There’s Museums at Night and loads of multicultural family fun to get stuck into this weekend. Enjoy our picks!

Fri-Sat: Museums at Night Weekend at National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Rd, SW3 (Sloane Square tube)
As part of the annual UK museum evenings festival, the National Army Museum hosts a Family Night where young ‘uns can tour the museum after dark, help a lost exhibit find its home, hear soldiers’ storytelling and work out their ‘witching hour’ energy in the Kids Zone. 6-9pm, £5 (May 18-19)

Sat: Crash Bang Wallop at Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1 (Sloane Square tube)
Join in a sporting event with the City of London Sinfonia’s noisiest instruments working out to themes from Chariots of Fire, Olympic Fanfare and the Tortoise and the Hare. Pre-show activities include meet the instruments, make your own medals and percussion zoo! For ages 3-8. 12pm, adult £8/child (6 months+) £6/family £24 (May 19)

Sat: The Big Family Cabaret (pic) at Greenwich Dance, the Borough Hall, Royal Hill, SE10 (Greenwich DLR)
It’s the Big Dance warm-up weekend and you’re invited to a family extravaganza with hooping from Britain’s Got Talent’s Hoop La la, local dance acts, comedian Tim Rowdan and more. Bring your own picnic for table service and dress up or down. All ages welcome, 4-6.30pm, £10/£7.50 concs. (May 19)

Sun: Boishakhi Mela in Brick Lane, Spitalfields, E1 (Aldgate East tube) and Weavers Field, E1 (Bethnal Green tube)
It’s a party on Brick Lane as we celebrate the Bangladeshi New Year with dancing in the streets, a Grand Procession and of course, dining al fresco along the Curry Mile. For even more family fun, head to Weavers Field for 2 live stages, funfair rides and stalls. Both events 12-7pm, FREE (May 20)

Sun: Mwalimu Express at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E1 (Shoreditch High Street overground)
The Pan-African family train chugs into Ghana this month for another stonking afternoon of DJ grooves, parent & toddler dance sessions, stalls and food, oware gaming, all rounding off with a film The Fighting Spirit and Q&A with director George Amponsah. 2-6pm, FREE

Sun: Batizado at the Tabernacle, 35 Powis Square, W11 (Notting Hill Gate tube)
Capoeira Canal invites you to celebrate recent student gradings with a Master display of the fighting form and a party with live Brazilian grooves. 1-4pm, FREE (May 20)

We also like
Family Fridays Magic evenings at That Place on the Corner, N16 (Fri), Tales of the Thames family workshops at Somerset House, WC1 (Sat), Red Riding Hood’s Magic Purse at Canada Water Cultural Space in SE16 (Sat), Box at Arts Depot, N12 (Sat-Sun)

Don’t miss our action-packed May Family Events Calendar

Family concerts, pets on show, nonsense rhymes and puppets with Punch in Covent Garden create a knock-out weekend for kids and families in London.

Fri: Giraffes Can’t Dance Family Concert at Jerwood Hall, LSO St Luke’s, EC1 (Old St tube)
Tango, waltz and jig your way through the musical retelling of the popular story, in this special concert for under 5s. 12.30-1.15pm, £3/babies under 12 months FREE (May 11)

Sat: What on Earth? Family Activity Day at Grant Museum of Zoology, University St, WC1 (Euston tube)
Explore strange specimens and bizarre bones on this epic odyssey of the museum’s treasures, part of Silly Season. 11am-4pm, FREE (May 12)

Sat: Family Day: The Factory of Confessions at Whitechapel Gallery, Shoreditch, E1 (Aldgate East tube)
Share your family confessions in typed, edible, written or spoken format, with a family trail of Gillian Wearing exhibition and a chance to dress up and get snappy in the photo booth. 12-4pm, FREE (May 12)

Sat-Sun: Mr Punch’s Big Grin Birthday Party & Covent Garden May Fayre, Covent Garden Piazza and St. Paul’s Church Gardens, WC2 (Covent Garden tube)
A special celebration of Mr Punch’s 350th birthday, with Punch professors and puppeteers from around the world appearing in the Piazza (Sat) for birthday cake, photocells and free shows; plus the annual May Fayre (Sun) in St. Paul’s churchyard with puppet shows, workshops, stalls and folk music. 11am-5pm (Sat), 11am-5.30pm (Sun), FREE (May 12-13)

