The weather’s set to pick up over the weekend and there’s loads happening indoors and out. Fun things to do in London with kids on our radar:
LolliBop Festival, Breaker’s Yard at Sutton House, Bounce Festival in Richmond, London Mother’s Club at Red Market, Geffrye Museum celebrates 100 years, Zoo Nation Groove on Down the Road at Southbank Centre, Pirates of Penzance at Fulham Palace…
Have a blast!
COMING SOON: DISCO LOCO IN THE PARK!
The fabulous Disco Loco in the Park family pop-up festival returns for its 3rd outing in gorgeous Springfield Park, Hackney. Expect more live music, loads of yummy grub, theatre, interactive fun, film and sound pods, DJs and a laidback crowd. Brilliant way to wind down the summer! 11am-6pm, FREE (Aug 31)
Thu-Sun: Breakers Yard at Sutton House, 2-4 Homerton High Street, London E9 6JQ (Hackney Central overground)
The innovative creative troupe House of Fairytales has transformed a cars breakers yard into a wonderland of artistic installations including an illustrated ice cream van, an edible garden and a multi-storey caravan sculpture decorated like a stately home. It opened just this week and today (Thu Aug 14) you can celebrate the opening with Flags, Lanterns and Bunting making (2-4pm) or just pop along to explore the site at any point. 10.30am-5pm; adult £3.50, child £1, family £6.90 (from Aug 12 onwards)
Thu-Sun: Zoo Nation’s Groove on Down the Road at Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
It’s hard to explain just how much we’re in love with this show. So good we saw it twice (thanks Southbank Centre!). Follow Dorothy, Toto, Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow down the yellow brick road in a poppin’, lockin’, hip hop spin of the Wizard of Oz, with a fresh soundtrack combining music from The Wiz and modern hits. I defy you not to come out grinning like a loon! Recommended for ages 5+ but younger ones welcome. 2pm, 3pm, 5.30pm & 7pm (varying dates); £22-27/concs. half-price (limited availability) (Aug 5-26)
Fri-Sun: Lollibop Festival (top pic) at Hatfield House, Hatfield House, Great North Road, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 5NQ (Kings Cross to Hatfield rail)
The big bash for little people ages 10 and under,relocates to the glorious surroundings of Hatfield House in Hertfordshire (just 20 mins by train from King’s Cross). Thirteen different activity zones plus Justin Fletcher, Science Museum, Skylanders Trap Team, Scooby Doo Live, Southbank Centre, Harry’s Wizard School, Postman Pat and many more on the line-up. Daily 10am-6pm. Advance tickets from £22.50/family of 4 tickets from £82.50 + booking fees. (Aug 15-17)
Fri-Sun: Aliens Love Underpants at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX (Leicester Square tube)
The aliens have landed… hold onto your knickers! This dazzling stage show follows the strange travels of creatures from outer space on their quest for their favourite find: undies. Based on the popular book, this show blends madcap action, original music and stunning effects and promises you’ll laugh your pants off. For ages 3+. 11am (Fri), 10.15am, 12pm & 2pm (Sat & Sun); £10-£21 (until Aug 31)
Sat-Sun: Bounce Festival in Old Deer Park, Twickenham Rd, Richmond TW9 2SL (Richmond tube/rail/overground)
Come along for a jam-packed family weekend of activities for ages 12 and under. From cooking and crafts, to sports and science, to live entertainment all designed to spark the imagination. 10am-6pm; £18 adv, £20 door/ages 4 and under £4/family £60 adv. or £70 door (Aug 16-17)
Sat-Sun: Camden Beach at the Roundhouse, NW1 (Chalk Farm tube)
Beach huts, ping pong, cocktails, deckchairs, live music and 150 tonnes of sand to sink your toes into. Plan to go early with the kids as it does get crowded later (and full) and don’t forget your bucket and spade! All ages. 12-11pm (Tue-Sat), 5-11pm (Mon); FREE entry (Jul 26-Aug 23)
Sat-Sun: Royal Childhood at Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA (Victoria tube).
Go behind the scenes of princes and princesses through treasured toys, childhood clothing and previously unseen photos and film footage. 9.30am-7.30pm (July-Aug) & 9.30am-6.30pm (Sep); adult £19.75, child under 17 £11.75/under 5s FREE (Jul 26-Sep 28)
Sun: Fulham Palace: Pirates of Penzance, in Walled Garden at Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube)
All aboard for a rip-roaring adventure as Ilyria bring Gilbert & Sullivan’s most popular comic opera to the grounds of Fulham Palace. Apprentice pirate Frederick has to choose between life on the high seas and his one true love in this family friendly show packed with laughter and memorable songs such as A Modern Major General. Recommended for ages 5+, younger ones welcome. Gates open 3.30pm, show 4pm; adult £15/child £15/under 3s £2 (Aug 17)
Sun: London Mother’s Club: A Family Affair at Red Market, 1-3 Rivington St, EC1, Shoreditch (Old St & Liverpool St tube/Shoreditch High St overground)
The uber hip and laidback Shoreditch gallery and street food market opens its doors to a London Mothers Club affair, serving up top kids’ entertainment including Amanda’s Action Kids and Peppa Pig, pampering for worn-out parents, BKD cupcake classes, and of course delicious street food, cocktails and a beach backdrop. 12-5pm, family ticket £15/NHS workers discount £10 per family ticket (Aug 17)
Sun: Geffrye Museum Centenary Celebrations, 163 Kingsland Rd, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
There’s loads happening at this centenary event for the fantastic Geffrye Museum. Bring the kids along for all day activities including garden games, make and take animal masks, animal stories, perplexing portraits and dancing to recycled rhythms. 12.30-4.30pm, FREE (Aug 17)
We also like
Head for a Feast at Battersea Park at the Foodies Festival all weekend (Fri-Sun); The Elephant and the Nun is a FREE festival for all ages with music and entertainment in Burgess Park, Southwark (Sat, 12-8pm); don’t miss the hilarious The Lego Movie (PG) at Regent’s Place Plaza, FREE outdoor screening (Sat); there’s FREE all day, outdoor fun for all the family at Seven Dials Spotlight in Covent Garden (Sat, 12-7pm); hear stories and engage in make and take fun during Summer Holiday Family Activities at London Transport Museum (ongoing); pop along to Gamewagon Minecraft workshops at That Place on the Corner in Stoke Newington (Sat-Sun until Aug 31); learn how to become a knight at this Free Family Event at Westminster Abbey for ages 5+, pre-booking essential (Tue)
Want more? Take a look at our 31 Coolest Things to Do with Kids in London this Summer!
