London Kids Weekend Scoop: Bonfire Night 2018!

 

 
We’ve had our Halloween fun and now it’s on to Bonfire Night with some spectacular fireworks displays around town. Scroll down to see our full Bonfire Night London 2018 listings and just below, I’ve found some more brilliant things to do with the kids this weekend. All together now, shiny happy people…

10 BRILLIANT Things to do in London this Weekend

Thu-Sun: Good Grief, Charlie Brown! at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross Rd/Temple/Covent Garden tube)
Hands up who loves Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang? Don’t miss this retrospective of the many, many comic strips of Charles M Schulz, along with memorabilia including vintage products, original publications, designer sweatshirts and more. Lie on beanbags and watch Peanuts TV specials in the Snoopy Cinema, tap away on Snoopy typewriters in the Lucy’s Psychiatric Help Booth, and learn how to draw some of your favourite characters. Plus loads of events and activities programmed throughout the exhibition’s run. Unmissable. All ages welcome. 10am-6pm (Mon-Tue, Sat-Sun), 11am-8pm (Wed-Fri) – last entry 1 hour prior to closing time; adult £14/concs £11/under 12s FREE (until Mar 3)

Thu-Sun: Coal Drops Yard Opening Weekend, Stable Street, King’s Cross, N1C 4AB (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Enjoy four days of festival-style fun at the grand opening of Coal Drops Yard off Granary Square. The hot new shopping and entertainment district in the heart of King’s Cross opens with free activities for all ages: from Make Your Own Softie workshops (Sat Nov 3, 11am-7pm), to food and drink samplings, plus some swish boutiques to browse. Don’t miss Spiritland’s ‘Aural History of King’s Cross’ DJ voyage accompanied by laser show (Thu Nov 1 between 6pm-9pm, Fri Nov 2-Sat Nov 3 at 7pm-8pm, Sun Nov 4 at 4pm). All ages welcome, varying times; FREE (Nov 1-4)

Thu-Sun: A Pirate’s Life for Me at V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green Tube)
Check out the pirate ship at the centre of this major exhibition, all about those bad boys of the sea, as told through fiction. See Captain Hook’s original costume designs and other loot. All ages welcome. 10am-5.45pm, FREE (until Apr 22, 2019)

Sat: Grant Museum of Zoology: Explore Zoology, Rockefeller Building, University College London, University Street, WC1E 6DE (Euston Square tube)
Get out of the cold and into this emporium of zoological wonders. The friendly space for curious minds young and old, shows off all types of specimens to explore, from the quagga to the dodo. All ages welcome. 1pm-4pm, drop in, FREE (Nov 3)

Sat-Sun: Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up, V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
LAST CHANCE: See Mexican icon Frida Kahlo’s most beloved items on display, in this intimate exhibition showcasing the life and works of one of the 20th century’s most distinctive artists. All ages welcome. 10am-4.15pm; adult £15/student 12-17 £13/child ages 0-11 FREE (until Nov 4)

 

 
Sun: Royal Opera House: Month of Sundays Festival, Bow St, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden tube)
Be immersed in the rich history of the stunning Royal Opera House at this festival of low-cost Sundays in Novemberl. Meet characters from opera and ballet, see behind-the-scenes demos, pick up some dance moves or learn tunes, and watch pop-up performances. All ages, best for ages 3+ and families. 11am & 2.30pm (Sun); £5 (Nov 4-Nov 25)

Sun: British Museum: Stone Age Animation, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG (Russell Square/Holborn/Tottenham Court Rd/Goodge St tube)
Part of the free Samsung Digital workshops for families every weekend, kids can learn to animate creatures that were carved millennia ago. Use stop-motion software on tablets to make the prehistoric animals play, swim and run, then share online and watch at home later! Ages 7+. 11am-4pm, drop-in anytime, FREE (Nov 4)

 

 
Sun: How to Hide a Lion at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
Songs and music by the acclaimed Barb Jungr keep this lively show tapping and swinging, bringing the popular picture book to life. A little girl Iris is on a mission to help a lion find somewhere to hide, while town folk track him down. Dazzling puppets, jazz and a resourceful heroine create a fun afternoon for ages 3-6 and families. 2pm & 4pm; £7/£9/£11(Nov 4)

