Hello and Happy New Year. It’s our first Weekend Scoop of 2019 — how did that happen? The kids are fully settled back now and we’re looking ahead to a busy weekend packed with family friendly things to do in London. Don’t forget to take a look at my 2019 LONDON HOT LIST, so you can mark your calendars for the year ahead. Have a good one x
12 Family Friendly Things to Do in London this Weekend
Fri: Squish Space (main image) at Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican/Moorgate tube)
Squish, squash, roll and jump at this creative play space, made especially for under 5s. The Barbican Centre’s Squish Space is a versatile fun zone where small people can blow off some steam. A great place to wear them out on a weekday, before or after an event or exhibition. Now extended through June! Ages 0-5. 10am-4pm (Mon-Fri) – NB: dates subject to confirmation, check ahead before you go; FREE (select dates until Jun 30)
Fri-Sun: London Art Fair, Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH (Angel, Highbury & Islington tube/overground, King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
If buying a new work of art for your home is on your list of plans for 2019, then you’re in luck. The London Art Fair features modern art from more than 100 global galleries, with everything from paintings and sculpture, to a new ceramics section. Who’s Looking at the Family Now? takes a fresh look at the family photograph, while in the Screening Room you can see works from Africa and the African diaspora reflecting the theme Afrofuturisms Past. 11am-7pm (Fri), 11am-7.30pm (Sat), 11am-6pm (Sun); adult/teen 15+ adv £16, door £20, child under 14 FREE (Jan 16-20)
Fri-Sun: Good Grief, Charlie Brown! at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross Rd/Temple/Covent Garden tube)
We can’t wait to finally make it to the acclaimed retrospection of works by Charles M Schulz. The vast exhibition features comic strips, vintage artefacts, merchandise and more. Sit on a beanbag in the Snoopy Cinema and catch a Peanuts TV episode; have a go on Snoopy typewriters in Lucy’s Psychiatric Help Booth; or try your hand at sketching Peanuts characters. Keep an eye out for additional events and activities programmed to accompany the exhibition throughout its run. 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)
Fri-Sun: Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival, around Canary Wharf Estate and Canada Square, E14 5AB (Canary Wharf tube/DLR)
Canary Wharf is illuminated with 21 light installations, popping up all around the neighbourhood. Brighten up your January with this vibrant trail of fascinating artworks. Download the Winter Lights map to help you explore artworks like the neon trees and light maze. All ages. 5pm-10pm, FREE (Jan 15-26)
Fri-Sun: Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB (Canary Wharf tube/DLR)
While you’re at Canary Wharf, why not book in for one of the few ice rinks still open after Christmas? One of the most family friendly things to do in London this month. Glide beneath a canopy of trees, or chill out at the bar, or surrounding restaurants and shops. Ages 4+. 12pm-10pm (Mon-Thu), 9am-10pm (Fri), 9am-9pm (Sat-Sun); adult/teen (13+) £16.95; child 4-12 £9.95; family of 4 £46.50; skate aids £5 (until Feb 16)
Fri-Sun: London Model Engineering Exhibition, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube then W3 bus to the park, Gate 6 recommended entry)
Choo choo. Head to Ally Pally with your mini motor, train and other transport enthusiasts for the annual extravaganza of model engineering. They’ll be gobsmacked by the teeny tiny boats, planes, choppers, cars, and locomotives, and it’s a fascinating day out for thousands of adult visitors too. All ages welcome. 10am-5pm (Fri-Sat), 10am-4.30pm (Sun), last entry 4pm and 3pm on Sun; adult £12.50/child 5-14 £4.50/under 5s FREE (Jan 18-20)
Fri-Sun: The Wind in the Willows at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Laugh along at playwright Toby Hulse’s magical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s children’s book. Watch Ratty, Mole and Badger rescue Toad from a very fine pickle (or 20). Great storytelling, songs and a festive atmosphere for ages 5+. 11am, 2pm/2.30pm, 5pm; from £19.50/previews £15 (until Feb 17)
Sat: Rise and Fall at Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR/Stepney Green tube)
This looks like a blast. Come along for a playful performance filled with orbs that are forever expanding and deflating, flying, swaying or floating away. Rise and Fall is an evocative show for little ones, about the art of holding on and letting go. Bouncy fun for ages 3 to 6, plus a post-show stay and play. 11am, 1pm & 3pm;
Sat: Family Fun: Storytelling with Vanessa Woolf at Leighton House Museum, 12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZ (High Street Kensington tube/Kensington Olympia overground)
Popular yarn-spinner Vanessa Woolf captivates audiences young and old with her enchanting tales. Take flight with stories of Icarus and Daedalus, and the Freedom Bird, with clever props and lots of opportunities to join in. Also a great chance to explore this lovely, intimate museum. Best for ages 4+. 2pm-3.30pm; adult FREE/child £3 (Jan 19)
Sun: Comedy Club 4 Kids at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
For close to 15 years, the leading stand-up show for young people has been tickling audiences around the UK. Hear gags and funny stories from top comics, delivered without the rude bits to appeal to children aged 6+ and their adults. Expect tons of entertaining heckling. 12pm & 2.30pm; limited tickets from £9 (Jan 20)
Sun: Let It Snow at Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, Hampstead, NW3 2RR (Hampstead Heath overground, Hampstead/Belsize Park tube)
Discover the home where literary legend Keats found inspiration and romance, at this family day of creativity in the house and gardens. Visit the Regency villa for an afternoon of snow-themed arts and crafts for all ages. 2pm-4pm drop in; FREE (Jan 20)
Sun:Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town/Chalk Farm tube)
Fling your favourite dance partner around the floor, to a live band playing Scottish and other folk tunes. Don’t worry if you don’t know the steps, a live caller will tell you where to put your feet. Popular afternoon event for all ages, including grandparents and babies (use a baby carrier if you don’t want to exhaust your biceps!). Book in advance to avoid disappointment. 3pm-5pm; adult £7, child £5, under 2s FREE (Jan 20)
London Kids Cinema
Snuggle up in the super-comfy Electric Cinema in Portobello or Shoreditch and catch Willy Wonka (Sat) or Space Jam (Sun) on the big screen.
Discover more Kids Club movies at £5 or less this weekend at a Cinema near you in London. Visit our Family Cinema page.
Booking Ahead
FREE Minecraft Design Workshops (ages 8-14) at Arts Depot (Jan 21-26)
How Does It Feel to Be Loved at The Phoenix, W1 (Jan 27)
Family Sundays at Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (from Jan 27)
Big Fish Little Fish Vikings and Dragons Family Rave at New Cross (Feb 2)
Disco Loco’s Rainbow Ball at Hackney Showroom (Feb 3)
Don’t forget to check out our
19 Brilliant Ideas for London 2019!
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!
19 Things to Look forward to in London 2019
