Your Half Term #KickUpTheArts

It's here again folks, the kids will be home all week NEXT WEEK. Eeeeeeek! Having had many a mid term meltdown, I have learned that it's best to approach these "holidays" like a scout - BE PREPARED.

In an effort to ease your pain and maximise the pleasure factor, here are some suggestions for you, feel free to take 'em or leave 'em.

Saturday, May 28

 It's a case of Dalston Children's Festival to the rescue today, whoop! Yep, there is some awesome FREE stuff to do all day long - ride in a canal boat with Chug, learn how to paint a mural at Bootstrap, draw on the streets in Dalston Square, paint and create at the Curve Garden, make a pop up card at the Library, have a caricature done at Donna Fugassa, all the details on their lovely website.

Sunday, May 29
Check out “Magical Surfaces” - it's a wacky, weird and kinda wonderful photography exhibit at Parasol Unit. Follow with lunch or snacks at the fabulously family friendly Toconoco cafe just around the corner.

Joel Sternfeld, 'McLean, Virginia, December 1978' (detail)

Monday, May 30
Join me for the first day of half term workshops at the V & A Museum of Childhood. The theme this holiday is "the moving museum" and I’m taking over their Instagram for the week, so if you can’t make it in, I'll make sure you and the kids you love can join the fun and get busy at home.

I know quite a few local parents and carers who feel like they've done this place to death, but change is a-comin and the moving museum is just the start. C'mon in this week for a #KickUpTheArts ;)

Tuesday, May 31
At some stage this week, head to Mayfair's Victoria Miro Gallery to see this dotty exhibit by the even dottier Yayoi Kusama. She is brilliexcellent and it's a great intro to art for smallies. On till end of June.

artist Yayoi Kusama

Wednesday, June 1
Hackney Shed are running 2 FREE masterclass workshops teaching circus skills today for 8-12 year olds (and another tomorrow for 13-19 year olds). Working with a professional circus artist the workshops will cover skills including juggling, acrobatic skills and hula hoop techniques. Woohooo!

Each workshop runs from 11.00am – 4.00pm and will be in the theatre at BSix College, Kenninghall Road, E5 8BP. Sign up in advance (here), bring a packed lunch and prepare to get sweaty... 

Thursday, June 2
At Tate Britain from 11-4pm today 8-14 year olds are invited to get involved, mix things up and redesign the Tate website. Watch out for loads of excellent stuff happening later in the month for kids of all ages - with the opening of the new wing at Tate Modern, there’s lots of free activities for all ages.

Friday, June 3
Yes, there are dirty bits, but there’s also those iconic balloon sculptures and the biggest mountain of play-doh you’ll ever see. Go to Vauxhall and see Damien Hirst’s showcase of Jeff Koons’ work at Newport Street Gallery.

Jeff Koons at Newport Street Gallery

Bring your camera and get the kids to do some funny poses, it's #artskicking and another easy, colourful intro to the art world for kiddos.

Saturday, June 4
It’s the Dalston Children’s Festival again - covering our #arts for two weeks in a row! Arrive early for a movement workshop at the Arcola Theatre, take in a live theatre performance at the Rio Cinema, spend a penny with Bump Buddies at Dalston Square, shake your booty on Forest Road, there's something for everyone.

Sunday, June 5
I know I keep banging on about it, but have you downloaded the SpaceExplorer app yet?
Do it, then go for a lovely leisurely walkies.

The Girlchild spaces out on the Space Explorer trail

Happy Half Term crusaders. Go kick some #arts.

Swoosh!
The Arts Crusader⚡️

P.S. I'm mainly to be found on Instagram and in Love East Magazine these days, but follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest if you feel so inclined ;)