We’ve got outdoor cinema in Queen’s Park, a skating spectacular in Westway, Foodies gathering in Battersea and Punch & Judy with a twist in Covent Garden. And don’t forget LolliBop!
Loads on for London kids and families this weekend. Enjoy!
Thu: Punch & Judy Show at Punch & Judy Pub, 40 The Market, Covent Garden, WC2 (Covent Garden tube)
UK comedy channel Gold presents an exclusive production of Punch & Judy, celebrating the 350-year-old seaside tradition. This fun reworking brings characters like Nick Clegg as Cleggy the Clown and Boris Johnson as the Bumbling Policeman into the madcap mix. Created by hit TV writers John Phelps and Gary Lawson (My Family) and hosted by Shaun Williamson (Barry off Eastenders). Suitable for all the family, the show premieres in London before going on tour to Great Yarmouth (Aug 23) and Scarborough (Aug 24). Join in on Twitter #thatsthewaytodoit. 10.30am & 12pm, FREE (Aug 16)
Thu: Family Workshop with Sculptor Julian Wild at Royal British Society of Sculptors, 108 Brompton Rd, SW7 (Kensington tube)
A collaborative workshop for all ages and abilities that gives adults and kids the opportunity to create a piece of art under the guidance of a professional sculptor. Drop-in 11am-4pm, FREE (Aug 16)
Fri-Sun: LolliBop Festival at Regent’s Park, NW1 (Regent’s Park tube)
Moshi Monsters Mash-Up Tournament joins the action-packed schedule for London’s biggest family festival for under 10s, with the Gruffalo, Mr Maker, Shrek the Musical, Science Museum, Dick and Dom, Itsy Bitsy Strictly and loads more family fun. 11am-7pm, from £22 (Aug 17-19)
Fri-Sun: Skate London 2012 at Westway Sports Centre, 1 Crowthorne Rd, W10 (Latimer Rd tube)
The world’s best inline skaters compete in Slalom, Speed, Slides and Jump. Prepare to drop your jaw. 9am-9pm (Fri-Sat), 9am-5pm (Sun), FREE (Aug 17-19)
Fri-Sun: Foodies Festival in Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Rd, SW11 (Sloane Square tube/Battersea Park rail)
Tickle your taste buds as the annual munch fest for gastronomes takes over the south London park. Featuring chefs Levi Roots, Ed Baines, Clare Smyth and more, plus city beach from Jamie Magazine, workshops at the Children’s Cookery School and loads to sample and savour throughout the weekend. 11am-7pm, adult £15/£25 (3-day entry)/kids under 16 FREE (Aug 17-19)
Fri-Sun: Cloud Man and Pop-Up Workshop at National Theatre Square, Cottesloe St, SE1 (Waterloo Tube)
A deceptively simple blend of puppetry, theatre and stunning visuals set to music, telling the story of Cloudia, a cloud expert, who dreams of one day meeting the Cloud Man. For ages 4-7, pop-up workshop after the show. 11am & 3pm (Fri-Sat), 12pm & 3pm (Sun), £2.50 (Aug 17-19)
Sat: The Nomad presents The Goonies at Queen’s Park, Harvist Rd, NW6 (Queen’s Park tube/overground)
Older kids and the young at heart will especially enjoy this open-air screening of the classic ’80s adventure flick directed by Steven Spielberg. Go back in time with Mikey, Chunk, Data, Mouth and the rest of the gang. Exotic popcorn and musical surprises also in store. Doors 7pm, screening 8.45pm; £8.50-£12.50 (Aug 18)
Sat-Sun: The Wind in the Willows at Brockwell Park, Herne Hill, SE24 (Brixton Tube)
A special dramatisation of the best-loved tale will invite audience members to move around with the cast, in the scenic setting of the Walled Garden. 11.30am, 2.30pm, 3pm & 6pm (varying dates and times); adult £8/£6 (until Aug 27)
Sun: London Mela in Gunnersbury Park, W3 (Acton Town tube)
Come out for the 10th anniversary of the London Mela, the biggest celebration of South Asian culture in the capital. With Jaz Dhami and live band, Red Poppies female drumming troupe, Community and Kids Zone, photo exhibition, fun-fair and loads more family activities. 1-9pm, FREE (Aug 19)
Sun: Baby Rave at Pirate Castle, Oval Rd, NW1 (Camden Tube)
Rekindle those clubbing memories at this 1 and a half hour groove fest for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups. Think ska meets electro meets disco meets pop meets reggae, with a family-friendly vibe. Best for ages 8 and under. 3.45-5.15pm, adult £4/child £3/non-walkers FREE (Aug 19)
We also like
The Wild Night of the Witches ages 5+ at Little Angel Theatre, N1 (Sat-Sun); Tales for Future Olympians at RAF Museum (until Sun); Wallace & Gromit’s A Grand Day Out fundraiser in Hadleigh Country Park, Essex (Sun);
Floating Market in Mile End Park (ongoing); Kids Go Free at Syon House and Park, TW8 (ongoing until Sep 1)
We’ve listed 30 Coolest Things to Do with Kids in London this summer. How many have you tried? Happy Weekend!
A perfect day for me would be the outdoor cinema, followed by the food festival, ending with the kids’ rave. Fab, fab, fab x
London is lovely at this time of year, so much to do and yes I wish I could pack it all in too. Can’t wait to hang with you and bubbas when the time is right x