It's playtime, baby!

How are you? I’m still recovering from our ‘pinch me’ weekend.

We had our own ‘night at the museum’ experience when Museum Girl and I bedded down amongst the Egyptian sculptures at the British Museum for their 300 Sleepy Spartans sleepover. The evening was packed with fun activities such as art workshops, Spartan warrior training and midnight storytelling. But waking up next to a sarcophagus lit by the first morning rays was the most magical part for me.

I thought I was still dreaming when, later that day, I received the UK Women of Wonder Award 2023! 20 women were selected for the first UK version of this global award, designed to recognise women who inspire, empower and strive to make a difference in society. Hearing everyone’s stories was incredibly inspiring, and I’m very honoured to have been selected. Thank you to everyone who has followed and supported over the years, you’re what keep me going.

Teaser alert - I’ve been busy this week working on something new! All will be revealed in the coming weeks.

I'd love to hear what you've been up to - hit reply, post in my Facebook group or DM me on Instagram.

30 cultural play sessions for under 5s

You’re never too young to be introduced to culture! Lots of you ask me for baby and toddler friendly things to do. So here’s a list of the 30 regular play sessions which take place in London’s museums, galleries and theatres.

1. Little Feet at British Museum takes place once or twice a month on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Creative and multi-sensory activities - some sessions take place inside exhibitions, giving you a free look. Free, drop in. For under 5s.
   Next dates: Exhibition Explorer: Luxury and Power (13 June 2023), Creative China (29 June 2023), Exhibition Explorer: China’s Hidden City (18 July 2023) and Ride the Waves (21 August 2023).
   

2. Play Tuesdays at National Maritime Museum takes place every Tuesday in term time. Facilitated play, songs and stories led by early years specialists. £4 1A+1C, free under 6 months. Book. Under 5s.
   Next dates: 13, 20 & 27 June and 4, 11 & 18 July 2023. Tickets go on sale two weeks in advance.
   

3. Adventure Babies at Natural History Museum takes place every Tuesday in term time. Sensory props, story about the natural world, sing-along sessions and messy play. £20 1A+1C, book. Ages 0-4.
   Next dates: 13, 20 & 27 June and 4, 11 & 18 July 2023.
   

4. Foundling Libraries takes place weekly on Tuesdays until 11 July 2023. Art and music workshops in libraries across London and the UK. Free, drop in. Under 5s.
   

5. Curious Tots at Orleans House Gallery takes place fortnightly on Tuesdays. Sensory musical session using puppets, instruments, and creative activities. £6/£4 conc 1A+1C, book. Ages 0-walking.
   Next dates: 13 & 27 June and 11 July 2023.
   

6. Little Swifts at RAF Museum London takes place the second Tuesday and last Thursday of the month in term time only. Drama, dance and music (Tuesdays); stories, songs and messy play (Thursdays). £3 child, book. Ages 2-5.
   Next dates: 13 & 29 June, 11 July, 12 & 28 September, 10 October, 14 & 30 November & 12 December 2023.
   

7. RIBA Baby at RIBA London currently takes place on a Tuesday or Wednesday, once every two months. Free, book. Ages 0-3.
   Next date: Bricks and Bubbles (11 July 2023).
   

8. Sensory Wednesdays at The Mosaic Rooms takes place every, well, Wednesday! Unfacilitated play area with craft materials and soft, colourful objects scattered around the gallery. Free, drop in.
   

9. Outdoor Messy Play at Horniman Museum takes place every Wednesday until 26 July 2023. Messy fun outdoors, with wet, dry and textured free play activities. £7.50 child. Under 3s.
   

10. Baby Explorers at Polka Theatre runs Wednesdays in term time. Songs and movement. From £80 per term, book.
    Next dates: Enrol now for Autumn term (20 September-29 November 2023 with no session on 25 October 2023).
    

11. Toddler Time at Cutty Sark runs Wednesdays in term time. Adventure story and free play. £5 child, book. Under 5s.
    Next dates: 14, 21 & 28 June and 5, 12 & 19 July 2023.

12. Storytelling and Music Sessions at Royal Albert Hall take place select Wednesdays and Thursdays. Musical instruments, singing, movement and stories. £5 child / £1 conc child, book. Under 5s.
    Next dates: 14, 21 & 28 June, 19, 20 & 26 July and 17, 23, 24 and 30 August 2023.
    

13. Design Baby at V&A Museum takes place one Wednesday a month. Child-led, non-structured multi-sensory play session. £7 child, book. Under 3s.
    Next date: Explore the Hallyu! (5 July 2023).
    

14. Free Under 5s Family Workshops at Museum of the Order of St John take place the second Wednesday of each month in term time only. Crafting, storytelling singing and dancing in partnership with Artburst. Free, book.

    Next date: Hungry Caterpillar (14 June 2023).
    

15.  Tots at the Docks at Museum of London Docklands takes place the last Wednesday of the month. Activities inspired by the history of the Docklands. Free, drop in. Under 5s.
    Next dates: 28 June, 26 July, 30 August, 27 September, 25 October and 29 November 2023.
    

16. Tiny Troopers at National Army Museum takes place the last Wednesday of the month. Sing, play and create at fun, sensory sessions with a different theme each month. £5 per child, book. Ages 2-4.
    Next dates: Epic Engineering (28 June 2023), Assault Course (26 July 2023), Camouflage (30 August 2023) and Mr Bear’s Mystery (27 September 2023).
    

