Children’s theatre, art, family walks and more to do in November
3, 10, 17, 24 November Healthy walking at Wandlebury
We all know the benefits of getting out and about and exercising, but as the weather gets cooler and the nights shorter, it gets harder to find the motivation to stay active for lots of us. So why not break out of hibernation (we promise you’ll feel good for it!), and pop along to Wandlebury Country Park this month, where they’re hosting a series of family-friendly walks around the site.
Taking place on Thursdays throughout November, the walks are sociable and relaxed, offering a chance to get out in the great outdoors and enjoy some gentle exercise and fresh air. They start at 10am for a longer walk and 10.30am for a shorter walk, finishing with hot drinks in the Stable Room. The walks are free and there’s no need to book, but allow an extra ten minutes to register at the start if it’s your first time. 
5 November Outdoor art at Botanic Garden
Get creative in the gorgeous setting of the Botanic Garden at the Outdoor Art day on 5 November. Kids and their parents can drop in from 11am to 3pm, using materials sourced from the garden to make their own artworks, as well as getting some to take home so the fun can continue.
Afterwards, we thoroughly recommend popping into the Garden Cafe, which offers a yummy kids’ menu with favourites like baked potatoes and sausage rolls, as well as lots of books to keep them entertained. There’s loads for the grown-ups too, including a delicious selection of home-made cakes. Entry to the art session is free for children.
6 November Doodle Dance Show
Grab a pen and prepare to imagine a world populated by crazy birds, dancing pirates, underwater creatures and more at The Doodle Dance Show.
The interactive story promises to get the whole family drawing, moving and thinking very much outside the box.
Be prepared to use a variety of rainbow coloured felt tips (they’re washable, but don’t wear your best clothes), move around the floor, watch from cushions at the side of the performance space and remove socks and shoes (so you’re safe on giant pieces of paper).
There are two shows on 6 November at 12pm and 2.30pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and £6 for children.
8-9 November Pinocchio
A new adaptation of the timeless classic Pinocchio is performed by Jasmin Vardimon Company’s talented dancers at The Junction on 8 and 9 November.
Based on the original book by Carlo Collodi
and showcasing the company’s physical theatre, quirky characterisations and innovative tech, the tale of what it means to be human is brought to life in a whole new way.
As the titular marionette embarks on a journey to become a boy, the performers use insightful humour and engaging observation to take the audience on a voyage of discovery.
Shows are suitable for age seven and up and take place at 7.30pm, plus 2.30pm on the 9th. Tickets are £12.50 (£8 concessions).
13 November Ulla’s Odyssey 
Head off on a nautical adventure with Ulla: a 14-year-old on a mission to become the youngest person to single-handedly sail the world. Accompanied by her cat Binnacle aboard her boat The Homer, our heroine encounters all sorts of mythical creatures as she traverses the high seas, from an overkeen, one-eyed robotic customs official to a dangerous sea creature whose body and mind have been horribly twisted by radioactive rubbish dumped into the ocean.
Created by OperaUpClose, this colourful sea-bound fantasy features live music and puppetry and is suitable for children aged seven years and up, families – and all grown-ups with a healthy sense of fun! If you fancy making a day of it, you can get stuck into the Ulla’s Odyssey’s interactive workshop, at which little ones can learn about the sounds and songs of the sea, picking up puppetry and musical skills along the way.
The show takes place on 13 November at 1.30pm and 4pm (£10 per adult and £6 per child), and the workshop takes place on the same date at 12pm (£3 entry).
27 November A Magical Musical Storybox
As part of the Cambridge Jazz Festival, under fives and their carers can join in a magical musical journey on 27 November. Taking place at the Unitarian Church, A Magical Musical Storybox is an interactive music and theatre show which incorporates percussion, physical movement and a good helping of imagination to weave an adventure-filled narrative.
Jazz singer Sara Mitra and her seven-piece band provide the music, while children’s drama specialist Lottie Alle will be getting little imaginations flying with characters including dashing anti-hero Captain Wonkynose and his motley pirate crew. Join them as they explore the seven seas, hunt for treasure, battle sea monsters and get into all sorts of adventures along the way while you get up, get moving and get acting!
Snacks will be provided at the end and there are shows at 1.30pm and 3pm. Tickets are £12 per child with one accompanying adult and £3 for an extra non-participating child. Goody bags will be provided.
www.cambridgejazzfestival.org.uk
