Happy World Book Day! Was it a costume win for you this time, or another year of winging it? Head to my Instagram page to find out what Jed wore. Simples innit. There’s World Book Day fun at KidZania, plus an immersive Judith Kerr exhibition and top kids’ stories like Jack & the Beanstalk and AniMalcolm brought to the stage this weekend. Find out what else is hot for you and your family in our London Kids Weekend guide.
London Kids Weekend Guide: 14 Fabulous Ideas for the Whole Family
Thu-Sat: World Book Day at KidZania London, Westfield London (1st floor, between M&S and Gap), Ariel Way, W12 7GA (Shepherd’s Bush tube/overground)
Visit the city built for kids for this 3-day festival of literature. There are workshops on story writing, character building and book cover design. Come dressed as your favourite book character! Kids can enter the competition to win tickets to KidZania and a World Book Day costume of choice, by drawing a book cover of their visit. KidZania is aimed at kids ages 4-14 (they have a dedicated Early Years section for younger ones). The city has varied opening hours, from 9.30am; online prices – adult from £15 online/£18 door, child 4-14 from £18 online/£38 door, child 1-3 £10, under 1s FREE but booking required (Mar 6-9)
Thu-Sat: Cirque Eloize: Hotel at Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
LAST CHANCE: Check into the art deco grand hotel, for a night of jaw-dropping circus, in the company of 12 acrobats and musicians. Ages 5+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 6.30pm (Sun); £15-£45/under 16s discount available (max 2 child discounts per full paying adult) (Feb 20-Mar 9)
Thu-Sun: Orchids: Celebrate the Colour of Colombia at Kew Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
LAST CHANCE: Brighten up your weekend with this colourful festival of flowers at the beautiful botanical gardens. This year it’s all about Colombia and their native wildlife, with highlights including a ‘Carnival of Animals’s display (think toucans, turtles, sloths and a life-sized jaguar). See hundreds of butterflies hanging from the glasshouse ceiling, as well as a spectacular ensemble of orchids. All ages. Advanced booking recommended. 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm); adult from £16.50/child £4.50(Feb 9-Mar 10)
Thu-Sun: The Animals and Children Took to the Streets at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
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: Discover Children’s Centre: The Tiger Who Came to Tea and the Adventures of Mog, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Step inside this immersive exhibition dedicated to the wonderful world of Judith Kerr’s imagination. Meet familiar creatures like that tea-loving tiger, and the forgetful cat Mog, along with Katinka with the magical tail, the Crocodile under the bed and more. Crawl through Mog’s cat flap or settle down for a cuppa with the Tiger, and hear about his adventures with Sophie and her mama. You’ll spend about 40 minutes exploring and hearing stories as part of the experience. For ages 0-8 (older ones welcome). 10am-5pm daily; adult £6.50/child £6.50/family £22/1 year old £2/under 1s FREE (Feb 16-Sep 2019)
Sat: AniMalcolm, Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
David Baddiel’s bestselling book for kids gets a musical makeover in this lively show, produced by Story Pocket Theatre. Malcolm is forced to confront his dislike of animals when a Year 6 trip lands him on a farm. After the smash-hit premiere at Edinburgh Fringe in 2018, AniMalcolm romps into Arts Depot in March. Wild times for ages 5+. 3pm, from £9 (Mar 9)
Sat: The Carnival of Animals at Lauderdale House, Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park N6 5HG (Archway tube)
Ever wondered what a growly lion, a skippy kangaroo or an aquarium of fish would sound like as musical notes? The Carnival of the Animals combines the music of Camille Saint-Saëns with Drew Colby’s hand shadows to create a spell-binding show that has captivated audiences across the UK and Europe. A lovely morning for ages 3+ and families, with a free arts and crafts session after. 10.30am; adult/child £8.50 each, family £20-£30 (Mar 9)
Sat: Families Find Out: Invention at Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)
Curious minds are invited to an extravaganza of activities all around the inventions that have shaped London today. Let scientists from Imperial College London inspire you with the wonder of science and technology. What would you invent to change the future? Look out for Little Miss Inventor from the Mr Me and Little Miss Books. This festival is part of British Science Week and best suited to kids aged 7+. 11am, FREE (Mar 9)
Sat: Jack and the Beanstalk at Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR/Stepney Green tube)
Fee Fi Fo Fum! We smell a classic fairytale at Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, brought to life by CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch. He’s giving it the Lyngo treatment, so there’ll be a few surprises in this legend of Jack who sells his cow for some beans, and winds up in a land of mystery. Perfect for kids aged 3 and their giants. 11am & 2pm (Sat); adult/child £7 (babies 12 months and under go FREE on carer’s lap) (Mar 9)
Sat-Sun: One Duck Down at Vault Festival, The Vaults, Leake Street, Waterloo, London, SE1 7NN (Waterloo tube/rail)
Back by popular demand at Vault Festival, One Duck Down is based on the true tale of 7000 rubber ducks set adrift in the ocean (as featured on Blue Planet II). Billy goes on a quest to win romance, only to wind up searching for lost treasure. Soon he’s caught up in an eco-friendly adventure, from Pebbleton Village to the North Pole. Props and set all recycled from rubbish lost and found on land and sea. All ages welcome. 3.10pm; £12 (Mar 9-10)
Sun: Family Sunday: Paint with Van Gogh Show + Hot Meal at Draper Hall, Hampton Street, junction with Newington Butts, London SE17 3AN (Elephant & Castle tube)
Well this sounds pretty fantastic. Part of a popular Family Sunday season at Draper Hall, watch Van Gogh’s doppelganger Walter deForest bring the artist to life in this intimate, interactive portrait play. The audience can paint alongside Walter who will create watercolour portraits and landscapes throughout that you can keep! Afterwards, tuck into a delicious and nutritious meal. All ages welcome. Doors 4.30pm, show 5pm-6pm followed by hot meal included in admission ticket: adult £6/child £4 + fees (Mar 10)
Sun: Royal Academy Family Studio:Future Makers Workshop, Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Enjoy another day of making and creating with your kids, at the friendly family studio. This week, they’re marking International Women’s Day with a celebratory session inspired by women and femme-identifying artists, from past, present and future. Is there a future creative change-maker in you? All ages welcome. 11am-3pm, FREE (Mar 10)
Sun: Royal Opera House: Discover Dance, Bow St, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden tube)
Meet National Dance Company Wales at this relaxed, interactive performance, where you can join in the fun. Watch the pros in action and try out some steps of your own. Then watch the company bring their magic to the stage, in a mixed programme of new and exciting dance choreography. Best for ages 7 to 12 and families. 2.45pm; £5-£15 (Mar 10)
We also like
There’s an immersive Krispy Kreme pop-up in Covent Garden. Don’t miss it, you doughnut! At 5 Great Newport St (Fri-Sat); head to the Southbank Centre to celebrate the Women of the World festival (Fri-Sat); and since we’re celebrating World Book Day, why not take the kids on a Free Harry Potter Tour? (daily)
London Kids Cinema
We’re pretty excited about Captain Marvel opening this weekend. What will it mean for the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Other top family films at the box office worth checking out: The Kid Who Would be King, The LEGO Movie 2, Instant Family, Fighting with My Family and the wonderful How to Train Your Dragons: The Hidden World.
Find more Kids Club movies at £5 or less this weekend at a Cinema near you in London. Visit our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page.
Booking Ahead
Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, Camden (Mar 17)
The Show in Which Hopefully Nothing Happens at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (Mar 21-Apr 28)
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)
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)
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!**