Father’s Day Weekend in London 2021

We’re celebrating Father’s Day Weekend in London in this week’s Scoop with 18 dad and kid-friendly activities. Wander a forest in the middle of town, jump and whine at Radiate Festival for Windrush Day, hunt for Moomins on an urban wetland, enter the world of Dr Who, eat street food on the South Bank, and watch the Euros at a family-friendly pub. Happy Father’s Day to the Babe papa and all the wonderful dads holding it down.

18 Cool Things to Do on Father’s Day Weekend in London

Thu: Eleven at Museum of London Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, Hertsmere Rd, West India Quay, E14 4AL (Canary Wharf rail, West India Quay DLR)
While the Euros take the headlines, you can cheer on grassroots football at this short film celebrating the local history of the sport. Hear 11 personal stories of the beautiful game as told by Londoners including Globe Rangers in Walthamstow, the first Black Londoner to ever play football for England, Benjamin Odeje and founder of Goal Diggers, Fleur Cousens, who created a team for women and non-binary people. Screenings every 15 mins from 1.45pm-3.30pm; FREE with general museum entry and also available to watch online HERE (Jun 17/ongoing)

Thu-Fri: The Princess and the Frog Reimagined (on Clubhouse app)
In 2009, Tiana broke ground as Disney’s first Black princess. African American screenwriter and show runner Richard Allen and his writing partner Taran Gary reimagined the tale as ‘a Black story that reflects a Black experience’. They’ve created a vibrant musical reworking for social audio platform, Clubhouse. The Princess and the Frog Reimagined follows Tiana through the busy streets of New Orleans as she encounters magic, romance and the many flavours of the Bayou. Listen live on Clubhouse – Purple Cast: at 3pm EST/8pm BST or 8pm EST/1am BST (Jun 18) and Green Cast at 8pm EST/1am BST or 3pm EST/8pm BST (Jun 19); FREE (Jun 18-19)

Thu-Sun: Moomins at Walthamstow Wetlands, 2 Forest Road, Walthamstow, N17 9NH (Blackhorse Rd tube/overground)
In a unique collaboration with the William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow Wetlands is celebrating the work of Moomins creator Tove Jansson. The Woman Who Fell In Love With An Island draws on the parallels between the Finnish island where Tove spent her summers and the landscape of Europe’s largest urban wetland nature reserve. See an exhibition of photos, quotes, illustrations and art by Jansson along with a downloadable audio piece, and a family ‘Moomintrail’ with an interactive map. NB: The event might be sold out but you can still enjoy a day out at the wetlands and try booking ahead for the exhibition. 11am-4pm; sign up at the website for next release tickets and free audio download. Entry to Walthamstow Wetlands: open daily 10.30am-5.30pm; FREE (Jun 18-Sep 23)

Thu-Sun: Somerset House Courtyard Forest, the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
The London Design Biennale is a global gathering of some of the world’s most imaginative designers, curators and design institutes. This year’s roster features a leafy installation titled ‘Forests for Change’ in Somerset House’s famous courtyard. The forest of 400 trees makes a bold statement about the future of our planet and the UN’s Global Goals for sustainable development. The London Design Biennale is open 11am-7.15pm (open until 8.30pm on June 17-19 & 24-26); from £22.50. The Forest Pavilion is FREE entry and open 11am-10pm (Thu-Sat) & 11am-7.15pm (Sun) (until Jun 27)

Thu-Sun: Sculpture in the City, multiple locations around the City of London
Take a stroll around the Square Mile over Father’s Day weekend in London 2021. The Sculpture in the City trail invites you to see the area from a new perspective, with sculptures by internationally acclaimed artists. Follow the map (find it online) or just browse as you go. All day, FREE (Jun 15-Sep 30)

Thu-Sun: Samsung K Simulator Formula One Rally, Samsung KX, Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C 4DQ (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Lewis Hamilton fans can get their hands on a state-of-the-art racing simulator this Father’s Day weekend in London. Formed from a real F1 mould, with simulated g-forces and full-body motion, the Racing Experience is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Kids under 16 can join in too in ‘passenger mode’, a pre-recorded simulation that will take them on a ride with a champion driver (height restrictions apply). Book your slot between 10am-7pm (Mon-Sat), 11am-5pm (Sun); FREE (until Jun 25)

Thu-Sun: Ryoji Ikeda at 180 Studios, The Strand, WC2R 1EA (Temple Station tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
Hurry and you might just bag a ticket this weekend for Ryoji Ikeda’s show at 180 Studios. It’s the largest exhibition of works, including unseen pieces, by the pioneering audio-visual artist. Immersive and electrifying. 12pm-7.30pm (Wed), 10am-6pm (Thu & Sun), 10am-9pm (Fri & Sat); adult £15/concs £10/under 18s FREE (until Aug 1)

