Recovered from half term yet? There’s only 6 weeks or so to go until the endless stretch of summer holidays; but don’t worry, we’ll have you covered. In the meantime, check out all the fabulous things to do in the London Kids Weekend Scoop. Don’t forget to drop me a line if you hear of something cool happening in your neck of the woods too. Have a great weekend!
Thu-Sun: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts 1 and 2, 113 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5AY (Tottenham Court Rd/Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
Early feedback is OUTSTANDING and ok, so tickets are like gold dust for the Harry Potter play, but if you keep an eye on the web site, something magical might happen (special release tickets every Friday for one). Set 19 years after Harry and his wizard friends left Hogwarts, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth instalment of JK Rowling’s masterpiece series, and first official Potter play. Harry’s grappling with working at Ministry of Magic and raising his son Albus, whose destiny becomes intertwined with Harry’s past in ways neither of them could foresee. The two-part play can be seen as matinee and evening performances or on consecutive days. Jamie Parker, Noma Dumezweni and Paul Thornley take on the celebrated roles of Harry, Hermione and Ron in what’s set to be THE must-see summer show. 2pm & 7.30pm (Wed & Sat), 7.30pm (Thu-Fri), 1pm & 6.30pm (Sun); £15-£65 (previews from Jun 7, world premiere Jul 30, 2016-booking until May 27, 2017)
Thu-Sun: Aladdin the Musical at Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street London W1D 4HS (Charing Cross rail/tube, Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Rd tube)
A whole new world comes to the West End as one of Disney’s best-loved animated movies hits the stage. All the music from the film, as well as new songs, dazzling choreography, colourful costumes and a stellar cast promise an exciting adventure for all ages. The creative team includes director and choreographer, Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon), music by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast), lyrics from Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tim Rice (The Lion King) and Chad Beguelin (Elf), who also wrote the book. Aladdin the Musical previews this half-term and is set to sweep UK audiences off their feet. Recommended for ages 6+, under 3s not admitted. 2.30pm (Thu & Sat), 7.30pm (Mon-Sat); from £27.25 (until Oct 1)
Sat: Fork to Fork Family Festival, ARK Franklin Primary Academy, Harvist Road, NW6 6HJ (Kensal Rise overground, Queen’s Park tube/rail)
Enjoy a family friendly day of feasting and fun, at this one-day community festival focused on raising funds for an Open Air Classroom project at ARK Franklin Primary in Kensal Rise. This fantastic project will create a space where pupils (and members of the community at weekends/school holidays) can engage their senses and creativity outdoors. A space where you can learn about everything from gardening to nutrition, marine science, conservation and more. The Fork to Fork festival brings together top restaurants serving up signature dishes, including Caravan, Gracelands Cafe, Moro, Polpo, Bluebird, The Modern Pantry and more. There will also be a bar, live music and children’s activities throughout the day. All ages. 12pm-6pm, adult £8/child under 12 FREE, advanced booking strongly recommended (Jun 11)
Sat: John Hegley Family Workshop at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Head to Kings Place for another brilliant event aimed at families, starring the word-meister and sorcerer of silliness John Hegley. The celebrated performance poet will lead the audience in an hour of PO-NG (poem and song) writing, that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a tap in your toes. All ages. Part of the Poetry & Lyrics Festival. 12pm; adult £5.50/child £3.50 (Jun 11)
Sat: Highgate Fair in the Square at Pond Square, South Grove, Highgate Village, N6 (Archway/Highgate tube)
Every year, the whole community comes out to celebrate the neighbourhood in a traditional village fete atmosphere. There will be live circus performances, Punch & Judy on patrol, Hornsey School for Girls’ steel band, the cast from Upstairs at the Gatehouse, funfair attractions, artisan stalls, the popular Sheep Show, live music, street food, kids’ activities and more Morris Dancers than you can shake a hanky at. All ages. 12.30pm-5.30pm, FREE (Jun 11)
Sat-Sun: Bugsy Malone at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
