Things To Do This Weekend, 25th-26th January

It may be extra chilly in London this week but don’t let that stop you from getting out for some family fun! We’ve rounded up the best of what’s on this weekend if you’re in need of some inspiration to see January out in style.

Chinese New Year starts this Saturday 25th and there’s no better way to kick-start the festivities than with central London’s explosive celebration on the 26th. Join the vibrant parade as it parties through the West End, Chinatown, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square, with tonnes of festive floats and delicious delicacies as well as a day of free authentic activities at the National Gallery.

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key to welcome in the year of the rat, The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is showcasing some of the best of Chinese culture in its family activity day themed around the Lunar New Year! From educational performances and storytelling sessions to crafty origami and traditional paper-cutting classes, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone.

Are your little ones budding young heroes and heroines? The British Library is holding a free storytelling session all about the bravest and boldest children throughout literature, for all those inspired bookworms already eager to make a difference and stand up for what's right. Drop-in for this charming family workshop this Sunday!

There’s no better way to spend a chilly Sunday than with an afternoon of board games, but with So Board’s sessions you can do so and still get the family out the house! This week they’re at The Albany Fitzrovia, and will be stocked full of your old family-favourites plus the newest, quirkiest board games for you and the kids to try out. Grab a ticket for 6 hours of unlimited play at this gaming extravaganza with all the excitement of going out, but all the home-comforts of staying in!

Canary Wharf’s award-winning Winter Lights Festival ends this Saturday 25th, so make sure you don’t miss out on this free immersive spectacle! With over 25 pieces from international artists, you and the kids will be dazzled by the displays and interactive installations that offer heaps of family-fun to brighten up this last January weekend. Have a read of what our very own Kidadler thought here!

Calling all animal-lovers and history-fanatics! The British Museum is hosting another wonderful workshop to learn all about the different animals in their collections and their history. Using high-tech Samsung tablets to help you discover loads of fun facts along the way, this free drop-in session is the perfect day out for curious kids, which you can complete with an exploration of the Museum’s iconic exhibitions afterwards! 

We’ve been spoilt with kids’ theatre this year and Stick Man is no exception! In another wonderful adaptation of a beloved children’s book, Stick Man comes to the West End with plenty of audience participation, silly song and dance, fun-filled adventures and ingenious costume and props which perfectly bring Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's quirky picture book to life on stage. The only downside is it ends this Sunday - so grab your tickets whilst you can!

Thought knitting was just for grandparents?! This children’s knitting workshop will prove you wrong as your early teens discover the perfect output for their creativity. Learn to Knit 4 Kids will teach them all the basics of this super handy, age-old craft and includes all the materials they’ll need to get started on a skill that will last a lifetime. Consider your next birthday presents sorted!

Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to play with your food? If you’re constantly snubbing your little ones’ messy food experiments, you can now let them run wild with Pencil & Fork’s explosive cookery class! Combining chemistry, physics and food, this unique masterclass is like nothing you’ve ever done before where kids are encouraged to play out scientific experiments using everyday food, as well as some more whacky ingredients! Transform your dinner at this hilarious workshop perfect for crazy scientists young and old!

Experience some traditional tales in a whole new way at The Cockpit theatre this Saturday, where skilled storytellers will immerse audiences in familiar family-favourites through exciting drama activities and engaging role-play. Get stuck in all together and walk in the footsteps of some the most beloved and classic characters from kids stories with 14% off your family ticket on Kidadl!