Are we half-way through November already? *Grips face in shock, emoji style* It’s nearly time for my annual Christmas in London and Christmas Theatre guides. In the meantime, loads of festive activities in the London Kids Weekend Scoop to get you in the mood. Have a wonderful weekend!
14 Family Friendly Things to Do in London this Weekend
Thu-Sun: Winterville on Clapham Common, Windmill Dr, SW4 9DE (Clapham Common/Clapham South tube, Clapham Junction rail/overground)
The brilliant winter festival is back on Clapham Common with a breathtaking range of family attractions to explore. Enter the Spiegeltent to experience Lucha Britannia Mexican Wrestling, circus, live music and more. Plonk Crazy Golf returns, as do Big Fish Little Fish Family Raves, and Backyard Cinema with their Christmas maze. Tuck into delicious stalls at Street Feast, ride fairground rides, or whizz around the Roller Disco. Thre’s also fun with OKIDO, Mrs H and the Singalong Band, Little Bird’s Kids’ Quarter and loads more. All ages (some restrictions apply). Varying times and prices for activities, Winterville is open 3pm-10pm (Tue-Thu), 3pm-10.30pm (Fri), 10am-10.30pm (Sat), 10am-10pm (Sun); site entry for adults Tue: free, Wed: £2, Thu: £2, Fri: £2 after 12noon & £5 after 6pm, Sat: £2 after 12pm & £5 after 6pm, Sun: £2; entry is FREE at all times for kids ages 16 and under. NB: Separate charges apply for special events e.g. Spiegeltent shows, Big Fish Little Fish, Backyard Cinema. (Nov 15-Dec 23)
Thu-Sun: Giant LEGO Brick Animal Trail + LEGO Workshops at WWT London Wetland Centre Queen Elizabeth’s Walk SW13 9WT (Barnes rail, Hammersmith tube)
LAST CHANCE: Stroll amongst LEGO brick animals, such as an owl, kingfisher, frog and otter, all inspired by species across WWT centres. On weekends and half-term, kids can make and take home their own brick animals in WWT’s LEGO workshops. All ages (workshops for ages 5+). WWT trail open daily 9.30am-4.30pm, last admission 3.30pm (Nov 1 until Feb 28/29); adult from £12.72/child from £7.72/family of 4 from £34.77/under 4s FREE. LEGO workshops at 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm (Sat-Sun); £10.50 per person (until Nov 18)
Thu-Sun: Winter at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Ooh, I’ve got that fuzzy feeling inside as the Southbank Centre Winter Festival returns, for another cracking season of pop-up shows, family theatre, riverside fun and of course the Winter Market. Pick up a treat or 20, see rocking fairytale Rumpelstiltskin, gawp at mind-blowing animal puppetry in Circus 1903, or dance your socks off at the Snow Ball for all ages. Multiple dates, times and prices for events; many activities and Winter Market are FREE entry (from Nov 9-Jan 6)
Thu-Sun: Skate at Somerset House at the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
London’s coolest rink opens again for gliders and colliders. Skate against the gorgeous backdrop of Somerset House, and enjoy other attractions like the Fortnum’s Lodge for hot bevies and tasty nosh, DJs on deck for Skate Lates nights, special events inspired by the Good Grief, Charlie Brown exhibition, or shopping in the Christmas Arcade. Little ones can sign up for Skate School for newbies or the Polar Cub Club for under 8s. ISkate sessions last an hour between 8.45am (select dates) to 11.30pm; tickets from £7.50 (until Jan 13)
Thu-Sun: The Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park, Syon House, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF (Waterloo to Kew Bridge/Brentford or Syon Lane rail)
It’s the 13th year of sparkly joy at the Enchanted Woodland trail, a hugely popular Christmas event that sells out annually. Prepare for some seriously brilliant photo opportunities, as you wander through the 600-year-old gardens and see the Great Conservatory lit up to stunning effect. 5-9pm, adult £10-£12/child £5/under 2s FREE (Nov 9-25)
Thu-Sun: The Wind in the Willows at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Poop poop! Playwright Toby Hulse adapts Kenneth Grahame’s beloved children’s book for a new generation. Laugh and marvel as Ratty, Mole and Badger help loveable rogue, Toad, out of a variety of scrapes. A magical mix of storytelling theatre, songs and seasonal sparkle. For ages 5+. 11am, 2pm/2.30pm, 5pm; from £19.50/previews £15 (Nov 9-Feb 17)
