Are you ready for May half term? We are! We’ve a busy start with All Points East Festival in Victoria Park, and then off to a football tournament with Ezra’s team (wish us luck). Our school holiday guide is stuffed with family fun ideas as alway:
Beasts of London family festival, Gruffalo Pop-Up in Covent Garden, Meet Peppa Pig and George on a real steam train, Mwalimu Express takes you on a free trip to Africa, British Museum celebrates Manga, Postal Museum hosts visitors for just 1pm… and loads more.
Have a fantastic break, whatever you get up to with your brood!
May Half Term in London: BABES CHOICE
Beasts of London Family Festival (pictured top) at Museum of London, 150 London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN (St Paul’s/Barbican tube)
Roar! Beasts of London invites you to spend the last May Bank Holiday and the first weekend of May half-term at their free family festival. Enjoy a menagerie of animal-inspired fun, from a beastly puppet show, to crafting animal masks. You can even make a cast of your favourite animal footprint. There’ll be roaming creatures and characters wandering in the galleries, and you might get treated to an animal cabaret. It’s the perfect accompaniment to Beasts of London exhibition (book separately, ongoing until 2020) and a lovely way to explore one of London’s best family friendly museums. All ages welcome. 12pm, FREE (May 25-26)
The Gruffalo Pop-Up Shop, 9 Short’s Garden, Covent Garden, WC2H9AZ (Covent Garden tube)
Watch out, mouse. There’s a Gruffalo about in Covent Garden. It’s his 20th birthday and there’s a big party across two magical floors. Dodge those terrible claws and terrible jaws, or close in for a cuddle and a snap for the ‘gram. Your little monsters can try arts and crafts, shop for games, books and toys, or watch screenings of The Gruffalo and other Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture books adapted for film. All ages, best for 3-8. From 10am; FREE but advanced booking essential here (May 25-Jun 1)
Half Term at Science Museum: Apollo 10 Family Festival, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Prepare for blast off! There’s a Summer of Space coming to Science Museum and it all starts the first weekend of May Half Term, wit a free family festival celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 10 mission around the moon. Dress as an astronaut, meet Snoopy and find out what he’s got to do with NASA, send a postcard from the Moon and more. Throughout half-term (May 27-Jun 2), kids can take part in storytelling with Moon Mice, a workshop Over the Moon or live show Fly Me to the Moon. All ages welcome, activities best for ages 5+. 10am daily; FREE entry (May 25-Jun 2)
Wake Up Gigs for Parents with Luke Marzec + Archie Faulks at the Ace Hotel, Shoreditch E1 6JQ (Shoreditch High St overground/Old St tube)
The fantastic Wake Up Gigs brings live bands and baby makers together the coolest playdate, in a swanky setting. Husband and wife creators Adam and Sarada are throwing down another double header, with Luke Marzec + support from Archie Faulks. We recommend ear defenders (for babes) and dancing shoes (for all). Also on offer: soft play area, arts and crafts, baby changing, buggy space, licensed bar and food. All ages from babies upwards. All profits go to Barnardo’s. 12.30pm-2.30pm & 3pm-5pm; adult £7/child FREE (May 26)
All Points East Festival: In the Neighbourhood (Free Programme) (pictured) at Victoria Park, Grove Road, E3 (Mile End tube, Cambridge Heath/Bethnal Green overground)
The man and I are kicking off our May half term with an adults-only jaunt to All Points East on Friday (Chemical Brothers, whoop). If you haven’t booked to see any bands, you can still make the most of the festival’s free neighbourhood programme, running over 4 days. There’s a Rich Mix playhouse, tennis sessions, pop-up theatre, circus, football training, yoga, deaf rave festival, craft beer, street food market, outdoor cinema and more. And it’s all free! All ages welcome, some restrictions apply for individual events. Open daily from 10am-9.30pm; FREE (May 27-30)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Half Term Fun at Hamleys, 188-196 Regent Street, W1B 5BT (Piccadilly Circus/Oxford Circus tube)
The world famous toy store is crammed with activities this May half term. Go on a LEGO mini figures treasure hunt on the 5th floor to mark the launch of Toy Story 4. Celebrate 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants and meet SpongeBob himself. See the brand new LOL Surprise Dolls and the highly anticipated LOL doll house. Plus loads of new toys released (Fortnite Super Soaker, walking Buzz Lightyear, Hop n Bounce Unicorn and more). Every day, kids can join in a parade around the store, and each morning one family gets to ring the Hamleys bell to open the store! Keep an eye on their Facebook page for daily activities. All ages. From 10am daily, FREE (May 24-Jun 3)
