Spring has come just in time for Mother’s Day, though if the weather forecast is to be believed it may be ducking out again over the weekend. However, there is still plenty of fun for all Mums and families out there.
After your breakfast in bed – subliminal messaging can work for this (such as a note on the fridge door) – grab your brollies, and head out. Here are a few little ideas.
Lichtenstein at the Tate Modern is a colourful and inspiring treat. The exhibition contains a huge body of his work, including the well-known pieces that became an instant hit in the 1960’s – inspired by comic strips and
advertising. Once you have had your fill of ‘Oh, Brad,’ and ‘WHAAM,” the huge Chinese landscape pieces will calm your senses. Same dots. Different message. Look out for the little man within a couple of the landscapes.
If the kids whiz through (though I succeeded in getting my 3.5 year old to stop, and look, at least three times), then head on up to the play zone on level 4 – maybe Mum can stay in the exhibition for a little bit longer.
The National Gallery has Free Family Sundays, which fit in perfectly for Mothering Sunday. Under 5s can enjoy FREE Magic Carpet Storytelling, whilst the 5 to 11 year olds can join drawing workshops with the Wild Hybrids, and play plant detective, these are popular so it is best to arrive a good hour before to get a ticket.
The gallery also has family audio tours such as Art Detectives, which leaves you and your family responsible for investigating odd gallery going-ons. Guaranteed fun.
Mum can enjoy the National or nip round the corner for Marilyn Monroe: A British Love Affair at the National Portrait Gallery. Meet up again, for lunch or dinner, in Pizza Express at 450 The Strand!
Marilyn Monroe; Cecil Beaton at The National Portrait Gallery
We love The V & A, everyday, and Mother’s Day is no exception. The whole family should enjoy the Theatre & Performance Galleries Tour, which lasts for an hour, and appeals to all ages – rock and pop posters, puppets, sets from original productions and, most importantly, the costumes from Lion King, which are a new addition. This is FREE, and kicks off at 2pm at the Meeting point at the Main Entrance.
If the weather holds, Kew Gardens is beautiful, and the Natural Gallery by David Nash is on display inside and out. The kids can contemplate the sculptures, and run, whilst you can enjoy art, the sunshine (fingers crossed) and space. There are a couple of places to eat in the Gardens; The Orangery, for a treat, or White Peaks Café, which is more child friendly. Head into Kew or Kew Green and there are a whole bunch of cafes, pubs and restaurants. Go on.
The BFI Southbank is now showing the Wizard of Oz. This is the perfect Mother’s Day present. Swot up on the original film before the new Disney film hits our shores, Oz: The Great and Powerful. Top the outing off by strolling along the Southbank and grabbing a bite to eat before settling down with the popcorn.
If you love Dance then check out Sadler’s Wells and BalletBoyz-The TALENT-2013 on Sunday 10th March at 4pm. This would be an indulgence for the whole family, but from the reviews, it could be incredible.
“This is dance at it’s most riveting and fearless. Talent? I
should say so.” The Independent on Sunday.
If this appeals – book tickets now!
The Nightingale at the Little Angel Theatre is a Hans Christian Andersen tale , told through a mixture of puppetry and animation, which sees an unhappy little King fall in love with the most beautiful sound he has ever heard…and life begins to look up! A lovely story for the whole family.
The Nightingale at The Little Angel Theatre
On Mother’s day there are two baby friendly performances, which could be enjoyed together, or Mum could nip out in Angel and do some shopping.
At the end of the day, what is the most important thing to do on Mother’s day? To give Mum a big hug, a sloppy kiss and say, “I love you”.
