London Kids Weekend Scoop (Jul 6-8, 2018)

 

 
Phew, it’s a big weekend, with England v Sweden on Saturday (scroll to the bottom for family friendly spots to watch on a big screen) and of course Wimbledon in full swing (more below). Our London Kids Weekend Scoop has some brilliant things to do with the little ones, from bear hunting in central London, to Tall Ships in Greenwich, to a paddle board festival for ages 4 to 90. Enjoy… and stay cool!

COMPETITION TIME: WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO THE SCARECROW’S WEDDING

 

 
Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay are great at being scarecrows. All’s going well with their wedding plans, until Reginald Rake cuts in. Can Harry come back in time to save the day? Based on the bestselling Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture book, this production is from the brilliant Scamp Theatre (Stick Man) and features live music and lots of laughter. Babes in arms go FREE!
Terms and Conditions: Prize includes 4 tickets to see The Scarecrows’ Wedding at Leicester Square Theatre (Jul 21-Sep 2). Tickets are valid for any 11am weekday performance. Subject to availability. Tickets are non transferable and travel is not included. NB: This competition is only open to Babes about Town subscribers.

How to Enter
Email info@babesabouttown.com with your answer to this question: What is the name of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book about a mouse who encounters a strange beast in the woods? CLOSING DATE: July 18, 11.59pm. Best of luck!

There’s also still time to win a family ticket to the fabulous Wild Child Festival, launching in August this summer!

Watch Wimbledon Tennis on a Giant Outdoor Screen

 

 
Thu-Sun: Everyman Summer Love: Wimbledon Screenings at Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Watch Wimbledon on a big screen in Granary Square. It’s a great atmosphere to catch all the action from centre court and beyond. Weekday lunchtimes you can grab a bite from KERB’s rotating street food traders. When it gets too hot, let the kids splash in the fountains. In the evenings, stay to catch a flick as part of the Everyman Summer Love movie screenings. All ages. Daily, FREE (daily until Jul 15)

Where else to watch the tennis in London: Great British Summer at One New Change in EC4 (St. Paul’s tube, daily until Jul 15); Wimbledon Finals at Regent’s Place, W1 (daily until Jul 15); Great British Summer Wimbledon on the Rooftop at Cardinal Place in Victoria (daily until Jul 15); Summer By the River: Wimbledon at London Bridge City, SE1 (daily until Jul 15); Great British Summer in New Street Square, Chancery Lane (daily until Jul 15); and Strawberries & Screen: Wimbledon Finals at Duke of York Square in Chelsea (Jul 13-15)

Awesome Things to do in London this Weekend

 

 
Fri: Mirth, Marvel and Maud: Story Time with Mama G, 186 Hoe Street, London E17 4QH (Walthamstow Central tube)
It’s Pride weekend, some come and shake a ‘tale’ feature with the fabulous Mama G. Petite Pantos presents story time with a twist, that mixes traditional storytelling with panto and drag. This 30 minute show is all about being who you want to be. Ages 3+. 4pm & 5.30pm; £5 (Jul 6)

Fri-Sun: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (top picture) at Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Follow the adventurous family as they hunt for a grizzly, wading through the swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the oozy, squelchy mud. Michael Rosen’s joyful picture book has not only scooped awards but gained another following in Sally Cookson’s brilliant stage adaptation. Go for music, rhymes, laughter and a few surprises! Ages 3+. 11am (Tue-Fri), 10am & 12pm (Sat-Sun) – NB: times may vary, check website; tickets from £15/family of 4 £66/babies 18 months and under go FREE (Jul 4-Sep 2)

 

 
Fri-Sun: Sail Royal Greenwich: Tall Ships Festival, around Greenwich (Greenwich Cutty Sark DLR) and Woolwich (Woolwich Arsenal DLR, rail)
One of London’s most spectacular occasions, the Tall Ships return for Sail Royal Greenwich. Take the family on board a Tall Ship for a one-of-a-kind journey along the Thames, past historic landmarks. There’s a fireworks finale every evening, and fantastic views from land throughout the day. All ages welcome. tickets from adult £64.90, 5+/student £59.90, child (
 