Fri-Sun: Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Bring your older ones along for a wickedly entertaining spin on the popular Grimm fairy tales. Beloved author Philip Pullman adapts these stories, reworked for the stage. Prepare for careless adults, intrepid kids, magical forest creatures and a dark take on Christmas magic. Preview shows (limited availability) at 10.30am (Fri), 1pm & 6pm (Sat), 2.15pm (Sun)/varying dates and times throughout show’s run (check web site); child £12-£20/adult £16-£26 (Nov 13-Jan 6)
Sat: Guardian Cartoon & Art Family Day atKings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
The highly popular family drawing and creation day returns, with a chance to learn from artists, illustrators, designers and cartoonists. Design your own caricatures and cartoon strips, sketch and create to live classical music, hear interactive talks from professionals and let your imagination loose. Sessions at 10.30am-12.30pm, 2pm-4pm; FREE but very limited spaces, advanced booking essential (Nov 17)
Sat: OKIDO at Winterville: Gravity, on Clapham Common, Windmill Dr, SW4 9DE (Clapham Common/Clapham South tube, Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Discover the ups and downs of gravity, and figure out how come we stay standing as the planet keeps turning. Also see a themed episode from Messy goes to OKIDO and meet Messy Monster. The OKIDO team will be at Winterville festival on Clapham Common, leading this interactive science workshop for ages 3 to 7 and families. 11am-12.30pm; adult £8/child £5 (Nov 17)
Sat: Tonies Christmas Storyland at Oui Rooms, 89 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia, W1W 6RN (Goodge St tube)
Kids audio and storytelling brand tonnes® invites families into an immersive wonderland, where you can hear tales of beloved characters like The Gruffalo and The Snowman. During 30 minute free slots, you can enjoy the experience, make your mark on the giant colouring wall and more. All ages welcome, best for 3+. Sessions at 10.45am-11.15am, 11.30am-12pm, 1pm-1.30pm, 1.45pm-2pm, 2.45pm-3.15pm, 3.30pm-4.00pm, 4.15pm-4.45pm; FREE entry – Hurry, very limited availability! (Nov 17)
Sat: SleepyHead, Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR)
After yet another long day, Dad can barely keep his eyes open, yet baby’s wide awake. Dad tries his best to send Baby to the Land of Nod, but once papa’s away, the babe will play. Magic, circus, a friend called Rabbit and lots of silliness create a hugely entertaining show for ages 2-5. 11am & 2pm; £7 (Nov 17)
Sat-Sun: Parliament Week at KidZania London at KidZania Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GA (Shepherd’s Bush tube/overground)
Get your little ones engaged with politics at this special Parliament Weekend event at the mini city for kids. They can learn to be a political journalist with Shout Out UK, cast their votes at the KidZania ballot box, get involved in debating, earn a politics degree at Kidzania University and much more. Great educational fun for all, best for ages 4-12. 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. (Nov 17-18)
Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave at Winterville, on Clapham Common, Windmill Dr, SW4 9DE (Clapham Common/Clapham South tube, Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Winterville is open on Clapham Common and the BFLF crew are ready to party. Dubstep godfather DJ Hatcha throws down some big garage and dub step beats, while old and young get merry off and on the dance floor. Come for all the usual fun, from glitter cannons and transfer tattoos to parachute finale, plus Villa Pia baby chill out area, Captain Cookie craft room, licensed bar and mini stalls. All ages welcome, best for ages 0 to 8 and carers. 2pm-4.30pm; adult £10/child £7/pre-walking infant FREE (Nov 18)
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)
London Kids Cinema
We’re eager to catch brand new release and sequel, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, out in UK cinemas this Friday. Over at Barbican Cinema, you can catch enchanting films for all ages, such as the Moomins and the Winter Wonderlands screening, as part of their Framed Family Film Festival.
Find out what else is showing this weekend at a Cinema near you in London — fun family films for £5 or less. Head to our Family Cinema page for the full scoop!
Booking Ahead
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)
Wake Up Gigs: Xylaroo + Support parent & baby concert at the Ace Hotel, Shoreditch (Dec 16)
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!
London Kids Weekend Scoop (November 8-11, 2018)
