Big bangs aren’t much fun for little people, but you can still enjoy Guy Fawkes at a craft workshop or toddler-friendly fireworks display.
Here’s our pick of where to celebrate a family Bonfire Night with your mini firecrackers.
GUY FAWKES CRAFTS
1. Fizzing, Whooshing and Banging Hats at Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Rd, E2 (Hoxton Station overground)
Craft a cracking hat for bonfire night. Aimed at ages 5 to 11, but younger kids are welcome at these workshops. 10.30am-12.30pm & 2-4pm; FREE (Nov 4)
2. Crash Bang Wallop at Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1 (Sloane Sq tube)
Hugely popular family concert featuring magical orchestral pieces with pre-show activities including wand making and puppets. 11am, adult £8/child £6 (concert sold out, returns only but pre-concert activities are free and no booking is required) (Nov 5)
3. Fireworks over the Docks at Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay, E14 (West India Quay DLR)
Design your own sparkling paper fireworks to take home on Bonfire Night. For ages 3+. 12.30-1.30pm & 2.30-3.30pm, FREE (Nov 5)
4. Guy Fawkes at Somerset House, the Strand, WC2 (Charing Cross tube)
In the Free Family Workshop: A Glow in the Dark (Sat, 2-4pm), kids ages 6+ and their parents can make glowing constructions inspired by the abstracts in the Courtauld Gallery. For under 5s, Mini Make Believe: Super Sparklers (Sun, 11.30) will have them whizzing, whooshing and popping with stories, songs and crafts. First come first served, FREE (Nov 5 & 6)
CHILD-FRIENDLY FIREWORKS
5. Coram’s Fields Fireworks, 93 Guildford St, WC1 (Russell Sq tube)
A spectacular show aimed at the kiddies, held in the popular park. No unaccompanied adults. 4.30pm, FREE (Nov 4)
6. Children’s Fireworks at Crystal Palace Park, SE19 (Crystal Palace rail)
Family funfair, food stalls and a smaller display for kids with less bangs for those little ears, before the main event. Gates 6pm, kids show 7pm, main show 8pm; adult and 14+ £5, child £3, under 5s free (Nov 5)
7. Children’s Fireworks at Ravenscourt Park, Paddenswick Rd, W6 (Hammersmith Broadway tube)
Fabulous show with a myths and ghouls theme, rides, stalls and more, plus spectacular fireworks for grown-ups after. Gates 6pm, kids show 7.15pm, main show 8pm; adult £7/under 5s free (Nov 5)
8. Guy Fawkes Experience at Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 (Waltham Cross rail)
Historic reenactment of the Gunpowder Plot with craft activities, BBQ, funfair and fireworks over two afternoons. 2-7pm, fireworks from 6pm; adult £8.50/child £6/family £26/under 3s free (Nov 5-6)
MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
9. Battersea Park Fireworks, SW11 (Victoria 9 tube)
Traditional Guy Fawkes, stunning pyrotechnics, BBQ, toffee apples and more. 6pm gates, 8pm fireworks. Adult £6 adv/£10 door/under 10s free (Nov 5)
10. Blackheath Common Fireworks (Lewisham tube)
South London’s biggest and brightest free display with funfair and food stalls. 8pm, FREE (Nov 5)
Good to know! Husband and i just talking about what to do for Guy Fawkes with kids this weekend… and weren’t inspired with our ideas, so this is helpful. :)
Hey Lindsay, glad to be of service ;-) We attended a local fireworks show last weekend, so prob won’t do much other than sit at home and watch our neighbours light stuff up! Enjoy wherever you go x