It’s the last weekend of September (if you can believe it), and there’s loads on for family fun in London. My Top 14 ideas include Marvel Superheroes Assemble live on stage, Regatta London paddle sports on the Thames, family raving and discos everywhere from Balham to Camden, and some brilliant children’s theatre. Enjoy!
If you only see ONE THING this weekend…
Thu-Sun: Marvel Universe Live: Superheroes Assemble, O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX (North Greenwich tube)
Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, Dr Strange, Black Panther, Black Widow and friends come high-kicking into the O2 this weekend. Watch your kids’s jaws drop as they see their heroes fighting bad guys and doing death-defying stunts live on stage. Unmissable. All ages, best for 3+ (bear in mind some scenes are pretty intense). 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)
14 MORE Ideas for Family Fun in London this Weekend
Thu-Sun: Buckingham Palace State Rooms Summer Opening, Westminster, SW1A 1AA (Victoria/Hyde Park/Green Park/St James Park/Charing Cross tube; Victoria/Charing Cross rail)
LAST CHANCE: It will close soon, so here’s your opportunity to have a peek at the Crown Jewels, treasures and Throne Room, as you explore 19 royal rooms at the world famous palace. Just don’t expect to bump into any of its most famous residents. All ages welcome. 9.30am-6.30pm (last admission 4.15pm); adult from £25/child from £14/family 2 adults + 3 kids £64/under 5s FREE (until Sep 29)
Sat: Swish at The Cockpit theatre, Gateforth Street, NW8 8EH (Marylebone tube/rail)
Every last Saturday of the month, the Cockpit puts on a family show. This weekend, you can go deep underwater in a playful, multi sensory show aimed at a diverse audience. Learn how we can reduce plastic in the ocean in this lively experience filled with puppets, Makaton and audience interaction. Suitable for complex needs audiences and groups. All ages welcome, bets for 4+. 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) (Sep 28)
Sat: Fun DMC Daytime Block Party: House Special, Pitch Stratford, 2 Bridge Road, Stratford, E15 3FF (Stratford tube/rail/DLR/overground)
The daytime block party for big poppas, mamas and their tiny dancers throws a House Special at Pitch Stratford. DJs Brandon Block and Russ Ryan bring the big choons, at this fun family groove created by Charlie Dark (Attica Blues/Run Dem Crew) and Spin Doctor (The Doctor’s Orders). Dance to your favourite house anthems, join a dance contest, play mini golf and ping pong, get creative with hip hop colouring-in, or shop the FUN DMC stall. Plus food served all day and a licensed bar. Ages 0-10 and families. 12.30pm-3.30pm; adult £8.80, walking kid £6.60, family £27.50, non-walking babies FREE (Sep 28)
Sat: Explore Zoology at Grant Museum of Zoology, Rockefeller Building, University College London, University Street, WC1E 6DE (Euston Square tube)
Delve into the collection of zoological marvels at this quirky museum. It’s a treasure trove of specimens, featuring animals ranging from fliers to crawlers. Invite your curious little explorers to get hands-on with the artefacts, and feel inspired to create their own zoological works of art. All ages. 1pm-4pm, drop in, FREE (Sep 28)
Sat: Meet Florence Nightingale, Florence Nightingale Museum, 2 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7EW (Lambeth North tube/rail)
It’s the last Saturday of each month, time to encounter Miss Nightingale and learn how she earned her title as the ‘Lady with the Lamp’. Find out how Florence defied her parents to become one of the most famous nurses in history, and how she helped nurses and soldiers in the Crimea War. You’ll also meet Florence’s pet owl and get a look at the real lamp she once carried! All ages welcome, best for 5+. Museum opens 10am-5pm. Meet Miss Nightingale at 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3pm; adult £8/child £4 (Sep 28, and every last Saturday)
Sat & Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Family Raves: Vikings in Balham (Saturday) and Pirates in Camden (Sunday) at The Bedford Pub, 77 Bedford Hill, SW12 9HD (Balham tube)and Dingwalls, 11 Middle Yard, Camden Lock Market (Camden Rd overground/Camden Town tube)
The award-winning, world famous party people present TWO raves — hitting both south London and north London this weekend. Pump your fists in the air to massive tunes from DJ Lol Hammond (Saturday in Balham) and DJ Dave Booth of Hacienda fame (Sunday in Camden). These lovely parties create space for you to get wild on the dance floor with your little ones, and fancy dress is highly encouraged. Go full Viking in Balham, or get your Pirates gear on for Camden. The tiniest guests can hang in the Villa Pia baby chill out area. Plus Captain Cookie craft room, licensed bar and mini stalls, free transfers and a parachute dance finale. All ages welcome, best for ages 0 to 8 and carers. 1.30pm-4pm (Sat) & 2pm-4.30pm (Sun); adult from £10/child from £7/pre-walking infant FREE (Sep 28 in Balham/Sep 29 in Camden)
Sun: FAM EAST: Sunday Social at Old Spitalfields Market, E1 6AA (Liverpool St tube/rail)
