It’s always a challenge to find ways to occupy your little (and not-so-little) ones over the summer, so here are four ways to get them out of the house and off their phones
1. FOR THE JUNIOR BAKER IN THE FAMILY
A year on from the opening of its striking new building, the Manchester Jewish Museum is going from strength to strength. Recent events include the art project Happy, Safe, Free, exploring the refugee experience, and a session making theatre costumes. This summer it has an extensive family programme, including three Bake Off workshops, where your kids can find out how to plait a challa, bake a babka and create a range of tasty sweet things to bring home. Summer Bake Off is on 31 July and 2 August. manchesterjewishmuseum.com
2. FOR KIDS WHO LOVE ART
Manchester Jewish Museum is also running a series of Discover in a Day events, offering children over five the chance to find out more about the museum’s collections, including highlights such as a kippah made from beeswax batik work, and a light bulb with a unique Star of David design. They’ll also get a chance to create their own art – which could earn them an arts award. Discover in a Day runs on 9, 16 and 23 August. manchesterjewishmuseum.com
3. FOR KIDS WHO ARE CURIOUS
For older children and teens, the Jewish Museum London is exploring the many ways in which race is portrayed through religion. Its Race in Religion tour reveals Black history and Black Jewish history in the museum’s permanent collection, including an examination of the role of ‘blackness’ in holy texts and a look at some of Africa’s ancient Jewish communities in countries such as Ethiopia and Uganda. For dates of upcoming tours contact the museum on 020 7284 7384 or visit jewishmuseum.org.uk
4. FOR KIDS WHO LOVE TO DANCE
DJ Ilana Banana is sure to get the underseven crowd jumping at her morning family disco at London’s JW3. Parents are welcome to boogie along with the kids to her mega mix of pop classics and retro dance numbers. There are also craft activities, soft play and games for the little ravers. For more of Ilana Banana, head to JR’s 20th anniversary summer gala party (see below). Summer Family Disco Boogie, dates TBC. jw3.org.uk
By Joel Meadows
Photos by Chris Payne
This article appears in the Summer 2022 issue of JR.