What a week. It’s like London’s doors have been reopened and so much has rushed out, from emotions to entertainment. The London Kids Weekend Scoop is action-packed with lots to do as safely as possible even indoors (weather’s not looking too clever).
Tune in also for my US book party (it’s a conversation really but I’m calling it a party) happening on Friday 7pm UK/1pm CT, details in the Scoop below.
I’ve had several people ask me about Israel and Palestine and what to say to our kids, so I’m putting together some thoughts in an upcoming post. In the meantime, if you want to donate to the relief efforts, here are a couple of useful links:
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) – providing healthcare and services to support Palestinians living under occupation and refugees
Children of Peace – a non-partisan organisation dedicated to supporting children in Palestine and Israel
Action Aid – one of many international aid agencies working in Gaza with local partners to help worst-hit families
London Kids Weekend Scoop: 14 Things To Do Around Town
Thu-Fri: Books for Vaccines (online)
I’m taking part in this fantastic charity auction run by Phoebe Morgan to raise funds for Care International. Books For Vaccines aims to help vaccinate the world against Covid, with 300+ authors and literary figures making some incredible offers from signed books to personal mentoring. You can bid for a signed copy of Bringing Up Race + a 1 hour Zoom session from me with a parent group, book club or aspiring nonfiction writers. Bidding ends tomorrow (Friday), so don’t miss out! (until May 21)
Thu-Sun: Tiny Giants at London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
Taking over from the B.U.G.S exhibit in spring, London Zoo focuses on minuscule beings. Tiny Giants features all creatures small but mighty, from spineless bugs to colossal squid. Opening hours from 10am-4pm (timed entries, booking ahead essential); adult flexi ticket £34.54/child flexi ticket £24.20/under 3s FREE (cheaper tickets available on specific dates) (opens May 17)
Thu-Sun: Half Moon On Demand: Dust + What Once Was Ours (online)
While the theatre is shut, you can experience the best of Half Moon from the comfort of home. The new On Demand service lets you watch a show for 48 hours for less than a tenner. Catch Dust (ages 4-9), a playful kids show written by Laura Dockrill and featuring puppetry, poetry and the music of Hugo White of the Maccabees. For teenagers, there’s What Once Was Ours (ages 13+), a hard-hitting production that explores how politics impact us personally and why we’ve become so fearful of difference. Available on demand, unlimited replays for 48 hours after downloading (ongoing)
Thu-Sun: Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street, Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
Here’s an exhibition my boys will definitely be up for checking out. Whether you call them kreps, kicks, trainers or sneakers, you probably have a fair few in your collection and will want more after this show. Sneakers Unboxed hot steps through the history of this sports shoe that became an icon. 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)
Thu-Sun: Khadija Saye: In This Space We Breathe exhibition at British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Kings Cross St Pancras/Euston tube or rail)
See nine evocative self-portraits by Gambian-British artist Khadija Saye who, along with her mother Mary Ajaoi Augustus Mendy, was tragically killed in the Grenfell fire of 2017. Sade’s prints and photographic technique explore spiritual ritual and ‘how trauma is embodied in the black experience’. Also featured in the Diaspora Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, these are just some of the few pieces of Saye’s emotive works that were not lost in the fire. Pre-booking essential; FREE (May 18-Oct 7)
Thu-Sun: Hideaway Outdoor Cinema at City, London Honourable Artillery Company, EC1Y 2BQ (Liverpool St tube/rail)
Settle in for an enjoyable family outing at HAC in Shoreditch. Watch new and classic movies on HD cinema, against a stunning 18th century manor backdrop. Seating is socially distanced and the programme includes family friendly flicks like Grease, Wonder Woman, Godzilla vs Kong, Tom & Jerry: The Movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part 2) and The Lion King. Various times; price range £9.99-£21.99 (May 20-23)
Thu-Sun: The Making of Rodin exhibition, Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark tube/rail)
