Who wants some ice cream? There’s a Gelato Festival in King’s Cross and it couldn’t come at a better time, with temps set to reach scorching levels on Saturday. Cool off around Granary Square fountains, or sit by the Thames watching colour dragon boats race each other in the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat festival. There are loads more ideas below for your weekend with kids in London. Enjoy!
12 Terrific Ideas for your Weekend with Kids in London
Thu-Sun: Greenwich + Docklands International Festival: Greenwich Fair, various sites around Greenwich (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail/Canary Wharf tube)
The Greenwich Festival of outdoor art and performance continues through the weekend, with highlights featuring Pulse (Upper Riverside, Canary Wharf, 1.30pm & 3.30pm), a rhythmic production around a high percussion wheel with ‘heart in the mouth’ choreography (Sat). Also check Leviathan (Canary Riverside, 1pm & 4.30pm), retelling the tale of Moby Dick with martial arts, capoeira and dance against a Thames backdrop (Sat). Most of the festival is FREE, with a handful of ticketed events from £7-£15. All ages welcome! (Jun 21-Jul 7)
Fri-Sun: The Great Exhibition Road Festival, multiple locations along Exhibition Rd, South Kensington (South Kensington tube)
Head to South Ken for three days of STEAM activities, celebrating science, technology, art and design. More than 19 cultural institutions will be hosting workshops, talks and tours for adults and kids alike. From drones and spacecraft, to mind-expanding demos, there’s loads to see, do and discover at Imperial College, Science Museum, V&A Museum, Royal Albert Hall and other participating venues. 11am-5pm, FREE entry (Jun 28-30)
Sat: Fun DMC Daytime Family Block Party: Hip Hop Special, Pitch Stratford, 2 Bridge Road, Stratford, E15 3FF (Stratford tube/rail/DLR/overground)
Pump your fists in the air for the Hip Hop special of the daytime block party, such a fun way to spend the weekend with kids in London. Created by Charlie Dark (Attica Blues/Run Dem Crew) and Spin Doctor (The Doctor’s Orders), Fun DMC brings radio-friendly anthems to get you and your L’il ones busting a move. DJs include Shortee Blitz, DJ Matman and Rodney P. There’s also dance teacher and dance contests, ping pong and mini golf, graffiti train, hip hop colouring-in, FUN DMC stall, and food served all day. Ages 0-10 and families. 1.30pm-4.30pm; adult £10, walking kid £8, family £32, non-walking babies FREE (Jun 29)
Sat: Call Out Bullying with WWE and NSPCC at KidZania, Westfield London (1st floor, between M&S and Gap), Ariel Way, W12 7GA (Shepherd’s Bush tube/overground)
Stand up to bullies at KidZania London this Saturday with the WWE’s “Call Out Bullying” campaign in partnership with the NSPCC. Meet and greet WWE NXT UK Superstars who will hold sessions about bullying, its effects and how to handle it. Kids who take part will earn 10 kidZos (KidZania money) and a goody bag. Throughout July, the indoor city for kids will be running the Call Out Bullying activity in the theatre to reach as many kids as possible. All ages welcome, KidZania is best suited to ages 4-14. Saturday rally at 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. Regular KidZania hours from 9.30am; online prices – adult from £16, child 4-14 from £32, child 1-3 £10, under 1s FREE but booking required (Jun 29 and ongoing)
Sat: Wild Wilma at The Cockpit theatre, Gateforth Street, NW8 8EH (Marylebone tube/rail)
Every last Saturday of the month, the Cockpit puts on a family show. Catch CBeebies’ Rachel Lyon’s family show about a young girl sold to a circus who goes on a journey of self-discovery. This bold tale about difference features storytelling, puppetry and an original soundtrack. For ages 4-8. Show at 2pm; £7/family of 4 £24 (local discounts £5/£16 family of 4, for people living in Church Street Ward postcodes: NW1 5**, NW1 6**, NW8 7**, NW8 8**, W2 1**. Bring proof of address) (Jun 29)
Sat-Sun: Gelato Festival at Canopy Market King’s Cross, West Handyside Canopy, 1 Wharf Road, Granary Square, N1C 4BZ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Slurp. The upcoming heatwave seems like the perfect time to get your scoop on at the Gelato Festival. One ticket gives you a chance to sample delicious treats from 16 of the best gelato makers around the world. You can watch ice cream makers whipping up their goodies, take part in workshops and vote for your favourite gelato. Booking ahead recommended. 11am-7.30pm, adult £15/child (kids under 1 metre) £10 (Jun 29-30)
