Things to do in London in November with kids

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.