Sun:Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town/Chalk Farm tube)
Swing your partner to the sounds of ceilidh and other folk music, at one of these popular barn-style bashes. A live caller takes you through the steps, while the band keeps everybody (toddlers to grandparents) on their toes. Babes in baby carriers can also party! All ages welcome. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. 3pm-5pm; adult £7, child £5, under 2s FREE (Nov 4)

 

 
Sun: You’ve Got Dragons at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
There might be dragons at Jacksons Lane this weekend, in Taking Flight’s raw and roar-some tale. Everybody has to face dragons sometimes – those swirly, fiery, prickly feelings that invade our tummies or our dreams. Follow the journey of one child learning to come to terms with their dragons, in this intergenerational show featuring live music, as well as creative captioning, BSL and audio description. Ages 3+. 12pm & 3pm; £9.95 (Nov 4)

 

Where to Watch Fireworks: Bonfire Night London 2018

 

 
Thu: Fortismere School Fireworks at Fortismere School Playing Fields, Twyford Avenue entrance, N10 1NE (East Finchley tube)
Another cracking show by Titanium Fireworks (Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve and Edinburgh Castle Hogmanay). Hot food and refreshments, kids’ sparkler den and Carters Steam Fair rides. Doors 6pm, fireworks 7.30pm, £5 adv tickets/£7 gate/under 5s FREE (Nov 1)

Fri: Corams Fields Fireworks 93 Guilford St, WC1N 1DN (Russell Square tube)
Gentler sparks for toddlers and babies. Fairground rides, food and drink stalls. All welcome. Rides from 3.30pm, fireworks from 5pm, FREE (donations welcome) (Nov 2)

Fri: Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube then W3 bus to the park, Gate 6 recommended entry)
The granddaddy of London Bonfire Night celebrations (Saturday tix gone, but a few left for Friday). Spectacular fireworks, DJ acts, bonfire, family field, food and drinks, German Bier festival, circus acrobatics, ice skating and more. Gates open 4pm, laser show 8.35pm, fireworks 9pm-9.25pm; adult £12/child £9.50/family of 4 £34/child under 10 £1 (separate charges apply for Bier Festival and ice skating). Advance booking essential. (Nov 2)

Fri: Bishop’s Park Fireworks, Fulham, SW6 6HH (Putney Bridge tube)
Adult and kid shows, fairground rides, street food and live entertainment. Gates 6pm, kids show 7.15pm, main show 8pm; adult £6 adv (must collect from Lyric Hammersmith box office) or £8 gate/under 5s FREE. NB: No more tickets sold after 6pm on the day (Nov 2)

Sat: Ravenscourt Park Fireworks, W6 0TY (Hammersmith tube)
Kid-friendly fireworks followed by louder display for grown-ups. Hot food and traditional funfair too. Expect crowds! Gates 6pm, kids show 7.15pm, main show 8pm; adult £6 adv (from Lyric Hammersmith box office) or £8 gate/under 5s free (Nov 3)

Sat: Blackheath Common Fireworks, SE3 0RW (Lewisham DLR/Blackheath rail)
The fun kicks off from noon with fairground rides open at Blackheath Common. See South London Samba and explosive fireworks for up to 100k viewers. All ages. Funfair from 12pm, food stalls and bar from 5pm, fireworks at 8pm. Entrance FREE, no ticket required (Nov 3)

Sat: Battersea Park Fireworks, Albert Bridge, SW11 (Sloane Square tube/Battersea Park rail)
Catch Jubilee Fireworks’ fancy display, plus food, drink and fun for all ages. Gates 6pm, bonfire 7.30pm, fireworks 8pm; advance £7 (SOLD OUT); gate fee £10, under 10s FREE but tickets needed. No admittance after 8pm. (Nov 3)

Sat: Clissold Park Fireworks, Clissold Park, Green Lanes, N16 9HJ (Arsenal/Manor House/Finsbury Park tube)
Hackney Fireworks Display in Clissold Park draws thousands for sparks, rides, street performers, and food stalls. Gates 5.30pm, fireworks 7pm; child £2.75/non-resident £3.75, adult £7.75/non-resident £8.75 (Nov 3)

