Get ready to celebrate St George’s Day at the big party in Trafalgar Square on Saturday or a calmer affair at Museum of Childhood (see below).
On another tip, introduce your minis to the joys of vinyl at Record Store Day events in Soho and around town (Sat). Check out more fun things to do with kids in London this weekend:
Thu-Sun: Pick me Up Fair at Somerset House, the Strand, WC1 (Charing Cross tube)
The brilliant graphic arts festival features loads of events including Pimp Your Nails nail bar (Thu 11am-2pm & 4-9pm), Game Sketch & Match drawing games (Fri 11am-5pm); plus Children’s Weekend of activities including Shaun the Sheep (pic) modelling with Aardman’s Jim Parkyn (Sat 11.30am & 2.30pm), and workshop with The Gruffalo’s Axel Scheffler (Sun 1-5pm). And of course amazing art from the rising stars of graphic design for sale on exhibit. 10am-6pm daily, or until 10pm on Thu; £8/concs £6/festival pass £15 (until Apr 28)
Thu-Sun: Alchemy Festival of South Asian Culture at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
The fabulous feast of music, arts, performance and food returns to South Bank with top picks such as sampling the Roti Chai Chaat Shack & Snack Bar; seeing Iconic Rickshaws on display; exploring the Alchemy Food Market; premiere of the makeshift Bollywood Blockbuster (Sun) and Half Moon Theatre production Moon and Genie for ages 3-7. Dates and prices vary, many events FREE! (until Apr 21)
Fri: Street Feast, 317-319 Kingsland Rd, E8 (Haggerston overground)
Street food is hot and it just got hotter again with the return of this popular night food market at its brand new Dalston spot. Find all your favourites trading including Big Apple Hot Dogs, The Ribman, Buen Provecho, Kimchi Cult, Yum Jungle plus some delicious new discoveries. There’s also art, music and screenings to savour. Come early with the kids and tuck in! Every Fri 5pm-midnight, FREE entry (Apr 19)
Sat: St George’s Day at V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 (Bethnal Green tube)
Enjoy a day of live music from the Becontree Brass Band, Punch & Judy, traditional fun and games, English Country Dancing and merriment to mark this typical English holiday. 11.30am-4pm, FREE (Apr 20)
Sat: Mini Maestros: Mozart’s Requiem at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC1 (Charing Cross tube)
Discover the mystery of how Mozart wrote his great Requiem and how a choir and an orchestra work in unison to make great music for little ears. For ages 4+. 4.30pm, adult £8.50/child £6.50 (Apr 20)
Sat: Family Day: More Loose Parts at Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High St, E1 (Aldgate East tube)
Come and play at this special family arts and crafts session led by artists Ella Phillips and Alexander Edwards, using film and a special experiential trail to explore the potential of creative play. 12-4pm, FREE (Apr 20)
Sun: Mwalimu Express African Family Club at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E1 (Shoreditch High St Overground)
One of our favourite hangouts, this popular African family event combines toddler dancing, workshops, board games, craft stalls, tasty food and this week two Cape Verde legends, award-winning songstress Carmen Souza on stage and a documentary screening by filmmaker Dona Tututa. 12-7pm, FREE (Apr 21)
Sun: Shakepeare’s Birthday Family Day at Shakespeare’s Globe, 12 New Globe Walk, SE1 (Blackfriars/London Bridge tube)
Celebrate the Bard at this fun-filled day led by magician Prospero who unleashes a variety of tricks including bubbling cauldrons, mind-bending feats, masterclasses, card games and more. 12-5pm, FREE (Apr 21)
Sun: London Marathon, across town (travel info at www.tfl.gov.uk)
Line the streets to cheer the runners, mostly raising money for excellent causes, and share in the spirit of unity that defies recent tragedy at the Boston marathon. This year’s course starts at Blackheath and winds around the Cutty Sark en route towards final stop at The Mall, in front of Buckingham Palace. Race starts at 10am, arrivals from 9am, FREE for spectators (Apr 21)
Sun: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Rd, N6 (Highgate tube)
It’s a bus driver up against a very persuasive pigeon who’s itching to get behind the wheel in this enchanting adaptation filled with fun, music and feathers, from Big Wooden Horse. For ages 3+. 3pm, £8 (Apr 21)
LOCAL PICK
Sat-Sun: Hullabalulu and Cloud Child at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 (Angel tube)
Take a journey in a quirky land-boat with eccentric couple and their new friend Lulu for ages 5+ (Sat). And on Sunday, a child from the sky is the focus of this playful show for ages 2-5 exploring the bond between parent and child. Puppet magic. 11am & 2pm (Sat), 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm (Sun), baby-friendly performance 11am (Sun); adult £10/child £8
We also like
See the new clouds hanging at St Pancras; Tales Big Day Out at Chickenshed is SOLD OUT but you can book now for added dates in May and July; there are limited tickets left for The Tinderbox at Lyric, Hammersmith (Sat); watch Curious at Arts Depot (Sun); there are family workshops at Saatchi Gallery (Sat), Camden Arts Centre (Sun) and Design Museum (Sun); knees up for a Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House (Sun)
