May half term 2021 brings a plethora (one of those words I love to write but find awkward to say) of family activities around town. The weather’s looking pretty amazing and as lockdown continues to ease, there are loads of places to explore. The Babes About Town May Half Term 2021 guide features family friendly events, theatre and museums with highlights including Doctor Who: Time Fracture, The Very Hungry Caterpillar at London Zoo, Yinka Ilori’s Basketball Court in Canary Wharf, Gods Own Junkyard Takeover at Leadenhall Market and Drive In cinema at Ally Pally. Enjoy!
May Half Term 2021: 35 Things to do with Kids in London
BABES CHOICE
Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Tigers, iguanas and dragons… oh my! Take a wild tour through the imaginary world of Harry Potter, as seen through the mythical creatures of the series. In this magical take-over at Natural History Museum, you can compare beasts of lore (like the Demiguise or the Erumpent) with their real-life counterparts. The long-awaited adventure is finally open this May Half Term in London 2021. 10am-5.50pm (last entry 5pm); adult £22/child 4-16 £13.25/family £38.50-£66.95 (closed Dec 24-26) – pre-booking essential (May 17-Jan 3, 2022)
Titania’s Dream at Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube)
Explore the grounds of Fulham Palace in this open-air, interactive, theatrical activity for families. Inspired by Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, it’s a guided experience that will have you at times leaving the paved path and walking on grass among trees and plants. Dress for all weathers and park your wheels (buggies, mobility scooters, wheelchairs) before you set off on this 50 minute adventure. All ages welcome. 10am-7pm; adult £19.50/child ages 12 and under £14.50/ages 0-3 FREE (May 20-Jun 6)
Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser, V&A Museum (Sainsbury Gallery), Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
Immerse yourself in the topsy-turvy world of Alice and her friends at this hugely anticipated show. See exclusive drawings, film clips, photos, costumes and scripts that reveal the intricate workings of Lewis Carroll’s imagination. The writer influenced everyone from The Beatles to Salvador Dali. All ages welcome. 11am-3pm (Thu-Sun, from Aug 6), then 11am-7pm (Thu-Sun, from Aug 27). 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm); £20/child under 12 FREE. Pre-booking essential. (opens May 22)
Doctor Who: Time Fracture, UNIT HQ, Davies Mews, W1K 5AB (Bond St tube)
It’s 1940, at the height of the Blitz. A weapon of unknown origin destroys a small corner of Mayfair, creating a rift in space and time. UNIT is close to defeat, having battled for decades to protect the citizens of Earth from untold dangers. Enter the strange and spectacular universe of Doctor Who: Time Fracture. Special production from Immersive Everywhere, the creative minds behind theatrical hit, The Great Gatsby. Welcoming new recruits from May Half Term 2021. Fancy dress welcome. Recommended for ages 8+ (under 16s must be accompanied by adult). 12pm, 12.45pm, 1.30pm, 6pm, 6.45pm & 7pm (Tue, Thu & Fri), 6pm, 6.45pm & 7pm (Wed, Sat & Sun); adult from £49.50 (May 26-Apr 17 2022)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar at London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
Following the sad news of Eric Carle’s passing last weekend, this May half term 2021 feels like the right time to honour his memory at London Zoo. Celebrate the iconic picture book with a storytelling session in The Very Hungry Caterpillar Cub. The Caterpillar himself will read to your kids, before they take on a caterpillar-inspired assault course to metamorphose into butterflies. Munch through a giant food trail, bug out on crafts and create seed bombs for your garden. Then discover real life bugs in the zoo and butterflies in Butterfly Paradise. You can also check out the Tiny Giants exhibit of invertebrates, as well as visit all the other creatures of the zoo. Opening hours from 10am, hurry very few slots left! (timed entries, booking ahead essential); adult flexi ticket £34.54/child flexi ticket £24.20/under 3s FREE (cheaper tickets available on specific dates) (May 29-Jun 6)
Knight School: The Show, at Tower of London, EC3N 4AB (Tower Hill tube)
