Hello October and Black History Month! My guides for October half term and Halloween will be working their way to you in the next couple of weeks. Meantime, check out all the cool things for kids and families in London this weekend. Wrap up warm, it’s getting nippy out there.
12 Cool Things for Kids and Families in London this Weekend
Thu-Sun: The Cinematic Harry Potter Experience, Romilly Street (exact location provided after booking), W1D 5AF (Leicester Square tube)
Here’s something different for Harry Potter heads. Travelling London by boat might not be as exciting as flying on a broomstick. But you can enjoy the thrill of following the ‘broom-steps’ taken by Harry and pals along the river Thames. The tour kicks off with a walk around town, hitting magical locations (like the real Dragon Alley) and testing your knowledge of Hogswarts trivia. Then hop on the boat cruise with fellow witches, wizards and the inevitable muggle. 12pm-2.30pm (Mon-Fri) & 10am-12.30pm (Sat-Sun); adult £38/child 17 and under £35 (running through Oct 31)
Thu-Sun: 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube/rail)
It’s Black History Month but the focus is on modern art at this vibrant showcase of artists from across Africa and the diaspora. Browse more than 150 works, in a range of styles and media, and don’t miss the large-scale installation in the fountain court. 11am-7pm; adult £25 day ticket/concs £10/child under 12 FREE (Oct 3-6)
Also see brand new exhibition by leading South African artist Mary Sibande I Came Apart at the Seams
Thu-Sun: Anansi the Spider: The Greatest Tales Ever Spun, at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Long ago, when animals walked on two feet, the smartest of all was Anansi – the trickster spider of West African and Caribbean lore. But sometimes, the master spinner of yarns could be too clever for his own good. Celebrate Black History Month at this immersive show where adults and kids sit together on the floor, in the world of Anansi. For ages 3 to 7. Various show times from 10.30 (Tue-Sun); adult £10-£10/child £10-£14 (until Oct 27)
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)
Sat: Dumbo (PG) + Circus Workshop, Harris Academy, South Norwood, 2 Cumberlow Avenue, SE25 6AE (Norwood Junction rail/overground)
Did you miss Tim Burton’s Dumbo at the cinema? Well now’s your chance to see it at a special screenings that includes a circus skills lesson too. Pick up tricks from performer extraordinaire, Matiss Duhon in a circus workshop, then cuddle up with your crew to see an elephant fly on screen. All ages welcome. Kids under 10 must come with an adult. Workshop from 1pm, film at 2pm, ends 4pm; £5/babies under 1 FREE/snack packs for kids with popcorn, drink and sweets just £1.50 – booking ahead recommended (Oct 5)
Sat: Fun Palaces Weekend at National Maritime Museum, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
The Fun Palaces are back! A free weekend of family friendly creativity that happens every year at national venues. The goal is to make arts, culture and science accessible for people of all ages and backgrounds. Highlights include a festival of spectacular performances at National Maritime Museum including hula hoop extravaganza, steel pans band and Vietnamese origami lotus making. All ages welcome, drop-in between 11am-4pm; FREE (Oct 5)
Find other Fun Palaces near you at: funpalaces.co.uk
Sat: Fairytales in Brunswickland at The Brunswick Shopping Centre, 1 Byng Place, Bloomsbury WC1N 1BS (Russell Square tube)
Spend your Saturday with Nicky Nacky Noo (from the land of Noo), Patches (it’s not funny!) and the team from Platinum Performing Arts at this fun day out for all the family. The Brunswickids present a mix of fairytale fun and games, balloons, face painting, kiddie conga and more. Little ones can pose with Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Prince Charming. 11am-2pm, FREE (Oct 5)
Sat: Family Storytelling: The Brompton Cemetery Time Machine, Brompton Cemetery, meet at North Gates, off Old Brompton Rd, SW10 9UG (West Brompton/Earl’s Court tube)
Enter the cemetery for a spooky morning of storytelling with the fabulous Vanessa Woolf. You’ll learn all about ancient Egyptian magic and a secret time machine hidden in the depths of a Victorian tomb. Dress warm and bring a blanket/cushion. Best for ages 6-11 and their intrepid grownups. 11.30am, FREE – book ahead at vanessa@londondreamtime.com (Oct 5)
Sun: Fulham Palace Apple Day, Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, London, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube)
Head to the fabulous Fulham Palace and gardens for their annual celebration of all things pipped. Apple Day marks the arrival of autumn, and chance to see the Walled Garden apple orchard in all its splendour. Enjoy live music, kids activities, bee keeping and wood turning demonstrations, plus the popular baking contest. 11am-3pm, FREE (Oct 6)
Sun: Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town/Chalk Farm tube)
It’s time to swing out with your baby (or your baby daddy) at this toe-tapping, host-stepping family party. A live caller and band will get you moving to folk music from Britain and beyond. Popular afternoon event for all ages. Book ahead to avoid disappointment. 3pm-5pm; adult £8, child £6, under 2s £2 (Oct 6)
Sun: The Pirate Cruncher, at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley
Captain Purplebeard and his cut-throat crew are setting off on a swashbuckling adventure, and you’re coming with them! Put on your pirate hat and get ready for mayhem in this hilarious adaptation of Jonny Duddle’s award-winning picture book. Ages 4+. 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); from £9 (Oct 6)
Sun Hampstead Heath Conker Championships, Parliament Hill Bandstand, Parliament Hill Fields, Highgate Road, NW5 1QR (Gospel Oak overground)
It’s the 18th year running for this quirky contest, a chance to bash away at conkers and seize the championship. The popular British game gets competitive in 4 categories (under 5s, 5-7 year olds, 8-13 year olds, 14-17 year olds and 18s and over) with a ‘conkermeister’ keeping score. Great fresh air fun in one of London’s most wonderful open spaces. Register to play at 2.30pm, FREE (Oct 6)
London Kids Cinema
Join in a family-friendly sing along screening of The Greatest Showman at Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square this Saturday at 12.30pm. Then treat yourselves to dim sum in Chinatown afterwards.
Find details + other pocket-friendly Kids Club listings (films for under £5) on our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page.
Booking Ahead
Giant: A Climbing Concert in Epping Forest (Oct 18 & 19)
Storystock Presents Goldilocks and Arabian Nights at Kings Place, N1 (Oct 19)
Sun: Keats House Family Day: Simon Moles Poetry Workshop (Oct 22)
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 26-29, 2019)
