Lambeth - What's on for the family - October 6th-7th 2012

The heating has been put on at home, an extra blanket on the bed and the search is on for a good winter coat for baby Boo-boo. So I was hoping for a few events indoors however it looks like we will be getting out hats, gloves and scarves because this weekend's offerings are outdoors!

So lets take a look.

SATURDAY (6th October)

Now it's all gone a bit arty this weekend as it is the Lambeth Open, an opportunity to poke one's nose into the studios of the local art community. Unfortunately it's not necessarily a child friendly event though if you have a baby in a sling, I'm sure this event is accessible to you. Anyway, I thought I'd put it out there for those who want to brave it! Let us know how it goes.

Neighboring borough Wandsworth also have a similar event with their Wandsworth Artist Open House. They have a couple of arty trails mapped out in Battersea and Balham/Tooting area so fairly easy for Lambeth folks to get to!  Again probably not on for those with toddlers who might run riot around valuable art works!

However these events also coincide with the Big Draw. YAY! say the parents, because this has some things that children of all ages can get involved with!

First up, the Brixton Windmill is holding a Big Draw event. Travel up the hill on buses 159, 109, 133, 45 and 333 to Windmill Gardens and get involved in their Flour Power event from 1pm to 4pm. This involves helping create a large participatory Rangoli drawing, "a traditional folk art from India, involves creating large designs on the floor using bright colourful materials such as flour, seeds and pulses". There will also be chalks around so kids can chalk the paths with pictures and patterns. There will be tea, coffee and cake available and the gardens has a kids playground so this makes a good opportunity to let the children have some fun and mum and dad eat cake!

If that doesn't do it for you, make sure you factor in some time to pop down to Brixton Library where they also have a Big Draw event from 2pm to 4pm. This will be a reading and art workshop based around the theme of children in Victorian times. Open to all of the family and a great chance to do something and stay very local. Lots of buses run through Brixton including the 3, 2, 195, 415, 133, 59, 159, 37 and 345.

Now I reckon some of you don't mind a bus ride into central London so just to let you know the Big Draw is also on at the National Gallery which is only a bus ride away being served by the 159 and no. 3. This event is on between 11am to 3pm in room 9 and consists of working on a collaborative art installation, drawing the pics in the gallery with different materials and learning new skills. The event is repeated on Sunday.

So we've finished indoors for today. But we're off outdoors again tomorrow!

SUNDAY (7th October)

Coats still on? Couldn't let you get to comfortable! We are off to visit the West Norwood Feast, a selection of markets selling local items whether that be printed illustrations, hand made jewellery to home grown veg and cooked on the spot burgers and burritos! Yummy! We certainly enjoyed it last month. There seems to be a hub of activity around St Luke's church where the hot food is served and where the children can go mental in their own little area. It really has provided a children friendly space! The feast runs from 10am til 4pm every first Sunday. Buses into the area are the 2, 68, 432, 196 and 322.

Boo-boo enjoys eating outdoors at the West Norwood Feast!

Heading from deep south Lambeth into North Lambeth, we can take a moment and try a  bit of gardening with the Elefest Mobile Gardeners on Wansey Street and be part of creating a jigsaw pavement mural, help plant a sofa (?!) or adopt a box for seed planting.This event runs from 12pm to 5pm and is located on Wansey Street which is just around the corner from the Cuming Museum. Local buses to the Elephant are the 133, 415, 155, 35 and 45.

Whilst we are at the Elephant we can either make a choice to head to Camberwell or the South Bank. Now what's on where? Well, one for buggy parents is the free Camberwell Radical History Walk featuring stories of anti-fascists, rioters and squatters! Meet at 2pm, on Camberwell Green, by the corner of Camberwell Church Street, London, SE5. Transport through Camberwell is buses, 36, 45, 185, 35 and 68.

Not for you? Then perhaps head to the Southbank Centre for the Real Bread Festival! Yes, it's all about bread but more importantly there is an opportunity for the family to get their hands dirty and have a go at making bread. Check out the Brockwell Bake arena (yes Lambeth folk, our Brockwell as in park) and have a go at making pizza. There is an opportunity at 11am, 1pm and 3pm to learn about the best methods of baguette making. Travel here on the 59!

And while you are down the Southbank don't forget to check out the great playground in Jubilee Gardens next to the London Eye!

Ok folks, I think we have had food, gardening, art viewing, art creating and a spot of radical history. Hopefully you have found something that either yourself or the little one can enjoy!

Happy weekending!