Is it me or did that week go by super quickly? We’re looking forward to an action-packed weekend in London with lots of fun things to do with the kids. Highlights include:
Barbican Weekender, Purple Dragon at Art14, Blaze hip hop dance at Sadler’s Wells, Moshi Monsters at Electric Cinema, Sciencetastic Family Day at British Library, Disco Loco in Bethnal Green…
Enjoy!
Fri-Sun: Purple Dragon Family Workshops at Art 14, Olympia Grand, Hammersmith Rd, W14 8UX (Kensington High St tube)
One of the most exciting showcases for international contemporary art takes over Olympia, featuring works from more than 180 galleries from Lagos to Berlin, Beijing to Dubai. Purple Dragon, the ultra fabulous family members’ club, is hosting Art14’s first ever family activity. Visit the Purple Dragon stand where your kids can create artworks and be entered into a contest to win a Holiday Membership for 10 visits to the exclusive club! All entries will be showcased on the Purple Dragon gallery too. Purple Dragon is also offering families guided tours of the Art14 show from 11.30am daily. Art14 runs from 11am-7pm (Fri-Sat) and 11am-5pm (Sun), tours 11.30am (Sat-Sun); adult from £18/concs £12/child under 16 FREE (Feb 28-Mar 2)
Fri-Sun: Zippo’s Circus, Brent Cross, South Centre Car Park, NW4 3FP (Hendon Central tube)
It’s your last weekend to catch the astonishing Zippo’s Circus as they spin, fly and tumble in the Brent Cross arena. Prepare to hold your breath but try not to cover your eyes! 7pm (Fri), 12pm, 3pm & 7pm (Sat), 12pm & 3pm (Sun), £5-£25 (Feb 19-Mar 2)
Fri-Sun: Blaze at Peacock Theatre, Sadler’s Wells, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
Don’t miss the explosive dance show Blaze, as it returns to Sadler’s Wells for another showcase of b-boying, street grooves, high production values and a hot pop soundtrack. For ages 5+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 6pm (Sun); £12-£38/under 16s half-price (Feb 18-Mar 8)
Sat: Sciencetastic! Family Discovery Day at British Library, Harry M Weinrebe Learning Centre, British Library, 96 Euston Rd, NW1 2DB (King’s Cross/St Pancras, Euston tube)
An amazing day of fun family workshops, demos and entertainment, including Science Museum bubbles show, skeletons from Grant Museum, artists from October Gallery and more taking you on a voyage of wonder and discovery. The event is fully accessible for families with deaf children and parents and open to all. 12-4pm, FREE (Mar 1)
Sat: Electric Cinema Kids Club: Moshi Monsters at Electric Cinema, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Ladbroke Grove tube)
Get your early birds along to the Electric Cinema’s plush setting for a relaxed viewing of the Moshi Monsters in their first feature film. Join Katsuma, Poppet and the gang in an action-packed adventure filled with songs, laughter and squeaky voices. 9.30am, adult/child £8 (Mar 1)
Sat-Sun: Barbican Weekender: We Create at Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Another brilliant weekend of free, family-friendly activities with this year’s focus being image, identity and the evolution of digital technology explored through various art forms. Play with code, create mini music videos, watch participants (16+) gaming in the dark, see quantum mechanics made visual with Hidden Fields dance shows, become part of the holographic installation I’ll Be Your Mirror and much more. From 11am daily, FREE (Mar 1-2)
Sat-Sun: Not Now, Bernard at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Bernard has two problems: a) there’s a monster in his garden b) mum and dad are too busy to notice. But when Bernard decides to befriend the monster, things get even stranger! Vivid retelling of David iconic picture book, for ages 2+. Limited availability for 2.30pm (Sat), 11am (Sun), pre-booking strongly advised! £10-£16 (until May 1)
Sun: Disco Loco at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, 42-46 Pollard Row, E2 6NB (Bethnal Green tube)
It’s the first Sunday of the month, time for Disco Loco, East London’s friendly and funky afternoon groove for hot steppers of all sizes. DJs Earl Gateshead, The Lovely Emily, Toby Kidd and Rev Milo Speedwagon mix up ska, disco, rave, reggae and everything in between. The party’s upstairs, downstairs is a more baby-friendly vibe, plus Indian snacks, cakes and a licensed bar. 3-6pm, £4/non-walkers FREE (Mar 2)
Sun: Jack and the Beanstalk at Arts Depot, 5 Nether St, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Due to popular demand, an extra afternoon show has been added to the sell-out adaptation by Lyngo Theatre of the classic fairytale. Expect giant shoes, tiny houses and a big leafy explosion in this lively treat for ages 3-8. 4.30pm, £7 (Mar 2)
LOCAL PICK
Sat-Sun: Hidden Depths Canal Cruises, towpath opposite Granary Square, N1C (King’s Cross tube)
Climb aboard the Lapwing canal boat for a relaxing journey along the Regent’s Canal, from King’s Cross through Islington tunnel to Camden and back again. You can bring your own food or music and rides are suitable for all ages including babies (boat is buggy-friendly). Upcoming special events include Mother’s Day and Easter Bunny trips. Departure times 1pm & 3pm (Sat-Sun); adult £10/child £8/senior £8/under 3s FREE (Mar 1-2)
We also like
The Big Fish Little Fish party train hits the Bedford in Balham (Sat, 2-4.30pm); try stop-motion animation techniques at Parasol Unit family workshop in N1 (Sun, 2.30-4pm); and it’s time to hit Trafalgar Square for the all-day Russian sun festival Maslenitsa (Sun)
Now Oliver would love the Jack & the Beanstalk adaptation, he adores the fairtyale…have you ever been to a Zippo Circus, I would love to check out a review as it’s somewhere I’ve often pondered taking the little ones to. Fab post as always x