babysitter and treat yourself to an opulent evening of warm Scottish hospitality at Boisdale Bishopsgate. The luxurious set menus on offer are a showcase of Scotland’s famously rich natural larder including lobster, salmon, wild venison and award-winning Macsween haggis. The hunting-lodge style surroundings of this restaurant provide the perfect environment to enjoy traditional bagpipe music, a rousing rendition of Robert Burns’ ode to a haggis and the obligatory dram of fine single malt whisky.
Olympic Champions!
January 28
Uncover the origins of the Olympic Games before they arrive in London this summer at the British Museum. Using a green screen and Photoshop, you and your children will be able to create your very own ancient Greek Olympic champion’s portrait to take home.
Pop-Up Storytelling
January 29–February 4
Delight in the beautiful surroundings of the Horniman Museum and Gardens and let yourself be swept away by a grand tale during a free storytelling session. Budding bookworms can also grab some quiet time in the pop-up library which has been created specially for this event.
