We’re heading into autumn in London and although I’m sad to see the back of summer, I’m pretty excited about what’s ahead. Here are 19 things to pop in your calendar for things to do with kids in London. Get stuck in.
19 AWESOME Things to do with Kids this Autumn in London
1. Totally Thames
Join the annual celebration of London’s famous river, at this vibrant festival of music, pop-up performances, arts installations and family activities. Some upcoming highlights for Totally Thames 2019: Foragers of the Foreshore (Sep 25), Kids Choir (Sep 15), and Regatta London, the UK’s newest and most exciting mass participation paddle sports event (Sep 29). Multiple dates and times, all FREE (Sep 1-30)
2. Big the Musical
It’s the tale of a boy who wishes he was bigger, and wakes up in a grown man’s body. Tom Hanks brought this comedy brilliantly to life on screen, now it’s time to catch Big the Musical in its strictly limited West End run. Starring Jay McGuiness, Wendi Peters, Kimberley Walsh and Matthew Kelly. Varying shows at 7pm & 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), matinees 2.30pm (Thu & Sat, some Tue); £29.50-£69 (Sep 11-Nov 2)
3. William Blake at Tate Britain
The word epic is over-used but it’s what springs to mind when contemplating the works of William Blake. Tate Britain hosts the largest exhibition in a generation of this visionary artist, printmaker and poet. Experience more than 300 original pieces in this immersive, breathtaking show. All ages. 10am-6pm daily (1st Fri of the month until 10pm); adult £18/child 12-18 £5/under 12s FREE (up to 4 per family) (Sep 11-Feb 2, 2020)
4. Africa Utopia + Indaba X at Southbank Centre
Africa Utopia joins forces with Indaba X at this glorious celebration of African culture. Femi Kuti brings the heat of Fela Kuti’s Shrine to Southbank Centre, with special guests Akala and Talib Kweli (Fri Sep 13). Over the weekend, there’s also appearances from Afrobeats star Davido, Ozwald Boateng, Chineke! Orchestra, Bino and Fino Cartoons, Kinetica Bloco and more. Plus DJs, marketplace, fashion and family crafts. Multiple times and prices, many activities FREE (Sep 13-15)
5. Crystal Palace Dinosaur Days
Have you been to see south London’s famous dinosaurs? Now’s your chance at the Crystal Palace Dinosaur Days (Crystal Palace Park, Dinosaur Islands & Information Centre SE20 8DN), where your T-rex mad tykes can explore the island on a guided tour. Story time and arts activities available too. 10am-4.30pm; FREE (Sep 15)
6. Boy Blue: Redd
Take a leap into the unknown, in the company of 9 dancers who explore the aftermath of trauma through striking choreography and a hip-hop score. This one’s for older kids aged 12+ as it contains some dark themes. Find Boy Blue at Barbican Centre, 7.45pm; £16-£30 (Sep 26-Oct 5)
Also see: former BGT street dance maestros Diversity on their UK comeback tour, playing in London at Eventim Apollo (Nov 9, 1pm & 6.30pm)
7. Marvel Universe Live
Yup, that’s a photo of yours truly hanging with Benedict Cumberbatch aka Doctor Strange from the Marvel Avengers series (check it on my Instagram). Sadly Mr Cumberbatch won’t be appearing in Marvel Universe Live: Superheroes Assemble, but your kids won’t care. They’ll be thrilled just to see the stage versions of Dr Strange, Black Panther, Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Spiderman, Captain America, Black Widow and other legends battling their enemies in spectacular fashion. All ages. 7pm (Thu Sep 26-27, Oct 3-4), 11am, 3pm & 7pm (Sat Sep 28 & Oct 5); 11am & 3pm (Sun Sep 29), 12pm & 4pm (Sun Oct 6); tickets from £27/kids under 2 FREE on carer’s lap (Sep 26-Oct 6)
8. NFL in London
When we say football, this is what they mean. Now those Stateside cousins of ours are bringing the NFL to London with 4 bone-crunching fixtures. See the Oakland Raiders v Chicago Bears (Oct 6) and the Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Oct 13) at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Then it’s over to Wembley Stadium for the Los Angeles Rams v Cincinnati Bengals (Oct 27) and Houston Texas v Jacksonville Jaguars (Nov 3). Multiple times and prices, grab your tickets here (Oct 6-Nov 3)
9. Giant: A Climbing Concert in Epping Forest
Watch oak trees in Epping Forest transformed into a theatrical arena in Giant: A Climbing Concert. Bring a picnic blanket to sit and hear school kids singing from the trees, premiering new works by Robert McFarlane and Oliver Weeks, with support from local choirs. Inspired by music, poems and stories from Handel, Oscar Wilde, Benjamin Zephaniah, John Clare and Grace Nichols. Young ones 8+ can take part in Climbing and Singing taster sessions on Sep 15 & Sep 29. Giant is at 7.30pm; £5 (Oct 18 & 19)
