The World Cup is upon us and all I want is a Nigeria team kit. Just so cool (and sold out everywhere… sob!). I’ve got a mini World Cup guide for you, along with more brilliant ideas for things to do this Father’s Day weekend in London. From foodie festivals to street parties, ballet to jousting, there’s tons to do. Hope it’s amazing and Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful babe papas out there!
DISCOUNT OFFER: 50% OFF TICKETS TO OKIDO GET INTO SCIENCE: SCIENCE OF BUBBLES
Sun: OKIDO Get into Science: The Science of Bubbles at Institute of Imagination, Imagination Lab, The Workshop, 26 Lambeth High Street, SE1 7AG (Lambeth North tube)
Meet Maxwell the bubbleologist in a crazy science show that’s guaranteed to set bubbles flying and put joy in your heart. The Institute will be creating their own scientific bubble solution, and a speech and thought bubble experiment. There’s also a chance to create a special take-home project for Dads. Plus screening of Messy Goes to OKIDO, with possible sightings of Messy Monster himself! Best for ages 3-7, all ages welcome. 10am-11.15am, child £10/family £28-£35. Quote BABES ABOUT TOWN for your 50% discount! (Jun 17)
Where to Watch the World Cup in London with Kids
Central London
Play snooker, table football or table tennis between games at Rileys Sports Bar in Victoria; at Bounce in Farringdon, the kids can exhaust themselves on ping pong and pizza, while you’re glued to the games (also at Bounce in Old St); or why not try Frankie’s Sports Bar and Diner in Fulham.
North London
Head to Cafe Kick in Exmouth Market for all games + foosball fun; it’s a chilled out vibe at family-friendly The Cuckoo in Barnsbury; kid-friendly pub The Regent on Liverpool Rd, N1 offers lunchtime pizza deals and all the games.
South London
Catch all the action on a big screen in Flat Iron Square, Bankside SE1; the Devonshire in Balham is family friendly and will be screening every game; grab munchies and great vibes at Pop Brixton screenings.
East London
Grab a bite to eat and watch the World Cup at Cafe Football at Westfield Stratford; The Last Days of Shoreditch are showing all the games on London’s largest screen in their Enchanted Garden (check ahead, not all events are kid-friendly); Skylight in Tobacco Dock offers petanque, rooftop views, plus World Cup on a large screen; or see the whole tournament on a rooftop at Pitch in Stratford.
West London
There’s deck chairs and a big screen at Merchant Square in Paddington; or soak it all up at the Ealing Park Tavern.
Father’s Day Weekend Scoop
Thu-Fri: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre: Peter Pan, box office Queen Mary’s Garden, Regent’s Park Inner Circle, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
LAST CHANCE: This haunting adaptation draws on the book’s darker themes of war, while keeping its sense of humour, charm and fantasy intact. Head to the Inner Circle to see Peter, Tinkerbell and the Lost Boys soar, with Captain Hook and a very snappy crocodile joining the fun. Tue-Sun at 7.45pm & 2.15pm (varying dates); adult £25-£55/child under 18 half price (until Jun 15)
Thu-Sat: Sleeping Beauty at London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ES (Covent Garden tube)
LAST CHANCE: When Princess Aurora is cursed to 100 years of slumber by the wicked fairy Carabosse, it will take a Prince’s sweet kiss to break the spell. But will he reach her in time? This sparkling and rather dark fairytale is transformed into a wondrous ballet by Kenneth MacMillan, set to Tchaikovsky’s score. Ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), matinees at 2pm (Thu) & 2.30pm (Sat); £14-£79 (Jun 8-16)
Thu-Sun: Underbelly Festival: Father’s Day Weekend Picks, Underbelly Southbank Festival, London, SE1 8XX (Waterloo tube/rail, Embankment tube)
Catch a dazzling display of acrobatics, live opera and comedy in Soap, for ages 12+ (Jun 14-15, 7.30pm, Jun 16 at 4pm & 7.15pm, Jun 17 at 7.15pm, ticket range from £26.50). Also playing at Underbelly this Father’s Day weekend: Edinburgh Fringe sellout, Children Are Stinky (Jun 16, 1.15pm & Jun 17, 3pm); Arr We There Yet, a swashbuckling, slapstick comedy by Head Acrobats (Sun Jun 17-Jul 1, 1.15pm); Comedy Club 4 Kids, showcasing brilliant UK standup for ages 6+ (Sun Jun 17-Jul 8, Sat Jul 14, 12.30pm); General tickets from £10.25 (ongoing)
Thu-Sun: Zip Now London, Archbishop’s Park, Carlisle Lane, SE1 7LE (Lambeth North tube/Waterloo tube/rail)
The world’s biggest and fastest city zip wire is now open in London, where you can whizz down at breakneck speed, while taking in the sights of the Capital. You’ll be launched from 35m above ground (higher than 9 double deckers) — excellent Father’s Day weekend fun, for those who dare! Ages 8+ (minimum height 1.2m), all kids must be accompanied by adult. 12pm-8pm (Mon-Fri), 9.30am-8pm (Sat), 9.30am-6pm (Sun); £22.50, £18.50 student, £16.50 child (until Sep 9)
Thu-Sun: Sleeping Beauty in the Wood at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, Islington, N1 2DN (Angel tube)
