City Kids Magazine

15/11/2024

As the winter days get a little darker and a bit colder, don’t let that slow you down. We have a great selection of fun days out for you and your minis. Check out our latest Friday Five shortlist for this weekend:

Take to the ice at the magnificent neoclassical courtyard ice rink with Skate at Somerset House.

Go on a magical journey into captivating stories from the Islamic World with The Magic of Storytelling at William Morris Gallery.

Head on a festive, magical quest with the whole family at Polka Theatre’s Nutcracker.

At the cardboard theatrical adventure Boxville, you can meet paper dragons, corrugated crabs and cardboard space robots. 

See Kew Gardens transformed into a magical winter light trail for Christmas at Kew, with glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in colour. 

Check out our What’s On events page at citykidsmagazine.co.uk for lots more fun things to do. LINK IN BIO

15/11/2024

Applications for primary school places for September 2025 are now open. Parents of children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 have until 15 January 2025 to apply for a primary school place for the academic year starting in September 2025.  The admissions processes currently in place can be confusing and it’s important that you thoroughly research your options.

Head to the link in our bio for key pointers for completing your primary school application from our education partners at The Good Schools Guide who have been advising parents on state and independent school applications for more than 35 years. 

11/11/2024

Our judges are judging and very soon we’ll be announcing the winners of The Green Awards 2024. In the meantime check out our shortlisted brands on our website.

And for those of you who have been shortlisted - you have mail!

08/11/2024

Is it too far too early to get in the festive mood or the perfect time to celebrate all things Christmassy? Whether you can’t wait for the holiday season to get going or prefer to hold off a while longer, we have lots in store for you this weekend! 

This weekend London shows Remembrance and if you head to the Tower of London you’ll see it lit up with an immersive sound and light show., plus there’s after-hours access to the Crown Jewels.

Get your skates on and head to Glide at Battersea Power Station. You can skate around three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree.

At Southbank’s Winter Market, you can stroll along the Thames, which will be illuminated with outdoor artwork. Browse for Christmas gifts and sample street food from traditional alpine-style chalets.

Discover more about the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker at Watts Gallery’s first exhibition for younger visitors and families with lots of opportunities to play and create.

Find out what London’s docks were used for and what life would’ve been like for sailors many years ago at the Mudlarks Family Gallery. 

Check out our What’s On events page at citykidsmagazine.co.uk for lots more fun things to do. LINK IN BIO

06/11/2024

Judges roll call!

Erica Loi, , is a freelance media consultant and mother to her boys, Edo and Lupo. Erica previously worked at British Vogue in the publishing department and most recently for parenting publications as well as working directly with kids fashion brands internationally. Erica is a real supporter of small brands and is trying to realistically create a greener lifestyle for her family.

Victoria Evans is Founder Editor in Chief of City Kids Magazine. With a passion for bringing parents the latest child-friendly events, educational resources, and family lifestyle edits, Victoria is also a huge supporter of independent brands. Over the last 10 years, City Kids has highlighted thousands of small businesses in print and online which has also given Victoria the chance to advise on brand partnerships, marketing and PR. “It gives me great joy to introduce like-minded brands to each other, knowing they will create something special.”

05/11/2024

Want to meet more of our fabulous judges? Your wish is our command!
(Also, sound ON for this one!)

Ellie Thompson, 43, is the editor, blogger, and podcaster behind the popular UK parenting and lifestyle website My Baba. Known for her candid and heartfelt content, Ellie is also the voice of The Jellie Diary, her IVF blog and vlog, where she shares her journey through motherhood with raw honesty and humour. As a freelance copywriter and content creator, Ellie’s work-life spans parenting, lifestyle, fertility and more. 
Ellie is a devoted mother to her daughter, Maddie, 7, and to her angel son, Billy, who tragically passed away this year at age four from a DIPG brain tumour. Inspired by Billy’s courage, Ellie is now working towards establishing Billy’s Battalion as a charity to honour his legacy. Through this initiative, Ellie hopes to raise awareness of DIPGa and to support and fund research into treatments.

