The government is still topsy turvy, but we can throw our hands in the air like we just don’t care, and escape into London’s vibrant cultural scene. There are so many things to do with the kids in London this weekend, from an East End comedy festival to a Japanese drumming troupe. Go under Waterloo for the wrap-up of Vault Festival, see behind the scenes of the Royal Opera House, and enjoy a stomping good time at the Family Barn Dance. Have a great one x
Top 14 Things to do with the Kids in London this Weekend
Thu-Sat: The Animals and Children Took to the Streets at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
LAST CHANCE: Set in the Bayou in 1927, Agnes Eaves and her daughter arrive in a dangerous part of town where strange things happen. Storytelling, animation and live music in this ‘graphic novel burst into life’ for ages 10+ and grown-ups. Various shows at 7pm (Fri), 7.30pm (Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri), 1.30pm & 7.30pm (Wed), 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Sat) — dates and times subject to change, confirm at booking; £10-£42/February Half Term offer: get a half-price adult ticket when booking an under 16 ticket during Feb 14-24 (until Mar 16)
Thu-Sun: Yamato: Passion at Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
Make some noise! The Japanese taiko drumming troupe takes beats and sticks to another level. Used in Shinto rituals, the traditional drums weigh more than half a tonne each, and require passion and power to bring out each note. A thunderous night out. Ages 5+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 6pm (Sun); £15-£38/under 16s discount available (max 2 child discounts per full paying adult) (Mar 12-31)
Thu-Sun: Horniman Museum: Brick Wonders, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Discover the wonders of the ancient and modern world, rebuilt from half a million LEGO bricks! There are more than 50 models to explore, including an Egyptian pyramid, Old London Bridge, a coral reef and an international space station. Plus interactive play areas like a graffiti wall, big bricks for little hands, and a mini-cinema showing LEGO animation shorts. Pick up a combo ticket and you can also check out the museum’s popular Butterfly House and Aquarium. All ages welcome. 10am-5.30pm; adult £8/child from £4.50/family 2 adults & 2 kids £18/child under 3 FREE (Feb 16-Oct 27)
Sat: Kid Carpet presents: Noisy Holiday at Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR/Stepney Green tube)
They’ve called him a cross between Bagpuss and the Beastie Boys. Kid Carpet takes his noisy animals on vacation in this raucous show that blends puppetry, comedy, live animation and electro-pop punk. Look out for flying tents, Ibiza anthems and more mayhem. Ages 3+. 11am & 2pm; adult/child £7 (babies 12 months and under go FREE on carer’s lap) (Mar 16)
Sat: Army Animals (BSL Storytelling) at National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT (Sloane Square tube)
Have you ever wondered about the animals who play a key role in battle? Sure you have, otherwise War Horse wouldn’t be an international hit. Learn more at this BSL-led interactive storytelling session, aimed at families with kids who are deaf or hard of hearing. Remember, there’s a great Play Base soft play there for younger ones too. 11am & 1pm; FREE but booking advised (Mar 16)
Sat-Sun: Vault Festival: Blue Planet III, The Vaults, Leake St, London SE1 7NN (Waterloo tube/rail)
Join two idiots from the BBC on this ‘caper’ into the ocean and beyond, at one of the last shows of the Vault Festival, closing this weekend. David Attenborough meets clowning in this lively comedy with swashbuckling swordfish and other curiosities to tickle all ages. 4.30pm (Sat) & 3pm (Sun); £12 (Mar 16-17)
Sat-Sun: Museum of London Docklands: East End Entertainments, No 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL (West India Quay DLR/Canary Wharf tube)
Roll up for a comedy festival at the museum, with family-friendly jokes told by a roster of stand-up comics. The beloved Comedy Club 4 Kids will be in-house, taking audiences young and old on a historic tour of East End entertainments. Experience songs from the streets, a build-a-joke workshop, juggling puppets and more. Ages 3+ but younger ones welcome too. 11am-4pm; FREE but limited spaces for performances — first come, first served. (Mar 16-17)
Sat-Sun: The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, opposite 35 Blomfield Road, W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