Enter a dreamlike world of palaces and forests, fairies and princes. A bold adaptation of the story of Briar Rose, a baby granted to a King and Queen by a mysterious messenger. Unfortunately an uninvited guest bestows a gift at baby Rose’s christening that turns the kingdom upside down. Puppets, projections, automata and live music for ages 4 to 9. Baby-friendly performances on Sun at 11am. 10.30am & 1pm (Wed-Fri), 5pm (Fri £5 tickets), 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); adult £15/child 1-15 £11.50 (Jun 8-Jul 29)
Fri-Sun: Polka Theatre: Double Act, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Back by popular demand, Vicky Ireland’s entertaining adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s multi award-winning book follows twins Ruby and Garnet on the cusp of a life change. It seems Dad’s gone a bit strange after dating frizzy, dizzy Rose, and now he’s bought a bookshop in the country… Great fun for ages 7+ and families. Special All Ages Welcome shows available (select weekend shows at 11am). 1pm (Fri Jun 15, preview/reduced price £10), 11am & 2.30pm (Sat-Sun and select Wed-Fri); £13.50/concs & previews £10 (Jun 15-Aug 5)
Sat: Fork to Fork foodie festival and fundraiser at ARK Franklin Primary, NW6 (Kensal Green tube)
Bring your dad along, and your hearty appetites, for what sounds like a delicious Father’s Day weekend affair. Raising money for the Open Air Classroom Project, the foodie festival features yummy treats from the likes of Dishoom, Polpo and Bone Daddies. All ages welcome. 12pm-6pm; £10, booking essential (Jun 16)
Sat: Dad Day, Old Town Hall, Whittaker Ellis Street, Richmond, TW9 1TP (Richmond tube/rail/overground)
Dad Day sounds like a plan for Father’s Day weekend! This is a special programme of creative activities for fathers or male carers and their children from babies to 10 years. Try anything from animation, print-making, playing with clay, construction and painting, led by professional artists. Workshops are inspired by the current exhibition at Richmond’s Riverside Gallery. Every 2nd Saturday, 10am-12pm; child £6/additional child £3 (Jun 16-Jun 6, 2020)
Sat: Inside Out at Outside St Michael’s Church on South Grove, Highgate, N6 6BH (Highgate/Archway tube)
Why not enjoy a free, outdoor performance of Inside Out, the new show from Lost in Translation’s Massimillano Rossetti and Roisin Morris. Exploring the variations between our outward expressions, and our inside feelings, the show mixes live live music, hand-to-hand acrobatics and Korean cradle. Part of Fair in the Square in Highgate. 1.15pm & 3.30pm; FREE (Jun 16)
Sat: Battersea Arts Centre Junior Beatbox Academy, Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Boots and cats and boots and cats and… is your mini-me obsessed with beatboxing? Or do you think they’d fancy a go at making beats, songs and sounds with just their voice box? Sign ‘em up for the free Saturday Beatbox Academy sessions so they can sharpen up their mic technique. Guaranteed fun for ages 8 to 11. 2pm (Sat); FREE (Jun 9-30)
Sat-Sun: Grand Medieval Joust at Eltham Palace Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich SE9 5QE (Eltham/Mottingham rail)
It’s a showstopper every year and another Father’s Day weekend activity on our recommended list. See knights in full armour jousting on horseback, against the stunning backdrop of Eltham Palace. More family fun includes court jesters, falconry, young knights’ school, medieval games, music and of course, feasting. All ages. 10.30am-5pm, adult £18.50/child £11.10/family £48.10/under 5s FREE (Jun 16-17)
Sat-Sun: Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up
For the first ever viewing outside of Mexico, experience Frida Kahlo’s most treasured items at this hugely anticipated show at V&A. Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up offers a glimpse into the intimate life and personal history of one of the 20th century’s most beloved artists. All ages welcome. 10am-4.15pm; adult £15/student 12-17 £13/child ages 0-11 FREE (Jun 16-Nov 4)
Sun: The Wind in the Willows with Simon Callow & the Philharmonia Orchestra at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
The timeless tale of Ratty, Mole, wise old Mr Badger and the rambunctious Toad of Toad Hall is brought vividly to life in this special event on Father’s Day weekend. Learn how the friendly creatures get Toad out of all sorts of scrapes, with narrator Simon Callow and score composed by Richard Birchall for the Philharmonia Orchestra. Ages 5+. 2pm & 4pm; £6.50-£8.50/family £21.60 (Jun 17)
Sun: The Tale of the Cockatrice at Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Road, Camberwell, SE5 0XT (Kennington tube)
Monster lovers old and young will thrill to this tale of an ancient creature that lives in the vaults of a priory. This dark and twisty tale is performed by two muddle-headed storytellers, using enchanting puppetry and live music. Best for 7-12 year olds. 2pm & 4.30pm; £5/concs £3 (Jun 17)
Sun: Father’s Day Raving with Big Fish Little Fish at Fire & Lightbox, Vauxhall and at FEST CAMDEN, Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, Camden, NW1 8AH (Chalk Farm/Camden Town tube, Camden Rd overground)