Rewind to the medieval era for this swashbuckling show at Tower of London. Find out what life was like for knights during the time of the Wars of the Roses. The forces of Margaret of Anjou are plotting to free her husband Henry VI who’s been imprisoned since 1471. Enjoy the swordplay from socially-distanced areas in the tower’s open-air moat. Then head inside to learn more about the building’s history. Performances at 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm; included in admission ticket adult £29.90/child £14.90/family £52.80/under 5s FREE (peak prices, slight discounts off-peak) (May 29-Jun 6)
FAMILY FRIENDLY MUSEUMS
Sensing the Unseen: Step into Gossaert’s ‘Adoration’ at The National Gallery (Room 1), Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross Rd tube)
Step inside Jan Gossaert’s painting in a multimedia event, bringing ancient history to life as told by Balthasar, the Black king. Through hi-res digital imagery, spoken word and soundscapes, you’ll explore the 500 year old rendering of the traditional Christian scene with new eyes. The room has capacity for 3 to 6 people and the visiting pods can accommodate up to 2 people or 1 adult and 2 small children. 10am-5pm; FREE but booking ahead essential (May 17-Jun 13)
Wish You Were Here: 151 Years of the British Postcard, Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA (Farringdon/Russell Square/Kings Cross tube/rail)
Do you love postcards? They’re such a charming and nostalgic tradition. At the Postal Museum, they’re celebrating 151 years of the British postcard. Explore this form of communication on a journey from First World War, through the Great British seaside, to the digital era. Visitors can write on postcards designed by Peter Liversidge to send, keep or contemplate. Tickets include a ride on Mail Rail. Sorted! playspace for younger kids is closed currently. 10.30am-5pm (Thu, Fri & Sun), 10.30am-6pm (Sat), 10.30am-5pm (Mon May 31), 10.30am-3pm (Wed Jun 2); adult £16/ages 16-24 £11/child £9/under 3s FREE (May 20-Jan 2, 2022)
The Covid Letters: A Vital Update, Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ (Russell Square tube)
When Boris wrote letters to every UK household as we entered lockdown in 2020, provocative artist Jonny Banger invited kids to adapt his letter in their own words. Now in May half term 2021, it’s your chance to see the 200+ works, displayed at Foundling Museum. Letters by kids, teens and toddlers expressing their feelings and their response to the government’s handling of the Covid crisis. Dominic Cummings, eat your heart out. Don’t forget, the museum is just around the corner from Coram Fields, a brilliant park for some fresh air fun before or after. Open 10am-5pm (Fri-Sun + Wed Jun 1-Thu 2 over half term); adult £9.50/child FREE (May 21-Jul 31)
Imperial War Museum: StorySeekers, IWM London, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ (Lambeth North, Elephant & Castle, Waterloo tube/rail)
War is not the answer but you can learn a lot about mankind and recent history at Imperial War Museum. Story Seekers invites curious kids and families to uncover the stories hidden around the museum, from shark-infested waters to ingenious nurses in the First and Second World Wars. 10am-3pm; FREE (May 29-Jun 6)
Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street, Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
Get your kreps (kicks, trainers, sneakers) on and hotfoot it to Design Museum for this fashion forward retrospective. Sneakers Unboxed takes you through the history of the sports shoe, with nods to everyone from Michael Jordan to Run DMC. Various times from 9.30am; adult £12.50/child ages 6-15 £6/under 6s FREE. Booking essential. NB: Members go free and it’s the only way for guaranteed, unlimited access when shows are sold out (until Oct 24)
We also like
Popular exhibitions around town (some are sold out but keep an eye out for extra ticket releases): Epic Iran at V&A Museum (opens May 29); Ryoji Ikeda at 180 The Strand (until Aug 1); Jean Dubuffet: Brutal Beauty at the Barbican Centre (until Aug 22); David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy 2020 at Royal Academy (until Sep 26); James Barnor: Accra/London – A Retrospective at Serpentine Gallery (until Oct 22); The Art of Banksy at Seven Dials (until Oct 31); The Making of Rodin at Tate Modern (until Nov 21)
FAMILY SHOWS
