It’s hard to believe we’re half-way through January already. Before we know it, the Christmas season will whip round again! Until then, enjoy our pick of things to do with kids in London this Weekend. Don’t forget to check out my London 2020 Hot List for exciting family events throughout the year. Mark your calendars!
If you only See One Thing this Weekend
Fri-Sun: The Little Prince at Stratford Circus Arts Centre, Theatre Square, Stratford E15 1BX (Stratford tube/rail/DLR/overground)
Acclaimed playwright Inua Ellams (Barber Shop Chronicles) adapts the famous story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, about a pilot who leaves his tiny asteroid to discover a wider universe. In this retelling, the pilot comes from an African galaxy far, far away and breaks down in the Sahara desert. His journey through time and space explores climate change, morality and how little things make a big difference. Afro-futuristic themes and North African music create an enlightening experience for ages 7+. 7pm; £8-£10 (Jan 17-Feb 1)
11 Excellent Things to do with Kids in London this Weekend
Thu-Sat: NoFit State Circus: Lexicon, Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH (Chalk Farm tube)
After sold-out performances across the UK and Europe, the playful circus troupe bring their wild and daring show Lexicon to Camden’s Roundhouse. NoFit State has created a spectacle that enchants and awes in equal measure, tossing in everything from flame juggling to unicycling to aerial acrobatics, plus live music. Hugely entertaining! 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2pm matinee (Sat) & 4pm (Sun); £15-£55/family of 4 or groups of 4 get £20 discount (until Jan 18)
Thu-Sun: The Water Babies at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, opposite 35 Blomfield Road, W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
On this charming boat theatre in Little Venice, you can hear the tale of a boy chimney sweep whose life is changed by an underwater adventure. Puppetry and magic lantern performance for water babies ages 4+. 7.30pm (Wed-Fri), 11am & 3pm (Sat-Sun); £5 (Jan 15-Feb 23)
Thu-Sun: Winter Lights at Canary Wharf, Canada Square Park and around Canary Wharf, E14 5AB (Canary Wharf tube/DLR/rail)
The Canary Wharf festival Winter Lights is back for another bedazzling year, with more than 25 spectacular light installations by some of the most innovative artists and designers worldwide. Enjoy interactive features and performance pieces, and stop for Winter Lights Bites street food treats. Download the map via the web site. All ages. 4pm-10pm, FREE ((Jan 16-25)
Thu-Sun: Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes at Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
LAST CHANCE: Be swept away with this sumptuous tale of passion, obsession and ambition, starring the ultra talented Adam Cooper. A girl’s quest to become the world’s greatest dancer turns into a romantic duel between two men who inspire her. Ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Sun/no eve performance on Jan 19); £15-£75 (until Jan 19)
Thu-Sun: Cirque du Soleil: Luzia at Royal Albert Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP (South Kensington/High St Kensington tube)
The world famous circus returns to Royal Albert Hall with another stunning production. Set in Mexico, Luzia draws on light and water for its inspiration, with a whole range of acrobatics, trapeze, clowning, and surrealism all pulled together in Cirque’s intricate, showstopping style. Babes in arms free on parent’s lap, kids aged 3+ must have own seats. From £40.20 to £255.50 for premium with dining (child discounts available); 11am, 3pm, 3.30pm, 7.30pm, 8pm (Jan 12-Mar 1)
Fri-Sun: The London Model Engineering Exhibition, Alexandra Palace, London, N22 7AY (Alexandra Palace rail/Wood Green tube then W3 bus to the park, Gate 6 recommended entry)
Choo choo. The London Model Engineering Exhibition rides back into town, showing off nearly 2000 models of modern and vintage toys and gadgets. You’ll see steam locomotives and traction engines, speed boats, planes, helicopters and other modes of transport. Take the whole family for a day out at Ally Pally. 10am-5pm (Fri-Sat); 10am-4.30pm (Sun); adult from £13.50/child 5-14 from £4/under 5s FREE (Jan 17-20)
Sat: Tower Bridge Family Activity Days: Come Fly with Me, Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP (Tower Hill/London Bridge tube/rail, Tower Gateway DLR)
Climb up Tower Bridge this Saturday for another workshop in their Family Activity Days series. This weekend, you can discover the hair-raising story of Frank McClean. Then make and decorate your own paper aeroplane to fly through the Tower Bridge model. Also download the family trail app and take a walk along the glass-bottomed bridge floor! All families get a Family Activity Pass giving you free entry on any family activity day for 6 months. Events are open to all ages, best suited for ages 6 to 10. Activities included in price of Tower Bridge admission. 10am-4pm; adult £9/child 5-15 £3.90/under 5s FREE/family £14.10-£22.50 (Jan 19)
Sat: Mini Maestro Family Concert: Elgar and Tchaikovsky at St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ (Charing Cross tube)
At these popular family concerts, young children can get an early education on classical music performed by the London Musical Arts Ensemble with conductor John Landor. This Saturday, you and your mini maestros are invited to hear pieces by Tchaikovsky and Boccherini, as well as scintillating strings from Elgar’s ‘Introduction and Allegro’. Hang out afterwards to meet and greet the musicians. All ages, best for 5+. 4.30pm; adult £10/child £8 (Jan 18)
Sun:Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town/Chalk Farm tube)
Step lively and do-si-do at this popular family event, where you can swing out to Scottish and other folk music played by the band. A live caller will tell you where to put your feet. Come with lots of energy and a sense of humour! Suitable for all ages, from grandparents to babies in carriers. Book ahead to avoid disappointment. 3pm-5pm; adult £8, child £6, under 2s £2 (Jan 19)
Sun: Royal Academy Family Studio: Climate Champions, John Madjeski Fine Rooms, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Join Black Females in Architecture to design and create a sustainable public space for the future. Or help eco-visionaries create a habitat for humanity, plants, animals and other living things. This day-long workshop is inspired by the RA’s Eco-Visionaries programme. All ages welcome. 11am-3pm, FREE (Jan 19)
Sun: Family Day: Frost Fairs, Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, Hampstead, NW3 2RR (Hampstead Heath overground, Hampstead/Belsize Park tube)
Head to the Regency Villa where John Keats found inspiration and romance, at another family day of creativity in the house and gardens. Create a frost fair scene, inspired by the Regency era frost fairs on the Thames, and the cold winter of 1820 snow-themed arts. All ages. 2pm-4pm drop in; FREE (Jan 19)
London Kids Cinema
Classic book turned movie The Railway Children is playing at Electric Cinema Portobello this Saturday. Snuggle up for a trip back in time!
Find other weekend Kids Club film listings (tickets for under £5) on our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page.
Booking Ahead
Fun DMC 5th Birthday Party at Colours (formerly Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen), N1 (Jan 26)
Mwalimu Express African Family Party at Rich Mix, Shoreditch (Jan 26)
How Does It Feel to Be Loved Kids Disco at The Phoenix, W1 (Jan 26)
The Bee in Me at Unicorn Theatre (Jan 31-Mar 1)
Big Fish Little Fish: Lights Camera Action Family Rave, The Bedford, Balham (Feb 1)
Jewish Book Week Family Day at Kings Place (Feb 2)
Wake Up Gigs at Ace Hotel, Shoreditch (Feb tba)
Find more family events in my 20 Things for 2020 London 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!**
20 Things to Look forward to in London 2020
