Sun’s out today and I’m in a bouncy mood, ready to celebrate the launch of the Food Assembly at my husband’s HQ, Cole and Sons. More on both in an upcoming post, in the meantime take a gander at all the luvverly things to do with children in our London Kids Weekend Scoop. Happy weekend!
Fri: Science Uncovered at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Wander the realm of the dinosaurs and butterflies (two of the museum’s most popular exhibits) and engage with 350 scientists and more than 1000 specimens at the annual Science Uncovered festival. There are expert talks, digital demos, behind the scenes of the museum experiences and Soapbox Science. All ages. Museum open 10am-5.50pm, festival 3pm-10pm; FREE (Sep 25)
Fri-Sun: Radio Times Festival, Hampton Court Palace, East Molesley (35 minutes from London Waterloo to Hampton Court rail)
Visit glorious Hampton Court Palace for this vast celebration of literature, arts and media. The family programme features Shaun the Sheep model making, drawing masterclass with Tony Ross, Thomas the Tank Engine, storytelling with the team behind the Gruffalo and much more. 11am-10pm (Fri), 10am-10pm (Sat), 10am-6.30pm (Sun): adult £10-£25, child ages 6-16 £6 per individual session, but must be accompanied by a paying adult. Child under 5 FREE but must be seated on an adult’s lap. (Sep 24-27)
Fri-Sun: The World Goes Pop (main pic) at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Celebrating the bold, brash and brilliant genre known as pop art, this sweeping exhibition spans Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. The retrospective explores everything from canvas art to photography, pinball machines to advertising campaigns. It’s sure to excite young ones as well as older fans, and under 12s go FREE (Sep 17-Jan 24, 2016, from £14.50)
Fri-Sun: Breaking the Ice at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Discover the tale of the polar bear who made friends with a husky and embark on your own journey into their snowy environment, filled with music, shadows and projection. An immersive adventure created for very young kids by Norwegian vocalist/composer Torgeir Vassvik. For ages 2-5. 10.30am & 1.15pm (Tue-Fri), 10am, 11.15am & 1.45pm (Sat-Sun); under 18s £15, additional adult £5 (Sep 2-Oct 4)
Sat: Trotters 25th Birthday at Duke of York Square, SW3 4LY (Sloane Square tube)
Party with Trotters in the Square at their 25th anniversary. The shindig promises petting zoo, Victorian carousel, pony rides, fete stalls, face painting, wishing tree and tons of fun for all ages. All proceeds made on the day will be donated to charity Place2Be. 11am-5pm, FREE (Sep 26)
Sat: Baby Loves Disco: Around the World at DNA, 1 St Johns Hill, Clapham Junction SW11 1TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground)
The original disco for little clubbers and their dance floor crazy bodyguards is still going strong. This month sees an Around the World theme at DNA, with resident DJ and a baby-friendly global groove. Put on your sombrero or your karate suit and come prepared to unwind, with music, healthy snacks, licensed bar for adults and private karaoke booths. 1pm, adult/child £9, family £32, non-walkers FREE (Sep 26)
Sat-Sun: Your River Celebration Weekend at Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay, E14 4AL (West India Quay DLR/Canary Wharf tube)
Head to the docks to celebrate the Thames in a series of artsy, crafty and educational workshops for kids of all ages. Make scrapbooks and displays, create a giant River Thames, hunt for historic treasures and hear magical tales. All ages. 12-4pm, FREE (Sep 26-27)
Sun: Deloitte Ignite Festival Day at Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden)
Wonderful chance to experience what goes on at the Royal Opera House, without the price tag. Try your hand at making props, ‘break a leg’ with stage fighting or ballet and contemporary dance, watch hula hoopers, trolley-dancing tea ladies and other performers do their stuff, and sample yummy treats from the Spanish-themed outdoor kitchen. 11am, FREE but booking required (Sep 27)
We also like
Tour the bold and brilliant Ai Weiwei retrospective at Royal Academy (until Dec 13); enjoy the spectacle of the Pearly Kings and Queens at the Harvest Festival in Guildhall Yard (Sat); head south for the first Write on Kew festival at Kew gardens (Fri-Sun); go to the launch of Okido magazine’s new BBC show Messy Goes to Okido in Battersea (Sun); see a family screening of Steamboat Bill at BFI Southbank (Sun)
BOOKING AHEAD
Shaolin Monks at Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre (Sep 29-Oct 17)
Disco Loco presents Splatter Go-Go (Oct 3)
Horrible Histories at Hackney Empire (Oct 7-11)
Hello Kitty Live: Fashion & Friends (Oct 8)
Michael Rosen’s Bear Hunt, Chocolate Cake & Bad Things (Oct 16-Apr 10)
Big Fish Little Fish at Hackney Wick (Oct 18) – Win Tickets to Big Fish Little Fish with Villa Pia!
London Night Owls Sleepover at Museum of London (ages 7-11) (Oct 24)
Storystock at Bush Theatre (Oct 28-30)
Half term guide not too far away and in the meantime, don’t forget 15 Things to make your heart SING this Autumn!
I Mark the Day