JANUARY

The Royal Academy is showcasing the first major exhibition of David Hockney's new landscapes. These are paintings on a massive scale specially painted to exhibit at the RA. Children will love his vivid colours and the enormity of the canvases. It is going to be popular, so worthwhile booking a ticket in advance. 

FEBRUARY

To get us all in the swing of the Diamond Jubilee this exhibition  - Queen Elizabeth by Cecil Beaton at the V&A is going to be wonderful. A must for all the family. Feb- April

MARCH

Legoland in Windsor is officially mega. Lego gets it right again with the opening of the  Legoland hotel  in March. This one is going to be for the kids, but it isn't as far as EuroDisney, and it looks like there is just as much fun for lego fans. The bedrooms are all themed, the baths are practically made of Lego. They will be in heaven, legoland heaven.

World Book Day on 1st March has events all over town, if you are organised you can even set one up yourself. The Big Write Festival at Discover runs from 1st – 9th March– with such a fantastic line-up you should book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.

APRIL

Damien Hirst's retrospective at Tate Modern is going to be the blockbuster of the year, featuring some of his most iconic works - it might not strike you as excessively child-friendly, but children are harsh critics and it might be interesting to see their take on his work.

Harry Potter fans are in for a treat –Warner Bros studios are opening their gates for a tour of the Potter film set. Tickets already on sale.

The World Shakespeare Festival is going to be something worth following with fantastic events from April to September. There are a whole host of events and workshops over the months taking place for children and families.

MAY

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Kensington Gardens. Adapted for the stage by Rupert Goold. 8th may – 9th Sept. This looks set to take your breath away. Goold's magic touch will be a sight to behold.

JUNE and JULY

London is chocablock with top events to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a bank holiday on the 4th and 5th June. We will be spoilt for choice. Hopefully the streets will be filled with parties and merrymaking all round. There are a whole host of activities and parades and bell-ringing. Check out the website for a full programme.
 

The London Festival opens on June 21st a few days before the Olympics begin.

JULY 27th

The official opening of the London Olympics – running through to 12th August.

There are a whole host of fabulous workshops and events at museums and galleries all over London– check out our run down of what’s on nearer half term from Helicopter adventures at the RAF Museum to an African safari at Chessington world of Adventures.

Keep a look out for Alan Ayckbourne’s ‘Plays for Young People’ which will be performed all over the UK, dates unconfirmed as yet.