The Golden Hinde: Living History Tours, St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, London SE1 9DE (London Bridge tube/rail)
Climb aboard the 16th century replica of the Golden Hinde for a theatrical, immersive journey to the past. Learn sailing from the Ships Master, how to fire a cannon from the Gunner, or what the Barber Surgeon got up to with his leeches and saw. Tours last 45 minutes, 11am, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm (NB last tours at 1pm Sat May 25 & Sun Jun 2/last tour at 3pm Sat Jun 1); £5/family of 4 £15 (May 25-Jun 2)
EO Railway: Meet Peppa Pig and George on a Real Steam Train! (pictured), Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar station CM5 9AB or North Weald station CM16 6BT (via Epping tube)
For May half term, Peppa and her brother George will be popping in to say hi along the heritage steam and diesel train route all weekend. Join in with a scenic ride, or shake a trotter at the kids’ disco and a kids’ market. All ages welcome. Appearances hourly from 10.30am-2.45pm; adult all day rover ticket £15 adv, £16 gate/child £7 adv, £8 gate/family of 2 adults and up to 3 kids £38 adv, £41 gate/under 3s FREE (May 26-27)
Mwalimu Express: African Dance & Cinema Party at 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
It’s the last outing of the season for this free multicultural celebration at Rich Mix. We love Mwalimu Express, an African inspired session of street food, live music, arts and crafts market, African board games, DJ tunes, parent and toddler dance workshop, all wrapping up with an African film. It’s truly a family affair, so all ages are welcome, from babies upwards. 2pm-6pm, FREE (May 26)
How Does It Feel to Be Loved Kids Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
The indie kids disco is back for its monthly session. How Does it Feel to be Loved children’s disco is a groovy event for parents and children alike, luring you to the dance floor with a heady mix of classic pop, indie anthems and nostalgic soul. All ages welcome, from babies upwards (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm. £6 adults (15 plus), £2 children (14 and under) (May 26)
Digital Kids Show at Battersea Evolution, Battersea Evolution, Chelsea Bridge Gate, Battersea Park, SW8 4NW (Queenstown rail, Sloane Square/Vauxhall tube)
After three successful years in Manchester, the Digital Kids roadshow arrives in London for May half term. Meet your favourite YouTubers, play on inflatables, enjoy gaming on Fortnite, Minecraft and other hot names, hop on fairground rides, pose with superheroes, try VR and more. If you can handle the inevitable headache afterwards, take the kids for one of 2 daily sessions. All ages. 9.30am-1.30pm & 2.30pm-6.30pm; from £35 (morning or afternoon) or £45 (both sessions), under 2s FREE but require a ticket (May 26-28)
We also like
Tom Gates fanatics can line up to have author Liz Pichon sign copies of her newest release on Wed 2pm at Waterstones in Westfield London (May 29); say happy 150th birthday to the periodic table at this Family Fun Day: All about Elements for ages 7 to 12, at Royal Institution, W1 (Jun 1)
MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS
British Museum: Manga, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG (Russell Square/Holborn/Tottenham Court Rd/Goodge St tube)
The British Museum hosts the largest ever exhibition outside Japan celebrating the art and influence of manga. Explore an immersive, multi-room, multimedia show that blasts you through manga’s past, from ancient scrolls to present day graphic novels. See how manga has inspired anime, cosplay and gaming, then try on cosplay outfits or ‘mangafy’ yourself in an interactive video booth. 10am-5.30pm daily (until 8.30pm Fri); adult £19.50/child FREE (May 23-Aug 26)
Postal Museum: Celebrate Queen Victoria’s Birthday with 1p Entry, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA (Farringdon, Russell Square, Chancery Lane tube; King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Calling all Victorias! You’ll get free entry to the Postal Museum over May half term (and first 200 regular visitors get 1p entry). It’s all to mark the 200th birthday of Queen Victoria, with the entry fee being the same price as the world’s first ever stamp, the Penny Black (featuring Queen Vic’s face). Toast to the grand occasion, with family activities like Victorian calligraphy, Royal Tiara and Queen Victoria Hand Puppet making. Plus you can ride on the underground railway, Mail Rail, as part of your ticket. Younger kids can hang in Sorted!, the play space for under fives. All ages welcome. 11am-4pm daily; from 1pm per visitor (first 200 visitors)/under 1s FREE (May 25-Jun 1)
The Trader’s Game at Cutty Sark, King William Walk, SE10 9HT (Cutty Sark DLR)
