Anyone who's seen young children on the dancefloor at a wedding will know: kids love discos. The energy! The moves! The shoegazing! The complete lack of rhythm / reserve / inhibitions! And they never get into drunken arguments with the DJ about definitely playing Tiffany again, pretty please, they missed it last time, because they were in the loo ranting at a bridesmaid.
Luckily you don't have to wait for a wedding invite to give your kids the chance to bust some grooves. London's incredible ability to cater for everyone, no matter how young, means there are several baby-friendly discos to check out over the summer months in our fair city. Mums and dads: pick your musical theme (Britpop? Club classics? 60s Soul?) and get ready to boogie.
Big Fish, Little Fish: 2-4 Hour Party People
Catch the final fishy rave of the season at Elephant, before the Big Fish Little Fish team head off around the country for their summer festivals tour. BFLF have joined forces with Camp Bestival to deliver a "Goes Wild" theme. Mark Force (10force, Bugz in the Attic) and Little Chief’s So Positive Sound-system dj on a dancefloor littered with glitter cannons and bubbles. There's a craft and playdoh table run by Captain Cookie; a baby ballpool; and randomly, Museum of London experts showing off museum artefacts. Leave with transfer tattoos, glowsticks and a goodie bag. You don't get that on the Isle of Wight.
Next event: 14 Jun, Paperworks, Elephant and Castle
bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk
Monski Mouse's Baby Disco Dance Hall
Dubbed 'the friendliest dance floor for under fives', Monski Mouse's Baby Disco Dance Hall returns to the Southbank Centre this summer as part of London Wonderground. Australian DJ, producer and mum of two, Monski Mouse spins an eclectic selection of retro hits and funky nursery rhymes. Basement Jaxx and Jill, anyone?
Next events: 14 Jun, 28 Jun, then throughout Jul, Aug and Sept at the Southbank Centre
monskimouse.com
Baby Loves Disco
The original afternoon clubbing experience for families, Baby Loves Disco started in New York in 2007. This summer in London, you can party with the BLD gang at the Arcola Theatre or at DNA in Clapham Junction. As well as top floor-fillers from the 70s through to the noughties, there'll be face-painting, inflatables, bubbles, balloons, and an all-important licensed cash bar offering beer and cocktails for the oldies.
Next events: 21 Jun, Arcola Theatre or 26 Jun, DNA London
babylovesdisco.co.uk
Nimble Tots Summer Discos
Hidden behind Peckham's Bussey Building, The Nines is hosting Nimble Arts' summer discos. Each has a distinct musical theme: you've missed the Indiepop Tots, but there's still a chance to book Britpop Tots in June, or Tots go Pop: The Sixties! in August. Expect bunting, fairy lights, disco balls, and the obligatory bubbles. Always bubbles.
Next events: 28 Jun, 2 Aug, The Nines, Peckham
nimblearts.co.uk
Disco Loco in the Park
Maybe you don't fancy partying indoors over the summer: so enter Disco Loco in the Park. Head to Hackney next month for the ultimate outdoor 'rave for folks with kids'. Full details haven't been released yet, but there'll be hot music acts on the main stage, a cabaret stage, and, for the first time, a Disco Loco theatre.
Next event: 26 July, Springfield Park, Hackney
discoloco.uk/work/summer-festival
Have we missed any other top London baby raves? Let us know in the comments below.
