Whoop whoop, I’m looking forward to the London Hoop Fest this weekend at Netil House in Shoreditch, where hooping marvels like Marawa the Amazing and Anna the Hulagan will be teaching tricks and skills to make us dizzy.
If that doesn’t put you in a spin, here’s more of what’s on for London kids and families this weekend:
Thu-Sun: Colourscape Music Festival on Clapham Common, near Windmill Pub, Rookery Rd access (Clapham Common tube)
The sound and music festival held in billowing dome tents on the Common wraps up this weekend with more music from the likes of Alison Blunt. Also In Wonderland, an interactive show inspired by the White Rabbit’s journey with Alice. 1-6pm weekend concerts (weekday colour and music workshops from 12-1pm); adult £8.50/child £4.50 (until Sep 23)
Fri: City Beach Volleyball Championships at Broadgate Circle, EC2 (Liverpool St tube)
Relive some of that Olympic and Paralympic spirit at the 4th annual beach volleyball tournament at this pop-up beach on Broadgate Circle. Watch teams compete, see appearances from Team GB, play ping pong with Pongathon, hear live music and more. All to raise money for Action for Kids charity. 9am-7pm, FREE (Sep 21)
Fri-Sun: Westfield Stratford City 1st Birthday, E16 (Stratford overground/tube)
Join in the fun at the shopping centre with live magic, circus and juggling acts, hundreds of free cupcakes and other giveaways, in-store discounts, Disney Store princess celebration and more. 11am-8pm (Fri), 10am-9pm (Sat) and 12-6pm (Sun); FREE ENTRY (Sep 21-23)
Fri-Sun: London Design Festival, at V&A Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 (South Kensington tube) and other venues
Explore the best in modern design at this 10-day festival held at venues across town from the festival hub at V&A museum to Townhouse at Belgrave Square and the Be Open sound portal in Trafalgar Square. Talks, events and exhibitions celebrate London as the creative capital of the world. 10am daily, FREE (until Sep 23)
Sat: The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Waterstones Piccadilly, WC2 (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Come along for a fun-filled day of storytelling and activities with a chance to make your own Hungry Caterpillar in store. The Very Hungry Caterpillar himself will be making live appearances on the hour. 11.30am-3.30pm, FREE (Sep 22)
Sat: Toy Story 3 at Pop Up Screens in South Park, Fulham, SW6 (Parsons Green tube)
It’s the roving cinema’s last outdoor screening weekend of the year and the Disney Pixar animated classic starring Woody, Buzz and all their buddies is on the menu. The Dark Knight closes the season on Sunday. From 7pm, £8 (Sep 22)
Sat-Sun: Open House London, various locations across town
More than 750 of the city’s most enticing buildings open their doors to the general public for one weekend. Family activities include model making at Stanton Williams Architects and City of a Thousand Architects (11am-3pm) at City Hall, Queen’s Walk, SE1. From 10am daily, FREE (Sep 22-23)
Sat-Sun: The Incredible Book Eating Boy at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 (Clapham Junction rail)
Bootworks Theatre presents an adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ award-winning story of a book-munching boy, using puppetry and live music. Each performance is 5 minutes long and acted to an audience of 1 child plus an accompanying adult. Saturday bookings come with an interactive workshop with the cast from 10.30am-12pm. Performances are at 6 minute intervals between 12.30-5.30pm (arrive 10 minutes early); £5 (Sep 22-23)
Sat-Sun: Tara Expeditions Open Days at St Katherine’s Docks, 50 St. Katherine’s Way, E1 (Tower Hill tube/Tower Gateway DLR)
Kids and families are invited to learn about oceans and climate change aboard the French scientific vehicle that has just completed a 70,000 mile tour across the world’s oceans, exploring marine life. Climb on the ship and hear from the crew about their expeditions. 10am-12pm and 1-5pm, FREE (Sep 22-23)
Local Pick
Sat-Sun: The Tear Thief at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 (Angel tube)
Adapted from the book by poet Carol Ann Duffy, this heartwarming fairytale with puppets is about a thief who steals the tears of children – but what does she do with them? For ages 3+ (baby-friendly performances Sun 11am). Wed & Thu 10am & 1pm (11am & 2pm in half term)/Fri 1pm & 5pm (11am & 2pm in half term)/Sat 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm/Sun 11am & 2pm; family gala performance Sun Oct 14, 3pm; adults £12/child £10/half-price tickets Sat (Sep 22, previews) and Fridays after 5pm. (Sep 22-Nov 4)
We also like
Leave the kids at home for London Fashion Weekend at Somerset House (Thu-Sun); take part in a Hobbit Second Breakfast on 11am (Fri) or at the special feast at Fulham Palace (Sat), marking the 75th anniversary of JR Tolkien’s tale; don’t miss the Bermondsey Street Festival (Sat); pups go on parade at the Chiswick House and Gardens Dog Show (Sun); and bigger kids will love Some Like it Hip Hop at Sadler’s Wells (ongoing)
Photo of Colourscape Music Festival via Eye Music web site