Sat-Sun: London Pet Show at Earl’s Court Two, SW5 (Earl’s Court)
Find a furry, scaly or slimy friend at the largest exhibition of pets with hundreds of breeds on show. Plus special family activities throughout the day. 9.30am-5pm, adult £13 adv/£16 door; under 16s £9 adv/£10.50 door; under 5s FREE (May 12-13)

Sun: Nonsense! The Wonderful World of Edward Lear at British Library, 96 Euston Rd, NW1 (King’s Cross tube)
Come and celebrate the mad lyrics of Lear in popular rhymes like Owl & the Pussycat and The Jumblies, with top poets Michael Rosen, Roger McGough and special guests. 2.30-4pm, £7/£5 concs. (May 13)

Sun: Planet of the Beetlebuns at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Rd, N6 (Highgate tube)
Kids ages 0-5 are invited to hop onto a magical, interactive carpet filled with spinning objects, glowing moons and colourful plant life. Fabulous show for babies, toddlers and bigger kids. 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm (cafe open until 4pm); £8.95. Booking essential, limited spaces per show, call 0208 341 4421 (May 13)

Local Pick
Fri-Sun: Remember the Umbrella at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 (Angel tube)
An enchanting tale of shadow puppetry, music and audience participation as we follow the adventures of the Umbrella-seller storyteller. For ages 4-7, baby-friendly performance on Sun am. 5pm (Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); £8/£6 concs. (May 11-13)

We also like
Sunshine on a Rainy Day at Chickenshed Theatre, Southgate (Sat), May in a Day at Cecil Sharp House, NW1 (Sat), Not So Silent Movies at King’s Place, N1 (Sun), Kid Carpet and the Noisy Animals at Arts Depot, N12 (Sun), LPO Funharmonics Family Concert at Southbank Centre, SE1, Town Mouse and the Country Mouse at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice (ongoing)

Don’t miss our action-packed May Family Events Calendar

There are Sci Fi characters on parade, cyclists riding free and snap-happy toddlers on the loose in this weekend’s guide for London kids and families. Whatever you do, keep it moving!

Sat: The Big Ride, Upper Brook St (Park Lane) to Victoria Embankment (Embankment tube)
On yer bikes for the London Cycling Campaign’s annual traffic-free event to make the city’s streets safer for cyclists. Skaters, rollerblades, scooters and pedestrians all welcome. 11am assembly, 12pm departure: FREE (Apr 28)

Sat-Sun: Tiddler and other Terrific Tales (pic) at E4 Udderbelly, Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
Brand new from Scamp Theatre comes this fabulous adaptation of tales by popular The Gruffalo pairing Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, including Monkey Puzzle and the Tiddler of the show’s title. For ages 3+. 4.15pm, £10-£15 (Apr 28-May 1)

Sat-Sun: Toddle in the City at Canary Wharf, E14 (Canary Wharf tube)
Little feet go on a big adventure armed with digital cameras in this photographic Treasure Hunt, devised by Urban Beings. Collected images from the Toddles will be exhibited on May 27 at Greenwich Maritime Museum. For ages 2-5, siblings welcome. 11am-12pm or 2-3pm; £12.50 per adult and child, pre-booking essential (Apr 28-May 1 & May 5-8)

Sun: Sci Fi Easter Parade from Victoria Embankment Gardens, SE1 (Embankment tube)
Don your favourite Superhero, Dr Who, Star Wars or Harry Potter character costume and march behind the Zombie Will & Kate at this Easter Parade, part of Sci Fi London Film Festival. Spot prizes for best fancy dress! 12pm, FREE (Apr 29)

Sun: Family Day: Creative Collections at Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, W2 (Lancaster Gate tube)
Come along for an all-ages workshop led by artists and designers to create a book around the objects you collect. Inspired by the Hans-Peter Feldman exhibition. Drop-in, 12-5pm, FREE (Apr 29)