10. Play Well at Wellcome Collection
Wellcome Collection is a fantastic space and this sounds like a joyous exhibition. Play Well explores something very dear to our hearts at Babes about Town: the essence of play. Young and old can engage with anything from comic strips to video games to building blocks and think about why play matters, and how we can add more of it to our lives. 10am-6pm (Tue-Sun), 10am-9pm (Thu); FREE (Oct 24-Mar 8, 2020)
11. Where Light Falls
For three nights only this Autumn in London, see St Paul’s Cathedral building illuminated as part of the Fantastic Feats festival. Where Light Falls features dramatic projections, inspired by original poetry, in remembrance of those who risked their lives in the Second World War. Something worth keeping the little ones awake for (it’s educational, innit?)). All ages. 6pm-10pm (Oct 25-26) and 7.15pm-10pm (Oct 27); FREE (Oct 25-27)
12. Halloween Pumpkins at Fortnum & Mason
Treat your little monsters to something extra special this Halloween, by booking a spot at these popular Children’s Pumpkin Carving events at Fortnum and Mason. This popular event features jack-o-lantern creations (with the help of experts), then a chance to indulge in wicked delights in The Parlour. 11am (Sat) & 12pm (Sun); £25 (Oct 26 & Oct 27)
13. TUTANKHAMUN: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh
It’s your last chance to see more than 150 treasures of the Boy King’s tomb, first discovered 100 years ago. The incredible pieces will move to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, once the Tutankhamun exhibition closes in May 2020. Multiple entry times from 10am-4.30pm (check ahead); adult/child ticket range £18-33, under 4s FREE (Nov 2-May 3, 2020)
14. Ally Pally’s Fireworks Festival
London’s most spectacular fireworks event features dazzling sparks and a cracking line-up. DJs, parade, German Bier fest, The Luna Cinema, family funfair, giant bonfire, ice skating and more over two days. Get lit. Gates open for Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festivalat 4pm, bonfire 7.30pm (Fri) & 6.30pm (Sat), fireworks 9pm (Fri) & 8pm (Sat); adult from £9.50/child from £7.50/ages 10 and under £1.50 but require registration with adult ticket purchase (separate charges apply for Bier Festival and ice skating). Advance booking essential. (Nov 1-2)
15. The Guardian Cartoon and Art Family Day
Every year, these popular events get snapped up in a heartbeat. So get cracking if you want to take part in the family day of drawing and designing at Kings Place, N1, led by The Guardian’s Education Centre. All ages and abilities can try making crafts, caricatures and cartoon strips, listen to talks from pros, and take part in creating art inspired by live classical music from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm; FREE – NB: download booking form via website, limited spaces! (Nov 9)
16. Paddington on Ice at Winter Wonderland
The friendly bear from Peru takes to the ice, on a big adventure from the jungle to the heart of London. Award-winning skaters and toe-tapping tunes combine to create a magical show that will warm and delight all ages. Paddington On Ice is brand new to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, booking ahead recommended. 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm; adult from £21/child from £17/babies 2 and under are FREE on carer’s lap (Nov 21-Jan 5)
17. Frozen 2
The film that spawned a thousand YouTube memes is finally ready for a sequel. In Frozen 2, the Snow Queen Elsa and her sis Anna head off with mates Olaf, Kristoff and Sven on another frosty adventure, far from their kingdom. Expect catchy songs, in-jokes and tons of snow. (opens Nov 22 across the UK)
18. Jazz for Toddlers at Kings Place (EFG London Jazz Festival)
Love jazz? Well, you’re in luck and you’d better act quick as the EFG London Jazz Festival gigs sell out every year. Juliet Kelly and Tony Kofi lead a lively, interactive session of Jazz for Toddlers. For ages 2 to 5 and their grownup swingers. 10.30am & 11.30m; £6.50-£8.50 (Nov 23)
19. Big Fish Little Fish party with The Clangers
Award-winning family ravers Big Fish Little Fish return to the Museum of London Docklands for a special celebration marking 50 years of The Clangers. Party to big tunes from DJ Barry Ashworth (Dub Pistols), make animal and plan inspired decor with Captain Cookie Crafts, or decorate eco-friendly plant pots in the Clangers room. These brilliant baby-friendly events also boast sensory play, confetti, balloons, bubbles and a licensed bar. 2pm-4pm; adult £9/child £7/pre-walkers free but must book ahead (Nov 23)
London Kids Weekend Scoop (September 5-8, 2019)