Six weeks of summer holidays left and you’re already at your wits’ end? I feel you. What to do with the kids this summer holidays in London (and beyond)?!
It’s a strange time in a hesitant post-lockdown London. Whether you’re embracing your freedom with open arms or waving it by from the relative safety of your home, I’ve got you covered.
If you’re heading to one of the newly re-opened museums, galleries, restaurants or other venues around town, be assured that they’ve taken all necessary safety precautions. Typical measures include: reduced capacity, socially distanced attendants, enhanced cleaning, one-way systems, mandatory face coverings, temperature checks, paperless and cashless systems and multiple hand sanitiser/cleansing stations.
London’s biggest museums and attractions are opening up in phases and it’s a great way to support the city’s art scene and educate/entertain your minions. However, I don’t blame you if you’re keeping your distance altogether and there’s lots of ideas for virtual fun (scroll further down). Also, I’ll have a summer bucket list out next week in case you’re running out of steam. Whatever you do, have an amazing summer holidays!
What to Do with the Kids this Summer Holidays in London (and beyond)
BABES CHOICE
Kids Go Free at Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Fancy a day out in lovely Greenwich? We’re thrilled to hear the Cutty Sark is opening, the first of the Royal Museum of Greenwich spaces to welcome visitors back, although more are planned soon. All safety precautions are in place and you can get one FREE child ticket for every paying adult (special offer Jul 20-Aug 31)! Explore the world famous clipper ship, the fastest of its time. 10.30am; adult £15/1 child age 4-15 FREE (additional child £7.50)/under 4s FREE (reopens Jul 20)
Horniman Museum: Summer 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
It’s great news that the Horniman is opening up further, having hosted visitors for a few weeks now in its gardens and green spaces. Some of the interactive exhibits aren’t yet welcoming visitors, but you can check out the Permian Monsters exhibition (now running until Jan 3), explore the grounds and galleries, play Plonk Crazy Golf. 10am-6pm; entry to Horniman is FREE (small fees for aquarium and some activities) (Jul 20-Sep 3)
Big Fish Little Fish Kitchen Raves
Every Sunday since lockdown began, the award winning, Glastonbury playing, baby-friendly ravers have been throwing virtual raves streamed from kitchens/gardens/sheds/living room/bathroom – wherever! They have rescheduled some of their live appearances starting from September, so head to their events page if you want to book ahead. In the meantime, you can join more than 500k virtual ravers who have tuned into their DJ sets online. Next up is a rave with on Sun July 26 and the following week, BFLF are part of the virtual Barefoot Festival, with guest DJ Cyndi Wallauper! Kitchen Raves are Suns at 2pm. NB: All live streams are FREE (never pay to access or it’s a fraudulent link) — view via the links on BFLF website or their Facebook page.
Underbelly Festival presents: Street Eat, at South Bank and Wimbledon Park
Holy Guacamole! And other street food faves will be featuring at the latest event from the Underbelly crew (famously of Southbank Centre and Edinburgh Festival). Come for tasty outdoor treats from a range of vendors at the South Bank (Jul 29-Oct 10, 12pm-9pm) or at Wimbledon Park (Jul 31-Aug 23, Tue-Fri 12pm-8pm/Sat-Sun 11am-8pm). Enjoy free live entertainment in an al fresco setting. (Jul 29-Oct 10)
Disco Loco Radio Big Weekender
We love and miss the Loco so we’re thrilled to hear they’re throwing an August weekend party online. DL Radio’s Big Weekender is a rolling daily schedule of pre recorded shows for families that will be published online by Hackney Showroom over 4 days. Tune in for cook along jungle sets, agony aunt advice, virtual poetry, local kids’s news bulletins, reggae DJ sets with Earl Gateshead and lots more. (Fri Aug 14-Mon Aug 17)
Toyin Ojih Odutola: A Countervailing Theory at Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican/Moorgate tube) We’re a little excited for the first UK exhibition by Nigerian-American artist Toyin Ojih Odutola. Exploring an imagined ancient myth, with soundscape by Peter Adjaye (David Adjaye’s bro), the artist plays with drawing as a form of storytelling. You’ll be drawn into her imaginary world and have fun piecing together various story fragments along the Barbican’s Curve Gallery on Level G. Make it a double date at the Barbican and book for their wonderful Conservatory (hurry, tickets snapped up fast). 12pm-7pm (Mon-Fri), 11am-7pm (Sat-Sun); FREE (Aug 11-Jan 24)
Kaleidoscope Festival presents…UNLOCKED at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY (Wood Green tube)