We also like
Wake up, it’s the London Coffee Festival at Old Truman Brewery, E1 (Fri-Sun); tuck into Cake International at ExCel London (Fri-Sun); there’s a Baby Rock & Roll Disco at Interchange Studios in Belsize Park (Sat); check out the Vintage Fair at Shoreditch Town Hall (Sat); Future Cinema’s Bugsy Malone wraps up at Troxy (until Sun)

This weekend, explore a pop-up English garden taking over Trafalgar Square (Sat) and free Shakespearean sonnets at the Globe Theatre (Sun). Here’s more of what we like for London families:

Until Sun: Drive at Westfield Stratford City, E15 (Stratford tube/overground)
Petrol heads go motor mad at this special event featuring the latest in Eco-Cars, Supercars and everything in between. There’s giant Scalextric racing, LEGO building, simulated riding, test driving and fantastic prizes to be won. All day (until closing), FREE (Apr 17-22)

Thu-Sat: Face Britain at Buckingham Palace, SW1
More than 200,000 self-portraits by UK kids will be projected onto Buckingham Palace, in a joint project between the Prince of Wales Foundation for Children & the Arts and Photobox. The portraits will make up a montage image of the Queen, screened nightly from 8.30-11.30pm on the palace front, and other backdrops across town, in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record for most artists working on 1 installation. 8.30-11.30pm, FREE (Apr 19-21)

Thu-Sun: London Children’s Ballet at Sadler’s Wells, Peacock Theatre, Portugal St, WC1 (Holborn tube)
The young cast of LCB (ages 9-15) perform one of their best-loved ballets, A Little Princess. The ballet’s adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s tale about the trials and misadventures of young Sara Crewe who arrives from India into an English boarding school. For ages 3+ (younger kids not admitted). Premiere 7pm (Thu), 7.30pm (Fri), 1.30pm & 5.30pm (Sat), 12.30pm & 4.30pm (Sun), from £14-£50 (Apr 19-22)

Sat: St George’s Day at V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 (Bethnal Green tube)
There’s live music, storytelling, dancing, arts and crafts, traditional games and merriment a-plenty in this special celebration for St George’s Day. For all ages, drop-in. 11.30am-4pm, FREE (Apr 21)

Sat-Mon: St. George in Southwark Festival, St George the Martyr Church, Borough Market and surrounding areas (London Bridge tube)
A multicultural celebration of the patron saint claimed by many countries, this 3-day party includes the Great Southwark Dragon Quest (Sat-Mon), a Fun Day (Sat) with live Ethiopian and Somali music, a Catalonian celebration at Borough Market (Sun, 12-4pm), musical open-air theatre, mass, vigil and Morris Dancing (Mon). Varying times, FREE (Apr 21-23)

Sun: London Marathon, from Greenwich Park to the Mall
Ready to run the world? Start with London at the city’s biggest sporting event this side of the Olympics. It’s too late to sign up for the race, but join the throng cheering on those competing to win, for charity or just to beat their own personal best. From 9am-5pm, FREE. See TFL’s guide to getting around London marathon (Apr 22)

We also like
Free family festivities at Finsbury Arts Festival at St Luke’s Centre, EC1 (Sat), Alternative Fashion Week at Spitalfields Market (until Sat), Blog Eat Blog with Big Apple Hot Dogs on Brick Lane (Sun) and Alchemy Festival winding down at Southbank Centre (until Sun)

Check out what else is hot for parents and kids in London with our April Family Events Calendar

Weather’s a bit dodgy at the minute, so we’ve got mostly indoor fun for London families with Dickens screenings and workshops and vibrant kids’ theatre around town. If it’s warm out, there’s a treasure hunt in Covent Garden to keep the little ones busy. Have fun!

