It’s chilly out but we’re glowing inside at all the wonderful family friendly events happening in our London Kids Weekend Scoop. From kayaking at ExCel London to puppet shows and workshops, plus a bumper London Kids Cinema Guide. Here’s to a fab weekend!
Don’t miss this post: 18 Things to Look forward to in 2018!
Weekend Activities for London Kids and Families
Fri-Sun: London Boat Show at ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL (Prince Regent (for ExCel) DLR)
Ahoy mateys! It’s time to set sail for the London Boat Show, the annual festival of all things nautical. This jam-packed event features loads of fun activities for all the family. There’s free paddle boarding and canoeing in the indoor activity pool; hop on and hop off boats by the boardwalk; classic boats showcase; beach club area with sand, beach bar, sailing and kayaking classes and a live DJ. You can meet sailing pioneers in the Legend Theatre and parents can indulge in fine wines and ales at the Yachtsman bar, Lock and Waterside pub and Black and White Bar. All ages welcome. 10am-6pm; adult £15 (adv), £22 (door); child under 15 FREE, max 2 kids per adult, additional children from £12 (Jan 10-14)
Fri-Sun: A Day Out at Walthamstow Wetlands, 2 Forest Road, London N17 9NH (Blackhorse Rd tube/overground)
Fancy doing something a little different this weekend? Why not escape with the family to Walthamstow Wetlands, an amazing nature reserve that newly opened in October last year. Slip on your wellies and other outdoor gear for a day in the open air, trying out daily activities from angling to bird watching. Or climb up to the viewing platform at the Grade II-listed Coppermill Tower for sweeping views of London. Afterwards, stop for a cuppa and a bite of something hearty in their cafe. They also host specific kid and family friendly activities throughout the year, so keep an eye on their events page. Open daily 9.30am-4pm; FREE entry (ongoing)
Fri-Sun: Pinocchio, National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
Desperate to be a real boy, Pinocchio leaves Geppetto’s workshop with Jiminy Cricket. They embark on an exciting journey through alpine forests to the ocean floor. The director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the writer of Matilda the Musical create a fantastic adaptation of the much-loved tale, with songs from the Walt Disney film. THIS WEEKEND: Take part in one of two family workshops for ages 7-12, PUPPETS & PLAY at 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, adult £5/child £3 & AN ACTOR’S LIFE FOR ME at 4pm, adult £12/child £8. Pinocchio is suitable for ages 8+. 2pm & 7pm; £15-£62/child half price (Dec 1-Apr 10)
Fri-Sun: Skate at Somerset House at the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
LAST CHANCE: It’s the coolest rink in the Capital, with DJs on rotation and a drop dead gorgeous backdrop. Spin your munchkins around or sign ‘em up for Skate School for beginners or the Polar Cub Club for under 8s. Viewers can hang out in Fortnum’s Lodge for food and hot drinks, or browse the Christmas arcade. Skate sessions last an hour between 8.45am (select dates) to 11.30pm; tickets from £7.50 (until Jan 14)
Fri-Sun: Backyard Cinema Winter Snow Kingdom, Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR (Borough/Elephant & Castle tube)
Cross secret ice caves and a frozen lake to uncover a fairytale castle, deep within Backyard Cinema’s Snow Kingdom. Inside their ballroom, you can try out the Snow King’s throne, then settle on bean bags to watch seasonal movies, while indulging in popcorn and winter cocktails. All ages welcome (check screening certificate). Outside in the Mercato Metropolitano there’s delicious street food to feast on before or after. Various screenings/doors open from 6pm, screening 8pm (Mon-Fri); doors open from 11am for 12.30pm screening/3pm for 4.30pm screening/7pm for 8.30pm screening (Sat-Sun). Tickets from £17 (until Feb 11, 2017)
Fri-Sun: Bauble at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Discover baubles in a whole new light. The Story Builders transform Xmas decorations into lightbulbs, alarm clocks, even a place to keep your socks! Can you help them find one special bauble in particular? Sensory play and storytelling for ages 0-3 and carers. 11am & 1.30pm (Mon-Thu), 11am, 1pm & 3pm (Fri-Sun); adult/child ages 2+ £6.50, ages 1+ £2, family £22, under 1s FREE (until Jan 14)
Sat: Money Smart Kids Workshop at V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green Tube)
This could be a really useful session for parents and tweens who want to learn more about managing their pocket money. Led by money experts including professors from LSE and financial literacy teachers from MyBn, this interactive workshop is aimed at teaching kids about how to control their spending and build good money habits. The workshop is designed for adults and kids ages 8+. 11am-12pm, FREE but booking essential via mocbookings@vam.ac.uk (Jan 13)
Sat: Whitechapel Gallery Family Day: Melanie King and Almudena Romero, 77-82 Whitechapel High St, E1 7QX (Aldgate East tube, also Liverpool St, Tower Gateway and Shoreditch High St overground)
