Hello again! We’re back from a spectacular weekend at Camp Bestival (full reports next week) and looking ahead to loads of fun over the next couple of days.
Our pick of things to do in London with kids this weekend include Moomins at ICA, Zoo Nation‘s amazing take on the Wizard of Oz and the Prudential Freecycle family bike ride around London.
Plus nab your tickets now for LolliBop Festival coming soon!
HOT TICKET (coming Next Weekend)!
The big bash for little people ages 10 and under, Lollibop Festival 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, Disney on Ice Silent Disco, 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: 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: 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: Summer Cinema: Cool Runnings (PG) at Regent’s Place Plaza, Euston Rd, NW1 3HF (Euston/Warren St tube)
Jah mon. Listen to astonishingly inauthentic accents in this rather ludicrous but somehow entertaining film, based on the real life adventures of the first ever Jamaican bobsled team at the Winter Olympics. 5pm-6.45pm, FREE (Aug 9)
Sat: Somerset House: Saloon Bar Selfies at The Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Yeehaw cowboys and cowgirls! Buckle up for a Wild West themed event as Somerset House becomes a Saloon bar where you can make your own Wanted poster among other activities for ages 6+ (younger siblings welcome). 11am-4pm, drop-in, FREE (Aug 9)
Sat: Prudential Ride: FreeCycle, various locations along the route from Green Park to Tower Hill
Get on your bike for a family-friendly ride around London, past the city’s landmarks, in the company of other cycling enthusiasts. Enter and exit at any point along the route and enjoy music and entertainment including stilt bikes and rickshaws at officia festival zones in Guildhall Yard and Leadenhall Market, Green Park, Tower Hill and St Paul’s Churchyard. From 9am, FREE. See web site for route map. (Aug 9)
Sat-Sun: Festival of Love: Philia Weekend at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
It’s the celebration of Philia, or the ‘shared experience’ of love this weekend at the South Bank and there’s loads going on for families. From theatre in Pyjarmy Regiment, to a chance to help stitch the biggest picnic blanket ever, to a screening of cult kids classic The Goonies (12) and singing along to Grease, Dirty Dancing and more in the Soundtracks Singalong Party. From around 9am daily, most activities are FREE (Aug 9-10)
Sat-Sun: Moomin and Midsummer Madness at the ICA, The Mall, SW1Y 5AH (Charing Cross/Piccadilly Circus tube)
A special retrospective of Tove Jansson’s works at the Institute of Contemporary Art includes these special weekend screenings of Moomin and Midsummer Madness. Follow the adventures of Jansson’s iconic creatures as they explore their creativity one long hot summer in Moomin valley. 12.15pm, £4-£11 (Aug 9-10)
Sat-Sun: What the Ladybird Heard at Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X 9DQ (Sloane Square tube)
Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird and a whole farmyard of fun. Julia Donaldson’s lively picture book is brought to the stage in an engaging performance with puppets, music and lots of audience interaction. For ages 2+. 11am (Sat), 11am & 2pm (Sun); £14.50-£16.50/family £62 (until Aug 10)
Sat-Sun: Camden Beach opens again 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)
We also like
Listen up to the Great Animal Orchestra at Horniman Museum (ongoing); catch Muppets Most Wanted at Experience Cinema: Drive In Film Club in Brent Cross Car Park (Fri); celebrate the richness of African fashion, fabrics and aesthetics at Africa Fashion Week at Olympia (until Sun); meet dairy producers and listen to Udderly amazing live bands at Cowfest at Spitalfields City Farm (Sun); hear stories and engage in make and take fun during Summer Holiday Family Activities at London Transport Museum (ongoing)
Want more? Take a look at our 31 Coolest Things to Do with Kids in London this Summer!