Music and good vibes in the open air are calling with UNLOCKED taking place on Sunday 30th of August Bank Holiday in the stunning grounds of Ally Pally. Dance to the tunes of Norman Jay MBE and his Good Times party, along with multi-award winning hip hop DJ and producer DJ Yoda. The festival is promising utmost attention to safety including audience numbers at 60% below capacity, socially distanced queues for bars and increased cleaning and hygiene protocols. All ages welcome (under 16s must be accompanied by adults). Register for early bird tickets at kaleidoscope-festival.com. 2pm-8pm; from £20 (Aug 30)
Summertime at King’s Cross, around Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square, N1C (King’s Cross St Pancras tube)
With lots of outdoor spacing for bars, restaurants and shops, King’s Cross is opening up as safely as possible. The popular weekend Canopy Market relocates to Coal Drops Yard for the summer (Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am–6pm & Sunday 12-6pm). Popular green spots include Bagley Walk, Lewis Cubitt Park and of course you can take a stroll along (or a seat beside) Regent’s Canal towpath that leads you all the way to Little Venice. Sadly, the Granary Square fountains are closed for health measures. But kids will love Pools, the new art installations featuring 2D maze, hopscotch and giant word search. There’s also a Summer Camp for children ages 5-10 run by King’s Cross Academy. Find out more about what King’s Cross is doing to reopen with public safety in mind. (ongoing)
HOT TICKETS
Mushrooms: The Art, Design and Future of Fungi at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Be a fun guy (or gal) and delve into the freaky world of fungi, from Beatrix Potter illustrations to psychedelics to sustainable clothing. Plenty to chew on. Timed bookings only, all safety measures in place (see website). Exhibition more suited to adults, but it’s a family friendly day out with the outdoor fountains area open, and food and drink spots on site. 12pm-6pm; donations/pay what you can (recommended from £0-£10) (Jul 16-Sep 13)
Andy Warhol at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
The guy who turned soup cans into iconic artworks gets the spotlight at Tate Modern — and now the show’s been extended post-lockdown. See pop prints of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and more, play with his floating Silver Clouds and experience the multimedia psychedelia of the Exploding Plastic Inevitable. 10am-4.30pm (Sun-Thu), 10am-8.30pm (Fri-Sat); adult £22/child 12-18 £5/under 12s FREE – pre-booking only for timed entries (until Nov 15)
Electronic: From Kraftwerk to the Chemical Brothers at Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, Kensington, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube) If you can’t go to the club, the Design Museum will bring the club to you. Enter this immersive show taking you through the dance floors of Detroit, Chicago, Berlin, Paris and the UK, featuring house and techno legends like Frankie Knuckles and Aphex Twins. Learn about the early dance music pioneers, including the art, design, moves and fashion, and celebrate the birth of rave culture. Online tickets only, mandatory face coverings, bring your own headphones, reduced capacity and more. Recommended for ages 12+. Contains strobe lights and flashing lights. Timed visits, pre-booking only between 10am-5pm; adult from £14.50/child from £7.25/family from £21.75 (Jul 31-Feb 14)
Driverless: Who Is in Control, Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
The Science Museum reopens on August 19! Their new exhibition Driverless: Who Is in Control takes a look at the AI-driven tech that will shape our tomorrow. Highlights include self-driving cars, autonomous flying drones and smart underwater vehicles. All ages welcome. Kids will also enjoy the Wonderlab Gallery, but take all necessary safety measures as it’s highly interactive. 10am-6pm (let entry 5.15pm); FREE but pre-booking tickets required (Aug 19-Jan 5)
DRIVE-IN ENTERTAINMENT
The Luna Drive-In Cinema, Allianz Park Greenlands Ln, Hendon, London (Mill Hill East tube)
Drive-in cinema will be all the rage this summer and you can get ahead of the pack with The Luna. Catch a range of popular films (Grease, Finding Nemo, Rocketman etc) and screenings of operas like La Boheme and Alice in Wonderland from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. Refreshments served and contactless payments only. Various times and films (check age ratings for movies); from £29.50 per car (2 people) (Jul 4-26)
Drive and Dine Theatre at Syon Park and Selhurst Park Stadium
Another big summer event happening at multiple locations around the country, Drive and Dine Theatre comes to south London (Selhurst Park Stadium) and west London (Syon Park) at the end of July. Live comedy shows are for ages 14+, but there are lots of family films for all ages. Check age ratings before arrival. Various showings; adult £17.50 per film or £35 for comedy/child £5.50-£7.50/under 3s FREE (Jul 28-31)