Drop in at this family friendly workshop in the company of artists Melanie King and Almudena Romero. You will experiment with different techniques including pinhole photography, as well as visit a pop-up dark room. Flowers for cyanotype printing donated by London Flower School. All ages welcome, best for 5+. Arrive early to avoid disappointment. 12pm-4pm, FREE (Jan 13)
Sat: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre: Where’s My Igloo Gone?, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR/Stepney Green tube)
An ordinary girl named Oolik goes on an extraordinary voyage to find help, after her igloo starts to melt. On her way she makes friends with… YOU! Enter a dazzling Arctic landscape filled with husky dogs, snow geese and skies filled with stars. This lively, educational show includes music and a touch of magic, enough to make your skin tingle like the Arctic winds. For ages 5+. Last remaining tickets for 11am, telephone bookings only, call 020 7709 8900 (Jan 13)
Sat-Sun: Puppet Theatre Barge: Joey’s Circus (main photo), Little Venice, opposite 35 Blomfield Road, W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
Head to Little Venice to the famous puppet theatre on a boat, to see the return of Joey’s Circus. Mr Punch makes a comeback in his original form – on strings – for an adventure with his friend Joey the Clown. When the circus comes to town, bossy Beadle wants to shut ‘em down, but Dog Toby saves the day. Entertaining puppetry in an intimate setting featuring traditional characters like Burglar Bill, Pretty Poly and the Crocodile. Ages 3+. 11am & 3pm (Sat), 3pm (Sun); £12 (Jan 13-Mar 18)
Sun: Royal Academy Family Studio: My Funny Face, John Madejski Fine Rooms, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Don’t just take a selfie, make your own at one of the popular RA Family Studio workshops. Here you’ll be learning how to capture a likeness for a self portrait or a family picture, using plasticine, felt and other materials. Pick out a range of eyes, noses, mouths and other features to create ‘a likeness unlike anything you have seen before’. All ages welcome. Drop-in 11am-3pm; FREE (Jan 14)
Sun: OAE Tots: The Fairy Queen at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
It’s Classical Season at the Southbank Centre and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment are hosting another family friendly concert for the youngest listeners. Get ready to clap your hands and stomp your feet as you travel back in time through storytelling and the music of Henry Purcell. You’ll be singing along and there’s a chance to meet the instruments and their players. Fun times for ages 2 to 5 and their grownups. Hurry, limited tickets available! 10.30am & 12pm; adult £9/tot £1 (Jan 14)
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)
An American Tail, 11am; Child £2.50/Adult £3.50 (Jan 13)
Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
The Boss Baby at 9.30am; adult/child £5 (Jan 13)
Clapham Picturehouse, 76 Venn St, London SW4 0AT (Clapham Common tube)
Shaun the Sheep at 11.45am; adult/child £2 (Jan 13)
Crouch End Picturehouse, Crouch End Picturehouse, 65 Tottenham Lane,cr Crouch End, N8 9BY (Hornsey/Harringay/Crouch Hill rail)
The LEGO Ninjago Movie at 4.10pm; adult/child £2 (Jan 13)
East Dulwich Picturehouse, 116A Lordship Lane, SE22 8HD (East Dulwich rail)
Shaun the Sheep at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jan 13)
Gate Picturehouse, 87 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JZ (Notting Hill tube)
Shaun the Sheep at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jan 13)
Greenwich Picturehouse, 180 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich SE10 8NN (Greenwich Rail)
Shaun the Sheep at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jan 13)
Hackney Picturehouse, 270 Mare Street, E8 1HE (Hackney Central overground)
Shaun the Sheep at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jan 13)
Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
Shaun the Sheep at 12pm; Adult/Child £3 (Jan 13)
Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
Paddington 2 at 11.30am; £1.75 (Jan 13)
Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, SW2 1JG (Brixton tube)
Shaun the Sheep at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jan 13)
Stratford Picturehouse, Stratford Picturehouse, Salway Road, London E15 1BX (Stratford tube/DLR/overground/rail)
Ferdinand 2D at 11am; adult/child £2 (Jan 13)
Shaun the Sheep at 11am; adult/child £2 (Jan 13)
Coming Soon
BFI Southbank: BFI Families, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Funday Preview: Early Man + Q&A with director Nick Park at 12.45pm; adult £11.75/child £4 (Jan 20)
Soho Hotel Children’s Film Club, 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Paddington 2 at 10.30am (10am brunch); £10 (film only), or £20 (includes buffet brunch at 10am + popcorn and drinks for film) (Jan 28)
18 Things to Look Forward to in London 2018
