London Weekend Scoop for Kids and Families (September 13-15, 2013)

Summer’s gone it seems, but we’re still trying to squeeze the most out of the days with an action-packed weekend of things to do with the kids plus great ideas and activities for families around London.

Thu-Sun: Mayor’s Thames Festival, around the Thames between Lambeth and St. Katherine’s Docks, SE1 (various tubes, see TFL.gov)
Our favourite end of summer celebration became a 10-day uber-event this year, with everything from kids workshops to riverside choirs on the roster. Sadly no funding for Night Carnival and Fireworks this year, but there’s plenty of fun rounding off this weekend with A Ship’s Opera spectacular waterborne performance; the Deluxe River Cruise by Doug Fishbone; a 600-strong Kids Choir and more singing at The Scoop; and family activities all weekend in Blue Ribbon Village. Full programme available on the web site. 9am-late, FREE (Sep 6-15)

Thu-Sun: Sensational Butterflies at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 (South Kensington tube)
These are your last few days to experience the sensational exhibition of butterflies fluttering free in the Butterfly zone at the museum. Take the little ones for a memorable day out. 10am-5pm, £4.50/under 5s FREE (until Sep 15)

Thu-Sun: The Sound of Music at Open Air Theatre, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 (Baker St tube)
The extended run for this massively popular version of the hit flick about the Von Trapp family closes this weekend. Hear the story of Maria and her Captain (and his kids) sung in glorious technicolour, before it flees over the hills for good. Few tickets left, grab the while you can. 2.45pm and 7.45pm performances (Thu, Sun) and 7.45pm (Fri). (until Sep 14)

Fri-Sun: Feast 1st Birthday Bash at The Quadrangle, Guy’s Hospital, St Thomas St, London Bridge SE1 (London Bridge tube)
Celebrate the anniversary of the popular food market featuring the hottest names in street food and the restaurant scene. Big Apple Hot Dogs, Patty and Bun, Anna Maes, Caravan, Bobs Lobster, Pizza Pilgrims, Bao, Waffle On and more are on the menu. 6-11pm (Fri), 12-4.30pm & 5-11pm (Sat), 12-7pm (Sun); £9 (online booking recommended) (Sep 13-15)

Fri-Sun: King’s Place Festival at Kings Place, York Way, N1 (King’s Cross tube)
More than 100 events packed into 3 days, this annual festival grows bigger each year. On the menu for families on Saturday; Beast Quest interactive event; The Little Prince Musical painting; Alice in Wonderland. On Sunday there’s Storytelling with Debussy; Sing with Nick Cope; Classic Buskers for Children; The Wimpy Kid Show. On both days, you’ll find art workshops for kids, cake decorating and canal boat rides. From 9.30am daily, £4.50 per event, some events are FREE (Sep 13-15)

Fri-Sun: By the River Weekend at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford E15 (Stratford overground/tube)
End the summer in style with this weekend of family fun including afternoon tea dances, 70s disco marathons including Do the Hustle workshops, bug hunts, crafts, storytelling, swing dancing, live bands and street theatre. 2-8pm (Fri); 12-7pm (Sat) & 12-5pm (Sun), FREE (Sep 13-15)

Sun: Disco Loco in the Park at Springfield Park, Hackney E5 (Clapton overground)
Another stonking festival in the beautiful park for the baby raving massive, with live music from We Have Band, Shannon and the Clams and Black Gold Buffalo; big tunes on the decks by DJs Earl Gateshead, The Lovely Emily, Reverend Milo Speedwagon & Toby Kidd; cabaret, theatre and photo booth action; the House of Hot Breath’s funderdome entertainment zone; delicious food from Mama’s Jerk Station, Burger Bear, Little Tart and loads more. 11am-6pm, FREE (Sep 15)

Sun: Hackney One Carnival, venues around Hackney E5/E8 (Hackney Central overground)
It’s party time in Hackney as the carnival procession makes its way through the borough. There’ll be food stalls dishing up treats from Ridley Road Market from noon, a youth showcase in Mare St, and live entertainment and drumming in Gillett Square. 8am-8pm, FREE (Sun)

We also like
Brave the open-air screenings at Kew the Movies at Kew Gardens (Thu-Sat); there’s a Free Family Fun Day on the Floating Cinema in Bow E3 (Fri); head to the annual City Life Family Festival in Leadenhall Market, E1 (Sat); it’s the last hurrah for Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall at Southbank Centre, SE1 (until Sun)