Father’s Day Weekend: London Kids Scoop (Jun 15-18, 2017)

What a brutal week. Still reeling from the shock of the Grenfell tower fire and its heartbreaking aftermath. The stories coming out are simply unimaginable. At times like these, sharing fun stuff to do with your family seems rather trivial. But it’s also times like these that remind us to cherish our loved ones, make more memories, and embrace joy wherever we can find it. I’ve put together a bumper edition of the London Kids Scoop for Father’s Day. Here’s to all the amazing dads out there and big love to our very own Babe Papa.

GRENFELL TOWER SUPPORT: If you are looking for how to help people affected, Londonist has a helpful list of crowd funding sites that have sprung up. And the British Red Cross offers practical guidance, including helplines for local families and people in distress. Our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their beloved x
 

Father’s Day Weekend Scoop

 

 
This Father’s Day, all weekend you can go behind the scenes of 10 Downing St and other secret spaces for Open Garden Squares Weekend. Party in my neighbourhood at The Cally Festival (Sun) with street food, family fun, stalls, stage and dance floor. For many more activities – from football to jousting – read on…

Fri-Sun: Wind in the Willows Musical at London Palladium, Argyll Street, Westminster, London W1F 7TF (Oxford Circus/Bond St tube)
Badger, Mole, Ratty and the irrepressible speed-freak Mr Toad are back on the big stage, in a brand new adaptation of the beloved children’s book by Kenneth Grahame. It’s set to be a cracking show, with comedian Rufus Hound (Toad) joined by Denise Welch and Gary Wilmot in lead roles. The script is by none other than Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey, Gosford Park) with a score from Olivier Award-winning composer and lyricist duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The choreography and set design are also sure to delight and dazzle audiences from ages 5+. Previews from this Father’s Day weekend! 7pm (Mon), 7.30pm (Tue-Sat) & 2.30pm (Tue & Sat); from adult £15, 1 child FREE with every paying adult + up to 2 additional children (16 and under) at half price (previews from Jun 16/opens Jun 29-Sep 9)

Fri-Sun: Gelato Festival at Old Spitalfields Market, Brushfield Street E1 6AA (Liverpool St/Aldgate East tube, Shoreditch High St overground)
The weekend’s set to be a scorcher, so where better to treat your dad or granddad for Father’s Day than at a Gelato Festival? Pick up your wristband to be able to sample the creamiest, most luscious gelato from up to 16 of the world’s best creators. You can also vote for your top pick to be crowned European Gelato Champion at a ceremony in Italy in September. There’s also fun and games for all ages in the festival village. 12pm-7pm (Fri), 11am-7pm (Sat-Sun); adult £18/child £6/family of 4 from £12.50 each – NB wristbands valid for one day only. (Jun 16-18)

Fri-Sun: Fulham F.C. Sports Week at Dads Go Free! at KidZania London, Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GA (Shepherd’s Bush tube/overground)
The babes won’t like me writing about a rival football club (Gooners for life!) but it would be wrong not to let you know about this first ever Sports Week at Kidzania. Fulham FC coaches are hosting a 5-day takeover, to teach kids how to bend it like Beckham, tackle like Cairney, and develop other skills like Fulham F.C. legends including Bobby Zamora and George Best. Kids will get a goodie bag and can use their KidZos to buy Fulham FC merchandise from the store. Also look out for the club’s mascot, Billy the Badger. For Father’s Day on Sunday, Dads Go Free at Kidzania, so don’t delay (call 0330 131 3333 and quote ‘FATHER’S DAY’). 10am-4pm (Wed-Thu), 10am-7pm (Fri-Sun); adult from £15/child from £20 (Jun 14-18)

Fri-Sun: BUMP Rollerdisco at Queens Skate, Dine & Bowl, 17 Queensway, W2 4QP (Queensway/Bayswater tube)
LAST CHANCE: The fabulous BUMP Roller Disco town are back in action, this time taking over Queens Skate, Dine & Bowl in Bayswater, London. Since the Queens Ice Rink is undergoing renovations, it’s been transformed into a wooden floored roller disco, perfect for the BUMP crew. Get your whole family along for some ‘wheelie’ good fun on Father’s Day weekend. If you’re new to roller skating, the marshals will give you a helping hand. Queens offers a fun day out for all with bowling, Arcade Lounge and the popular MEATliquor for delicious burgers and drinks (20% MEATliquor discount for BUMP Roller disco customers). Ages 3+. 12pm-10.30pm (Mon-Thu), 10am-11.30pm (Fri-Sat), 10am-10.30pm (Sun); £10 in advance inc skate hire & £8 if you have your own skates. On the door £12 including skater hire & £9 if you have your own skates. NB: Kids under 13 only welcome BEFORE 7pm. (Jun 8-18)