Drive-In Film Club at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
There’s a cracking lineup of films like Girls Trip, Footloose, The Big Lebowski, Pulp Fiction and Dirty Dancing. Family friendly options include ET, Inside Out, Back to the Future, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Grease and The Goonies. All ages welcome but check ratings for movies. Popdogs plant-based hotdogs and other refreshments available, delivered by skaters – contactless payments only. 2pm, 5pm or 8pm (check ratings and film times online); £24.50-£27.50 per vehicle (until Jul 31)
The Drive In London, Troubadour Meridian Water, Harbet Road, Edmonton, London, N18 3QQ
Feel the magic of the great American drive-in experience this summer, with a contact-free way to enjoy family fun and entertainment. Live events, movies, classic cinema refreshments and sound broadcast straight to your car’s FM radio are all on the menu. Family movies include Toy Story, Jumanji, Aladdin, Paddington and Moana. Family events include Horrible Histories Live: Barmy Britain and Dinosaur World Live. Various screenings, arrive 45 minutes before showtime; £35 per movie/live event prices vary (until Aug 30)
Secret Cinema: The Drive-In, Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester PO18 0PX
Another event called The Drive-In, this time from the imaginative team behind immersive experience Secret Cinema. They’ve postponed their Dirty Dancing show to 2021, but you can enjoy some of the Secret Cinema fun at Goodwood with a fine roster of films playing all summer. Expect a theatrical evening of film, action, song, dance and lashings of Häagen-Dazs ice cream. Max 5 passengers per car, check age ratings for specific films. 7pm (Tue & Thu), 2.30pm & 7pm (Fri), 11.30am, 3pm & 8pm (Sat-Sun); around £55 + booking fee (until Aug 31)
OPEN AIR EVENTS
New Normal Fest, Le Gothique, Royal Victoria Patriotic Building, John Archer Way, Windmill Road, SW18 3SX (Clapham Junction rail/Tooting Bec tube/bus 77 & 219)
Come to this celebration of music, magic, theatre, comedy and more in the stunning Le Gothique building. Family friendly shows include Comedy Club 4 Kids with Jay Foreman, Helen Duff and Tiernan Douieb (Sun Aug 16, 2pm/£10 or 4 for £30). Also The Globe Players Present: Family Friendly Shakespeare – The Play’s the Thing, is a fun and fantastical tour through the world of the Bard (Sat Aug 22 & Sun Aug 23 at 2pm/£15, under 10s £6).
(Aug 3-31)
The Luna: Open Air Cinema, multiple locations
Come out for cinema under the stars (or in the last of the sunshine) as the roving outdoor cinema returns, with COVID-19 safety measures in place. Bring your own blanket and picnic, or order refreshments on site (contactless payments only). Screenings of popular movies like Grease, Rocketman and take place at venues around and beyond London. Sites include Battersea Park, Chiswick House, Fulham Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Kenwood House, Old Royal Naval College and Wandsworth Park. Times and prices vary, pre-booking essential (Jul 30-Oct 3)
Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Queen Mary’s Garden, Regent’s Park Inner Circle, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
Who in the world do you think you are? Jesus Chris Superstar, of course! Priority booking opens for the award-winning Andrew Lloyd Webber musical at 11am, Mon 20 Jul and general public can book from 11am, Tue Jul 21. It’s the first show to reopen this fab outdoor theatre. No age range specified, but probably best suited for older kids ages 8+. The Open Air Theatre will also host comedians like Russell Brand throughout the summer in their MOREoutdoor Mondays standup series. Priority booking access can be purchased for £15 (visit openairtheatre.com/priority). Shows at various times; tickets from £25 (Aug 14-Sep 27)
Free Range Film Club (18+), multiple locations
Date night vibes? There’s a great roster of films playing at various locations — Three Mills Island, Brockwell Park, Blackheath Common and more venues tbc. Catch Black Panther, Grease, Romeo and Juliet, 10 Things I Hate About You and other crowd pleasures on the big screen. No cars, just stars. Pack a picnic! Advice: walk, cycle or drive to the location and stick to your family/bubble. NB: Current screenings are for ages 18+ but check for updates/confirm with venue as many of the movies listed are family friendly. No single tickets, book your pitch to sit in twos and fours. Various times and dates; 2 person pitch £44/4 person pitch £88 (Jul 29-Aug 30)
MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS
Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP (Tower Hill/London Bridge tube/rail, Tower Gateway DLR)