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Noisy Kids, Heroes and Villains at Southbank Centre, Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Rd SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Caped crusaders to the rescue! Put on your baddest super hero gear and join in this thrilling orchestral adventure with the Royal Philharmonic. The league of extraordinary musicians perform a battle bewtween good and evil, filled with music from Wagner, Prokofiev, Grieg, movie soundtracks and more. Storytelling and interactive fun are on the menu and costumes are very welcome. For ages 5-12 and families. 12.30pm & 4pm; adult £15-£25/child 50% discount (May 29)
The Snail and the Whale at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture book comes to the stage again from the impeccable Tall Stories. A brave young girl and her seafaring dad reimagine the story of a tiny snail who takes a trip around the world on the back of a humpback whale. Great staging and fun for ages 4+. 11am & 2pm (Tue-Fri & Sun), 4pm (Sat); £9 (May 29-Jun 4)
Horrible Histories Live at Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
This May half term 2021, you’re invited to Hampton Court Palace to discover the world of the Terrible Tudors. Head to the East Front Gardens to meet a mix of historical characters, many of whom called the palace home! Hear all about the horrible Henries and evil Elizabeth in a rip-roaring romp through the days of yore. All ages welcome. 12pm & 3pm; reduced rate entry to the palace for Horrible Histories ticket holders adult £18 (normally £25.30); child ages 18 £10 (normally 12.60). Palace and Magic Garden open 10am-5pm (May 29-Jun 5)
Butterflies at Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR/Stepney Green tube)
What do you do when you feel that fluttery feeling in your tummy? You find a way to chase the butterflies away! Three friends go on a daring adventure across land and see, walking high bridges and riding wavs, all the while learning to face their fears. This co-production with Half Moon and Tangled Feet uses innovative staging, breathtaking physicality and a specially commissioned musical score. Ages 3-8. 3pm; phone box office 020 7709 8900 to book tickets (Jun 4)
ABBA MANIA at Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8DP (Covent Garden tube)
The West End is back with feel-good hit ABBA MANIA. If you’re still buzzing off the cheesy joy of Eurovision 2021, then don’t miss out on this flamboyant show. The world’s number one touring ABBA tribute will have you on your feet, belting your heart out to hits like Super Trouper, Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen. Suitable for the whole family (recommended age 5+). 7.30pm (Tue-Thu), 5pm & 8pm (Fri), 3pm & 7.30pm (Sat), 3pm (Sun); ticket range £20.80-£50.80 (until Jun 6)
VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES
The Cat in (re)Boots at Exchange Theatre (online)
Puss in Boots gets a remix over May half term 2021 with a version created to promote anti-racism. With Kindness, Fraternity and Diversity, this production reclaims ‘Puss in Boots’ for what he really is: far from just a con-cat and a thief, he’s one of fairytales’ most beloved heroes! He makes his master’s fortune by playing tricks, but are they tricks or justice? For ages 5-14. Available on demand for 24 hours after download – 9am-11pm; £8 (May 28-Jun 27)
Telling Tales Family Festival at Shakespeare’s Globe (online)
Get involved with Telling Tales, the Globe’s annual festival for families which is back online for May half term 2021. Catch a mix of storytelling and workshops for ages 3+, ages 5-8, ages 8-12 and ages 12+ (age ranges vary). The rooster includes Macbeth workshop, A Midsummer Night’s Dream puppetry workshop, The Tempest storytelling, Henry V workshop, Romeo & Juliet storytelling and more. All shows available online on set dates from 11am (times vary, confirm with booking); price range from £20-£45 per household — pay the price that works for you (May 29-Jun 6)
The Secret Garden Experience (online)
Here’s something for book lovers and crafty families. Wizard Presents is creating 2,000 Secret Garden boxes filled with surprises, activities and the classic tale about a 10 year old girl who leaves India to live on the Yorkshire moors. The Secret Garden Experience features serialised audio episodes with soundscape and music composed by Arun Ghosh. There’s more content on the website including games and augmented reality, as well as clay modelling, skipping games, making a bee house and writing a letter to a friend or relative. And it all starts when you find the first secret key… An intergenerational project to share at home. Ages 6-106. On demand; £25 per home (from May 31)