Have a go at the Cutty Sark’s interactive board game and learn what life was like as a trader back in the day. Cross the world to collect cargoes from far-flung lands, and do your best to beat other ships after the same loot. Just try not to get stuck in the doldrums! Ages 5+. 11am-4pm (May 27-31)
Natural History Museum Family Festival: Environment Explorers, Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Drop in to a free family festival over May half term at Natural History Museum. Become a wildlife detective, explore pond life, investigate hundreds of fascinating specimens, find out how busy pollinators work, see a puppet show, track nocturnal animals and more. There’s also a chance to gaze at new installation Museum of the Moon, an awe-inspiring artwork by Luke Jerram. And there’s still time to see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition (ongoing until Jun 30). 11am-4.30pm, FREE (May 28-30)
Lab Liftoff: Bricks & Code, Imagination Lab, The Workshop, 26 Lambeth High Street, SE1 7AG (Lambeth North tube)
Get your kids into coding at this all-day camp, where they’ll be tinkering with LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 kits. Your mini makers can design and programme their own robot characters (with their own super powers), and tackle LEGO building challenges. A great STEM activity to encourage collaboration and invention for ages 7 to 12. Drop-off with a packed lunch from 10am-4pm (parent show and tell at 3.30pm); £65 – book in advance (May 30)
We also like
Meet Florence Nightingale at her very own museum and learn all about the Lady with the Lamp (May 25); May half term is your LAST CHANCE to see Mandela: The Official Exhibition at 26 Leake Street Gallery (until Jun 2); the Discover Children’s Centre in Stratford pays tribute to the imagination of the late Judith Kerr in The Tiger Who Came to Tea and the Adventures of Mog, an immersive exhibition for all ages (until Sep 2019); have you checked out Brick Wonders at Horniman Museum yet? See more than 50 LEGO models, including a space station and an Egyptian pyramid! (until Oct 27)
FAMILY THEATRE
Underbelly Festival: How Does This Politics Thing Work Then?, Southbank, Belvedere Road Coach Park, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube, rail)
Politics is boring for kids, unless you share it with them in a way that makes sense, and tickles their funny bones too. Tatton Spiller (Simple Politics) and Tiernan Douieb (Comedy Club 4 Kids, CBBC’s The Slammer) break it down in a 60 minute show that will keep the kids engaged, informed and entertained. How Does this Politics Thing Work Then? (May 30-31 at 1pm, from £10.25) is part of the Underbelly Family Fest’s May half term programme, also featuring: Morgan & West’s Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Family Magic Show for Kids (and Childish Grownups) (May 25 at 1.15pm, from £10.25); the super popular Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance hall & brand-new Baby Cabaret for under 5s (May 26-27 & Jun 1 at 1.15pm, from £8.50); Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids (May 27 at 3pm, from £10.25); Trash Test Dummies comedy circus (May 29-Jun 1 at 3pm, from £11.50); and Comedy Club 4 Kids (Jun 2 at 3pm, from £10.25). And don’t miss the premiere of Flip Fabrique’s Transit (ages 6+), a dazzling new circus show from the Quebecois troupe that runs from May 27-Jul 7)
Stick By Me, Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road Coach Park, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube, rail)
Comedy, mime, movement and music blend in this enchanting, quirky show for younger ones. Follow me, don’t get lost, if you stick by me, I’ll stick by you too. Watch as ordinary objects are transformed into treasures by the co-creators of international hit show White. Ages 3-6. 11am & 1pm; adult £14/child £10.50 + £3 booking fees (May 27-28)
The Wind in the Willows at Royal Observatory Gardens, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich Park, Greenwich, SE10 8QY (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
Toot toot! Enjoy an open-air invitation into the world of Mr Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger as Quantum Theatre takes over the Royal Observatory Gardens. Against a gorgeous Greenwich backdrop, the characters take you on a wild ride that includes boating, feasting, and toady trouble on the open road. A fun adaptation of the Kenneth Grahame classic for all ages (best for 5+). 11am daily, adult £12/child £6 (May 27-Jun 1)
The Hunters Grimm, Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, London E15 1BX (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
The Brothers Grimm need your help. You must scour the streets of Stratford for stories, maybe coming across a desperate prince, an anarchic frog or an adventure to cure nightmares. This walkabout play by Teatro Vivo is billed for the ‘brave and curious’, and while performances are open to all, there’s a Saturday matinee for kids and families. Put on a good pair of boots and all-weather clothing for this interactive event. 7pm (Thu-Sat) & 2pm (Sat); £15/£13 concs (May 30-Jun 1)