Katie Kendrick is a leading specialist in the kids’ fashion & lifestyle industry. She works as a consultant & content creator to many international trade shows, businesses & associations. 
With a keen interest in both the business & creative aspects of the industry Katie produces both written & video content packed full of interviews, features & news from buyers, agents, stylists, designers, & professionals working in the kids’ fashion & lifestyle sector. 
Katie is the owner of kids’ fashion & lifestyle platform - Pirouette incorporating Pirouette blog*, the directory* and zine*.

Charlotte Kewley aka is a baby & kids stylist who takes the effort out of shopping for kids with her weekly Friday Finds fashion edits featuring the best baby & childrenswear from the high street & beyond. She’s just launched her first product - The New Baby Box - a thoughtfully curated, beautifully packaged newborn gift box featuring favourite stylish essentials from sustainable, design focused, independent brands.

04/11/2024

While we’re busy in the background with The Green Awards, let’s tell you a little about some of our judges.

Neev Spencer is a broadcaster best known for her multiple award-winning radio shows. She’s one of the UK’s most loved & listened-to broadcast personalities and the first British Asian to cross over into mainstream radio. She’s toured the world as a DJ supporting the likes of David Guetta and Hardwell and she’s no stranger to TV either, often contributing to Sky News, Good Morning Britain or presenting TV shows. ⁠
⁠ is an ambassador for five charities including The Prince’s Trust and Best Beginnings, has made a film about post-natal depression for Heads Together and has also completed the Annapurna Trek in Nepal in aid of fighting human trafficking for the charity One Family Global. You’ll find her hosting her Magic FM daily from 1-4pm.

Laura Coleman is a model and influencer turned devoted mother who has become a trendsetter in the fashion and beauty industry. shares her passion for fashion, beauty, and motherhood with her following. 
Laura’s content has evolved to include a unique perspective on motherhood, offering insights into her life as Mum and her journey towards balance in work and family life. Her authentic and relatable nature shines through her content, resonating with her followers and making her a trusted source of inspiration for women seeking to balance work, family, and self-care.

Bianca London is one of GLAMOUR UK’s Website Directors, a media consultant and mother/personal assistant to daughters Olivia, 3, and Sophia, 10 months.  previously worked as Assistant Femail Editor and Fashion and Beauty Commerce Editor at MailOnline, and has been published by Vogue, Vanity Fair, Made For Mums and Mail on Sunday. Her writing spans lifestyle, wellness and mental health, as well as beauty, parenting empowerment and activism, pushing the agenda for a more sustainable and green future for our kids.

Stay tuned for more news about our judges coming soon 💚

01/11/2024

There’s a lot going on this weekend, so here’s some Friday Five ideas to get you out and about. Save them just in case!

This weekend is your last chance to Explore the Supernatural at WWT London. Discover activities that show just how super wetland nature can be.

On Saturday at Sticks ’n’ Sushi, Richmond, mini chefs can hone their sushi-making skills at a Kids’n’Sushi Masterclasses, while learning all about the history of the Japanese dish. .uk

Get involved with hands-on planting and leave your mark in The Green Park at Wildflower Planting Day. Free drop in event.

On Sunday at Polka Theatre ‘Everything has Changed’ brings a joyful kaleidoscopic family show about change, why change happens, and how to deal with it.

Enjoy crazy golf and carnival at Swingers. The Carnival Experience is available for families pre-6pm where big and little kids can play games such as Down the Clown, Skeeball, and Ring Toss.