17. Post and Play at the Postal Museum takes place every Thursday in term time only. Fun engineering, transport, and communication activities. £5 / £1 Camden residents 1A+1C, book. Under 6s.
    Next dates: 15, 22 & 29 June and 6, 13 and 20 July 2023. 
    

18. Creative Kids at William Morris Gallery takes place on the third Thursday of the month in term time only. Tour of the gallery, craft activity, singing and snack time. Free, book/drop in. Under 5s.
    Next dates: Fabulous Fashion (15 June 2023) and William Morris's Garden (20 July 2023).
    

19. Under 5s Explore: Mini Masterpieces at Dulwich Picture Gallery takes place the last Thursday of the month. Gallery visit and art-making with ‘baby paint’. £15 per adult, book.
    Next dates: 29 June, 27 July 2023, 31 August and 28 September 2023.
    

20. Play Studio at Tate Britain runs every Friday and weekends in term time, and daily in the school holidays. Unfacilitated play space with making, dressing up, sand trays and books. Free, drop in. All ages.
    

21. Angel’s Little Explorers at Little Angel Theatre takes place every Friday in term time. Music, storytelling, and sensory play - plus puppets of course! £12 1A+1C, £8 sibling. Ages 6 months-3 years.
    Next dates: 16, 23 & 30 June and 7 July 2023.
    

22. Singing, Stories and Crafts for Under 5s under London Transport Museum takes place every Friday in term time. Craft and interactive singing and storytelling in partnership with Artburst. Included with annual pass £24 adults, £23 conc, £18 local resident, £1 Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
    Next dates: 16, 23 & 30 June and 7, 14 & 21 July 2023.

23. Family Under 5s workshops at British Library take place the second Friday of the month. Sensory play environment with music and storytelling. Free, book. Under 5s.
    Next date: Let’s Celebrate! (14 July 2023).
    

24. Rug Rhymes at National Poetry Library at Southbank Centre on the second and fourth Friday of the month term time only. Nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories. £4 1A+1C, book. Under 5s.
    Next dates: 30 June and 14 July 2023.
    

25. Little Flamingos at Gunnersbury Park take place on the third Friday of the month in term times only. Songs, dances and stories plus small soft play area. £3 child, book. From sitting baby to toddlers.
    Next dates: 21 July and 15 September 2023.
    

26. Saturday Snappity at Kingston Museum runs every other Saturday. Story and craft sessions. £2 per child, book. Under 5s.
    Next dates: 17 June, 8 & 22 July and 12 & 19 July 2023.
    

27. Early Years Messy Play at Old Royal Naval College runs the third Sunday of each month. Sensory activities, sand and water play, construction and creative fun. Free, drop in. Ages 2-5.
    Next dates: 16 July, 20 August & 17 September 2023.
    

28. Family Station: Explore and Play at British Library takes place the last Sunday of every month during term time, plus week-long openings during school holidays. Unfacilitated play station with interactive activities, sensory materials and books. Free, drop in. All ages.
    Next dates: 25 June, 30 July, 21-27 August, 24 September, 23-29 October and 26 November 2023.
    

29. Squish Space at Barbican opens on selected days. A free creative play space. FREE, drop in/book. Under 5s and their families.
    Next dates: 10-11 and 15-18 June 2023.

30. Chamber Tots at Wigmore Hall takes place on selected days. Music making workshops with instruments, songs and stories. £8 adult, £6 child, book. Ages 1-5.
    Next dates: Rainbows and Rainstorms (23 June 2023 - sold out), Autumn (28 September and 24 October 2023), Vibrant Landscapes (8 November 2023), 3, 2, 1... Take Off! (22 November 2023) and Winter (7 December 2023).
    

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these and, if so, what you thought. I’d love to share your reviews with other parents.

And please consider forwarding this to your friends with babies and toddlers - I bet they’ll be grateful to have all the research done for them!

Weekend activities: 10-11 June 2023

Looking for some last minute fun? There’s a bumper offering this weekend - all events listed below are either drop in or still with places to book. Click the links for timings and any booking information.

10 and 11 June 2023

1. Queen Mary University London Festival of Communities. 10-11 June, free.

2. Lambeth Country Show in Brockwell Park. 10-11 June, free.

3. Squish Space at Barbican. 10-11 June, free. Under 5s and their families.

4. Pacman Make and Take at Lego Store Leicester Square. 10-11 June, free.

10 June 2023 only

11 June 2023 only

13. Marylebone Summer Festival Street Party, free.

14. Alice’s Adventures in Aerialand at Myatt’s Fields Park SE5, paid.

15. Printing workshops at East London Printmakers Open Studios in Mile End, free.

16. Get on your bikes for Tour de Waltham Forest, starting Leyton Jubilee Park. Free.

17. Drawing Futures Together children’s workshop at Crystal Palace Park, free.

18. Painting Newham: Family Mural Workshop at the Poetry House, E15. Free.

19. Bake and Take soda biscuits at Jewish Museum London, paid.

20. Open Sundays at Pitzhanger, free.

Have a fantastic weekend! I’d love it if you tagged me in your cultural outings - it’s great to see what you’re enjoying.

Until next time,

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