Dad dancing is all the rage at these popular Father’s Day Weekend raves, with the world-famous Big Fish Little Fish. Top DJs put you in the party mood, with all the regular
BFLF mayhem including bubbles, balloons, crafts tables, glitter cannon and parachute dance finale. There’s a licensed bar at both venues, and Villa Pia baby chill zone too. All ages welcome, best for 0-8 and grown ups. 2pm-4.30pm, Tickets are adult £10, child £7 and pre-walkers go free (Jun 17)
Sun: Nutty Noah: Wear Your Pants with Pride at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
Hold onto your pants for this explosive show, featuring the weird magic, music and goofy humour of Nutty Noah. As seen on on CBBC’s The Slammer and ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, Noah is celebrated for his many songs and invented instruments, thrilling audiences ages 4 to 94. 11am & 2pm; £7 (Jun 17)
Sun: The Cally Festival, Caledonian Rd, N7 8TT (Kings Cross tube/rail, Caledonian Rd tube, Caledonian Rd & Barnsbury overground)
Whoop, whoop, it’s the Cally Fest, back on Caledonian Rd for another swinging Sunday. Now in its 8th year, this vibrant community festival attracts thousands from all over. Hear live jazz, soul, funk and hip hop on two music stages, try out parkour and Arsenal penalty shoot outs, hear spoken word on Story Street, and browse food and crafts stalls. All ages welcome. All ages. 12pm, FREE (Jun 17)
We also like
The Taste of London food festival is back in Regent’s Park (Thu-Sun); take the whole family along for the Medieval Midsummer Festival at Streatham Common Rookery (Sat); the hip hop daytime block party Fun DMC are throwing a FREE family jam at Pop Brixton (12pm-5pm); belt your heart out to all the hits at West End Live, free shows in Trafalgar Square (Sat-Sun, 11am-5pm/12pm-5pm); celebrate Father’s Day weekend with swag at the St John’s Wood Classic and Supercar Pageant (Sun, 11am-5pm, free)
Father’s Day Weekend at the Movies
A selection of movies from some of our favourite family friendly cinemas in London.
Barbican Cinema Framed Family Film Club, Cinema 1, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
LIAF Astonishing Adventure Shorts (U), 11am; Child £2.50/Adult £3.50 (Jun 16)
CineKids at Cine Lumiere at Institut Francais, 17 Queensberry Place, SW7 2DT (South Kensington tube)
Best of the Annecy International Film Festival at 11am; £5 (Jun 16)
Screenings in French, English or French with English subtitles.
Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
The Rescuers at 9.30am; adult/child £5 (Jun 16)
Clapham Picturehouse, 76 Venn St, London SW4 0AT (Clapham Common tube)
Octonauts (Toddler Time) at 11am; adult £0/child £3 (Jun 16)
Mary Poppins at 11.45am; adult/child £2 (Jun 16)
Crouch End Picturehouse, Crouch End Picturehouse, 65 Tottenham Lane,cr Crouch End, N8 9BY (Hornsey/Harringay/Crouch Hill rail)
A Turtle’s Tale at 4.10pm; adult/child £2 (Jun 15)
Mary Poppins at 11am; adult/child £2 (Jun 16)
East Dulwich Picturehouse, 116A Lordship Lane, SE22 8HD (East Dulwich rail)
Mary Poppins at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jun 16)
Gate Picturehouse, 87 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JZ (Notting Hill tube)
Mary Poppins at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jun 16)
Greenwich Picturehouse, 180 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich SE10 8NN (Greenwich Rail)
Mary Poppins at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jun 16)
Hackney Picturehouse, 270 Mare Street, E8 1HE (Hackney Central overground)
Mary Poppins at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jun 16)
Odeon Kids, at Odeon Holloway and multiple locations (some films may vary by venue)
Peter Rabbit at 10am; adult/kid £2.50 (Jun 16-17)
Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
Mary Poppins at 12pm; Adult/Child £3 (Jun 16)
Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
Sherlock Gnomes (1995) at 11.30am; £1.75 (Jun 16)
Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, SW2 1JG (Brixton tube)
Mary Poppins at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jun 16)
Stratford Picturehouse, Stratford Picturehouse, Salway Road, London E15 1BX (Stratford tube/DLR/overground/rail)
Mary Poppins at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jun 16)
Vue: Mini Mornings, at Vue Islington and other locations (some films may vary by venue)
The Little Vampire at 10am; adult/kid £2 (Jun 16-17)
Prince Charles Cinema: Studio Ghibli Forever, 7 Leicester Pl, WC2H 7BY (Leicester Square tube)
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind at 1pm; non-member£8.50/member £6/child £4 (Jun 17)
Coming Soon
BFI Southbank: BFI Families, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
A Wrinkle in Time at 1.30pm; adult £8/child £4 (Jun 23)
Soho Hotel Children’s Film Club, 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Sherlock Gnomes at 10.30am (10am brunch); £10 (film only), or £20 (includes buffet brunch at 10am + popcorn and drinks for film) (Jun 24)
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