28/10/2024

It’s nearly time to dig out your spookiest costume and take your little monsters out for a Halloween treat. We've had a sneaky look at what's on offer this week in and around London. 🎃👻🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️🧛‍♂️🕷
1. Chiltern Open Air Museum’s Halloween Spectacular returns on Friday, 1 November. Enjoy a spooky woodland walk, fire performances, bonfire, spooky horse and lots of fun family activities. Chiltern Open Air Museum
2. Head to Hyde Park for a Hair Raising Halloween and enjoy a host of free creepy crawly Autumn activities. (29 to 31)
3. Walk into a wonderfully bewitching world at Stonor Park’s Moon Witch Halloween Adventure, with story telling, pumpkin carving and a rare chance to spot the mystical Moon Witch in the woods. (to 29)
4. Wander from dusk into darkness between one ghostly space to another with Halloween at Kew. You'll have to move fast as there are only a handful of tickets (to November 3)
5. Celebrate all things dark and dire at Greenwich Market, with face painting, balloon modelling and magic aplenty. (31)
6. Get your broomsticks, hats and magic wands at the ready and venture into Knebworth Gardens for a Halloween Adventure. (29 to 31)
7. Merchant Square is hosting a range of thrilling activities to get you into the eerie spirit, with free movies, pumpkin carving and with 300 pumpkins glistening under the the night-sky. (28 to 31)
8. Dare to face the restless spirits that roam the Tower of London and have a hauntingly good time on their Halloween trail. (to November 3)
9. Get dressed up and travel across the Solar System for Holiday to Space at the Royal Observatory for a planetarium show and interactive workshop led by astronomers. (31)
10. For another day trip, head to Wi******er for broomstick flying, facepainting, festive treats and plenty of animal fun at Boo at the Zoo.(27 to 31)

If that's not enough, head to our website for more fantastic family things to do! www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk/events-page/

25/10/2024

Our Friday Five half term round up starts with a trip delving into the fantastical world of Tim Burton in this major exhibition exploring his remarkable creations and key collaborations with designers.
📸Surrounded, 1996, © Tim Burton

Dance Umbrella Family Weekend at Unicorn Theatre and Potters Field Park provides performances, workshops and arts and crafts for the whole family to enjoy. Pop on your dancing shoes for an afternoon of DJ’s, live cabaret acts, dance floor prizes and family fun!

Join a Hidden London tour at the London Transport Museum to see disused stations, closed platforms and other secret areas of the Underground network. Hear fascinating historical facts and stories pulled straight from the museum’s archives. For 10yrs+

Visitors to MCM Comic Con at London ExCel this weekend can explore a vibrant array of exhibitors, hang out with favourite streamers, cosplayers, influencers and podcasters, meet creators, artists and museums and celebrate all things comic.

And if you can’t wait for Christmas, you can get skates on at Ice Rink Canary Wharf. 13 daily sessions begin on Saturday.

For more ideas for October half term head to the link in our bio.

24/10/2024

The Baby Show returns to Olympia this weekend for its 23rd year from Friday 25th until Sunday 27th October. And we have 10 FREE pairs of tickets for those quickest off the mark. All you have to do is follow the link, complete your details and you’ll be winging your way to the event.

The show will feature the UK’s biggest parenting brands including , , , , , , , , , , – and new for 2024 – and .

The Baby Show is a one-stop shop for everything any new and expectant parent needs. As well as the Buggy Testing Track where parents can try before they buy, a Baby Feeding Café for feeding in peace and The Baby Show Café with Joie, you can also enjoy the Live Talks Stage . The UK’s best experts will be sharing their tips on the most important issues affecting new parents including feeding, sleep, birth, first aid, health and fitness and many more. Experts include Lucy Shrimpton, Founder of , ’s Jenni Dunman, .positivelyparenthood, weaning experts, and , the founder and CEO of , Melinda Nicci and many more.

Follow the link in our bio to claim your tickets!

18/10/2024

04/10/2024

Start the month on the right note and get out and about with the kids in London Town this weekend. Here is our latest Friday Five of things to do this weekend.

Try your luck at the Hampstead Heath Conker Championships, with prizes up for grabs and plenty of family fun to be had.

Celebrate International Day of the Girl at Islington’s Festival of the Girl, which sets out to inspire, engage and break down gender stereotypes.