Sat-Sun: Tower Bridge Celebrates 125 Years + Family Junk Model Flotilla Workshop, Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP (Tower Hill tube)
It’s 125 years since Tower Bridge lifted for the very first time and to celebrate, all visitors can enter this weekend for just £1.25 (regular prices £8-£9). Families are invited to help build a fleet of ships, recreating the flotilla of boats that first passed under the bridge on June 30, 1894. Every family that takes part will receive a Family Activities Pass, guaranteeing you free entry on any Family Activities Day in the next 6 months! All ages welcome, best for ages 6 to 10. 10am-4pm, £1.25 (entry and workshop) (Jun 29-30)
Sat-Sun Mudchute Agricultural Show, Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, E14 3HP (Crossharbour/Mudchute DLR)
Flock to the popular city farm this weekend with kids in London for two days of livestock shows, craft and market stalls, pop-up theatre, rural craft demos, baking contests and more. See rare breed sheep, a Shetland pony photo booth and more. All ages welcome. 11am-4pm, FREE entry (Jun 29-30)
Sat-Sun: Serpentine Galleries Big Family Weekend at Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA (Lancaster Gate/South Kensington/Knightsbridge tube)
Get your kids making and earth-shaking at this family weekend of art and activism. Inspired by Faith Ringgold’s summer exhibition, you’ll discover how art, poetry and storytelling can change the world. Also take a look at this summer’s Serpentine Pavilion while you’re there, a cool and cavernous installation by architect Junya Ishigami that’s sure to spark your imagination. 10am-6pm, all FREE (Jun 29-30)
Sat-Sun: Aurora Orchestra Far Far Away at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Hurry, there are still some tickets left for the popular, immersive family concerts by Aurora Orchestra. Wander through lavender, wiggle like a worm, and enjoy the lullaby of a twinkling firefly. Kate Wakeling, poet and Aurora Writer-in-Residence, creates stories set to new chamber arrangements of Mozart’s music, inviting audiences to listen, sing, dance and play. For ages 0–5 and families. 10am, 11am, 12pm & 1.30pm; £6.50-£8.50 (Jun 29-30 & Jul 6-7)
Sat-Sun: Slime Planet: Slime Surprise Eggstravaganza, Arch 494, Rathgar Road, SW9 7EP (Loughborough Junction rail)
Did you know Slime Planet is now open every weekend (check ahead as tickets go fast)? Take your slime fans along for some ooey-gooey fun with slime experts. Kids can make and customise their own slime with mix-ins and scents (e.g. original or glow, glitter or bubblegum). Learn the science of slime, experience its sensory magic, and work together to create the biggest slime ever with GIANT SLIME. Ages 2 and up (adult supervision needed for ages 5 and under). Booking ahead essential: 11am-12pm, 1pm-2pm, 4pm-5pm (Sat-Sun); child £12.50-£13.50/adult FREE (Jun 29-30)
Sun: London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, London Regatta Centre, Dockside Road, E16 2QT (Royal Albert Docks DLR)
It’s that time of year again for the Thames to burst with colour and spectacle, as the LHKDF festival sets off from the London Regatta Centre in Victoria Docks. Join thousands of people this weekend with kids in London, lining up the riverbanks to watch the stylish dragon boats race along the river. Also look out for Chinese lion dance, martial arts, music and dance, and Asian street food. All ages. From 10am, FREE (Jun 30)
London Kids Cinema
Over at BFI South Bank this Sunday, there’s a Family Funday screening of The Gruffalo & Stick Man, plus Q&A with producers Martin Pope, Michael Rose and Stick Man director Jeroen Jaspaert. Look out for a special appearance from The Gruffalo himself in the foyer!
Find more weekend Kids Club screenings for under £5 on our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page.
Booking Ahead
The Other Art Fair at Canopy Market, Kings Cross (Jul 4-7)
Early Years Arts Workshop: Project Light at Parasol Unit, N1 (Jul 4 & 11)
The Golden Hinde Night Voyage (Family Sleepover), at The Golden Hinde, SE1 (Jul 6 & Aug 3)
Family Arts Workshop: Lines of Expression at Parasol Unit (Jul 7)
British Summer Time: Open House (Free Family Fun) at Hyde Park (Jul 8-11)
Top Secret at Science Museum (Jul 10-Feb 23, 2020)
On Blackheath Festival, Blackheath Common (Jul 13-14)
RA Family Studio: Beside the Seaside at Royal Academy (Jul 14)
The Moon at National Maritime Museum, Greenwich (Jul 19 ongoing)
Buckingham Palace State Rooms Summer Opening (Jul 20-Sep 29)
How Does It Feel to Be Loved Kids Disco (Sep 29)
**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 (June 21-23, 2019)