Fri-Sat: Kinect Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure 3D Treasure Hunt in Covent Garden Piazza, WC2 (Covent Garden tube)
Bringing the magic of Pixar’s best-loved characters to Covent Garden, XBox hosts a weekend treasure hunt for all ages. Search for 5 gold coins hidden in the giant 3D installation – featuring stars from Toy Story, the Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up and Cars – for a chance to win a Kinect for XBox 360 bundle and Pixar game. Plus you can step into the ‘painting’ to take photos of yourself with the characters and get your face painted in true Pixar fashion. 10am-6pm, FREE (Apr 13-14)

Fri-Sun: Egg & Spoon Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 (London Bridge tube)
Go on a journey through the seasons in this charming show for ages 0 to 5, with a chance to play peekaboo in puddles and dance in a butterfly party. By acclaimed Lyngo Theatre company. 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm, adult £15/child £10 (Apr 13-15)

Sat: The London Jungle Book at Royal Festival Hall, Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
An extraordinary musical travelogue that transforms the city into a jungle with buses as dogs and Big Ben doubling as a cockerel. This spellbinding work of theatre is a collaboration between Indian Gond tribal artist Bhajju Shyam and students from E15 Acting School, musicians and Elephant Cast Theatre Company. From 12.30pm, FREE (Apr 14)

Sat: Family Cabaret at Greenwich Dance, Royal Hill, SE10 (Greenwich tube)
Bring the whole clan for an afternoon of spectacle, film, live band, bite-sized dance, table service and acrobatics in Borough Hall. 3.15pm, adult £10/child £7.50 (Apr 14)

Sat-Sun: Kid Carpet and the Noisy Animals at Jacksons Lane 269a Archway Rd, N6 (Highgate tube)
Electro-pop pioneer Kid Carpet, who’s toured with Arcade Fire among others, brings his energy to live musical theatre with an explosive show filled with punk spirit, lo-fi technological shenanigans and animation. Prepare to rock! For ages 3-8. 12pm & 3pm, £8.95 (Apr 14-15)

Sun: Dodgy Dickens Family Day at V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 (Bethnal Green tube)
Enter a Dickensian wonderland with readings by author JD Sharpe (Oliver Twisted), workshops with Hip Hop Shakespeare Company, learn to create a cartoon strip with comics artist Karen Rubins, sample Dickensian delicacies, plus storytelling and crafts for younger siblings. All ages. 10am-4.30pm, drop-in, FREE (Apr 15)

Sun: Claytime at E4 Udderbelly, Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
Audience participation is invited at this play with clay, where children’s imaginations can make amazing creatures and forms, led by Indefinitearticles. Ages 3+. 2.30pm & 4.15pm; £10-£15 (Apr 15-Jun 6)

LOCAL PICK
Sat: David Lean’s Oliver Twist at Screen on the Green, Upper St, N1 (Angel tube)
Lean’s classic adaptation of Dickens’ tale brings Victorian London to life in stunning form. This City Read presentation is a family affair with activities including storyboarding your own version, make an Artful Dodger hat and prizes for best Dickensian fancy dress. 10.15am-12.15pm, £3/kids club members £1/library card holders FREE. Find more Oliver Twist screenings all around town at the City Read blog (Apr 14)

We also like
Hold on to your Hats at Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, SW1 (Apr 12-14), Animal Shadow Puppet Theatre at Museum of London, EC1 (Apr 13-14), the Snail & the Whale at Lyric Hammersmith (Apr 14), In the Night Garden Live at O2, SE10 (ongoing), Mirror Mirror (PG) at cinemas nationwide…

Don’t miss our guide to Easter with Kids and our April Family Events Calendar

Is it Easter already? The Bank Holiday weekend’s jam-packed with family-friendly activities including lots to keep London parents of under fives busy.

Happy Easter from and to all babes about town!

