I’m away on a babe-free escapade this weekend (friend’s wedding) and cannot wait! Of course, that hasn’t stopped me digging up the best London activities for families.
Cirque du Soleil at O2, Lambeth Country Show, Alice in Wonderland the Opera in Holland Park, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Live, Dalston House, Alexandra Palace Park 150th Birthday Bash, Whitecross Street Party…
Don’t forget the SPF!
Thu-Sun: Cirque du Soleil: Alegria at O2, Greenwich, SE10 (Greenwich DLR)
Astounding feats and jaw-dropping acrobatics are the calling cards of this internationally acclaimed circus company. Watch 55 performers dazzle in a show that means Joy. 6.30pm (Thu-Fri), 11am, 3pm & 7pm (Sat), 12pm & 4pm (Sun); £45-£55 (Jul 18-21)
Thu-Sun: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Live at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, WC2 (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Brilliant adaptation of the popular picture book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. A brave family goes on an adventure to find a bear, encountering some sticky and splashy obstacles along the way. Plenty of interactive fun, with music, perfectly pitched for ages 3+. 11am (Thu-Fri), 10am & 12pm (Sat-Sun), £14-£21.50 (until Sep 1)
Thu-Sun: Leandro Erlich: Dalston House, 1-7 Ashwin St, Dalston, E8 (Dalston Junction/Dalston Kingsland overground)
Experience the Spiderman effect at this visually captivating installation by Erlich, commissioned by the Barbican Centre. Renowned for his 3D optical illusions, Erlich’s latest creation is a detailed facade of a Victorian terraced house, lying horizontally with mirrors positioned overhead. The effects of standing, sitting or lying on this building appear to defy gravity. 11am-8pm (Thu-Fri), 10am-8pm (Sat-Sun); FREE (arrive early, expect queues, follow @dalstonhouse for updates) (until Aug 4)
Thu-Sun: Cirque Alfonse: Timber! at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Axe-juggling Canadians descend on the South Bank in what promises to be a raucous, occasionally knife-edge show blending native folklore from Quebec with circus skills, music and dance. Everyone from 66-year-old grandad to 2-year-old grandson Arthur gets involved, so expect mayhem. Recommended for ages 8+ but younger children welcome! 7.30pm (Thu-Fri); 2pm & 7.30pm (Sat) and 4pm (Sun) + 2pm show (Wed); £15-£32/concs half-price. (Jul 10-31)
Fri-Sun: Skate Kings Cross, West Handyside Canopy, Goods Way, off Granary Square, NC1 (King’s Cross tube)
A pop-up rollerskating rink is taking over in NC1 for the summer, bringing disco-themed food from Disco Bistro and guest chefs, DJ nights and skating for all ages. Skates provided but feel free to bring your own! Skating sessions every 2 hours 10am-10pm (Tue-Wed & Sun); 11am-11pm (Thu), 10am-8pm (Fri-Sun) & nighttime sessions 8pm-late (Fri-Sat), closed on Mondays. Adult £14.30/concs £9.90/child £5.50 (Jul 12-Sep 6)
Sat: Alice in Wonderland at Opera Holland Park, Ilchester Place, W8 (High St Kensington/Holland Park tube)
After the success of Fantastic Mr Fox the Opera, Alice in Wonderland brings a magical menagerie to Holland Park. Follow the White Rabbit to the gorgeous gardens and lose yourself in the storyline, set to a live orchestra. 3pm, adult £8/child £3 (Jul 20-Aug 3)
Sat-Sun: Lambeth Country Show at Brockwell Park, SE24 (Herne Hill rail/Brixton tube)
It’s back, bigger than ever as thousands descend on Brockwell Park for the annual fiesta for all things countryfied. Check out the Farm Zone, the Flower Zone, loads of activities and crafts for kids, funfairs, more than 250 food stalls and an eclectic line-up of ska, funk, soul, afrobeat and roots reggae. 12-7pm, FREE (Jul 20-21)
Sat-Sun: Fun and Games with Jacques of London at Ham House, Ham Street, Richmond-upon-Thames, TW10 (Richmond overground)
Enjoy an afternoon of traditional garden games with the well-known gamesmakers. There’ll be Punch and Judy, croquet tournaments, picnic hampers and more food and drink, tombola with Jacques of London prizes and more! 11am-6pm (Sat) and 11am-4pm (Sun), FREE with normal entry charges adult £5/child £2/family £10 (Jul 20-21)
Sun: Alexandra Park birthday at Alexandra Palace Way, N22 (Wood Green tube)
It’s party time as the park celebrates 150 years of heritage with an amazing roster of entertainment including: farmer’s market, bandstand, vintage performers and rides, pedalo races, south terrace street party and more. 11am-4pm (main festival), 11am-6pm (street party), 11am-10pm (beach stage); FREE entry (Jul 21)
LOCAL PICK
Sat-Sun: Whitecross Street Party, EC1 (Barbican/Old St tube)
The annual shinding celebrating the ‘Rise of the Non-Conformists’ returns with its vibrant mix of street art, live painting, delicious food stalls, family activities, live music and workshops. 12-6pm, FREE (Jul 20-21)
We also like
Lovebox Music Festival swoops into Victoria Park, E9 (Fri-Sun); family outdoor screening of Spiderwick Chronicles in Beaversfield Park, Hounslow (Sat); A Winter’s Tale: Reimagined for Everyone ages 6 and Over rounds up at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (until Sat); enjoy a Literary Lunch at Kaspars Seafood Bar and Grill in part of a new series kicking off this month (Sat); and don’t miss Street Feast Dalston Yard Opening Weekend (Sat-Sun)
Disco Baby! Go Dancing with Kids in London