If you are brave enough to head into central London, then here’s some good news. Tower Bridge is open (click through to the website to read more about visitor precautions) and now you can experience London from above, including the glass-bottomed walkway. Weekend activities and trails for kids on offer too. Open from 10.30am-4pm; adult £10.60/child 5-15 £5.30/under 5s FREE/family from £18 (ongoing)
V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
The V&A is opening up for limited visitors, although their major temporary exhibitions are still postponed (pre-sale available soon for Alice in Wonderland show). The V&A is reopening in phases – 11am-3pm (Thu-Sun, from Aug 6), then 11am-7pm (Thu-Sun, from Aug 27). Tickets from £20/child under 12 FREE. Pre-booking required for timed entry. (Jun 27-Jan 10, 2021)
City Cruises: See London by River (boarding from Westminster, London Eye or Tower Pier)
Ahoy mateys. Climb aboard for a brisk tour of London’s top landmarks, all via the River Thames. You can get a hop on, hop off ticket and cross from one bank to another in style. All ages. From adult £19/child £13.50 for 24-hour undated Sightseeing Pass (ongoing)
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Get your adrenaline running on a Thames Rockets speed boat on the Thames, rides open from child-friendly (toddler life jackets available) to Break the Barrier for ages 18+; the major museums in central London are re-opening in late July and August e.g. National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain. Please do follow all recommended COVID-19 guidelines and keep up to speed with the latest health advice before you visit!
OUTDOOR FUN
Plonk Mini Golf (London Fields) at Arch 407 Mentmore Terrace, London E8 3PP (London Fields/Hackney Central overground)
The popular crazy golf franchise is reopening at several venues including their brand new London Fields spot. Fully accessible for all ages and abilities, it’s also home to an arcade/pinball parlour, sandwich shop and ice cream shack. NB: Kids under 18 only welcome before 4pm. No groups larger than 6. 10am-10pm (Wed-Sun) or just for golf daily 10am-4pm. From child £4-adult £7 per round. Or why not try making your own Plonk At Home DIY Golf Course
ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
London Zoo is back in business, with the zoo fully opened but taking all necessary measures to keep visitors safe and happy. As with other venues, there will be limited numbers entering and one-way routes, hand sanitiser stations throughout and you have to pre-book. Walk-through exhibits remain closed and face masks might be required, so come prepared. 10am-2pm or 2pm-6pm; adult from £32/child from £21/under 3s FREE (ongoing)
Summer and Funfair at the Park, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
The Olympic Park is a wonderful spot to hang for picnic, playground, sporting and cycling. Check ahead for phased opening of attractions, but the parklands and canal paths are currently accessible to all, seven days a week. Through summer, the George Irving Funfair is running Jul 17-Aug 31 with limited numbers allowed, pre-registration online, wear face masks and use all safety precautions as required. 1pm-10pm (Fri-Mon); £1 entry, £1.20 per token or £10 for 10/contactless payments (until Aug 31)
Walthamstow Wetlands, 2 Forest Road, London N17 9NH (Blackhorse Rd tube/overground)
London’s newest wetlands are the ideal spot for a day out in the open air. Now open post-lockdown for anything from angling to bird watching. Climb the viewing platform at the Grade II-listed Coppermill Tower for sweeping views of London. Pre-book your visit, take your masks; 10.30am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm on weekends and Bank Holidays); FREE entry (ongoing)
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For the first time in its history, Kew Gardens is accepting timed visits – the treetop walkway and some other attractions remain closed but you can wander the gorgeous gardens; Hampton Court Palace is open for business, including the Magic Garden (from Jul 29) – check site for when the Maze is open; the stunning Kensington Palace is reopening from Jul 30; not keen on visiting an indoor pool? Try outdoor swimming with the family at Beckhenham Place Park swimming lake
FAMILY WALKS IN LONDON
The Line (from North Greenwich/Stratford)
If you are close enough or can get there safely, this looks worth a visit. The Line is London’s first dedicated public art walk, featuring sculptures and other pieces for sale. It follows a trail from North Greenwich to Stratford between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Greenwich Peninsula and will take about three hours, so not bad for little legs (with plenty of breaks). It’s fully accessible too and totally free for pedestrians or cyclists.