Aidy the Awesome at Arts Depot (online)
Aidy is just an average 8-year-old girl, until she discovers a family secret that turns her world upside down. Watch Aidy and her granny go on a journey of discovery that involves the performers flying, zooming and spinning through the air. Stunning aerial theatre for the whole family. 10.30am & 2pm (Sat), 10.30am (Sun); 1 ticket per household, pay what you decide – you’ll receive a link to watch the show after you buy your ticket, available for 48 hours from download (Jun 5-Jun 6)
Half Moon On Demand: Dust + What Once Was Ours (online)
Experience the best of Half Moon online with their On Demand service (watch a show for 48 hours for less than a tenner). Dust (ages 4-9) is a playful kids show written by Laura Dockrill and featuring puppetry, poetry and the music of Hugo White of the Maccabees. For teenagers, try What Once Was Ours (ages 13+), exploring how politics affects us and why we have become so afraid of difference. Available on demand, unlimited replays for 48 hours after downloading (ongoing)
Get a Birthday Wish from Peppa Pig (online)
Is your piglet celebrating a birthday? Have them squealing with joy over a birthday message from Peppa and George. Simply enter your child’s details and you’ll get a personalised message (via WhatsApp and email) recorded in time for their special day. Aimed at preschool kids; £14.95 (ongoing)
FUN AND GAMES
Yinka Ilori: ‘Be The Best You Can Be’ Basketball Court, Bank Street Park, Canary Wharf, E14 4SG (Canary Wharf tube/rail/DLR)
How cool is this? Acclaimed British Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori designed an eye-catching 3×3 basketball court for Canary Wharf, that’s now open daily for ballers near and far. Bring your own ball for 3 x3 basketball (played in a three aside format with one hoop) and of course some pictures for the ‘gram (or posterity). Balls will also be provided free of charge (12pm-6pm, ask onsite steward). The installation is titled ‘Be The Best You Can Be’ and was built to encourage and inspire. First come, first served. 12-9pm daily; FREE (May-Oct 2021)
Family Swim at London Fields Lido, London Fields West Side, Hackney E8 3EU (London Fields rail/Hackney Central overground)
Want to get splashy for May half term 2021? London’s outdoor pools are open and London Fields lido is guaranteed to cool you down. It gets pretty packed so book ahead, as 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.
Play Base at National Army Museum (Ground Floor), Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HT (Sloane Square tube)
Museums are educational and all but sometimes you just need a place to chuck the kids in, so you can have a breather. Culture crawlers will be pleased to know that the museum’s play space is open for Covid-secure fun. Let the kids climb a truck, play at cooking, bounce on the soft play assault course and more. Five sessions a day with reduced capacity. Ages 1-8 (no bookings taken for babies under 1). Max 2 kids and 1 adult per booking – pre-booking essential. While you’re at the museum, check out their exhibition on the West Indian Soldier (until Oct 31). 10am-5pm (sessions hourly); child 1-8 £5.75/adult FREE – prebooking essential (ongoing)
Draughts: London Board Game Cafe (London Waterloo and Hackney)
Draughts describes itself as a ‘melting pot of creativity, diversity and healthy competition’. Imagine two London venues stocked with more than 1000 unique board games. Food, craft beer and beer garden available. Open daily 10am-late (no under 18s without an adult past 9pm); booking ahead essential/£10 deposit for bookings of 2 or more (ongoing)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Gods Own Junkyard Takeover at Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, EC3V 1LT (Monument tube, Fenchurch St/Cannon St rail)
This May half term 2021, head to the cobbled streets of Leadenhall Market (a film location for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, among other movies). You’ll enjoy a blaze of light, colour and joy as Gods Own Junkyard presents Eletci City. You’ll see movie signage from Gods Own Junkyard’s work over 40 years including pieces from Batman, Tomb Raider and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Also look out for their film stills in the windows of the market’s shopfronts. Get your camera phones ready. All ages welcome to browse the displays and explore the shops and restaurants. Open 24 hours (check opening times for individual shops); FREE entry(May 26-Jul 31)
