It’s a beautiful day out and London is feeling a lot more open. I’ve listed 10 cool things to do in London with kids this weekend, from a city farm to a tulips festival.
I felt a wave of emotions at the guilty verdict for Derek Chauvin following his brutal and public murder of George Floyd. At least he’s going to pay for this crime but we are a long way from true justice. That needs changes throughout the culture, the system and society.
April 22 (today) is National Stephen Lawrence Day across the UK, find details of how you can get involved below. Have a restful and enjoyable weekend.
10 Cool Things to Do in London with Kids this Weekend
Thu: Remember Stephen Lawrence (multiple locations and online)
Today marks a national day of remembrance for Stephen Lawrence, the South London teen who was murdered in a racist attack in 1993. The failures of the police to bring his killers to justice led to the groundbreaking Macpherson Report and a new understanding of institutional racism in Britain. The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation was launched to raise awareness and promote a world in which every child can flourish. There are a number of activities and events happening throughout the day and ongoing. Visit the website for details of how to watch or get involved. (Apr 22)
Thu-Sat: Take the Kids to Spitalfields City Farm, Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, London E1 5AR (Shoreditch High St overground/Bethnal Green tube)
Feeling a bit meh? Grab your kids and head to Spitalfields to see the GOAT (ahem) of family friendly urban farms. Say hi to the local livestock, hunt for fresh produce and soak up the East London vibes. All ages. 12pm-4pm (Tue-Sat); FREE but donations welcome (ongoing)
Thu-Sun: Watch a Drive In Movie, Troubadour Meridian Water, Harbet Road, Edmonton, London, N18 3QQ
The Drive In film club is back. Enjoy a family film experience from the comfort of your car, with refreshments on tap and sound broadcast to your vehicle’s FM radio. Upcoming movies include Wonder Woman, Dirty Dancing, Knives Out, The Greatest Showman, Grease and more. Live events also on the programme throughout the season. Various daily screenings, arrive 45 minutes before showtime; £21.99 per car (until May 31)
Thu-Sun: Feast It x Covent Garden, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2 (Covent Garden tube)
If you’re ready to brave the tourists around Covent Garden, head mid-town for a fun family day out. Kids always love the world famous street theatre. And for the next few weeks, you can try some street food from Feast It. Their six week residency on the Piazza includes changing stalls from the likes of Smoky Gaucho, Bubble Bros, Hermanos Tacos House, Utter Waffle and Milktree Vegan Gelato. Tuck in. Daily, FREE entry (until May 16)
Thu-Sun: Visit a Tulip Festival and Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
They’ve been planting over 100,000 tulips at Hampton Court Palace’s historic gardens. Now you can see them in spectacular displays of brightly coloured blooms at the former stomping ground of Henry VIII. Younger ones can discover the Magic Garden, climb towers, explore secret grottos and battle mythical beasts. The Tulip Festival runs until May 3, Magic Garden open for the season, tickets for both included in admission. 10am-5pm; adult from £15/child from £7.50/under 5s FREE (until May 3/ongoing)
Thu-Sun: Get a Birthday Wish from Peppa Pig (online)
Is your piglet celebrating a birthday this weekend (or anytime soon)? Why not organise a birthday message from Peppa and George. All you have to do is enter your child’s details and you’ll receive a personalised message (via WhatsApp and email) recorded in time for their special day. Guaranteed to leave them oinking with delight. Aimed at preschool kids; £14.95 (ongoing)
Thu-Sun: Play Crazy Golf at Coal Drops Yard off Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Putt your back into it. Club Golf is back at Coal Drops Yard. Designed by artists Baker & Borowski and inspired by the King’s Cross rave scene, the 9 holes are a cool and Covid-secure family activity. Get putters and balls from Coal Drops Yard. All ages welcome, under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. 12pm-8pm (Mon-Sat) & 12pm-6pm (Sun); £5/under 12s FREE – advanced booking recommended, limited walk-ups on day (until May 9)
Thu-Sun: Go for a Family Swim at London Fields Lido, London Fields West Side, Hackney E8 3EU (London Fields rail/Hackney Central overground)
Are you ready to take a dip? London’s outdoor pools are open and there’s no cooler spot than London Fields lido. It gets packed in summer but you might enjoy a socially-distanced swim this weekend. Book ahead, spots go fast. All-year heated swimming, sun deck and sunbathing area, cafe on site. All ages welcome. 6.30am-9pm; adult £5/child £2.95, discounts for members (ongoing)
More outdoor swimming: go south to Tooting Bec Lido; south west to Hampton Pool in Bushy Park or check out this list of London lidos in your area.
Sat: Watch a Female-Powered Philharmonia Sessions: Family Concert (YouTube)
Tune in to see this vibrant programme of woman-powered orchestral music for a family audience. It will round off with a sing-along of the Frozen classic ‘Let It Go’. The concert is designed for kids ages 7-11 but is suitable for all including children with special needs. The premiere is this Saturday (Apr 24) and will be available on YouTube for some months after. Premiere at 1pm (Sat Apr 24); FREE (Apr 24/ongoing)
Sun: Eat Ghanaian Food at Horniman Market, Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Every Sunday, you and your family can visit the Horniman Market to explore a variety of foodie flavours. Browse the socially distanced stalls and pick up something yummy — such as delicious Ghanaian fusion dishes from Zongo. In case they’re not around this week, there’s a range of gourmet treats for all tastes. And although the museum and butterfly house are still closed, you’ll have the gorgeous gardens and animal walk to roam before or after. 10am-3pm; FREE entry (Apr 25/Sundays)