Football’s coming home… ok, you’re sick of the song but we can’t help singing when England are this close to lifting the trophy at Wembley. In the London kids weekend guide, you can see where to watch the Euros and Wimbledon finals, plus live outdoor theatre, a digital STEM festival, an independent music market, and the brand new Paddington show at British Library.
The Summer Holiday guide is out next week and check out the list of upcoming events in the Booking Ahead section. Happy weekend and GOOD LUCK ENGLAND!
What to Do in London this Weekend with Kids
Thu-Sat: Anansi the Spider at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, box office Queen Mary’s Garden, Regent’s Park Inner Circle, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
Anansi the Spider is Unicorn Theatre’s critically acclaimed production, now playing under the open skies. Inspired by the classic West African and Caribbean Anansi legend, about a mischief-maker and master spinner of yarns, these tales are respun for ages 3-7. NB: The production has now SOLD OUT but do get in touch with the box office for returns. 10.30am & 1pm (Mon-Wed & Fri), 10.30am (Sat); £10 (Jul 7-24)
Thu-Sun: Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, online
The hugely popular Summer Science Exhibition goes totally digital for 2021. Explore a packed programme of talks, home science activities, digital games, escape rooms, interactive workshops and more. In Zone 1, blast off to outer space and learn about life on Mars, the Hubble and more intergalactic marvels; Zone 2 is all about the urban landscape, design your own aeroplane or learn how microbes turn rubbish into riches; Zone 3 takes you under the skin, find out why humans are smelly or if you would connect your brain to the internet; Zone 4 uncovers forces of nature, learn what happens when we have too much water and what the last day of the dinosaurs looked like. All activities are free and suitable for a variety of ages. Livestreamed events will be on YouTube later. Access via the website and YouTube; FREE (Jul 8-11)
Thu-Sun: RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, East Molesley KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Prepare for a bloomin’ lovely weekend at the historic palace grounds as the annual festival is underway. Explore the Festival of Roses and Rose Tea Garden, learn how to grow your own fruit and veg, create bouquets, hear expert talks and watch live demos. The Magic Garden is open too so take your kids before or after for a great day out. 10am-7pm (Thu-Sat) & 10am-5pm (Sun); from adult £28.75-£43.75 (discounts for RHS members)/up to 2 children under 16 FREE with each paying adult. Booking ahead essential. (Jul 6–11)
Thu-Sun: Watch Wimbledon on a Big Screen, multiple locations
The Euros are getting all the hype but don’t forget it’s the Wimbledon finals this weekend too. You can watch with a crowd in a cosy outdoor setting with a big screen at Summer Love screenings at Granary Square, King’s Cross (see above); Wimbledon on the Roof Terrace at One New Change in EC4 (St Paul’s tube); Wimbledon on the Roof Garden at Cardinal Place in Victoria; Summer in the City at The Scoop, London Bridge City, SE1; Wimbledon in the Square at New Street Square, Chancery Lane. (until Jul 11)
Thu-Sun: Everyman Cinema Festival: Summer Love, Canalside Steps, Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Don’t miss Everyman Cinema’s free outdoor film festival. Chill out on the steps by the canal and see blockbuster movies, cult films, family favourites, Tour de France and Wimbledon finals. Screening go on through the day and evening and there are no tickets, but audience numbers are limited for safety (so arrive early if you want a spot). Films this weekend: Mean Girls & Back to the Future (Thu), Dirty Dancing & Black Panther (Fri), Romeo & Juliet (Sat 8pm), Bend it Like Beckham & Moulin Rouge (Sun). Check the full programme. Wimbledon at 12pm, 1pm, 3pm. Films at 5pm & 7.30pm; FREE (Jul 1-25)
Thu-Sun: Summer Screens, Canada Square Park & Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, E14 (Canary Wharf DLR/tube)
More big screen action for, this time at Canada Square Park. Watch Wimbledon, the Olympics, movies and more. There’s no Euro events but you can catch the footie at nearby bars. While you’re in the area, visit Yinka Ilori’s designer basketball court at Bank Street Park or enjoy a round of Mini Golf in Columbus Courtyard. Summer Screens runs 11am-7pm (times might vary, check ahead); FREE (until Sep 24)
Thu-Sun: Giffords Circus: The Hooley at Chiswick House and Gardens, Chiswick, W4 2QN (Turnham Green tube/Chiswick rail)
