London's prettiest ice rink re-opens for the festive season this Friday. Kiddies can join the skate school or use stabilising penguins to help guide them along on the training rink. Smallest skates are size 7, and remember to bring waterproof mitts to keep little hands warm. There is also a special Christmas Arcade for a spot of shopping

It's impossible not to LOVE this utterly charming adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's entertaining tale of the separation and reunion of sweet little stick man and his family, with funny and moving adventures along the way. Leicester Square is looking nicer these days, but be warned, there is a gigantic M&M's World at the base of the W Hotel.

The first of what is intended to be an annual Barbican youngsters film festival, with a selection of films for under 12's as well as others for teens. There are also workshops running alongside and after screenings and opportunities to be a film critic or programmer to help in the selections for the Film Club.

The Grimm's Brothers published their first macabre stories 200 years ago and in their honor, Theatre Iolo have created a trilogy of the most beloved tales; Cinderella, Hansel & Gretel and Snow White in all their sinister glory. Ideal for brave over 6's with imagination.

The Little Angel's beautifully crafted version of Pinocchio begins this weekend. The classic tale is rather well suited to the Little Angel with its atmospheric puppet workshop next door. An engaging performance for kids over six. If you can brave the queue, our favourite (the original) Ottolenghi is just around the corner for treats.

The tourist hoards have gone and the twinkly lights are up making winter a magical time to visit the Tower of London and enjoy a skate on the moat. Opens this Saturday until 6th January. Minimum skate size 8 but they have bob skates for wee ones too. Just don't attempt to lift any keys, we hear security has recently been tightened.

Author and illustrator James Mayhew will stop by Wimbledon followed by Muswell Hill to demonstrate drawings of his lovely books including the Katie and the Ella Bella collections and sign copies for little fans. If time allows, we like Ridgway Stables just off the High Street for a gentle trot around Wimbledon Common after the bookshop.

We are loving Kensington Park Road at the moment - it has one of our favourite bookshops: Luytens & Rubinstein, one of our favourite kids / lifestyle shops: Couverture & The Garbstore; which is hosting a fun kids day on Sunday, and as of this week, one of our favourite bouquet alternatives, the lovely Biscuiteers have opened a gorgeous boutique with biccies, chocs and workshops.

Nautical fun inspired by the Designed to Win exhibition at which children imagine, design and create a model boat of any style they choose - whatever floats your boat, so to speak. The sparkly Swarovski exhibit is still running and pop by the great gift shop on the way out for covetable pressies.

Depending on one's background, seven or eight maybe considered a lucky number and likewise, four or 13 not so much. This workshop focuses on the many meanings of numbers and is a creative opportunity to make a screen print of your favourite number. A fun workshop to do with a child, and if it turns out spectacular, display with pride.

A Top 10 of interesting events and activities to do with the kids in London this weekend. We do not feature any advertising or paid for content, just activities that we have tried and found to be very good and upcoming events that sound very interesting.

Urban Explorer - London for Kids, 145-157 St John Street, London, EC1V 4PY

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