Mon. Nov 18th, 2024

Barbie: The Exhibition 2024 © Jo Underhill for the Design Museum

Barbie®: The Exhibition at the Design Museum

A major exhibition celebrating the 65th anniversary of Barbie® in 2024 showcases the design evolution of one of the world’s most famous dolls. Featuring over 250 iconic objects, visitors can explore rare, unique, and innovative dolls dating from 1959 to today. Highlights include the first-ever Barbie, the ground breaking 1985 Day to Night Barbie, and the best-selling Totally Hair Barbie from 1992. The exhibition also celebrates diversity with dolls representing various ethnicities and abilities, plus Barbie’s evolving Dreamhouses, vehicles, and furniture designs. A must-see for fans, early ticket booking is recommended due to its popularity. Members enjoy unlimited access.

Bubble Planet 

Bubble Planet London opened in November 2023, offering a 60-90 minute immersive experience for all ages. Located at 22 Fulton Rd, Wembley, this unique attraction features interactive bubble-themed activities. Children under 4 visit for free, and those under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets start at £13.90 for children and £17.90 for adults. The venue is wheelchair accessible, but some areas may have limited access due to stairs. Visitors are encouraged to check the ticketing app for schedules and FAQs for more details. For easier access, approach via Olympic Way and turn left onto Engineers Way.

A ride for your imagination

The Postal Museum offers an exciting day out for all ages, featuring the Mail Rail Ride through hidden tunnels and exhibitions showcasing fascinating postal history. This October Half Term, unleash your creativity with the “Mini Designers” programme, where families can design their own greeting cards. Running from Saturday 26 October to Friday 1 November, 10:00-16:00, this activity is perfect for children aged 5-11. Explore the history of greeting cards, from ancient Chinese traditions to the first commercial Christmas cards. All activities are included with museum admission, but places are first come, first served. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Babylon Park

“All the Fun of the Fair” at Camden Market Hawley Wharf offers a cosmic adventure for kids and families! A friendly alien crew has set up a subterranean theme park featuring a mini-rollercoaster, bumper cars, Ferris wheel, arcade games, air hockey, and an exciting soft-play zone. There’s also a café for adults to relax. Open 7 days a week from 10am-10pm, this other-worldly playground is a perfect day out for all ages. Immerse yourself in the fun and explore this vibrant, alien-themed wonderland in the heart of Camden Market. Don’t miss it!

The Liberty Christmas Shop

The Christmas Shop 2024 at Liberty is now officially open, offering a truly magical experience on the Fourth Floor! Discover everything you need to prepare for the festive season, from luxury baubles and decorations to tree-toppers and more. It’s never too early to start planning, so visit this enchanting wonderland today. As you create your perfect Christmas wishlist, explore Liberty’s Gift Inspiration collection, featuring a curated selection of magical gifts for every occasion, from housewarmings to birthdays. Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit and begin planning for a spectacular Christmas!

 

 

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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