Fri: Strictly Easter Ballroom at Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
Get your dancing shoes on for this popular, swinging family affair with live music and demonstrations sweeping over the ballroom floor. 3pm, FREE (Apr 6)

Fri-Mon: A Bag Full of Art: Artist’s Eggs at Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York Square, King’s Rd, SW3 (Sloane Square tube)
Design your own egg inspired by one of the paintings in the exhibition of New Art from Germany. For ages 4+. 11am-4pm, drop-in, £5 per egg (Apr 6, 7 & 9)

Sat: Suitcase Circus at Chelsea Theatre, World’s End Place, Kings Rd, SW10 (Sloane Square tube)
Folded Theatre presents anarchic sock puppet Wobulous Discombobulous and his madcap crew including the incredible dancing straw and the daredevil ski glove. With pre-show sock puppet workshop. Workshop 10.15am, show 11.30am; tickets £7/workshop £3.50 per child (Apr 7)

Sat: Baby Rock & Roll Disco at Hampstead Town Hall, 213 Haverstock Hill, NW3 (Belsize Park tube)
Weekly Saturday move and groove session for families with kids ages 0+, including snacks, raffle and good tunes. 4-6pm, £5 adults/babes FREE (Apr 7)

Sat-Sun: Africa Easter Takeover at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
Escape to the mother continent this Easter with free talks (Direction Africa), live music from Wunmi and Amira Kheir on Saturday. Then on Sunday an all-day African market, plus evening groove and storytelling with Africa’s Cow Foot! 4pm-late (Sat)/shows £7 adv, £10 door; market 12pm-7pm (Sun)/FREE; live show 8pm-1am (Sun)/£8 adv, £10 door (Apr 7-8)

Sun-Mon: Peter & the Wolf Live at Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo Tube)
Actor and kids’ author Mackenzie Crookes (Pirates of the Caribbean) introduces the stunning cinematic tale of young boy Peter who stands up against a wolf, set to Prokofiev’s dramatic score played by a live orchestra. For all ages, some scary scenes. 2pm & 4pm, £14-£50/kids & concs. half-price (Apr 8 & 9)

Mon-Tue: Family Weekend: Underneath the Floorboards at Sadler’s Wells, Lilian Baylis Studio, Roseberry Ave, EC1 (Angel tube)
A captivating, interactive production by balletLORENT for ages 2-5 that takes viewers beneath the floorboards into a magical world. Part of Sadlers’ Wells Family Weekend that includes a performance of Echoa. 11am & 2.45pm, £10 (Apr 9 & 10)

LOCAL PICK
Mon: Easter Fun Day at Freightliners City Farm, Sheringham Rd, N7 (Highbury & Islington tube)
Come along to the farm for a day of family excitement including Easter egg hunt, kid’s arts and crafts, stalls, tombola, face painting and a chance to make or bring your own bonnet for the Easter bonnet parade! 12-4pm, FREE (donations welcome), pre-booking at farm essential (Apr 9)

We also like
Martha at Southbank Centre (Apr 6-9), the Boat Race (Apr 7) and the Goat Race (Apr 7), Superheroes at Discover Story Centre (ongoing), David Hockney at Royal Academy (until Apr 9), Egg Hunts at Battersea Park Zoo, Easter at Hampton Court Palace (Apr 6-9)…

+ loads more family activities in our London guides:

Easter with Kids in London: Top 25 Picks

Top 10 Easter Egg Hunts in London

Look out for our April Family Events Calendar out soon!

Easter’s around the corner and we’ll have our action-packed Easter holiday guide and April Calendar out soon. In the meantime, enjoy the weekend even if the sunshine’s cooling off a little!

Fri-Sun: Chocolate Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
Indulge your senses as the cocoa lover’s carnival takes over the South Bank again, with the world’s best chocolatiers including the two Pauls (Paul A. Young and Paul Wayne Gregory) host tastings, demonstrations, masterclasses and more. Don’t miss the Big Chocolate Tea Party on April Fool’s Day! 11am-8pm (Fri & Sat), 11am-6pm (Sun); FREE (Mar 30-Apr 1)

Sat-Sun: CBeebies Live: Reach to the Stars at Wembley Arena, HA9 (Wembley tube)
All your favourite characters including Mr Maker, Mr Tumble, Mister Maker and more hit the stage in this lively, musical, interactive show that kicks off its UK tour this weekend. 2pm & 5pm (Sat), 11am, 2pm & 5pm (Sun); £17-£25 (Mar 31-Apr 1)

