Printmaking workshop at the Geffrye

Geffrye Museum
Patterns!

Free half-term activities for children aged 2-16. Tuesday May 30-Friday June 2, 10.30am-4pm
Inspired by the many patterns found in the museum and gardens, create patterned T-shirts, tote bags, key-rings, sun-catchers, prints, wallpaper and much more.

Have fun creating patterns

For full details of workshops and timings visit www.geffrye-museum.org.uk. Places are allocated on a first-come first-served basis 30 minutes prior to the beginning of each activity. All children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.

• The Geffrye Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA. Nearest station Hoxton Overground (directly behind museum). 020 7739 9893. info@geffrye-museum.org.uk,  www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

Mighty meat eaters investigated

Killer Carnivores Workshop
Grant Museum of Zoology

May 30-June 3, 1-4.30pm. During the half-term holiday, the Grant Museum of Zoology is investi­gating the amazing way meat-eaters – from lions to pythons and sharks to crocodiles – find, catch and eat their prey. A chance to take part in fun, specimen-based activities and get up close to the museum’s collection of skulls and skeletons. This event is free and there is no need to book. Drop in between 1pm and 4.30pm.
Founded in 1828 as a teaching collection, the museum is packed full of skeletons, mounted animals and specimens preserved in fluid. Many of the species are now endangered or extinct including thylacine, the quagga, and the dodo.

• Grant Museum of Zoology, 21 University Street, Bloomsbury, WC1E 6DE, 020 3108 2052, www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/grant-museum-zoology

Picturing Hetty Feather – a new exhibition at the Foundling Museum

Picturing Hetty Feather
The Foundling Museum

Since the first book was published in 2008, Dame Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather series has delighted young audiences with the adventures of the spirited Victorian foundling Hetty Feather. This new family-friendly exhibition explores how this much-loved character has brought to life the history of London’s Foundling Hospital, on page, stage and screen. Visitors can discover the world of Hetty Feather through television props, rarely-seen archival items and hands-on activities.

In 2008, Dame Jacqueline Wilson became one of the Museum’s first Foundling Fellows. For her Fellowship, Wilson researched the Hospital’s history and developed her character Hetty Feather, a girl who uses imaginative storytelling or, as she calls it, “picturing” to deal with life’s challenges. Hetty has gone on to feature in five books which have sold millions of copies, the first two of which feature the Foundling Hospital.

On display for the first time are key elements of the CBBC Hetty Feather television set, including props and original costumes, alongside treasures from the Foundling Hospital Collection and archive, some of which have not been seen before by the public. Visitors can try on costumes made for the CBBC production, and try their hand at script writing by creating their own Foundling Hospital character as part of a selection of hands-on activities.
This immersive exhibition invites visitors to discover their own “picturing” abilities in relation to the Foundling Hospital story, and imagine what life was like for Hetty and the real-life foundling children.

• Picturing Hetty Feather runs from May 26-September 3 at The Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ, Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm, Monday closed. Admission: £8.25 adults, £5.50 concessions (incl Gift Aid), free for children, Foundling Friends & National Art Pass holders. An additional nominal charge for adults applies for Picturing Hetty Feather (free for children & Foundling Friends). 020 7841 3600, foundlingmuseum.org.uk

A Russian folk story brought to life with Stravinsky’s music and the LSO

The Firebird
LSO Discovery family concert

Saturday June 3, 2.30-3.30pm,
Barbican Hall

The Evil Tsar has turned 12 princesses into stone, and only Prince Ivan and his friend the Firebird can set them free! This Russian folk story about a magical bird was transformed into a ballet by Stravinsky in the early 1900s, and with the help of presenter Rachel Leach and conductor Elim Chan the story and characters will be brought back to life with Stravinsky’s music played by the London Symphony Orchestra.

In addition, get into the spirit for the afternoon performance at a music-making workshop in the Barbican main foyer (10.30am-12.45pm). Join professional musicians to create a composition, inspired by the vivid and exciting music in Stravinsky’s The Firebird. If you play an instrument bring it along, or if not, take part using the percussion.

In this hands-on workshop, you will create your own mask and tote bag including folk art patterns and designs inspired by the Firebird. An experienced artist will guide the process with hints and tips to help along the way. Tickets: £7 adults, £5 under-18s, open to Family Concert ticket holders only, advance booking essential – call the box office on 020 7638 8891.

There a crèche for use during the concert for younger siblings. Those with children aged under seven are encouraged to use the crèche, and must book places in advance.

There are also free arts activities in the foyer from 1.10-2.20pm. No need to book.

• The Firebird, June 3, at The Barbican, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS, box office 020 7638 8891, https://lso.co.uk/whats-on/

Discover family guided tours at the Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament
Family guided tours

There are a number of ways to visit the Houses of Parliament, including fun, thought-provoking family guided tours that are aimed at children. Visitors discover the Commons Chamber, home to the Speaker’s Chair and the famous green ben­ches, plus the Lords Chamber, medieval Westminster Hall and the heart of Parlia­ment, Central Lobby. Seasonal stories and optional activities for children are added during the year. Children go free, and tours last one hour.

• Tickets can now be booked for the following dates: Thursday June 1 and Friday 2 June 2. Saturdays until August 26 (except June 10 and 17); Wednesday May 31 (themed for London History Day). Monday-Friday from July 24-September 1 (except August 28). Children (up to age 15) go free, but still require a ticket; adults £18.50, concessions £16. Book online at www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/tours-of-parliament/family-guided-tours/ or call 020 7219 4114.