The sun is shining and there is SO much fun to be had around town this weekend. I’ve dug up more than 10 of the most cool things to do with kids in London, all across the capital. Have a good one!
Thu-Fri: Geffrye Museum: Spring Has Sprung (Kingsland Rd, E2 8EA, Hoxton overground) sees a basket-full of activities for families, from making felt eggs and mini gardens, to painting seasonal plates and designing springtime masks. Activities for ages 5+ (younger ones welcome), plus a special garden trail for all ages. 10.30am-12.30pm & 2-4pm, drop-in, FREE (until Apr 11)
Thu-Fri: Science Museum Live: The Energy Show returns to the Science Museum (Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD, South Kensington tube) after a raucous reception last year. Two mad science students race against time to prove their knowledge of energy. Expect hydrogen balloon explosions, methane bubbles bursting and rockets blasting into the audience! Dangerously good fun for ages 7+. 11.30am-12.45pm, 1.30-2.45pm; adult £13.50/child £9.50 (until Apr 11)
Thu-Sun: Shoe Baby at the Albany (Douglas Way, SE8 4AG, Deptford/New Cross overground) is a magical puppet show based on the beloved book by Joyce Dunbar, following the giddy travels of a baby who takes to air, road and sea all by shoe! Winner of Brighton Festival award for Best Children’s Show. Meet the puppets after the show! For ages 2+. 11am & 2pm, £7/family £24 (until Apr 13)
Sat: Lego Reimagined at Royal Academy at Burlington House, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly tube)
Lego freaks unite at this special family workshop where you can build the mythical creatures, palaces and towers of your fantasies. You can also hunt for eggs in the enchanted forest and make Hansel & Gretel houses. Drop-in from 11am-2pm, but sure to be popular so arrive as early as possible, FREE (Apr 13)
Sat: Big Fish Little Fish at Brixton JAMM, Brixton Rd, SW9 (Brixton tube)
Groove on down with your mini ravers at this weekend’s Big Fish Little Fish pyjama party where top DJs, craft room, baby chill zone and licensed bar keep young and old happy. Tony Thorpe (Moody Boyz) and Benbo are on the decks and theme is Dream a Little Dream. 2-4.30pm, £8/non-walkers FREE (Apr 12)
Sat: Shakespeare’s Globe Story Days, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Mansion House tube)
Journey into a strange new world in this dynamic retelling of classic play The Tempest with storyteller Saul Jaffe. Find out what happens to Miranda, Prospero, Caliban and Ariel on their enchanted island. Suitable for ages 6+. 11am & 2pm; adult + child £15/additional tickets £8 (Apr 12)
Sat: CircusFest at Roundhouse: Tech Playground, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH (Chalk Farm tube)
Run away to the circus at the Roundhouse Take Park Family Weekend. Sadly hula hooping, street dance and acrobatics workshops are sold out, but you can still drop-in to this free tech playground. Explore and interact with Kinect to create your own one minute video. 12.30-4.30pm, FREE (Apr 12)
Sat: The Forge: Giraffes Can’t Dance at The Forge, 3-7 Delancey St, Camden NW1 7NL (Camden Town tube/Camden Rd overground)
Bring your little ones along for a warm-hearted storytelling session, based on the popular picture book, with live musical accompaniment. 2pm, £6 adv/£7 door (Apr 13)
Sat: Virgin London Marathon (around town)
On your marks, get set, go! The London Marathon takes over the capital and hordes of onlookers and supporters will be lining the route from Blackheath to the Mall. Plan your day with the London Marathon Spectators’ Guide. From 8.40am, FREE (Apr 13)
Sat: Duke of York Square Easter Chocolate Market, SW3 4LY (Sloane Square tube)
The famous Farmer’s market is transformed for Easter into a chocoholic’s dream. Enjoy gourmet, handmade and luxury products from the likes of Lavolio, Simply Handmade, Doisy and Dam, Diana’s Chocolates and Ellie’s Chocolates. It’s all in homage to Sir Hans Sloane and his chocolate legacy. From 10am-4pm, FREE (Apr 12)
Sat-Sun: Fairground London: Launch Weekend at 260-264 Kingsland Rd, E8 4DG (Dalston Kingsland overground)
Our friends at Street Feast are back with another amazing sounding 10 weeks of fun, food and frolics. Launch weekend sees a takeover by Busaba Eathai to mark Thai New Year festival, so there’s three floors of tasty nosh. There’s also talks from the likes of English Disco Lovers, live music and DJs, tea dance for little people (Sat) and kids craft area (Sunday), foosball tables and more. 10am-3am (Sat) & 10am-11pm (Sun); FREE before 7pm, £5 (7-9pm) or £7 (after 9pm) (Apr 12/13-Jun 14/15)
Sat-Sun: Sailor Tales at HMS Belfast, The Queen’s Walk, off Tooley St, SE1 2JH (London Bridge tube)
Go aboard the historic war ship to hear tales about life during the D-Day campaign from the perspective of the ship’s cat, Frankenstein! 11am-1pm & 2-4pm daily, FREE with regular admission adult £15.50/child under 16 FREE (Apr 12-21)
We also like
My First Ballet: Coppelia at Peacock Theatre Sadlers Wells (ongoing); Moscow State Circus at Ally Pally (starts Thu); Clapham Common Easter Funfair (ongoing); Chocolate Festival at Islington Business Design Centre (Fri-Sun); Southbank Centre presents Rubbish (Fri & Sat until Apr 23); Easter Egg Hunt at Islington Museum (Sun)
And more in our jam-packed Easter Holidays Guide and 10 Best Easter Egg Hunts in London!