I’m not exaggerating when I saw that Bugsy Malone was one of the best kids’ theatre performances we’ve ever seen as a family, and we couldn’t be more thrilled at its return to Lyric Hammersmith. The loving adaptation of Alan Parker’s Oscar-winning film brought laughter, dancing and tears of joyful nostalgia to audiences last year. Join Bugsy, Blousey and Talullah on a familiar caper from Fat Sam’s Grand to a wonderfully messy finale. Filled with fab tunes, terrific kids and great routines. If you missed it the first time, we urge you to beg, borrow or splurge gun your way to the box office. For ages 6+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Wed & Sat), 1pm (Sun); £15-£40 (Jun 11-Sep 4)
Sat-Sun: Mini Maker Faire at Oxo Tower Wharf, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, SE1 9PH (Southwark tube, Blackfriars/Waterloo tube & rail)
Explore the wonderful fields of creative arts, science and technology in this two-day celebration of making magical things from your imagination. Mini Makers inspires young minds to stretch beyond the limits of what the eye can see, and create exciting new objects, inventions and experiences. Try your hand at 3D printing, robot coding, toy manufacturing, drone flying, video game development, even augmented reality. And of course parents and carers can get busy making stuff too. Okido, School of Noise, MiroBot and Mural Kid are just some of the names involved. 10am-5pm; adult/child £7 each for 1 day entry, advanced booking recommended (Jun 11-12)
Sun: Southbank Centre Meltdown Circus Day (also top pic), South Bank, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
Southbank Centre’s illustrious Meltdown music festival is curated this year by Guy Garvey, frontman of Elbow and features an eclectic line-up of artists and performances. This Sunday, go for the free Meltdown Circus Day aimed at kids (and big kids) of all ages. Take part in Hoola Schoola with Marawa the Amazing’s hula hoop troupe The Majorettes; fly high with Upswing workshops in aerial acrobatics, aerial hoops and acrobalance; see professional ropewalker Stefano Di Renzo in action in Hold On and take part in his juggling workshop. You can also see a brand new circus show for all the family, The Party, featuring clowning, tumbling and a crazy upside down cyclist! Meltdown Circus Day runs from 9am-6pm, FREE; The Party is at 12.30pm & 2.30pm, adult £10/child £5 (Jun 12)
Sun: Stepney City Farm: The Big Lunch Big Birthday 2016, Stepney Way, E1 3DG (Stepney Green tube/Limehouse DLR)
The Big Lunch is an annual project aimed at getting neighbourhoods together to share a friendly meal in a communal setting. Stepney City Farm hosts this edition on its 6th birthday, inviting you, your family members, friends, neighbours and anyone else in your social circle along for a delicious free meal. Bring a dish to share, and enjoy the local animals, live music, swing dancing and more. Lunch will be followed by the Stepney Farm Mini Olympics with egg & spoon, three-legged and other racing and games! All ages. 12pm-3pm, FREE (Jun 12)
Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Summer Hoedown with DJ Mark Force at Shapes, Hackney Wick, 117 Wallis Rd, E9 5LN (Hackney Wick overground)
Yee haw! DJ Mark Force (Bugz in the Attic) leads the doh-si-dohs on the dance floor, as BFLF bring a country hoedown feel to their ever fabulous family raves. Cowgirls and cowboys in training can get stomping to big tunes, or have a mosey around the Happy Monkey craft room with Captain Cookie. You’ll also find the usual BFLF elements e.g. free glowstick and transfer tattoos for the kids, colouring mural, licensed bar, cake stalls, play area, glitter cannons and parachute dance finale. For the youngest visitors, don’t miss out on the Villa Pia babies and crawlers room with chill out mats and soft play ball pool. This is your last chance to catch Big Fish Little Fish in east London before they go on tour to multiple festivals including GLASTONBURY! For ages 0-8 and their carers. 2pm-4.30pm, Tickets are adult £9, child £6 and pre-walkers go free (Jun 12)
Sun: LSO Discover Family Concert: Game Over at Barbican Hall, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican/Moorgate tube)
The Barbican hosts another concert in its well-loved series starring the London Symphony Orchestra, focused on getting youngsters engaged with classical music and instruments. The LSO will conduct you on an adventure through the various sections of the orchestra, with plenty of audience interaction and a few surprises. NB Got a smartphone or tablet? Bring it along to the concert – and yes, you can leave it switched on… Ages 7-13. 2.30pm (Jun 12)
Sun: Parasol Unit Storytelling Family Workshop: Twisting Your Words, at Parasol Unit, 14 Wharf Road, N1 7RW (Angel/Old St tube)