Parkland Walk
Look out for wildlife along this walk known as London’s longest linear nature reserve. Walk along the path that connects Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace along the disused railway line, with a lovely tour through Highgate Woods. Brilliant for little climbers, cyclists and explorers. You’ll have tons of green space and great views from Ally Pally.
Hampstead Heath Trails
Take a walk along Hampstead Heath, one of the most popular open air spots in the Capital. Hike up Parliament Hill to see sweeping views of London’s skyline, then down again through Kenwood House. The house isn’t open just yet (confirm with website) but the gardens are worth gawping at. Walk a little further to Highgate Cemetery, more beautiful than eerie and steeped in rich history.
Thames Path
You might not have the stamina for this 184 mile long trek, but you can certainly pick up and drop off along the route. It’s flat enough for buggies, bikes and scooters too. Take a section from Putney to Tower Bridge, or walk the South Bank route through Battersea Park and up to all the major central London landmarks. Sites worth checking out along this path include Fulham Palace, Kew Gardens, Ham House and Tower of London.
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Stroll or cycle along Regent’s Canal from Primrose Hill to Little Venice and back again; take a mini trek over King’s Cross via Bagley Walk, a hidden gem that’s compared to the Highline in New York and connects Gasholder Park with Granary Square; let the kids loose for a ramble in Hackney Marshes or go deer spotting in Richmond Park
MINI DAY TRIPS FROM LONDON
Getting Back on Track at Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar station CM5 9AB or North Weald station CM16 6BT (via Epping tube)
Toot toot! Wear your face masks for the ride and journey back in time via the steam or diesel heritage trains as this popular railway line reopens. Choose your own route and adventure, explore Epping Forest, stop off for a picnic, go on a railway ramble and look out for wildlife. Little ones will love being on a real steam engine! Trains depart Fris/Sats/Suns and Bank Holidays in August from 10am-4.15pm (North Weald)/10.25am-4.40pm (Ongar); adult £5 single, £10 return/child £2.50 single, £5 return (Aug 1-31)
English Heritage, multiple locations
Discover more than 400 historic monuments, from castles to a Cold War bunker to Stonehenge. The English Heritage properties are opening again for visitors (see safety regulations before travelling). Local London spots include Kenwood House in Hampstead and the gorgeous, art deco styling of Eltham Palace and Gardens in Greenwich. From £48 annual membership, you get access to all sites and there’s FREE entry for up to 6 kids for every paying adult. Gardens and landscapes for English Heritage sites are open, most houses will open in August. (from Aug 1)
Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1RG (Bearsted rail)
We spent an enchanting night at Leeds Castle last summer and it’s great to hear they’re reopened, with a ton of safety measures. Discover the historic castle and fort, explore the adventure playground, mini maze, golf, birds of prey show and gardens. In August, you some can also catch some open air movies courtesy of Luna Cinema (see above). A great family day trip (or overnight stay in the B&B – separate charges apply). 10am-6pm; adult £27/child £18.50/family £80 – pre-booking only, 1 day ticket guarantees entry for 15 months (prices valid thru Dec 31, 2020)
Explore National Trust Properties, Gardens and Parklands, multiple locations
National Trust properties are slowly accepting visitors with the opening of more than 130 gardens and parklands. These include Osterley Park & House and Ham House & Gardens, all within easy reach from central London. In addition, these seven houses are open to the public if you want to explore further afield: Barrington Court (Somerset), Kingston Lacy (Dorset), Lyme (Cheshire), Oxburgh (Norfolk), Petworth (West Sussex), The Argory (County Armagh) and Packwood (Warwickshire). One-way routes, timed entries, pre-booking and other safety measures will be in place throughout. Learn more at nationaltrust.org.uk/features/how-to-book-your-visit-and-what-to-expect
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Thinking about a day trip from London to the seaside? These spots are just 2 hours or less from central London (by road or train): Whitstable, Brighton, Margate, Broadstairs, Camber Sands, Ramsgate, West Wittering, Folkestone, Botany Bay, Eastbourne, Bournemouth, Hastings, Herne Bay and Dover. Be crowd aware and do your research in advance to avoid a social distancing nightmare.