Fri-Sun: Underbelly Festival | Flip Fabrique: Attrape Moi at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
If you see one show with your family this Father’s Day weekend, make it Attrape Moi by Canadian company Flip Fabrique. All the way from Quebec, Flip Fabrique turn live theatre on its head in an all-leaping, all-juggling, all-dancing, all blowing your mind kinda way. Blending acrobatics, parkour, tricks and some crazy stunts on a trampoline, Attrape Moi (Catch Me in French) will leave your adrenaline pumping… in a good way. We were lucky enough to see this show at Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year and I can’t recommend it highly enough! All ages. 7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 2.30pm & 6pm (Sat), 6pm (Sun); from £19.50-£23.50 (until Jul 9)

 

 
Sat: Jousting on Wimbledon Common!, Wimbledon Guild Village Fair, Southside Common, SW19 4TG (Wimbledon tube)
Hold onto your helmet, big fella! The Knights of Middle England are back for another stunning jousting event, just what you need to get your blood pumping over Father’s Day weekend. High-speed horsemanship, crazy stunts and hard-hitting contact jousting are the order of the day. Arrive early at the arena to get the best view of knights on faithful steeds ploughing into their opponents. It’s all part of the Wimbledon Guild Village Fair, which also features live music stages, food stalls, dog show, kids’ adventure zone, falconry displays and loads more action and it’s all free. All ages welcome. Jousting at 11.45am & 2.15pm, FREE (Jun 17)

Sat: The Great Get Together Family Picnic at Brunswick Square Gardens, WC1N 1AN (Russell Square tube)
Can you believe one year has passed since MP Jo Cox’s tragic killing? To remember her life and legacy in the spirit of community, luncheons and picnics are taking place across the country. There’s one happening at our local square and if you search the main site, you’re sure to find one near you. The Foundling Museum is hosting a lunch and storytelling party in Brunswick Square Gardens with circus skills (run by The Roundhouse), hula hooping, arts, crafts and readings. Bring a picnic lunch and blanket. All ages welcome. 12pm-2pm, FREE (Jun 17)

Sat: Grandma’s House Family Architecture Workshop at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
So you’ve made it to 100 years old, you’ve had your letter from Her Majesty… but what kind of set-up are you living in? At this family architecture workshop (in time for London Architecture Week), you’re invited to design your ideal future home. Explore drawing and model making, using all your senses (touch, sight, sound, smell and storytelling). The event will be run by volunteers from Penoyre & Prasad Architects and Price & Myers and Max Fordham engineers will be running this event. Ages 4+. 11am-12.30pm, FREE (Jun 17)

The Labyrinth of Lost Stories, Crystal Palace Park, SE19 2GA (Crystal Palace rail/overground)
There’s something strange going on in Crystal Palace Park this Father’s Day weekend. And I’m not talking about the dinosaurs. Rumours of voices echoing around the maze, whispers from another era, shadows moving through seeking answers to mysterious questions. Do you dare figure out what’s happening? Step into the Labyrinth to find out who these mystical characters are, piece together their stories and uncover the hidden treasures. This free storytelling adventure sounds like great fun for friends and family. All ages welcome. Part of Crystal Palace Overground Festival. 12pm-6pm (sessions last 40 mins); FREE (Jun 17)

 

 
Sat-Sun: In the Night Garden Live at Showdome Richmond, Old Deer Park, Twickenham Road, Richmond, TW9 2SF (Richmond tube/overground)
Awww this takes me back. Meeting Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and their mates at In the Night Garden Live was one of the babes’ life highlights when they were little. The CBeebies hit makes a wonderful musical theatre experience for the very young. With full-size costumes, magical puppets, breathtaking projections and music, you’ll feel completely transported to the Night Garden with your babes. More than 800,000 people have seen the show, be part of the action this June. All ages welcome, perfect for ages 18 months and up. 10am, 12noon, 2pm, 4pm (Mon-Tue & Thur-Sun); £12.50 -£35 (Jun 17-Jul 5)

Sat-Sun: Kings Cross Canal Festival, Regent’s Canal Towpath and around Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4AA (King’s Cross St Pancras)
Head to Regent’s Canal at Kings Cross for a festival on the water, with canalboat rides, floating bookshop, a hammock to swing in, pond dipping at Camley St Natural Park, bee trails at the Skip Garden and more. There’s circus acts including Chinese pole, live music, and good food and drink including Ruby Violet ice cream and Bubbles prosecco van. At West Handyside Canopy, there’s an all day house music and bagels celebration as Spiritland presents Bageley’s (12pm-8pm) with 20 DJs and 20,000 bagels! Kings Cross Canal Festival is all day, FREE entry (Jun 17-18)

Sat-Sun: Polka Theatre: The Borrowers, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
You’ve read the book, maybe you’ve seen The Borrowers movie, or even the Studio Ghibli version Arietty. Now catch the magical stage adaptation of this popular kids’ fable about a very tiny family that lives under the floorboards. When Arietty’s dad Pod brings her upstairs into the big house for the first time, to learn the art of ‘borrowing’, she meets a real human boy. But when the ‘human beans’ discover the borrowers’ secret world, it might be the end of life as she knows it! Dazzling puppetry, an original score, stunning set and tons of suspense will keep ages 5-11 and families engaged. Varying performances at 11am, 2pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm (check dates); £15 – hurry, tickets flying out, do book ahead if you can! (Jun 16-Aug 20)