Sat: Highgate School Fireworks Festival, Highgate Junior School, Cholmeley House, 3 Bishopswood Road, N6 4PL (Archway/Highgate tube)
The early show is SOLD OUT but limited tickets available for the later show, along with food stalls and school band. In support of War Child. Early show 4pm-6.30pm, late show 7pm-9.30pm; adult £15/child £10 (Nov 3)

Sat-Sun: Guy Fawkes Festival and Fireworks at Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY (Waltham rail)
The ultimate Bonfire Night shebang in a real gunpowder factory, plus extra fun like slime making, musket firing, and science with Professor Nitrate! Funfair and child-friendly sparks too. Gates 2pm, last entry 6.15pm, fireworks 7pm; adult £10.50/child 3-15 £8.50/family £34.20 (2 adults, 2 kids — single parent family, and family of 5 tickets also available) (Nov 3-4)

Sun: Richmond Family Fireworks, Richmond Athletic Ground, Kew Foot Rd, TW9 2SS (Richmond tube/overground)
Mulled wine, candy floss, popcorn and a popping after-party are on offer at this sparkly event. 4.30pm gates, 7pm fireworks; adult £9 (adv)-£13 (gate)/child £6/family £25/under 5s FREE; advanced online tickets only! (Nov 4)

Mon: Crystal Palace Park Fireworks, Thicket Rd, SE19 2GA (Crystal Palace rail)
Bonfire Night at Crystal Palace dates back 151 years and is a well-loved event with fireworks and light show. 6pm gates, kids show from 7pm, gates close 8.15pm, adult show 8.30pm; adult £9.50/child £5/under 3s FREE; NB: no tickets at gate, must buy online! (Nov 5)

NEXT WEEKEND: Fireworks Displays

Sat 10: Lord Mayor’s Show and Fireworks, (nearest tubes Bank/St. Paul’s to arrive, Blackfriars or Mansion House to leave, check TFL for best routes)
London’s most dazzling display this side of New Year’s Eve! Watch from Parliament Hill, Primrose Hill, Shooter’s Hill or other top spots, or brave the throng by the riverside. Best views between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges, either on Victoria Embankment or on the South Bank. 5.15pm, FREE (Nov 10)

Sat 10: King Alfred School Fireworks at The King Alfred School, Manor Wood, 149 North End Road, NW11 7HY (Golders Green tube)
Delicious street food, LED displays, live entertainment, DJ and North London’s best fireworks. An annual tradition for the Big Apple Hot Dogs/Babes about Town crew. Gates 5pm, street food 5pm-8.30pm, fireworks 7.45pm; adult £15/child £10 (Nov 10)

 

London Kids Cinema

 

 
A selection of movies from some of our favourite family friendly cinemas in London. Head to our FAMILY CINEMA page for the full scoop!

 

Booking Ahead

Winter at Southbank Centre (from Nov 9-Jan 6)
The Wind in the Willows at Polka Theatre (Nov 9-Feb 17)
Disco Loco: Festival of Lights at Hackney Showroom, E8 (Nov 11)
Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (Nov 13-Jan 6)
Guardian Cartoon & Art Family Day at Kings Place, N1 (Nov 17)
Framed Family Film Festival at Barbican Centre (Nov 17-18)
Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave at Winterville, Clapham Common (Nov 18)
London Zoo Christmas Festival (Nov 22-Jan 1)
Backyard Cinema Presents: The Snowman Experience at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (Nov 22-Jan 6)
How Does It Feel to Be Loved at The Phoenix, W1 (Nov 25)
London Jazz Festival: Evelyn and the Yellow Birds at Kings Place, N1 (Nov 25)
The Ginge that Stole Christmas at Pleasance Theatre, N1 (Dec 8-9)
Framed Film Club: Christmas Party (annual sellout event!) at Barbican Centre (Dec 15)
Circus 1903 at Southbank Centre (Dec 19-Jan 5)

NB: Please note that event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!