This sounds like a fun way to spend a Sunday: a storytelling and story-making workshop in the company of professional author and interactive storyteller Shamim Azad. First you hear the tales and sing the songs, before you’re invited to create your own unique stories, inspired by the photography in the gallery. Ages 5+. 2.30pm-4pm; £7 per family – booking required (Jun 12)
Sun: Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town/Chalk Farm tube)
Grab your partner and get swinging at the hugely popular family barn dance sessions, aimed at anyone from mums with bubbas in slings to granddads with a spring in their step. There’s a live caller telling you what to do and a live band keeping the party going, and trust me, it’s a proper workout! All ages. Advanced booking recommended to avoid disappointment. 3pm-5pm; adult £7, child £5, under 2s FREE (Jun 12)
Sun: Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall at London Wonderground, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Shake, rattle and roll with your babies and toddlers at the internationally acclaimed dance hall disco for under fives and their grown ups. London-based Australian DJ, producer and mum of two, Monski Mouse spins retro hits and nursery classics to get everybody clapping their hands and stomping their feet through the afternoon. For ages 5 and under and their carers. Max 2 kids per adult, every adult must be accompanied by a child. 3pm-5pm, £8/family of 4 £25.60 (Jun 12, 26/Jul 10, 17/Aug 7, 14, 21, 28/Sep 3, 11, 18 & 25)
We also like
Hurry, there are a few tickets available for sell-out shows of Little Angel Theatre: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt in N1 (Fri only); take part in Curious Construction at Somerset House, a free family workshop, part of London Festival of Architecture (Sat); celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday with a day of revelry, posh nosh, hog roast and sports on the telly at The Water Poet in Spitalfields (Sat); design a bag for Children’s Art Week at Westminster Abbey (Sat); rides, stalls and kids activities at Primrose Hill Summer Fair (Sat); Peppa Pig joins the fun at St John’s Hospice Summer Fayre in St John’s Wood (Sat-Sun); LAST CHANCE to catch Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild, a dazzling spectacle for ages 4+ at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (until Sun); and it’s the last weekend of Chelsea Fringe (ends Sun)
London Kids Cinema Listings
A selection of movies from some of our favourite family friendly cinemas in London.
Barbican Cinema Framed Family Film Club, Cinema 1, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG) at 11am; Child £2.50/Adult £3.50 (Jun 11)
Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
Stuart Little at 9.30am; adult/child £5 (Jun 11)
Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
Oddball and the Penguins at 12pm; Adult/Child £3 (Jun 11)
Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
James and the Giant Peach at 11.30am; £1.75 (Jun 11)
Soho Hotel Children’s Film Club, 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Ratchet and Clank at 12.30pm; £10 (film only), £15 (includes ice cream, movie and popcorn + prosecco for grown-ups) or £20 (includes buffet lunch + snacks and prosecco) (Jun 11)
BFI Southbank: BFI Families
Back to the Future at 12.30pm; adult £11.75/child £4 (Jun 12)
COMING SOON
Rio Cinema Saturday Morning Kids Club, 107 Kingsland High St, Dalston E8 (Dalston Junction/Dalston Kingsland overground)
Only Yesterday at 11am; Child £3/Adult £4 (Jun 25)
Check out our Parent & Baby cinema guide;
Our London Kids Cinema page launches soon, and don’t miss our picks for Top 150 Family Films!
Booking Ahead
Taste of London at Regent’s Park (Jun 15-19)
Nibble + Squeak Dining Club for Babies and Families at St John Maltby St (Jun 16)
Affordable Art Fair in Hampstead Heath (Jun 16-19)
New Tate Modern Opening Weekend (Jun 17-19)
Open Garden Squares Weekend (Jun 18-19)
Father’s Day (Jun 19)
Big Fish Little Fish Father’s Day Rave at The Bedford, Balham (Jun 19)
ArcelorMittal Orbit giant slide at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (opening Jun 24)
The Gruffalo at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue (Jul 6-Jan 8, 2017)
Something Happening for Kids Festival at The Place (Jul 16)
Telling Tales Family Literary Festival at Shakespeare’s Globe (Jul 29-31)
Upcoming Family Festivals
Nozstock Festival (Jul 22-24)
Deer Shed Festival (Jul 22-24)
Camp Bestival (Jul 28-31)
Just So Festival (Aug 19-21)
Electric Fields Festival (Aug 26-27)
On Blackheath (Sep 10-11)
Don’t miss our Family Festivals guide