Sat-Sun: Back to Front Weekend by Yinka Shonibare at Foundling Museum, Brunswick Square, WC1 (Russell Square tube)
The famed YBA artist hosts and directs a family weekend of activities including fairground, music, puppet shows, magic and crafts – all set back in the 18th century. Children in period costume will be in charge of everything from entertainment to selling tickets! 11am-1pm & 2-4pm; adult £10/child FREE; outdoor entertainments free all-day (Mar 31-Apr 1)

Sun: Streatham Common Kite Day at Streatham Common, SW1 (Streatham Common tube)
There’ll be hog roast and food stalls, face painting and bouncy castle, tons of spectators and of course glorious kites taking to the air. Individual and team kites will fly high in the dazzling 14th annual event. 11am-5pm, FREE (Apr 1)

Sun: Olympic Stadium Gold Challenge Event at Olympic Stadium, Olympic Park, E20 (Stratford tube/overground)
Celebrities, former Olympians and members of the public warm up the Olympic stadium in the first races to be run on the 100m track. The charity event (20% of proceeds go to the charity of your choice) will see thousands of spectators in the stadium as part of the build-up to the 2012 Games. 12-3pm, from £12 (Apr 1)

We also like
There’s a Flamenco Family Evening at Dulwich Picture Gallery (Mar 31); catch autism-friendly performances of Something in the Air by Oily Cart & Ockam’s Razor at Arts Depot (Mar 29-31); Not So Silent Movies are back at King’s Place (Apr 1), and don’t lose out on Little Bo Peep and sheep at Lyric Hammersmith (Mar 31)

Find more in our March Family Events Calendar

There’s a daffodil dancing in our window box and official British Summertime is just around the corner. Happy Weekend and don’t forget to switch your clocks forward on Sunday!

Thu-Sun: Pick Me Up: Contemporary Graphic Arts Fair at Somerset House, the Strand, WC2 (Charing Cross tube)
Beautiful prints are up for grabs starting at £10 a pop at the springtime edition of the UK’s first annual contemporary graphic arts fair. Don’t miss the Children’s Illustration Weekend all day this Sat & Sun (Mar 24-25) with one dot zero. 11am-8pm daily, late Thus 11am-10pm; adult £8/concs £6/multiple entry £12/under 12s FREE (Mar 22-Apr 1)

Sat: Otiz Cannelloni’s Magical Mayhem at Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, N6 (Archway tube)
Come along for a morning of madcap magic, family cabaret and clowning around, plus Musical Keith’s magical notes, tricks and prizes. For ages 3-8. 10-10.45am & 11.30am-12.15pm £4.50/concs £3 (Mar 24)

Sat: Crash Bang Wallop: The Tale of Peter Rabbit at Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1 (Sloane Square tube)
The classic Beatrix Potter story is charmingly retold in this interactive musical adventure with actress/soprano Michelle Todd and the City of London Sinfonia. A family concert best suited to ages 3-8. 11am; adult £8/child £6/babies under 6 months FREE (Mar 24)

Sat: Family Day: Going Global at Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Rd, Shoreditch E2 (Hoxton Station overground)
It’s a small world at the popular East London museum with a whole day of international family activities including costumes, storytelling, photo mosaics and tile decorating. 12-5pm, FREE (Mar 24)

Sun: Eco-Chic Outdoor Market at Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton St, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
Amoose yourself at the farm and visit their first ever Eco-Chic monthly Sunday event featuring healthy food, craft stalls, vintage fashion, up cycled artefacts, live music and the Strawbale Cafe. 10am-6pm, FREE (Mar 25)

Sun: Music Discovery Day at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Regent’s Park tube)
The London Gypsy Orchestra host this lively session of folk music and workshops, interactive play and imaginative jam sessions. 2pm, £3-£11 (Mar 25)

Sun: Sport Relief: The Mile, various locations
Get in the Olympic spirit by joining in for a sponsored race as part of the Sport Relief Mile. Anyone, any age can take part in the 1mile, 3 mile or 6 mile run and there’s still time to raise funds before Sunday’s event. Entry adult £6/child £3/family of four £15 (Mar 25)

We also like
Families are invited to a Special Ragmala Art Play at Dulwich Picture Gallery (Mar 25); kids ages 1 through 8 can take part in Children’s Music Workshops at the Forge, NW1 (Mar 24); there’s table-top puppetry at Little Angel Theatre, N1 in Me and the Sea; the Big Egg Hunt is still going on around London (until Apr 3); and finally, escape to Legoland for their Star Wars Miniland Experience! (Mar 24-25)

Find more in our March Family Events Calendar

In a special extended edition of our Weekend Scoop, we highlight some of our top picks for Mother’s Day in London as well as more family-friendly things to do around town. Happy Mama’s Day!