Take a trip to the canal for a sweet puppet show aboard the famous barge theatre. Two cousins do a life swap and discover the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Told with rod puppets, it’s great fun for all ages. 11am & 3pm; adult £13/child £9/concs £ 10 (Feb 9-Mar 24)
Sun: Mole & Gecko: The Show, Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
Get lyrical at this interactive rap musical starring Simon Mole and Gecko. Help create the show as you go, following the heroes on a quest for adventure with a duck, a river, a mole, a gecko and a boat with no name. Rap tales, spoken word and live singing for ages 5+. 11am & 2pm; from £9 (Mar 17)
Sun: Royal Opera House: Family Sundays, Bow St, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden tube)
Discover the world of opera, ballet and the Royal Opera House at this monthly series of family friendly events. From pop-up performances to arts and crafts, there’s something for all ages. This weekend’s theme is ‘Wonder Women’ in honour of International Women’s Day. All ages, best for 3+ and families. 11am-3pm (Sun); £8-£10 – advanced booking recommended (Mar 17)
Sun: Small Big Adventures at Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ (Russell Square tube)
Here’s an idea for Sunday: take the young ones for a family-friendly concert featuring pianists Yau Cheng and Albert Lau. They’ll perform miniature pieces with big tales to tell. While you’re at the museum, pop in to their Bedrooms of London exhibition. If it’s nice out, drop by Coram’s Fields playgrounds nearby. Concert at 3pm; free with regular admission; adult from £10/ages 21 and under FREE (Mar 17)
Sun: Vault Festival: Hopeful Monster, at The Horse & Stables, 122-124 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7RW (Waterloo tube/rail)
Travel through earth, water and air with the Hopeful Monster, in its first eponymous show. This original piece of tabletop theatre for adults and kids, traces they journey from basic life forms to complex beasts, set to a soundtrack by Michael Hyland. All ages welcome. Tickets benefit Child.org’s Team Mum campaign. 3pm; £10 (Mar 17)
Sun: Tarzanna, Jacksons Lane Theatre, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Anna is a bit of a neat freak, but when she’s magicked away to the rainforest, she discovers a new, wilder side to herself. Let your imagination soar in this interactive show filled with aerial wonders and acrobatic playfulness. Ages 3-8. 12pm & 3pm; £9.95 (Mar 17)
Sun: Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town/Chalk Farm tube)
Swing out with your dance buddy at this lively family party, set to Scottish and other folk music played by the band. A caller will tell you what to do, and bring your sense of humour! Popular afternoon event for all ages, from grandparents to babies in carriers. Book ahead to avoid disappointment. 3pm-5pm; adult £7, child £5, under 2s FREE (Mar 17)
Things to Do with the Kids in London: Go to the Cinema
There are so many cool family films at the box office currently: Captain Marvel, The Kid Who Would be King, The LEGO Movie 2, Instant Family, Fighting with My Family and How to Train Your Dragons: The Hidden World.
We also love Disney Pixar’s modern classic, Big Hero 6, playing at multiple Kids Club screenings this weekend. Find more movies at £5 or less at a Cinema near you in London. Visit our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page.
Booking Ahead
The Show in Which Hopefully Nothing Happens at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (Mar 21-Apr 28)
Learn to Play Day at Yamaha Music London, W1 (Mar 23-24)
Mwalimu Express: African Dance & Cinema Party at Rich Mix, E1 (Mar 24, Apr 28 & May 26)
Big Fish Little Fish x Camp Bestival Tour: Vauxhall at Fire & Lightbox (Mar 30)
Big Fish Little Fish: ‘Superheroes’ Mother’s Day Rave at Hangar, Hackney (Mar 31)
Fun DMC: Mother’s Day Special at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, N1 (Mar 31)
Everyone a Maker: Everyone an Architect at Rich Mix, E1 (Mar 31)
Beasts of London at Museum of London (Apr 5-Jan 5, 2020)
The Golden Hinde Night Voyage (Family Sleepover), at The Golden Hinde, SE1 (Apr 6, May 4 & Jun 1)
Wake Up Gigs: Halfsies with Chloe Foy + Dede at Ace Hotel, Shoreditch (Apr 21)
The Great Easter Egg Roll at Lauderdale House (Apr 21)
Digital Kids Show at Battersea Evolution (May 26)
**NB: Please note that all 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 (March 7 to 10, 2019)
