We’re almost at the end of March, with Mother’s Day Weekend coming up soon (don’t miss my special guide). For this weekend’s scoop, I’ve found 14 fantastic family activities in London, from Finchley to Greenwich. Highlights include: a mother and son Minecraft show, Pirates of Penzance on the Cutty Sark, a chemistry festival at Science Museum, and the reopening party for the Painted Hall. Loads to celebrate, enjoy!
14 Fantastic Family Activities in London this Weekend
Thu-Sat: Mine at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
One for older kids, especially your Minecraft obsessed minis, this intergenerational show was inspired by the relationship between artistic director Maiko Yamamoto, and her 11 year old son Hokuto. The game Minecraft is turn into a theatre of sorts, where gamer/performers play out various narratives, exploring the role of tech in our parent/child experiences. Look out for a cyborg assassin, a pop-up from Beowulf, and a message from Bambi’s mum! Ages 10+. 7.30pm (Thu-Fri), 2pm & 7.30pm (Sat), from £12 (Mar 21-23)
Read Maiko’s fascinating blog post about Minecraft and how she created the show.
Thu-Sun: The Show in Which Hopefully Nothing Happens at 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Fans of absurdist theatre will enjoy this critically-acclaimed production from the Netherlands. An actor who never gets to have his turn, and a security guard who hopes nothing ever happens. It could be the most boring show in history… or one of the most brilliant. Adored across Europe, US and Canada for 12 years, this show will appeal to audiences ages 6-10 and older. Varying times from 11am (Thu-Fri), 2pm (Sat) & 11.30am (Sun); preview prices £10 (until Mar 28), then adult £10-£16/child under 18 £10 (Mar 21-Apr 28)
Thu-Sun: The Brilliant World of Tom Gates at Richmond Theatre, Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ (Richmond tube/rail)
If your kid is as mad about Tom Gates as my younger one, then doodle your way down to Richmond Theatre. Liz Pichon’s brilliantly animated books come alive on the stage, adapted by the award-winning crew behind Horrible Histories and Gangsta Granny. Watch Tom trying to stay out of trouble, while coping with moany Marcus, grouchy sis Delia and a dog named Rooster who really does eat his homework. Hugely entertaining and visual for ages 5+. 1.30pm & 7pm (Thu), 10.30am & 7pm (Fri), 2pm & 7pm (Sat), 11am & 3pm (Sun); from £19.50 (Mar 21-24)
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: Pirates of Penzance on the Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
All aboard to see Gilbert & Sullivan’s much-loved Pirates of Penzance in a fabulous setting. Celebrate Cutty Sark’s 150th birthday with this swashbuckling opera crammed with bumbling police, laugh along songs, and pirates who are big softies at heart. Great fun for the whole family. 7pm doors, 7.45pm show; £28/under 18 tickets available for Sun performance at £18 (21-24)
Sat: Science Museum: Chemistry Family Festival (top picture), Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
It’s party time at Science Museum where they’re showing and telling for the 150th birthday of the periodic table. Come for ‘Marvellous Mistakes’ storytelling, ‘Cracking Chemistry’ live show, and ‘It’s a Chem-Mystery’ workshop. There’s even a sing-song for all ages and abilities in ‘Mendeleev’s Dream’. Brilliant STEM family activities in London for ages 5+, and a chance to hang out in the Wonder Lab before or after. 12pm-4pm, FREE but booking required for some activities (Mar 23)
Sat: Hansel and Gretel at Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR/Stepney Green tube)
Go deep inside the forest, where two siblings are trying to find their way home. Lost and hungry, they find treats (and other surprises) on the menu of a witch with a sweet tooth. Enchanting puppetry, scenery and music in this Grimms’ fairy tale reworked. Ages 3+. 11am & 2pm (Sat); adult/child £7 (babies 12 months and under go FREE on carer’s lap) (Mar 23)
Sat-Sun: Painted Hall Reopening Party, Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9NN (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
One of London’s best kept secrets, described as our ‘Sistine Chapel’, the Painted Hall reopens after some serious restoration. Join the party with Henry VIII and other historical characters popping up, live music, photo exhibition, kids activities (e.g. make your own crowns), international food stalls, Sipsmiths gin on the lawn and more. 9.30am-5pm; adult £12 (for access to Painted Hall)/child under 16 FREE (Mar 23-24)
Sat-Sun: Learn to Play Day at Yamaha Music London, 152-160 Wardour Street, W1F 8YA (Tottenham Court Rd tube)
Have you always wanted to learn a musical instrument? Kids especially benefit from the discipline, creativity and community of playing instruments. This is your chance to have a go at bashing drums, tinkling the ivories, strumming your heart out, or blowing your own trumpet. Head to Soho for a free taster lesson at Yamaha. All ages welcome. 10am-5.30pm (Sat) & 11am-5pm (Sun); FREE but arrive early as it’s first come, first served! (Mar 23-24)
Sat-Sun: The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, opposite 35 Blomfield Road, W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
LAST CHANCE: 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: Family Takeover: Make and Create, British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Come for a day of fantastic family activities in London, engaging with multi sensory activities, children’s books, and stuff you can invent or create yourself. Follow the Building Family Trail through the library, through drawings, puzzles and games. All ages welcome. 12pm-4pm, FREE (Mar 24)
Sun: Mwalimu Express: African Dance & Cinema Party at 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
One of our favourite family activities in London is back at Rich Mix. An African groove with food, live music, family fun, arts and craft market and a film to settle down with towards the end. Join in Parent and Toddler dance, learn an African board game, dance to DJ tunes, and munch on delicious Senegalese street food. All ages welcome, from babies upwards. 2pm-6pm, FREE (Mar 24, Apr 28 & May 26)
Sun: Kid Carpet presents: Noisy Holiday at Jacksons Lane Theatre, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Kid Carpet (described as ‘Beastie Boys meets Bagpuss’) brings his rambunctious bunch of animals to Jacksons Lane for another eclectic mix of live animation, comedy, puppets, Ibiza anthems and electro-pop punk. Fun for all ages 3+. 12pm & 3pm; £9.95 (Mar 24)
London Kids Cinema
We absolutely loved Captain Marvel, talk about Girl Power! Also worth checking out on the big screen: The Kid Who Would be King (pictured), The LEGO Movie 2, Instant Family, Fighting with My Family and How to Train Your Dragons: The Hidden World.
This weekend, you can see slightly older/classic movies at Kids Club screenings, for less than a fiver! Visit our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page for listings.
Booking Ahead
Big Fish Little Fish x Camp Bestival Tour: Vauxhall at Fire & Lightbox (Mar 30)
Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers at Cockpit Theatre, NW8 (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!**
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