Beating the January Blues: 10 Fun Family Events to Brighten Your Month

Once the festive sparkle has faded and school routines begin to settle back in, January can feel a little flat for families. Fortunately, London has no shortage of fun, creative and educational activities to keep children entertained and curious through the winter weeks. From theatre and art to hands-on workshops and discovery days, here are ten brilliant events to explore with kids this January.

1. The Singing Mermaid at Little Angel Theatre

Little Angel Theatre’s charming adaptation of The Singing Mermaid is a delightful treat for younger audiences. With beautiful puppetry, catchy songs and gentle storytelling, it captures the imagination of children aged three to eight while keeping parents thoroughly engaged. The intimate theatre setting makes this a relaxed introduction to live performance for little ones, offering a dose of wonder during those chilly January weekends.

2. Family Workshops: Penguin Party at Little Angel Theatre

For families looking to get creative together, the Penguin Party workshops invite children to make their own penguin puppets and bring them to life. It’s a wonderful hands-on session that encourages fine motor skills, storytelling and imagination, all in a playful, supportive environment. Perfect for younger children, this is a great way to spend a cosy morning making something to take home and treasure.

3. Home Education Day at the RAF Museum

The RAF Museum’s Home Education Day offers a fascinating mix of science, technology and creativity for children who love to learn through doing. Activities often include interactive engineering challenges, craft sessions and the chance to explore real aircraft up close. Whether your child is a budding inventor or simply loves to know how things work, this event offers the perfect balance of education and excitement.

4. Making Books School at the London Centre for Book Arts

Older children and teens can immerse themselves in the world of book-making at the London Centre for Book Arts. Over the course of a week, participants learn the craft of binding, printing and design, producing their own handmade creations. This unique programme is perfect for young creatives who enjoy quiet focus and the satisfaction of producing something beautiful and tangible.

5. Neon Brush Kids at Glaziers Hall

If your child loves colour and creativity, Neon Brush Kids is an unforgettable experience. The workshop transforms painting into a glowing, musical adventure using fluorescent paints under UV light. The vibrant setting encourages kids to let loose, express themselves and create something bold and joyful. It’s the perfect antidote to grey winter days and a chance to make art in a completely new way.

6. Family Fun Weekend at the Cutty Sark

Set aboard one of Britain’s most famous ships, the Family Fun Weekend at the Cutty Sark brings history to life through hands-on activities, storytelling and themed workshops. Children can climb aboard, explore the ship and learn about life at sea in a way that feels more like play than learning. The combination of maritime adventure and creative tasks makes this a memorable day out for the whole family.

7. SENsory Sailors at the National Maritime Museum

The SENsory Sailors sessions at the National Maritime Museum provide an inclusive and calm environment for children with additional needs and their families. Through gentle storytelling, tactile activities and open-ended play, children can engage at their own pace. It’s a thoughtful and welcoming space that celebrates creativity and curiosity, while offering a supportive experience for all participants.

8. Little Dockers: All Aboard! at the Museum of London Docklands

The Museum of London Docklands continues to be a favourite for families with younger children. The Little Dockers sessions combine storytelling, songs and imaginative play in a transport-themed adventure. Toddlers can pretend to sail ships, load cargo or travel through time while learning about the city’s history in a fun and accessible way. It’s a gentle introduction to museums that is both educational and thoroughly enjoyable.

9. Winter Family Storytelling at the British Library

Cosy up at the British Library for a morning of imaginative storytelling sessions designed for families. January’s stories often focus on adventure, friendship and imagination, sparking creativity in young listeners. These events are especially good for children who love books, giving them a chance to engage with stories in an interactive setting and perhaps inspire a love of reading for the year ahead.

10. Family Sundays at the Royal Academy of Arts

Every Sunday, the Royal Academy of Arts opens its doors to families for free creative workshops that invite children to experiment with art materials and techniques inspired by current exhibitions. It’s an inspiring way for kids to connect with art while exploring their own ideas. The sessions are relaxed and open-ended, allowing each child to take their artwork in their own direction, and parents often find themselves joining in the fun.