Babes Choice: Things to Do on Mother’s Day

Thu-Sun: All about Eve: the Photography of Eve Arnold at Art Sensus, 7 Howick Place, SW1 (Victoria tube)
An unmissable retrospective to mark the life and work of a pioneer in her field, the first woman to join Magnum Photos. 10am-6pm(Tue-Fri), 11am-5pm(Sat); FREE (until Apr 27)

Thu-Sun: Selfridges Presents: The Film Project at the Old Selfridges Hotel, 400 Oxford St (Orchard St entrance), W1 (Bond St tube)
A short film collection to celebrate the launch of the Women’s Designer Galleries, featuring Alexander McQueen and more. Plus on Selfridges Kids 3rd floor, kids can make a Mother’s Day card (Mar 15-17). Short films showing 12-8pm (Mon-Fri), 12-6pm (Sat-Sun), FREE (Mar 15-25)

Fri-Sun: Ideal Home Show at Earls Court London, Warwick Rd, SW5 (Earl’s Court tube)
All the latest in home inspiration from high-tech gadgetry to warm interiors, cool furnishings and funky design. 10am-6pm daily (late night Thu until 9pm); adult £12-£14 adv/£16-£18.50 door/under 16 FREE but require ticket (Mar 16-Apr 1)

Fri-Sun: Florimania at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
The annual weekend event showcases baroque-inspired arrangements plus ‘make your own’ bouquet demos. 10am-4.30pm; general entry adult £16.95/under 16s £8.50/under 5s FREE (Mar 16-18)

Sat-Sun: Mother’s Day Weekend at Caramel Baby & Child, various locations
Book in for a special weekend of treats including goodies from Cocomaya, pampering from 9 London and a family photo shoot offer at Pavilion Rd; create a Mother’s Day bouquet and sample chocolates from Melt in Notting Hill and the chance to win prizes if you spend over £50 at any of the 3 locations. 10am-6pm (Sat), 12-5pm (Sun); free entry (Mar 17-18)

Sun: Mwalimu Express at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
Every 3rd Sunday, the pan-African party pulls into a different destination on the continent. For Mother’s Day, it’s Kinshasha with live Congolese rumba, soukous and salsa, parent and toddler dance workshops, craft stalls, games (Oware), bar and a rare screening of the documentary On the Rumba River. 12-6pm, FREE (Mar 18)

Sun: Vintage Fashion Fair at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Regent’s Park tube)
There are free handmade chocs awaiting the first 20 mums to arrive at this fashion showcase featuring stalls, crafts, jewels and other goodies. 11am-5pm, £3 (Mar 17)

Sun: Mother’s Day Ruin Gin-Making Workshop at the Forge, 3-7 Delancey St, NW1 (Camden Town tube)
Treat mama to a gin-making masterclass with expert Ian Hart, featuring chat and DIY gin-mixing, 11 botanicals to taste and a chance to mix your own martinis and G&Ts. 2.30pm, £25 (includes all ingredients) (Mar 18)

More Family Events

Fri-Sat: Circles in the Sand at Polka Theatre, 240 the Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 (Wimbledon tube)
A show for the very young, Tam Tam Theatre presents a tale told in sand not words, with a chance to play in the sand afterwards. For ages 6 months-3 years. Look out for more shows in June! 10.30am, 12pm & 2.05pm; returns only (Mar 16-17)