Thu-Sun: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, box office Queen Mary’s Garden, Regent’s Park Inner Circle, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
The Open Air Theatre presents another vibrant summer of drama and musical theatre: Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Our Town (May 16-Jun 8, 7.45pm daily/Thu & Sat matinees 2.15pm), best for ages 11+. Coming soon: Hansel and Gretel the opera (Jun 14-22, 8pm daily + Sat Jun 22 also 2.15pm), suitable for ages 9+; Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Jun 28-Jul 27, 7.45pm daily/Thu & Sat matinees 2.15pm); and Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Evita, recommended for secondary school children (Aug 2-Sep 21, 7.45pm daily/Thu & Sat matinees 2.15pm). Ticket range £25-£62.50, confirm show times with box office ahead of visit (until Sep 21)
We also like
English National Opera and Unicorn Theatre reimagine Dido for ages 11+ (May 11-Jun 2); go on My Great Orchestral Adventure for ages 3+ at Royal Albert Hall (May 28)
FAMILY CINEMA
The big release for May half term is the live action version of Disney’s Aladdin, starring Will Smith as the genie. Have you seen the trailer? Looks like fun. Also out in cinemas over the break: The Secret Life of Pets 2, Rocketman, Pokemon Detective Pikachu, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, PAW Patrol: Mighty Pups and of course Avengers: Endgame is still racking up box office bank.
Find weekend and holiday Kids Club screenings, films for £5 or less on our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page.
NATURE AND OUTDOORS
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Half Term Activities, Stratford, E20 2ST (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Anyone aged 8+ can ride the world’s tallest slide on the ArcelorMittal Orbit throughout May half term. Also on: Street League Skateboarding (May 25-26 in Copper Box Arena, times and prices on website), starring the world’s best skateboarders showing off tricks. Lee Valley VeloPark hosts BMX skills sessions, outdoor climbing wall, Tumbling bay playground, cycling lanes, boating or taking a pedalo along the river, or just picnicking in the park. At the London Aquatics Centre, there’s Ultimate Aqua Splash for competent swimmers ages 8+ (May 27-Jun 2, hourly slots from 10.30am-3.15pm – booking ahead advised). ArcelorMittal Orbit opens from 11am-5pm (Mon-Fri/last entry 4.30pm) & 10am-6pm (weekends and school holidays/last entry 5.30pm); adult £16.50/child £10.50 for slide + skyline views (May 24-Jun 2)
London Zoo: Mini Keepers (pictured) at ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
Back by popular demand over May half term, here’s a chance for your little creatures to become zoo staff. They can help with mucking out cages, looking after animal teeth, and finding out what else they need to take care of the zoo’s residents. Uniforms and checklists provided. Ages 4-11. 10am-4.30pm daily (activities on the hour, at quarter past and half past every hour); ; free with regular zoo admission (online discount prices) adult from £27/child 3-15 from £17.55/under 3s FREE – book online 2 days in advance for discount prices, otherwise regular gate fees apply (Mini Keepers from May 25-Jun 2, zoo open daily throughout the year)
WWT May Half Term Activity at WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes Bridge rail/Hammersmith tube)
Enjoy wild play at the wetlands this May half term with pond dipping, mini beast safaris, reptile walks, and a chance to make your own wands or magic potions from natural ingredients! All ages welcome (ages 5+ for reptile walks). Various times between 10.30am-4pm (book ahead); included with tickets – adult from £13/child from £7.90/family of 4 from £35.54/under 4s FREE (May 26-Jun 3)
Hyde Park Discovery Days & Nature Explorers, at The Lookout, Hyde Park, W2 2UH (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Head to Hyde Park for more fun with Nature Explorers on a big bioblitz, for ages 8-11 (May 28, 10am-3pm, £20). For all ages, you can join in free Discovery Days to celebrate the bicentenary of Victoria and Albert (May 29-30, 11am-3pm, FREE). Dress up in your Victorian best, play traditional games like hoops and sticks, hear stories and follow a history trail around the garden. Booking essential for Nature Explorers, other activities register your interest, or just turn up (May 28-30)
We also like
See London blossom at Chelsea Fringe (until May 26); pop in at Battersea Park Zoo for Love Your Zoo Week (May 27-31); and it’s always lovely, no matter the weather at Kew Gardens (open daily)
Boomtown Fair Chapter 11: What’s Hot for Families