A unique collaboration with Musée Rodin in Paris provides unprecedented access to more than 200 works. This is an exhibition that features rare pieces as well as Rodin’s most famous bronze and marble sculptures. You can see his gift as a sculptor but also as a skilled modeller using clay, plaster and other pliable materials. 10am-4.30pm; adult £18-£21/child 12-18 £5/under 12s FREE. Booking ahead essential. (May 18-Nov 21)
Thu-Sun: The Art of Banksy at Seven Dials, 50 Earlham Street WC2H 9LJ (Covent Garden tube)
Are you a fan of Banksy? Here’s a rare opportunity to see 80 of the famous street artist’s works, all in the same spot. The Art of Banksy, which has toured from Melbourne to Miami, is not authorised by the artist so all the pieces are on loan from private collectors. The exhibition might not be authentically ‘street’ but it’s sure to be a thought-provoking experience all the same. Opening times and further info tbc. Parental discretion advised for some works. (May 19-Oct 31)
Thu-Sun: 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 (May 17-Sep 26)
Fri: Bringing Up Race Book Party (online)
You’re invited to a North American book party for Bringing Up Race, happening via Zoom this Friday May 21 at 7pm BST/2pm ET/1pm CT. I’ll be in conversation with Jean Andrus who owns South Main Book Juggler, a bookstore just blocks from the National Civil Rights Museum. Join in for some great chat about antiracist parenting and more! This Friday May 21 at 7pm UK/1pm CST; FREE. More details and registration here: https://www.sourcebooks.com/bur.html (May 21)
Fri: Little Women: The Musical (In-Person and Live Stream) at The Albany Theatre, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG (Deptford/New Cross overground)
Go back to the Civil War era in America with sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. This musical adaptation of the literary classic is brought to the stage (and live-streamed) by Trinity Laban’s BA3 Musical Theatre final year students. A wonderful story that stands the test of time and should appeal to ages 7+. Show at 2pm (in person only) and 7pm (in-person and live-streamed). Tickets £10 in person/pay what you decide for livestream (May 21)
Sat: Online Family Workshop: Stories Up Ahead at British Library (online)
Whether you’re inside or outside, the sky stays above. But what’s it like to go all the way up? Renowned storyteller Kevin Graal leads this interactive workshop, inspired by one of the tallest books in the world. Fun and sensory show for ages 5+ and families. 10.30am & 2pm; FREE but limited spots, so book in advance (May 22)
Sat-Sun: Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser, V&A Museum (Sainsbury Gallery), Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
Enter the world of Alice and her imaginary friends at this groundbreaking show. View elaborate drawings, film, photos, costumes and scripts that bring Lewis Carroll’s world to life. Discover his influence on artists from Salvador Dali to The Beatles. 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)
Sun: David Hockney: The Arrival of Spring, Normandy 2020, Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
Themes of hope, revival and the natural cycle of life are at the centre of this new exhibition of David Hockney’s works. As lockdown began in the spring of 2020, at his Normandy home, he began painting on his iPad and printing onto paper. This collection of 116 pieces charts the unfolding beauty of spring. 10am-6pm; £19-£21 – NB: tickets might be sold out already but you can sign up for next release (May 23-Sep £26)
BOOKING AHEAD
Gods Own Junkyard Takeover at Leadenhall Market (May 26-Jul 31)
The New Scummy Mummies Show (18+) at Arts Depot (May 27)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Noisy Kids, Heroes and Villains at Southbank Centre (May 29)
The Snail and the Whale at Arts Depot (May 29-Jun 4)
Aidy the Awesome at Arts Depot Online (Jun 5-Jun 6)
Unicorn Theatre presents Marvin’s Binoculars, London primary school tour (Jun 7-Jul 9)
Baby Show (for ages 6-18 months) at Unicorn Theatre (Jun 15-Jul 4)
Dodge at Somerset House (Jul 15-Aug 22)
Anansi the Spider (Unicorn Theatre production) at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (Jul 7-24)
Paddington: The Story of a Bear at British Library (Jul 9-Oct 31)
Chaos Karts in Shoreditch (opens Aug 14)
Matilda the Musical at Cambridge Theatre (booking from May 10, reopens Sep 16)
London Unlocked: 15 Things to Do with Kids this Weekend and Beyond
