Weekend Scoop for London Families (Aug 30-Sep 2)

Summer’s not over yet. There’s still plenty to do out and about with kids in London this weekend. Take your pick from an ice cream festival in King’s Cross to outdoor African film screenings in Covent Garden, to a summer party on Tooting Common!

Thu-Sun: Angelina Ballerina the Mousical at Richmond Theatre, the Green, Surrey, TW9 (Richmond tube)
Everybody’s favourite ballet dancing mouse takes it to the streets in a show subtitled Ballet Girls and Hip Hop Boys. A song and dance spectacular to thrill the pre-school set. 2.30pm & 6.30pm, £13.50-£17.50 (Aug 30-Sep 2)

Fri-Sun: Africa Weekend: Deloitte Ignite with Yinka Shonibare at Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, WC1 (Covent Garden tube)
A weekend of the best in contemporary African arts and culture, curated by artist Yinka Shonibare, featuring live music and performance, open-air African film screenings in the Piazza (2-10pm Sat-Sun), exhibitions, workshops and talks. Plus a taste of African cuisine in the Amphitheatre Bar. Daytime events are FREE, tickets required for all events. 11am until late, £0-£25 (Aug 31-Sep 2)

Sat: Angel Canal Festival, adjoining City Road Lock, Islington, N1 (Angel tube)
Come along for 80 stalls along the canal, kids’ funfair, street theatre, boat trips, Punch & Judy and more family fun at this annual one-day festival. 11am-6pm, FREE (Sep 1)

Sat: Back to School Baking at Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Rd, E2 (Hoxton overground)
Can you cram one last crafty activity in before school starts? Take the kids for a fun, messy afternoon of baking to make spicy biscuits and decorate tins to take them home in. 10.30am-12.30pm & 2-4pm, FREE (Sat)

Sat-Sun: King’s Cross Ice Cream Festival, Granary Square, N1C (King’s Cross tube)
Who can resist a chance to try some of the best ice creams from across the country at this family day out, with nitrogen ice cream demonstrations, ice cream art and the chance to build a giant sandcastle on Granary Square beach. 11am-6pm, FREE (Sep 1-2)

Sun: Boundless Arts in Peckham Square, SE16 (Peckham Rye overground)
Local deaf and disabled performers transform Peckham Square in a showcase of live music, dance and art, part of the Elephant and the Nun family festival in Southwark. 1-7pm, FREE (Sep 2)

Sun: Ickle Pickles Party, Tooting Common, Dr. Johnson’s Avenue, (opposite the Lido), SW16 (Tooting Bec tube)
The annual Ickle Pickles summer party features bouncy castle, rides, stalls and entertainment from the likes of Amanda’s Action Kids. All in aid of St. George’s Hospital neonatal unit. 11am-5pm, FREE (donations welcome) (Sep 2)

Sun: Chelsea Auto Legends at Royal Hospital Gardens, Chelsea, SW1 (Sloane Square tube)
A brilliant day out for petrol heads big and small, as classic cars of all descriptions parade the stunning hospital grounds. From Le Mans and Formula One to movie star mobiles, plus food stalls, kiddy rides and other family entertainment. 10am-4pm, adult £25/ages 12-16 £10/under 12s FREE (Sep 2)

We also like
Last chance for Kids Week theatre promo for families in West End (until Fri), there’s open-air Scottish Dancing at Kensington Gardens bandstand for all ages (Sat), check out the Agricultural Show in central London’s gorgeous Phoenix Gardens (Sat), mount the Giant Climbing Wall at Old Truman Brewery, free on Brick Lane (ongoing), Kids Go Free at Syon House and Park, TW8 (ongoing until Sep 1)

Try some of our 30 Coolest Things to Do with Kids in London before the holidays end!