Drive-In Film Club at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Zoom in for your cinema close-up at Ally Pally. Family friendly movies on the menu include: Beauty and the Beast, The Addams Family, Forest Gump, The Iron Giant and Cool Runnings. Food and drinks available on site (brought to your car by staff on skates or scooters). Various times; £29.50 per car (until May 31)
Ally Pally’s Poetry Picnic, Alexandra Palace Theatre, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube)
Simon Mole and musician Gecko invite you to a snack heavy celebration of poetry and music. Pen a poem from your picnic blanket and listen to some ‘Beatles meets the Beastie Boys’ style bangers from the friendly duo. Before the event, pick up a free DIY picnic activity pack (designed by) with tips on setting up your blanket, drawing your own snacks and making a mic to deliver your poem, spoken word style. Ages 6+ and families, younger ones welcome. 3pm; little bubble ticket for up to 3 people £14.70/big bubble ticket for up to 6 people £29.40 — rebooking advised (Jun 6)
The Drive In, Troubadour Meridian Water, Harbet Road, Edmonton, London, N18 3QQ
The popular outdoor cinema broadcasts audio to your vehicle’s FM radio while you kick back and watch the big screen. Bring your own snacks or order refreshments on site. Upcoming films include Moana, Godzilla vs Kong, Tom & Jerry The Movie, Spies Like Us, Sing, How to Train Your Dragon and more. Some live events too. Various daily screenings, arrive 45 minutes before showtime; film tickets now £14.99 per car until Jun 30! (until Aug 28)
Naturally Brilliant Colour, Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London (Kew Bridge rail/overground)
Discover Pure Structural Colour, the boldest, brightest colour on Earth. Renowned visual and botanical artists come together to create a spectacular display of jewel-like shades, inspired by plants and animals. Be immersed in a large-scale kaleidoscope and explore the influence of nature’s brightest hues on the art and fashion world over the ages. Included with entry to the gardens: adult £10/young adult 16-24 £5/child 4-15yrs £4.50 (until Sep 26)
FOOD AND MARKETS
Lower Stable Street Market, Lower Stable Street, Kings Cross, N1C 4LW (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Visit the outdoor market to browse stalls such as Beth Whitfield (vintage jewellery and design), Zeph Store (baby clothing and prints), Dom’s Subs (tasty sandwiches) and Indies (West Indian, African and South American inspired cuisine). Stalls are handpicked by magazine-turned store, Kiosk N1C and many of the stallholders launched their businesses in the pandemic. Granary Square is just on the other side for freestyle family play. 11am-4pm (Sat-Sun); FREE (ongoing)
Southbank Street Food Market, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
They’re having a Summer Reunion at Southbank Centre and the street food market is where it’s at. Browse stalls selling burgers, curry, gelato, crepes, cakes, vegan dishes, BBQ, soups, smoothies and more. The popular street food market is back open for the May Bank Holiday weekend. Feast on a delicious alfresco meal by the riverside. DJs playing on the terraces over some weekends too. 12pm-8pm (Fri), 11am-8pm (Sat), 12pm-6pm (Sun & Bank Holiday Mon); FREE entry (ongoing)
Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR (Elephant and Castle tube)
Mercato Metropolitano is a food lover’s treasure trove, featuring a range of stalls with flavours from around the globe. Baby and family friendly. 8am-11am (Mon-Wed), 8am-12am (Thu-Fri), 11am-12am (Sat), 11am-10pm (Sun); FREE entry, no bookings currently just drop-in (ongoing)
Horniman Food Market, Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Open every Sunday, the socially distanced stalls offer a variety of produce and flavours. Tuck into delicious Ghanaian fusion from Zongo, Argentine empanadas from Chacarero or scotch eggs and sausage rolls from Comfort & Joy. Explore the museum, gardens and butterfly house before or after. 10am-3pm (Sun); FREE entry (ongoing)