Have a good old fashioned East End Family Knees Up, an interactive show full of family favourites you’ll want to sing along with.

See the marks that the war left on the City of London and the stories they tell on London Museum’s Second World War Family Walk. 

Celebrate the orchard harvest at Fulham Palace’s annual Apple Day, where younger visitors can enjoy garden games and crafts.

Check out our What’s On events page for lots more fun things to do.
LINK IN BIO

01/10/2024

We’re excited to announce a fantastic competition to win the all-new Joolz Hub² stroller!
The Joolz Hub² is a stroller that combines ultimate comfort for your little one with a compact, sleek design—perfectly tailored for busy city parents. Shaped by feedback from over 5,000 parents, it’s one of the most nimble and easy-to-manoeuvre strollers out there. Whether you’re navigating busy streets or tight spaces, its slim 52cm width glides effortlessly through small doorways, so you’ll find public transport a breeze.

Discover more about the Joolz Hub² stroller and how to win one over on our website. Link in bio.

Good Luck!

27/09/2024

From live theatre to festivals and even a teddy bear’s picnic thrown in, take a browse of our fab Friday Five shortlist for the weekend. 

Tumble down the rabbit hole with The Royal Ballet’s production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Journey through time at the Chelsea History Festival which features lots of free family activities.

Introduce little ones to live theatre when four of Eric Carle’s classic children’s books are brought to life on stage at The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show.

Inspired by The Greatest Showman, Come Alive is a new circus spectacular heading to London town.

Bring your bear and to the The Islander Festival for a teddy bear’s picnic and music workshop. .e14

Check out our What’s On events page for lots more fun things to do. LINK IN BIO

20/09/2024

With schools, work and chores back in full swing, recharge your batteries and treat the family to a lovely outing this weekend. 

At the Suitcase Circus you can hop on board a floating theatre and enter a chaotic world full of charming talented objects.

Join super sleuth Danyah Miller to unravel The Mystery of Little Angel Theatre – a spontaneous storytelling show.

Celebrate the life and soul of the capital’s river, with a programme of free activities for the whole family to enjoy at Thames Day.

Head to the Design Museum to celebrate all things play and design at Play Build Play.

Learn the traditional art of textile weaving and create your own fabric using simple cardboard looms at a William Morris Gallery Family Day.

Check out our What’s On events page for lots more fun things to do. LINK IN BIO

13/09/2024

From theatre and Lego to food and pet festivals, there is no shortage of fun things to do this weekend.

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet is all about a small dog with a big personality, showing at the Little Angel Theatre.

Experience the wonders of South East Asian culture at Battersea Power Station’s celebrASIA Festival.

Little Red Riding Could is a playful retelling of the familiar fairy tale that dares you to step off the path and write your own story.

Treat your doggie to a splash pool and canine massages, while learning lots about being a pet parent at the Amazon Pet Fest.

Delve into a vivid world of imagination at a free Lego Workshop, with lots of building and designing on the agenda.

Check out our What’s On events page at www.citykidsmagazine.co.uk for lots more fun things to do. LINK IN BIO

06/09/2024

London is abuzz with family events so take advantage and get out and about with the kids this weekend. 

It’s the last weekend to check out Young V&A’s exhibition Japan Myths to Manga, where you can go on a journey through sky, sea, forest and city to discover fascinating folktales, art and design. .vam

For a bit of nostalgia, visit the gallery@oxo for Care Bears Forever, featuring original pieces of Care Bears artwork and an immersive piece created by fans all over the world.

The Classic Boat Festival at St Katherine Docks features over 50 preserved vintage boats and plenty of nautical fun.

Head to Walthamstow’s Fellowship Square for a barn dance and film screening of the much-loved classic musical Calamity Jane.

Add some spice to your life at Fulham Palace’s Chilli Fest, an all day celebration of the chilli plant.

Check out our What’s On events page for lots more fun things to do. LINK IN BIO