Events
Enjoy February half term activities in the Royal Docks
February half term is just around the corner. We have plenty of ideas to keep children and young people happy and entertained in the Royal Docks. Read our guide to discover highlights of activities, events and places to visit:
Discover what’s on offer at your local library
The libraries in the Royal Docks are jam-packed with free activities during half term. Visit Beckton Globe Library, North Woolwich Library and Custom House Library to be spoilt for choice of fun things to do with your children.
In celebration of British Science Week libraries are also hosting exciting activities to inspire children’s interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). These include making a snowstorm in a jar, building with Lego, blowing up a balloon with a bottle and creating ice cream in a bag! For dates, times and more details visit the Newham Libraries website.
Beckton Globe Library, 1 Kingsford Way, London, E6 5JQ
Custom House Library, Prince Regent Lane, Custom House, London, E16 3JJ
North Woolwich Library, 5 Pier Parade, North Woolwich, London, E16 2LJ
www.libraries.newham.gov.uk/home
Explore the green spaces
Get lost in the hedge maze at the award winning, Thames Barrier. While you're there, stop for a babychino at With Milk too. The park also offers stunning views of the Thames Barrier, which was voted London’s most underrated attraction by The Times. Play tennis at Royal Victoria Gardens and Lyle Park. Discover Beckton Meadows,a two-acre pasture of wildflowers, a butterfly garden and wooden sculptures. Spot songbirds,terrapins, ring neck parakeets, woodpeckers and more at Itchycoo Pond and take a part in family sessions with Curious by Nature.
Stop by the Floating Garden a hotspot of urban biodiversity at Royal Victoria Dock. The pocket-sized green space provides a floating wetland habitat for around 4,000 aquatic plant species, birds, fish and pollinators.
Lyle Park, Bradfield Road, London, E16 2AU
Thames Barrier Park, North Woolwich Rd, London, E16 2HPRoyal Victoria Gardens, Albert Rd, London E16 2NL
Beckton Meadows, London, E6 5QN
www.newham.gov.uk/becktonmeadows
Itchycoo Pond, Beckton Park, Hadleigh Walk, London, E6 5SA
www.facebook.com/groups/1790790411395133
Floating Garden is located opposite 17 Western Gateway, London, E16 1AQ
www.royaldocks.london/articles/royal-docks-team-and-biomatrix-floating-garden
Find a fun HAF programme near you
The holiday activities and food (HAF) programme provide healthy meals, enriching activities and free childcare places to children from low-income families, benefiting their health, wellbeing and learning. Visit the EEQU website to find a local HAF programme.
Custom Made is a popular community space located on Freemasons Road in Custom House hosting several activities during half term.
On 18 February, 3pm – 5pm, children can enjoy free arts and craft sessions using watercolour, decoupage and creating objects using paper cutouts and painting.
On 15 February, 11pm – 12pm, children in years one to six can develop new skills at ComputerXplorers computer club. Sessions will cover coding, robotics and 3D animation in fun and interactive way. Charges apply for ComputerXplorers computer club and booking is required To find out more and to book visit the Custom Made website or pop in.
Custom Made, 25 Freemasons Road, London, E16 3AR
Hang out at Beckton Youth Zone
Based at the same venue as Beckton Globe Library, Beckton Globe Youth Zone is a great centre for young people to hang out and have fun. The facilities include a pool table, table tennis and music and a multi-purpose sports hall. Follow Beckton Youth Zone on Instagram to keep up to date with the timetable of activities.
Beckton Globe Youth Zone, Kingsford Way, Beckton, London, E6 5JQ
Join Ballet Club at English National Ballet
Calling all aspiring dancers aged 9 - 12 years, who live in Newham or Tower Hamlets. If you love to dance join Ballet Club at English National Ballet’s state of the art studios in Canning Town you can join the free programme, 17 - 21 February, 9.30am – 3.30pm.
Throughout the week children will have the chance to dance and create new moves with professional artists in daily ballet classes. They will also explore other dance styles and put their creative skills to the test in special choreographic workshops. The English National Ballet team are particularly keen in hearing from boys who wish to join.
Following the half term intensive, dancers wishing to perform can attend rehearsals on 1 and 8 March where they’ll rehearse to perform at Re-Play, English National Ballet’s annual community performance platform, on 15 and 16 March alongside ENBYouthCo-nnect, ENBYouthCo and dancers from English National Ballet. To learn more and book visit the English National Ballet website.
English National Ballet, Mulryan Centre for Dance, 41 Hopewell Square, London, E14 0SY
Make a splash at Newham Leisure Centre
Looking for something active to do with the children during half term? Book an Aqua Splash swimming session! A giant inflatable obstacle course on water will be at Newham Leisure Centre, 20 – 21 February. Take on the challenge and test your balance as you tackle drops, climbs and slides to complete the course. Suitable for children aged eight years plus. Swim safety rules apply. Visit the Better website for details of other leisure centres in Newham where you can make a splash and for information about other fun half term activities.
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, London, E13 8SD
www.better.org.uk/what-we-offer/activities/aqua-splash
Sew a memory bear
Join Art in the Docks for a free sewing workshop where you can craft your very own memory bear! The workshops take place 21 – 23 February, 10am - 2pm or 2pm - 6pm in Royal Albert Wharf. Memory bears are special keepsakes made from sentimental fabric that hold personal meaning - think of your favourite blanket, baby clothes or even an old football shirt. In this step-by-step workshop, you’ll learn how to work with sewing patterns and how to use a sewing machine. Funded by Notting Hill Genesis and London Borough of Newham, the workshop is suitable for beginners and all ages. Under 18’s need to attend with a parent or guardian to share in the fun. After four hours of creativity, you’ll leave with a beautiful stuffed memory bear to cherish forever. Booking via Eventbrite is required, and you need to bring along sentimental fabric to create your bear. All other equipment is provided. For more information, please visit the Art in the Docks website.
Christopher Mike Studio, 6-7 Upper Dock Walk E16 2GU
www.artinthedocks.com/upcoming/sew-lovely-memory-bear-workshop
Sign up for a film making workshop
Young people aged 11 – 16-years old are invited to take part in a free filmmaking workshop at Britannia Village Hall, 17 – 20 February, 2pm - 5pm. During this four-day workshop, participants will learn how to use professional level film equipment, create storyboards, write scripts, do act and learn what it takes to be a director. For more information and to book email jagdeep@wsfroyaldocks.org or call 07743 944 104. Places limited so book now!
Britannia Village Hall, 65 Evelyn Road, Royal Docks, London, E16 1TU
Try something new at Shipman Youth Zone
The newly renovated Shipman Youth Zone offers a wide range of activities and services for young people in state-of-the-art facilities and set in a carbon neutral, net-zero building. The centre boasts a custom-built sports hall with equipment for basketball, volleyball, football and many more activities plus a fitness and wellbeing suite. Budding musicians can get creative in the music studio and multimedia suite with green screen for film production.
Youngsters can also to learn to cook using food grown in the centre’s garden. Other facilities include a dance studio, IT suite and an arts and craft rooms. Shipman Youth Zone is open six days a week. To find out more visit Shipman Youth Zone website and follow on Instagram.
Shipman Youth Zone, 340 Prince Regent Lane, London, E16 3JH