VIRTUAL FUN
Hackney Carnival At Home
No big party in Hackney this August? Don’t worry, Hackney Carnival is coming to you, every Thursday at 4.30 pm. Tune in via Facebook to see films from Hackney’s much-loved Carnival groups. The party continues all summer long with live music, dance lessons, DJ sets and arts and crafts for the family. (Thursdays/ongoing)
Samsam Bubbleman teaches Bubble Tricks
Learn some bubbleology with the Guinness World Record smashing bubble maestro Samsam Bubbleman. Throughout lockdown he’s been sharing tips to make your own bubbles and create some bubble magic at home, with anything from square and giant bubbles to DIY bubble toys. It’s great fun and a fantastic play activity for all ages. Catch the premiere of Samsam Bubbleman’s brand new bubble show, created in lockdown, on Fri Jul 24 at 6pm via his Facebook page!
Shakespeare’s Globe at Home: Macbeth
Bring Shakespeare and the world famous Globe theatre into your home via YouTube, as they offer FREE livestreams of select plays for two weeks each. Currently, you can watch a production of Macbeth adapted for school kids and featuring a diverse cast with in the lead role. Donations welcome. Ages 11+. Available until secondary schools reopen (until Jul 26)
Alice: A Virtual Theme Park
Don’t be late for your very important date with Creation Theatre as the take on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. They’ve joined forces with Charisma.ai for an interactive and immersive storytelling production, blending live acting and the latest in AI and online video techniques. All ages invited, shows run 90 minutes via Zoom so probably not ideal for younger ones. 4pm and 7pm; £20 per device (bookings 01865 766266 or online) (Aug 1-30)
Summer Holiday Virtual Events at Westminster Abbey
Already stuck for ideas to keep those munchkins busy? Westminster Abbey to the rescue with their online craft, quiz and story activities running throughout the holidays. Try the Knights and Dragons Virtual Tour (Aug 6 & 13); History and Identity Teen Tour for ages 13-17 (Aug 6 & Aug 20); Knights and Dragons Family Day (Aug 14); Glorious Gardens Virtual Tour (Aug 20 & 27); and the Glorious Gardens Family Day (Aug 28). Sessions run on Zoom for ages 5+ – pre-booking essential. (Aug 6-28)
Notting Hill Carnival: NHC 2020 Access All Areas
The party of the year was cancelled but the fun still happens online, with a three-day virtual carnival planned for August Bank Holiday Weekend. Catch live-streamed and pre-recorded performances bringing the fun of steel bands, calypso, soca, parades and sound systems into your living room. And don’t miss Spotify’s dedicated Notting Hill Carnival microsite. (Aug 29-31)
Natural History Museum: Virtual Museum
Don’t fancy a physical visit? Go on a virtual tour of the galleries, with the comforting voice of Sir David Attenborough narrating as you learn more about Hope the blue whale.
Sadler’s Wells YouTube Dance Workshops for Younger Kids
Part of their ongoing virtual series, these workshops for children ages 2-6 are coordinated by Sadler’s Wells’ Learning & Engagement team. Led by Cherie Coleman, who runs Family Friday sessions at the theatre.
Cirque Du Soleil: CirqueConnect
Get access to Cirque du Soleil’s content all in one hub. While theatres remain closed, the world famous circus invites you into their whimsical universe. Watch dazzling show footage and fan favourite videos to give you a taste of the Cirque experience.
Harry Potter at Home
Watch and listen to Daniel Radcliffe, Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Redmayne, Kenneth Branagh and other famous voices read chapters of the first book in the Harry Potter series. Also digging these Wizarding World face masks.
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Lots of family activities, online courses and ideas at these websites: Disney On Stage; National Gallery online tour; Arts Depot; Jacksons Lane; Little Angel Theatre; Southbank Centre; Imperial War Museum; Shakespeare’s Globe: Online Courses for Young People
What to Watch with Your Kids to Spark a Conversation about Race and Diversity