Sat-Sun: Father’s Day Weekend at Forty Hall Estate, Forty Hall, Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 9HA (Oakwood tube, Enfield Town, Enfield Chase or Southbury rail)
Get into some old school gaming as the Pinball Museum joins forces with Forty Hall Estate for Father’s Day Weekend. Play favourites from your own childhood with your kids, like Garlando Football. Plus vintage arcade games including Defender, The Adams Family, and Terminator II, and of course, pinball machines. If you have time, swing by the Dugdale Centre nearby and check out the ‘Terrific Toys: Made and Played in Enfield’ exhibition, to leave you awash with nostalgia. Perfect for ages 11+, younger ones welcome (although might not be able to play most games). 11am-4pm, £3 each (Jun 17-18)

 

 
Sun: My Father and Other Super Heroes at the Village Hall, Circus West Village at Battersea Power Station, 188 Kirtling St, London SW8 5BN (Battersea Park/Queenstown Rd rail/Sloane Sq or Vauxhall tube)
When Nick Makoha received the joyful news of impending daddy hood, he freaked out somewhat… How on earth was he to become a father when he had been raised without one himself? In this powerful and touching tale, follow Nick’s journey from childhood to fatherhood, as he figures out what it takes for a man to become a hero. And how a hero is often just a man. For Father’s Day weekend, all papas, uncles, godfathers and grandpapas get a FREE ticket! 2.30pm, £5 (dads, uncles, godfathers and granddads FREE) (Jun 18)

Sun: Fun DMC: DJ Yoda Father’s Day Special at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, Hoxton Square, N16NU (Old St tube)
They love it when we call ‘em Big Poppas! It’s a Father’s Day Special at Fun DMC, the original daytime block party created by Charlie Dark (Attica Blues/Run Dem Crew) and Spin Doctor (The Doctor’s Orders). And this weekend, it’s top turntable spinna DJ Yoda bringing the mood for your nippers with attitude. Enjoy an afternoon of radio-friendly hip hop, funk, disco and party anthems, along with hip hop themed fancy dress, graffiti wall, balloons and more! Ages 0-10 and families. 1.30pm-4.30pm; adult £10, walking kid £8, family £32, non-walking babies FREE (Jun 18)

Sun: Imagination Station – Lab Live: Metropolis, at The Workshop, 26 Lambeth High Street, London SE1 7AG (Vauxhall tube)
The popular Lab Live sessions return with Metropolis, focusing on cities and different ways to dream, design and construct an urban living space. This Father’s Day weekend, you can build your own vehicle system with London Transport Museum, create and race kit cars, try your hand at 3D printing, make hanging gardens, tinker with water walls and loads more. For ages 3-12 and their adults. 10am-4pm, £8 (Jun 18)

Sun: Keats House: Mini-Beast Safari, 10 Keats Grove, Hampstead NW3 2RR (Hampstead Heath overground)
As part of Open Garden Squares Weekend, head to the historic home of Keats where there’s a creature feature going on in the garden. Grab your wildlife spotter sheet and join the mini-beast safari, looking for what tiny animals and birds you can track down. Crafting activities include making a miniature bug hotel for your own garden. 1pm-4pm, FREE (Jun 18)

We also like
Trooping the Colour: The Queen’s Birthday Celebration brings pomp and pageantry to the Mall (Sat); some of London’s top chefs are showing off their tips and tricks at Taste of London in Regent’s Park (Fri-Sun); head to the Midsummer Fair at Myatt’s Fields in Brixton (Sat), Highgate Fair in the Square (Sat), or StrEatlife food and craft beer festival at Ally Pally (Sat-Sun); and Carter’s Vintage Steam Fair rolls up at gorgeous Clissold Park, also home to deer, large paddling pool and tons of sporting activities (Sat-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)
Framed Film Club: LIAF – Animal Adventures (U), 11am; Child £2.50/Adult £3.50 (Jun 17)

Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
Peter Pan at 9.30am; adult/child £5 (Jun 17)

Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
The Incredibles at 12pm; Adult/Child £3 (Jun 17)

Prince Charles Cinema: Kids Matinee, 7 Leicester Pl, WC2H 7BY (Leicester Square tube)
Moana Sing-along (PG) at 12.30pm; non-member£11.50/child £7.50/member £9 (Jun 17 & 29)

Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
The Boss Baby at 11.30am; £1.75 (Jun 17)

BFI Southbank: BFI Families, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Beauty and the Beast (animated) at 1pm; adult £11.75/child £4 (Jun 18)

COMING SOON

Soho Hotel Children’s Film Club, 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Boss Baby at 10.30am (10am brunch); £10 (film only), or £20 (includes buffet brunch at 10am + popcorn and drinks for film) (Jun 25)