Fri-Sun: RAF 100 Aircraft Tour, Horse Guards, Whitehall, Westminster, SW1A 2AX (Charing Cross tube/rail, Westminster tube)
Little eyes will be flying high at this parade of RAF modern, heritage and replica aircraft. It’s all to mark the RAF’s centenary celebrations. See planes from WW1 and WW2, get a sneak peek at the brand new F35-B Lightnight II, and try out VR simulations and pilot drones. All ages. 11am-6pm (Jul 6-9)

Sat: #myfabland, Bernie Spain Gardens, Southbank, SE1 9PH (Blackfriars tube)
Take a lick at this delicious sounding event. Kids can wander through giant 5ft fab lolly mazes, 3 super sized slides, ball pit moats and exploding confetti sprinkles geysers. But hurry to catch it before #myfabland his the next stop on its UK tour. All ages. 12pm-6pm; FREE (Jul 7)

Sat: Fab Fest, Ambika P3, 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LS (Baker St tube)
For the third year in a row, the Fabrication Lab from the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of Westminster hosts this massive making event. Visit 80 pop pup pavilions and installations, and get stuck into making and drawing workshops for all ages. 12pm to 4pm; FREE (Jul 7)

 

 
Sat: Windrush Family Day The British Library, Pancras, London NW1 2DB (King’s Cross St Pancras/Euston tube/rail)
Bring your kids for a family day inspired by the Windrush: Songs in a Strange Land exhibition. Try crafting, weaving, creative postcard-making and check out the exhibition. This event is fully accessible for families with deaf children, parents and carers. For ages 5-11. 12pm-4pm, FREE (Jul 7)

Sat: The Little Prince at RADA Festival, Gielgud Theatre, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Malet Street, WC1E 6ED (Goodge St/Euston Square tube)
A pilot crashes in the Sahara and encounters a little prince who has left his planet to travel the universe. The little prince goes on a journey of discovery, meeting many grown-ups, a tempting snake, and a very clever fox. Watch author/illustrator Chris Riddell live-drawing the classic tale, now celebrating its 75th anniversary. All ages welcome, best for 3+. 2pm; adult £10/child under 16 £5 (Jul 7)

Sat-Sun: Shadow Theatre at John Lewis, 300 Oxford Street, Marylebone, W1C 1DX (Oxford Circus tube)
All summer long, John Lewis Oxford Street is hosting new Shadow Theatre and puppet making workshops on the fourth floor. Take a break from shopping to catch these shows, running every 2 hours over the weekend. And for every pair of school shoes purchased, kids will get a kit to make their own shadow theatre at home! All ages. 10.30am (Sat) & 12.30pm (Sun); FREE (Jul 7-Aug 26)

Sat-Sun: London Paddleboard Festival, 1 Siemens Brothers Way, London. E16 1GB (Canning Town tube/Royal Victoria Docks DLR)
This sounds like fun! Whether you’re a paddle boarding pro or a total newbie, there’s something for everyone at this two day fiesta on the water. You can race other enthusiasts or watch the competition from the river banks. There’s also live music, yoga, street food and more at the event village. All ages welcome to the event, ages 4 to 90 for paddle boarding (pre-registration essential). 9am-9pm (Sat), 9am-7pm (Sun); registration from £34.99 for beginners, or FREE for youth racing (U16) and certain team racing events (Jul 7-8)

Sun: Portobello Summer Festival, Portobello Rd, under the Westway (Ladbroke Grove tube)
Don’t miss this free event in Notting Hill with headliner Jazzie B, plus loads more on the musical lineup. There’s also Poetry for Grenfell, skating demos, pop up shows and a chilled family vibe. All ages welcome. 12pm-7pm; FREE (Jul 8)

Sun: Feel Good Family Sundays at KidZania Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GA (Shepherd’s Bush tube/overground)
In association with Heart Radio, ‘Feel Good Family Sundays’ offers a chance for kids and parents to join in with the different jobs around Kidzania, the city for kids. A great way to encourage families to spend more quality play time together. All ages. 10am-7pm; online prices – adult from £16/child 4-14 from £18/child 1-3 £10/under 1s FREE but booking required. Walk up prices higher, advanced booking online or by telephone recommended. (Jul 8)

We also like
Find gardening inspiration at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (Thu-Sun); explore the Scoop: Pop Up Ice Cream Museum by Bompas & Parr in King’s Cross (Thu-Sun); love wings? Book in for this chicken wing festival in Peckham (Fri-Sun); enjoy FREE food, family fun and live music at Heart of Wembley Festival (Sat); make the most of traffic-free shopping and entertainment on Summer Streets at Regent Street (Suns until Jul 22)

London Kids Cinema

 

 
A selection of movies from some of our favourite family friendly cinemas in London.

Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs at 9.30am; adult/child £5 (Jul 7)

Clapham Picturehouse, 76 Venn St, London SW4 0AT (Clapham Common tube)
Sarah and Duck: Animal Visits (Toddler Time) at 11am; adult £0/child £3 (Jul 7)
Wonderstruck at 11.45am; adult/child £2 (Jul 7)

Crouch End Picturehouse, Crouch End Picturehouse, 65 Tottenham Lane,cr Crouch End, N8 9BY (Hornsey/Harringay/Crouch Hill rail)
Wonderstruck at 4.10pm; adult/child £2 (Jul 6)
Wonderstruck at 11am; adult/child £2 (Jul 7)

East Dulwich Picturehouse, 116A Lordship Lane, SE22 8HD (East Dulwich rail)
Peter Rabbit at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 6)
Wonderstruck at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 7)

Gate Picturehouse, 87 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JZ (Notting Hill tube)
Wonderstruck at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 7)

Greenwich Picturehouse, 180 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich SE10 8NN (Greenwich Rail)
Wonderstruck at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 7)

Hackney Picturehouse, 270 Mare Street, E8 1HE (Hackney Central overground)
Wonderstruck at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 7)

Odeon Kids, at Odeon Holloway and multiple locations (some films may vary by venue)
Wonderstruck at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 7)

Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
Wonderstruck at 12pm; adult/child £2 (Jul 7)

Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
The Little Vampire at 11.30am; £1.75 (Jul 7)

Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, SW2 1JG (Brixton tube)
Wonderstruck at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 7)

Stratford Picturehouse, Stratford Picturehouse, Salway Road, London E15 1BX (Stratford tube/DLR/overground/rail)
Wonderstruck at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 7)

Vue: Mini Mornings, at Vue Islington and other locations (some films may vary by venue)
Flying the Nest at 10am; adult/kid £2 (Jul 7-8 & Jul 14-15)
The Greatest Showman at 10am; adult/kid £2 (Jul 8)
Show Dogs at 10am; adult/kid £2 (Jul 21-22)

Prince Charles Cinema: Studio Ghibli Forever, 7 Leicester Pl, WC2H 7BY (Leicester Square tube)
My Neighbour Totoro at 3.15pm; non-member£8.50/member £6/child £4 (Jul 8)

Coming Soon

BFI Southbank: BFI Families, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
The Little Mermaid at 1pm; adult £8/child £4 (Jul 15)

Soho Hotel Children’s Film Club, 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Tad the Lost Explorer & the Secret of King Midas at 10.30am (10am brunch); £10 (film only), or £20 (includes buffet brunch at 10am + popcorn and drinks for film) (Jul 29)

Where to Watch the World Cup in London with Kids

Central London
Play snooker, table football or table tennis between games at Rileys Sports Bar in Victoria; at Bounce in Farringdon, the kids can exhaust themselves on ping pong and pizza, while you’re glued to the games (also at Bounce in Old St); or why not try Frankie’s Sports Bar and Diner in Fulham.

North London
Head to Cafe Kick in Exmouth Market for all games + foosball fun; it’s a chilled out vibe at family-friendly The Cuckoo in Barnsbury; kid-friendly pub The Regent on Liverpool Rd, N1 offers lunchtime pizza deals and all the games.

South London
Catch all the action on a big screen in Flat Iron Square, Bankside SE1; the Devonshire in Balham is family friendly and will be screening every game; grab munchies and great vibes at Pop Brixton screenings

East London
Grab a bite to eat and watch the World Cup at Cafe Football at Westfield Stratford; The Last Days of Shoreditch are showing all the games on London’s largest screen in their Enchanted Garden (check ahead, not all events are kid-friendly); Skylight in Tobacco Dock offers petanque, rooftop views, plus World Cup on a large screen; or see the whole tournament on a rooftop at Pitch in Stratford

West London
There’s deck chairs and a big screen at Merchant Square in Paddington; or soak it all up at the Ealing Park Tavern