After a successful three-day Easter event, FAM EAST is back at Old Spitalfields Market. This one day family social offers a pop-up market, cool kids brands to browse, creative play with Leap Then Look, plus bookable workshops led by Dot Kids, Young Double, Sparkle Child London and Rehandle. Shop, make and play, and munch from London’s finest street food. All ages welcome. 10am-5pm, FREE (Sun)
Sun: Regatta London, starting near Hammersmith Bridge and Putney Bridge, finish line in Greenwich or Putney
Probably the most exciting gig on the Totally Thames festival (closing this weekend), Regatta London is a brand new mass participation paddle sporting event. Line up along the river banks to watch rowing, canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding along 2 routes past London’s landmarks. Spectators can view from points along Victoria Embankment, the Southbank, bridges crossing the river and Battersea Park. Alternatively, cheer from the start line (Hammersmith and Putney) before heading to the finish at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich for the London Crossing route, or Putney for the Big Ben Challenge route. The closing parties at both venues will include music and refreshments. All ages. From 10.30am; FREE (Sep 29)
Sun: Magic Carpet Storytelling at National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross tube)
Every Sunday, little ones and their families are invited to get on a magic carpet at the National Gallery – and once a month, things get musical. Professional storytellers and specialist early years music facilitators lead these interactive story time sessions, drawing inspiration from the pictures in the museum. Best for ages 2-5 and their adults. 10.30am-11am, 11.30am-12pm & 12.30pm-1pm; FREE – limited spaces, first come first served (Sep 29)
Sun: Family Sundays at Royal Opera House, Bow St, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden tube)
Join in with the popular Family Sundays at Royal Opera House, when people with young children are invited to explore the rarefied world of opera and ballet. Different activities include: take part in interactive singing and dance, watch live make-up or stage combat demos, go on backstage tours, experience costume dress-up and design activities led by pro set designers, and catch pop-up performances from Royal Ballet dancers, artists and musicians. All ages welcome 11am-3pm; £8-£10 – advanced booking highly recommended (Sep 29, Oct 27, Nov 10, Dec 8 & Jan 12, 2020)
Sun: Javier Jarquin: Card Ninja, at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
The Card Ninja (comedian Javier Jarquin, pictured up top) is set to flip your mind with his bag of high-flying card tricks. Get ready to be dazzled by his display of extreme card-flicking stunts, using genuine playing cards. Ages 6+. 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); from £9 (Sep 29)
Sun: How Does It Feel to Be Loved Kids Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
The friendly indie kids disco is back for another Sunday session. As featured at End of the Road Festival, the How Does it Feel to be Loved children’s disco serves up classic soul, indie and pop to a fun, family crowd. Anyone who’s as happy dancing to the Supremes as they are shaking it up to the Ramones. 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) (Sep 29)
Sun: Harvest Festival at Guildhall Yard, Gresham St, EC2V 5AE (Bank/Mansion House tube)
The Pearly Kings and Queens will be out in all their bling for the annual Harvest Festival. Head to Guildhall Yard to catch all the action, including maypole and Morris dancing, marching bands, donkeys and carts and Newfoundland dogs. Great fun for the whole family (no seating available at event). All ages. 12.30pm; FREE (Sep 29)
Sun: Underbelly Festival: The Showstoppers Kids Show, Southbank, Belvedere Road Coach Park, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube, rail)
The kids are in charge at the Showstoppers Kids Show, a marvellous, musical interactive adventure for all ages. Sit back and let your teeny ones run the show, shouting out ideas for where the story is set, who we meet and where we go. It’s the last weekend of Underbelly Festival, so make it a good one! Ages 6+. 3pm; from £14.50 (Sep 29)
London Kids Cinema
Watch Dora and the Lost City of Gold at various Picturehouse cinemas around London this weekend.
Find more family friendly movies at weekend Kids Club screenings (films for under £5) on our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page.
Booking Ahead
Critical Conversations at Unicorn Theatre (Oct 1-Jul 31, 2020)
Giant: A Climbing Concert in Epping Forest (Oct 18 & 19)
Storystock Presents Goldilocks and Arabian Nights at Kings Place, N1 (Oct 19)
Pinocchio at Jacksons Lane (Oct 22-26)
Skate at Somerset House (Nov 13-Jan 12)
John Agard: Roll over Atlantic at Little Angel Theatre (Nov 13 & 14)
The Ocean at the End of the Lane for ages 12+ at National Theatre (Dec 3-Jan 25)
Don’t miss what’s coming up on our Autumn hot list!
**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 (September 19-22, 2019)
