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Things to do in London in November with kids

By CW Contributor on 30/10/2019

Looking for things to do in London with the kids this November? You don’t need to lift a finger – we’ve rounded up the best the city has to offer. The only thing we can’t do? Tantrum-proof your weekend.

Don't miss the South Kensington Kids Festival 2019

Now in its 22nd year, the South Ken Kids Festival is back at the Institut français, with some of the most exciting children's writers and illustrators like Axel Scheffler, Magali Le Huche, Colas Gutman, Sophy Henn, Emily Rand, Piret Raud, Joe Todd-Stanton and Catharina Valckx, with a programme that includes live drawing events with top illustrators, workshops and talks - including one by the national treasure otherwise known as Quentin Blake on 24 November. Throughout the month, there are also baby sessions, arts and crafts and gaming workshops, screenings and French language groups.

Photo: Annie Spratt

WHEN

18 Nov 2019 - 24 Nov 2019

WHERE

Institut Francais, 17 Queenberry Place , London, SW7 2DT

Get literary at the Tottenham Literature Festival

There's plenty on for the grownups and kids of all ages at The Bernie Grant Arts Centre’s Tottenham Literature Festival, which champions work by black authors, celebrating storytelling in all its forms, including memoir, spoken word, poetry and prose.

There will be author talks, films and debates tackling subjects like how writing can be activism, as well as interactive African storytime and arts and crafts sessions, family creative writing workshops and musical performances.

WHEN

Nov 1 2019 - Nov 9 2019

WHERE

Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham Green, London, N15 4RX

Lizzy's Pecan Pie at The Jones Family Kitchen. Photo: Simon Burrell

Get into the Thanksgiving spirit

You don't need to be from the US of A to appreciate what Thanksgiving's all about: quality time with our kids and families, gratitude for what we have and a day focused around unity, friendship and love, not stuff. So watch some football, eat pumpkin pie, or go out to a Thanksgiving meal in London. Booking in to see Hamilton again also counts.

Guy Fawkes 2019: best firework displays in London

Guy Fawkes Night 2019: best firework displays in London

Remember, remember the 5th of November. Keep the dogs inside but head out with the kids for a fabulous night of aerial pyrotechnics.

WHEN

5 Nov 2019

Northern Ballet, Little Red Riding Hood, illustration by Emily Nuttall

Watch Little Red Riding Hood, Northern Ballet, Linbury Theatre

Leeds-based Northern Ballet's latest children's work is fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. With choreography by company dancer Mariana Rodrigues and a score by Eloise Gynn, this familiar and beloved story might just be the way to get your little ones enjoying the ballet.

WHEN

08 Nov 2019 – 10 Nov 2019, Fri 14:30; Sat 11:00, 13:00, 15:00; Sun 10:30, 15:00 Dur.: 40 mins no interval

WHERE

Royal Opera House
Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Bridge Theatre

Venture through the wardrobe the magical world of Narnia as C.S Lewis's classic is brought to life at the Bridge Theatre. Sally Cookson's devised production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe transfers to London after a successful opening in Leeds in 2017. We. Can't. Wait.

WHEN

09 Nov 2019 – 02 Feb 2020, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

WHERE

Bridge Theatre
3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG

Winter Wonderland magic at RHS Wisley. Photo: RHS/Joanna Kossak

Winter wonderlands worth escaping London for

Get in to see the stunning Christmas illuminations at locations like Waddesdon Manor and Blenheim Palace before the crowds descend in December. With illuminated trails, festive trees and Christmas markets, there's plenty to delight both you and the kids.

Mortals and mystical beings meet in The Magic Flute at Covent Garden

Listen to The Magic Flute at the Royal Opera House

We all know getting the kids into music from a young age has many benefits - and we're sure you get bonus points if they enjoy classical. Mozart's kid-friendly opera, The Magic Flute, is at the Royal Opera House this month and might be the perfect treat for anyone who can appreciate a coloratura.

WHEN

01 Nov 2019 – 27 Nov 2019, nine performances; one interval

WHERE

Royal Opera House
Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD

Go party with Big Fish Little Fish

There's a raver in all of us - even after two or three kids - and Big Fish Little Fish knows how to bring it out, and keep the kids happy, too (think face painting, crafts with an eco twist, cupcakes, balloons, dancing and more). This month, there's a rave at the Museum of London Docklands with the Clangers and a Christmas-themed one at Pryzm in Kingston. Neon bracelets at the ready.

WHEN

Nov 23 (Museum of London Docklands) and Nov 30 (Pryzm Kingston)