Lots of things to do with the kids around London this weekend and fingers crossed the sun’s making a comeback!
My basketball nuts will be dragging me to Trafalgar Square for some hoop action I’m sure. Meanwhile there’s chess with Alice in Wonderland at Fortnum & Masons, a FREE puppet festival in Covent Garden and Andy & Mike return with a brand new show, the Tick Tock Time Machine. Have a good one!
Fri-Sun: Euroleague Fan Zone at Trafalgar Square, WC2 (Charing Cross Rd tube)
As the first ever Final Four competition in the Euroleague Basketball Championships sweeps into London, the Fan Zone takes over Trafalgar Square for a weekend of activities. There’ll be basketball demos, slam dunk contests, tips from the pros, a chance to shoot hoops, cheerleading and dancing displays and sports bar to entertain al . You can even take a picture with the Euroleague Champions Trophy! 11am-7pm daily, FREE (May 10-12)
Fri-Sun: Dulwich Festival, various venues around SE21 and SE22 (Herne Hill, West Dulwich, Sydenham Hill stations or East Dulwich and North Dulwich from London Bridge)
South London is buzzing with music, arts and cultural activities in this 9-day festival packed with everything from children’s concerts to cartoon workshops. Dates, prices and times vary, many events are FREE. (May 10-19)
Sat: Alice Through the Looking Glass Children’s Chess at Fortnum & Mason, Regent St, W1 (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Chess master Jason Kouchak will be teaching kids how to play the game in 30 minute sessions, while storytellers from the Iris Theatre Group will deliver their interpretations of the children’s classic, Alice Through the Looking Glass. An intriguing and playful afternoon break from shopping in the West End! 12-4pm, child £10 (May 11)
Sat: London Philharmonics Orchestra: Peter & the Wolf at Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Join the LPO for another fun session of musical storytelling and discovery, we follow Peter and his animal friends trying to outwit the wily wolf. There are free Human Orchestra sessions in the foyer (10.30am-2.30pm) and have-a-go sessions after the performance. 12pm, adult £10-£18/child half-price (May 11)
Sat: Framed Family Film Club: Wreck it Ralph (PG) at Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC1 (Barbican tube)
Catch the hilarious and hectic tale of video game baddie Wreck it Ralph, who longs to be a hero but finds obstacles at every turn. Animated fun for ages 4+. 11am, £2 (May 11)
Sat-Sun: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 (Angel tube)
Michael Rosen’s brilliantly lyrical tale gets a puppet makeover in this lively adaptation directed by LAT’s Peter Glanville and music from renowned singer-composer Barb Jungr. For ages 2+. Baby-friendly performances 11am (Suns) & on Thu May 30. 10am & 1pm (Wed-Thu), 1pm & 5pm (Fri); 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm (Sat-Sun); £12/£10 children & concs/half-price previews May 11 & 12/£5 for Fridays 5pm (May 11-Jul 21)
Sun: Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival, St Paul’s Church Garden, Bedford St, WC2 The biggest event for Punch & Judy lovers around town every year kicks off with a grand procession with band at 11am, followed by church service at noon, and family performances until around 5.30pm. 11am-5.30pm, FREE (May 12)
Sun: Andy & Mike’s Tick Tock Machine at Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, E15 (Stratford tube/overground)
CBeebies Andy and his comedy partner Mike are chilling in their fun pad when they discover a secret door that leads them to a magical workshop and a mysterious time machine. Cue time travelling mayhem, a potentially dangerous quest and plenty of audience participation, from the stars of hit show Andy & Mike’s Big Box of Bananas! For ages 3+. 11.30am-1pm, 3-4.30pm; £10-£12 (May 12)
We also like
See Lullaby (a show for babies at Polka Theatre, Wimbledon (Fri-Sun); you can Crash, Bang, Wallop! at this family concert in Cadogan Hall (Sat); furry pals abound at the London Pet Show, Earl’s Court, SW5 (Sat-Sun); join in the Kensington Mums Motherhood Exhibition: Open Photo Session at Whole Foods Market, Kensington (Fri and until May 17); and don’t miss the Sound Tracks Festival with garden tours, crafts for kids, live music and art installations at Geffrye Museum in Hoxton, E2 (Sun)