It’s only once a year, so why not treat dad to a fun day out in London this weekend. Happy Father’s Day in advance to all our Babe papas!
1. Streatham Common Kite Day, SW16 (Streatham/Streatham Common rail)
Grab your kites and wing it at the annual festival for high-fliers. You’ll see spectacular aerial displays by the likes of Team Spectrum (they fly to music), and there’s also bouncy castle, face painting and food stalls including hog roast. 11am-5pm, FREE entry (Jun 16)
2. Backyard Cinema at London Fields Brewery, 365-366 Warburton St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
It’s a weekend movie festival at this popular Hackney spot, where there’ll be beanbags, deck chairs and floor cushions, popcorn and ice cream, live DJ sets and of course a full roster of movies. Family-friendly screenings include Wreck-It Ralph (Sat, 1pm), The Goonies (Sat, 3.30pm) and Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom (Sun, 2pm). £10-£19
3. Father’s Day on the Epping-Ongar Railway, North Weald/Ongar stations (via Epping tube, zone 6)
Hop on the tube to Epping for a classic day out with Dad, where you can ride a heritage bus to North Weald, see a special vintage car display from Morgan Car Club, and then board a steam or diesel train to Ongar. All heritage journeys inclusive in one affordable ticket! Read about our Steam Train adventure. From 9.25am-5pm, adult £12.50/child 3-15 £6.50/family £33.50/under 3s FREE (Jun 16)
4. Build Your Own at National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Rd, Chelsea SW3 (Sloane Square tube)
Come along for a special Father’s Day weekend activity at the museum. You can make your own miniature models, from tanks to trebuchets, and learn the history behind your mini-build. Explore the museum’s handling collection, try rock climbing or a spot of rifle target practice. Best for ages 7+, younger kids welcome and book ahead for the popular Kids Play Zone. 10.30am-4.30pm, FREE (Jun 15-16)
5. Motorexpo at Canary Wharf (Canary Wharf tube/DLR)
Petrolhead papas are in for a treat, as the highest visited motor exhibition in the UK takes over Canary Wharf all week. Feast your eyes on some of the finest vehicles, from luxury cars and classic racers to the latest creations from the world’s leading manufacturers. 11am-5pm, FREE (Jun 10-16)
6. Trooping the Colour, the Mall and St. James’ Park, SW1 (Charing Cross tube)
The Queen’s Birthday parade is the perfect excuse for a pre-Father’s Day outing. Join the crowds and royal watchers to see the Household Division strut their stuff in full regalia. If it’s a nice day, pack a picnic for nearby St James’ Park. From 10am, FREE (Jun 15)
7. Urban Golf (in Soho and Kensington)
It’s Half-price Sundays for a round of golf on the UG simulators, so take Dad along to practise his swing this Father’s Day. Enjoy an hour of play on virtual golf courses rendered in stunning 3G graphics. Food and drink available, plaid trousers optional. 12-6pm, £20/hr (Jun 16)
8. Sunday Lunch at The Albion, 10 Thornhill Rd, N1 (Highbury & Islington tube)
You can’t go wrong with a traditional Sunday roast for Father’s Day, especially if you combine it with a bit of sun and a gorgeous beer garden. We’re lucky enough to have The Albion as one of our locals. This top-rated gastropub serves up delicious dishes, including suckling pig for 10 (at £30 a head), and a lovely garden for the little ones to roam about. Open from 11am, booking ahead strongly advised.
9. Festival of Neighbourhood at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Make a day of it at the Southbank Centre’s Festival of Neighbourhood. Watch The Adventurers Club (Sat & Sun), comedy for all the family in the Udderbelly tent; then take Dad back in time to Beanotown, grab a quick lunch at Real Food Festival, and hang out on the Urban Beach. (ongoing until Sep 8)
10. Michael Caine at Museum of London, London Wall, EC1 (St. Paul’s tube)
The David Bowie exhibition at V&A Museum is officially sold out, but you can still catch this show devoted to another British icon. The Michael Caine retrospective features never-before-seen footage, photography and memorabilia from the original Cockney rebel. 10am-5pm, FREE (until Jul 14)