Fri-Sun: Future Cinema presents Bugsy Malone at the Troxy, 490 Commercial Rd, Spitalfields E1 (Limehouse DLR)
The crew behind cult live cinema experiences including Secret Cinema are back with another retro trip to Fat Sam’s famous speakeasy. Featuring live song and dance, boxing and custard pies all over the Grand Slam. Nab your seats for special child-friendly matinees! 12.30pm & 7.30pm (varying dates); adult £25/concs £17.50/under 16 £10 (Mar 16-Apr 14)

Sun: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Trafalgar Square, WC2 (Charing Cross tube)
Paint the town green at the largest celebration of Irish culture, taking over central London with floats, bands, crafts, foods and more than 100,000 revellers. 12-6pm, FREE (Mar 18)

We also like:
Hop along for Frog Day at Greenwich Park Ecology Centre (Mar 18); snap up a deal at the Affordable Art Fair (Mar 15-18) in Battersea, with free creche; there’s a Family Concert at Wigmore Hall (Mar 17); the funfair’s here in Barnard Park, N1 (Mar 15-18); and hurry up if you want to visit the Obliteration Room at Tate Modern – going, going, gone after Mar 18

Mwalimu Express image via www.worldmusic.net

We celebrate International Women’s Day with a nod to the South Bank where the Women of the World festival takes over for three days. Elsewhere there’s dancing in Olympia, a circus act in Stratford and princesses on skates at Wembley Arena!

Thu-Sat: The Littlest Quirky at Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, E15 (Stratford overground)
A young girl embarks on a journey of discovery in this vivid circus extravaganza for ages 4+. 1.30pm & 5.30pm (Thu), 10.30am & 1.30pm (Fri) & 11.30am & 3pm (Sat), autism-friendly 11.30am (Sat); £7/concs £5/family £20 (Mar 8-11)

Thu-Sun: Disney on Ice: Princesses and Heroes at Wembley Arena, Arena Square, Engineer’s Way, HA9 (Wembley Park tube)
Catch the magical spectacle featuring all your little one’s favourite Disney heroines with skates on, in a show featuring high-flying leaps, dazzling acrobatics and a fire-breathing dragon! Belle, Cinderella, Tiana and new girl Rapunzel all make an appearance. 6.30pm (Wed-Fri), 11am, 2.45pm & 6.30pm (Sat-Sun); £14-£43/under 2s FREE (Mar 7-11; UK tour until Apr 1)

Fri-Sun: Move It! 2012 at Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, W14 (Kensington Olympia/Baron’s Court tube)
The UK’s biggest celebration of dance with live performance, adult and kids’ workshops, all styles from ballet to street and 20,000 dancers under one roof! 10am-7pm (Fri-Sat), 10am-5pm (Sun); adult £13.50 (day)-£34 (3-day pass)/child 5-15 £10.50-£25/under 5s FREE (Mar 9-11)

Fri-Sun: WOW: Women of the World Festival at Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
Celebrate International Women’s Day with a free WOW marketplace of ideas, stalls, food and more, speed mentoring, inspirational talks, performance, music including Sinead O’Connor, under 10s feminist corner and a creche. Daily from 9.45am; day pass £12/concs£6; 3-day pass £30/concs £15 (Mar 9-11)

Sun: The Little Draw at the Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1 (Bond St tube)
Artist and illustrator Anna Saunders leads a drawing workshop for all ages and abilities in association with the Big Draw campaign, using objects and architecture on display at the Wallace Collection as inspiration. 1.30-4.30pm, FREE drop-in (Mar 11)

Sun: The Phoenix and the Magic Carpet at Arts Depot, 5 Nether St, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 (West Finchley tube)
A lively adaptation of one of my favourite kids’ books by E. Nesbit, about the adventures of 4 children who discover a golden egg hidden in an antique carpet. For ages 4+. 12pm & 3pm, £8 (Mar 11)

We also like
Create a pop-up observatory at London Forever at Museum of London Docklands; unseen photos of Lady Day, Amy Winehouse and more in She Bop a Lula charity exhibit; nearly new baby, maternity and kidswear at Balham’s mum2mum market; and get a taste of Italy in all weekend in Islington at La Dolce Vita

See more London kids activities in our Family Events Calendar