Family entertainment in and around Milton Keynes

This week's round-up of what's on for families
How to Hide a LionHow to Hide a Lion
How to Hide a Lion

HOW TO HIDE A LION

Stantonbury Theatre, Tuesday November 13, 1.30pm

When a lion is chased out of town, a little girl helps him to find somewhere to hide. Iris embarks on a mission to squash her new friend into a variety of sneaky tight spots, as the misinformed townsfolk try to track him down.

Ideal for smaller children, this delightful adaptation brings the magical book by Helen Stephens to life with playful humour, dazzling puppets and jazz. Directed by Peter Glanville with music and songs by Barb Jungr, it comes to Stantonbury on its first UK tour.

Details: stantonburytheatre.co.uk

START THE ART

MK Gallery, November 13 and 14, 11am to noon

Start the Art provides its usual mix of messy and creative activities for toddlers to move around and explore, every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. For accompanied children aged under five, £1 per person. Pay on the door, but tickets must be reserved online.

Details: www.mkgallery.org/whats-on0

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

National Trust Stowe, November 12 to December 16

Stowe is again opening its historic parlour rooms to local stallholders selling traditional and handmade products. Dodge the high street crowds and browse the cosy rooms at the New Inn followed by a stroll in the landscape gardens and a cuppa in the café.

Details: nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe

WWI CENTENARY EVENT

MK Rose, Campbell Park, Sunday November 11

The Parks Trust’s First World War centenary event starts at 11am with wreath laying and a two-minute silence. At 6.45pm, a short commemorative service with choir and readings is followed at 7pm by the lighting of the beacon and a specially commissioned War Horse fire sculpture.

Details: theparkstrust.com/whats-on

FESTIVE DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

Bucks Railway Centre, Saturdays and Sundays, December 1 to 23

Tickets are selling like hot mince pies, so book now if you want to take a steam train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine while Father Christmas makes his way through the compartments meeting all the children to give them all a present.

Details: bucksrailcentre.org

CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL

Waddesdon Manor, Wednesday to Sunday, November 10 to January 2

Gaze at the decorated house and explore the Christmas fair. From dusk, the grounds will come to life with a new light show projected on to the Stables. Beyond the Aviary, a light trail combines colour, sound and movement and the front of the Manor will be bathed in light.

Details: waddesdon.org.uk

NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL

Milton Keynes Theatre, November 14 to 18

Feelgood, funny and full of yuletide joy, Nativity! The Musical is on a UK tour, before returning to London for Christmas. St Bernadette’s School are attempting to mount a musical Nativity. But teacher Mr Maddens has promised that a Hollywood producer is coming to see the show.

Details: goo.gl/dajGp5