Thu-Sun: Monkey Business at Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Learn more about our closest cousins at this exhibition. It shows how primates evolved and adapted over time, from tiny lemurs to huge gorillas. See models, film and photos of forest life with more than 60 taxidermy specimens. 10am-5.30pm (closed Weds); adult £8/child £4.50/family £18/under 3s FREE (until Jan 2022)

Thu-Sun: Van Gogh Alive at The East Albert Lawn, Kensington Gardens, SW7 2AP (South Kensington/High Street Kensington/Knightsbridge tube)
It’s the world’s most visited immersive exhibition and a great day out for the whole family. Journey with Van Gogh through the Netherlands, Arles, Saint Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise in a multi-sensory experience with classical soundtrack. Blow off some steam at the Diana Princess of Wales playground before or after. 10am-8pm (Sun-Thu), 10am-9pm (Fri-Sat); adult from £24/concs £19/child £14/under 5s go FREE but require a ticket (Jun 4-Sep 26)

Thu-Sun: Euro 2020 at Boxpark, various locations in Shoreditch, Wembley and Croydon
The European football tournament is in full swing and you can catch it on the big screen at any of the Boxpark venues around town. Enjoy the football live with a family friendly atmosphere, drinks and street food on tap and a cool location. England games are mostly sold out but you can book a table for several other matches happening over Father’s Day weekend in London. Various times, from £20 per table (until Jul 11)

Thu-Sun: Nero: The Man Behind the Myth at British Museum, Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG (Tottenham Court Rd/Russell Sq tube)
One of the infamous baddies of the Roman Empire, Nero ruled over the Great Fire of Rome, Boudicca’s rebellion, the execution of his mum and first wife and other chaotic events. Learn more about him through 200 spectacular objects and open your mind about the man behind the mythical tyrant. 10am-5pm; adult from £20/child under 16 FREE (until Oct 24)

Thu-Sun: Doctor Who: Time Fracture, UNIT HQ, Davies Mews, W1K 5AB (Bond St tube)
Go back to the Blitz of 1940, where an unknown weapon has created a rift in space and time. UNIT is close to defeat and it’s up to Dr Who (and you) to help save the day. Special production from Immersive Everywhere, the team behind theatrical hit, The Great Gatsby. 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 (until Apr 17 2022)

Thu-Sun: Baby Show at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
New dad about town? Take him and his munchkin along to the Baby Show, the hugely popular multi-sensory event for the tiniest audiences. Settle into the garden-inspired set and be captivated by the sounds and visual storytelling. For ages 6-18 months and carers. 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm (Wed-Fri); 9.45am, 11.45am, 2pm (Sat-Sun & Tue); 1 adult + 1 child £14/2 adults + 1 child £19 (Jun 15-Jul 4)

Thu-Sun: Yinka Ilori: ‘Be The Best You Can Be’ Basketball Court, Bank Street Park, Canary Wharf, E14 4SG (Canary Wharf tube/rail/DLR)
Practice your trick shots at this eye-catching 3×3 basketball (three aside, one hoop) court pop-up, designed by British Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori. Bring your own ball or rent one for free (12pm-6pm, ask onsite steward). First come, first served. 12-9pm daily; FREE (until Oct 2021)

Thu-Sun: The Drive In, Troubadour Meridian Water, Harbet Road, Edmonton, London, N18 3QQ
The 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. 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)

Fri-Sat: Inua Ellams: An Evening with An Immigrant at Arts Depot (online)
Catch Inua Ellams, award-winning poet and playwright (Barbershop) in this vibrant streamed performance. A blend of poetry, storytelling and anecdotes, Inua shares his tale of escaping Boko Haram territory at age 12, finding friendship in Dublin, meeting the Queen and performing solo at National Theatre. Aimed at ages 14+. 9pm (Fri) & 7.30pm (Sat); £10 (until Jun 19)

Fri-Sun: Southbank Street Food Market, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Head to the Summer Reunion at Southbank Centre over Father’s Day weekend in London and explore the street food market. Get your dad’s chops around some burgers, crepes, vegetarian, cupcakes, cocktails and other foodie treats. DJs on the terraces add to the festive vibes. 12pm-8pm (Fri), 11am-8pm (Sat), 12pm-6pm (Sun & Bank Holiday Mon); FREE entry (ongoing)

Sat-Sun: Radiate Windrush Festival, Crystal Palace Park, SE19 UK (Crystal Palace overground/rail, Brixton tube))
Windrush Day is coming up next Tuesday so you can start the party early at Crystal Palace Park. The annual Radiate Festival is bringing carnival vibes at this celebration of culture and community. Enjoy a mix of Caribbean and Creole food markets, live gigs, natural hair exhibition, Sound System village, murals, a vintage car show and more. All ages welcome. 12pm-9pm; adult day ticket from £10/weekend ticket from £15/child under 17 from £5 (Jun 19-20)