LAST CHANCE: The popular village green circus presents The Hooley, produced by co-founder Nell Gifford’s niece, Lil Rice. Watch dancing, music and horsing around in a tent surrounded by handmade showman’s wagons. Giffords Circus wraps up its London show and tours England throughout summer. Various shows and times from 11am, 2.30pm, 5pm & 7.30pm (confirm at booking); adult £15/child age 3-14 £10/under 3s FREE (until Jul 11)
Thu-Sun: Wandsworth Arts Fringe, multiple locations and online
LAST CHANCE: Wandsworth Arts Fringe wraps up this weekend and there’s still lots on for families. Highlights: a Wandle Wonder Wander augmented reality walking routes for ages 6+ (Thu-Sun); the Wagon of Dreams Test Drive, a theatre show for ages 3+ (Fri); the Great Pebble Dash, an outdoor treasure hunt for all ages and abilities (Sun); and Wild City, a one day sculptural extravaganza for the whole family (Sun). Various times and prices, booking ahead recommended (until Jul 11)
Fri-Sun: Paddington: The Story of a Bear at British Library (PACCAR 2), 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Euston tube/rail, King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
The lovable bear from Peru sets off on a new adventure at the British Library. Sixty years since its inception, the Paddington story continues to enchant readers around the world. Follow the messy bear’s trail of marmalade splats to learn about Paddington’s life in London, while avoiding toppling pots of paints. Fans of all ages will enjoy seeing original illustrations, film and animation clips and stills, plus author Michael Bond’s handwritten notes, photographs and his trusty typewriter. Several family activities will accompany the event through summer. 9.30am-6pm (Mon-Tue & Fri), 9.30am-7.30pm (Wed-Thu), 9.30am-5pm (Sat) & 11am-5pm (Sun); adult £8/child 12+ £4/child 0-11 FREE – 20% family discount for at least 1 adult with 1 paying child (Jul 9-Oct 31)
Sat: Independent Label Market at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
The vibe is live at Coal Drops Yard this weekend as the area hosts a 10th anniversary event for the Independent Label Market. Music lovers and vinyl junkies can find rare albums, exclusive merchandise and more. There’ll be DJ sets from artists and labels all day long with an after-party at Spiritland (grown ups only). Browse good tunes, enjoy craft beer and people watch. You can also check out Lower Street Stable Market (Sat-Sun, 1-4pm) round the corner for food, books, clothing etc. 11am-6.30pm; FREE entry (Jul 11)
Sun: Euro 2020 Final at Boxpark, various locations in Shoreditch, Wembley and Croydon
It’s coming home! The boys made history on Wednesday and put England into the finals, sending the nation into a frenzy. It’s another late start but I’m pretty sure every kid who’s old enough to watch will be up cheering on the squad. Can Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka and the team take England all the way there? England v Italy is set to be a nail-biter and in case you fancy watching with older kids and a big crowd, Boxpark might be your spot. Other family friendly venues (most likely sold out for the England game, but worth a try): Euro Warehouse, Costa Del Tottenham, Pizza Pilgrims at West India Quay, Pop Brixton, Cafe Kick in Exmouth Market, The Parcel Yard in King’s Cross, The Mitre in Holland Park and Victoria Tavern on Holloway Rd. (Jul 11)
BOOKING AHEAD
Young Artist’s Summer Show at Royal Academy, W1 (Jul 13-Aug 8)
Dodge at Somerset House (Jul 15-Aug 22)
London Wonderground at Earls Court (Jul 15-Sep 26)
Summer Season at Shipwright, Deptford (Jul 22-Aug 7)
Uniqlo Tate Play at Tate Modern Festival (Jul 24-Aug 29)
Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave: First Event Back! at The Goodness, Wood Green (Jul 25)
Fun DMC x Jazzie B (Soul II Soul) at Colours, Hoxton Square (Jul 25)
British Youth Music Theatre Summer Camps for ages 11-17 (Jul 26-31)
Maanika and the Wolf (Polka Theatre) at Centre Court Shopping Centre, Wimbledon (Jul 29-Aug 29)
The Gruffalo Live on Stage at Ally Pally (Jul 30-Aug 29)
Little Angel Theatre: Puppet Picnic at Islington Square (through Aug, tickets on sale soon)
Unicorn Theatre: Congregation, around London Bridge (Aug 11-15)
Chaos Karts in Shoreditch (opens Aug 14)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith (Aug 17-28)
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, multiple locations (Aug 27-Sep 11)
Matilda the Musical at Cambridge Theatre (booking from May 10, reopens Sep 16)
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**
London Kids Weekend Scoop (July 1-4, 2021)
