It’s a beautiful winter’s day in the city, perfect for getting out and about with your crew. The first Weekend Scoop of 2022 offers 12 cool things to do this weekend in London with kids, from ice skating to family friendly theatre to unmissable exhibitions.
12 Cool Things to do this Weekend in London with Kids
Thu-Sat: Romeo & Juliet at Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BD (Borough/Elephant & Castle tube)
It’s 1981 and the nation’s being torn apart under Margaret Thatcher’s rule. Against a backdrop of unemployment, riots, skinheads and ska music, two young people find themselves drawn to each other. But can their love survive? Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet brings the famous tragedy into a contemporary setting, pulsing with some of the UK’s greatest ever music. This production part of the theatre’s Shakespeare for Schools project, inviting 2,000+ local young people to see the show for free at special matinee performances. Aimed at ages 10+. 8pm (Thu-Sat), matinees at 1pm (Tue-Wed Jan 25-26) & 3.30pm (Sat); from £18-£22/previews £14 (Jan 13-Feb 5)
Thu-Sat: Bring It On: The Musical at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8EX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
LAST CHANCE: They’ve been bringing it over the festive season and this weekend is your final opportunity to catch the smash hit Broadway show at the Southbank Centre. See squad Captain Campbell leap and tumble her way through a new school, bitter rivalries and firm friendships in a dazzling production featuring Amber Davies and Olympic gymnast Louis Smith. Ages 10+. From 2.30pm; £22.50-£99.50 (limited concessions 25%) (until Jan 22)
Thu-Sat: Hex at the National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
LAST CHANCE: Deep in the forest, a lonely fairy wants to share her gifts but when she’s asked to help a princess fall asleep, her gift becomes a curse. Thus follows a 100-year quest to make things right. Rosalie Craig stars in this big-hearted musical twist on the Sleeping Beauty fairytale. For ages 8+. 1pm (Thu), 7.15pm (Fri), 2pm & 7.15pm (Sat); £20-£89 (until Jan 22)
Thu-Sun: Amy: Beyond the Stage at Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High Street Kensington tube)
One of the most talented (and troubled) artists of our time, Amy Winehouse made an indelible impression on the hearts, minds and playlists of fans worldwide. Learn more about the woman behind the iconic figure in Design Museum’s sweeping exhibition. Discover Amy’s early recordings, stage outfits, handwritten lyrics, blue Daphne Fender Stratocaster guitar and more personal items that describe her creative journey. 10am-6pm (Sun-Thu), 10am-9pm (Fri & Sat); adult from £14.50/family from £21.75/concs. available/members FREE (until Apr 10)
Thu-Sun: Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB (Canary Wharf tube/DLR)
Did you make it to an ice rink over Christmas? It’s not too late to slip and slide at one of London’s most popular skating spots. Tickets are only available online for the Canary Wharf Ice Rink, where you can show of your moves under open skies, chill out at the rink-side bar, or browse local restaurants and shops. Various times between 10am-9.25pm daily; adult £17.95/child £11.95/family £49.50 (until Feb 26)
Thu-Sun: Hidden London at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB (Covent Garden tube)
The London Transport Museum is always popular with kids and families will love their Hidden London exhibition. It’s an immersive look at the world’s oldest subterranean railway, telling stories from Britain’s wartime past. Explore rare archive images, objects, vintage posters, secret diagrams and decorative tiles from disused stations. Younger kids ages 0-7 will have a ‘wheel’ of a time in the All Aboard play zone. 10am-6pm daily (last entry 5pm); adult annual pass £18.50/child 17 and under FREE – timed entry tickets required for all ages (until Sep 30, 2023)
Thu-Sun: Life Between Islands: Caribbean British Art 1950s-Now at Tate Britain, Millbank SW1P 4RG (Pimlico tube)
This groundbreaking exhibition covers the huge and often unsung contribution of artists either originally from the Caribbean or those inspired by the region’s heritage. Featuring more than 40 artists including Horace Ové, Sonia Boyce, Claudette Johnson and Aubrey Williams, the exhibition spans film, sculpture, photography, fashion and visionary paintings. It traces the transformative impact of Caribbean British art and its people on British culture and society. Suitable for kids and families (PG for themes of racism and violence). 10pm-6pm daily; adult from £16/members FREE – advance booking recommended (until Apr 3)
Thu-Sun: Unicorn Online (online)
If your kids are stuck at home battling the lurgy, or you’re still wary of crowds, Unicorn Theatre has the fix. They’ve made some of their more popular shows available to watch online through February. Watch Huddle (ages 2-5), a penguin adventure for young ones; Anansi the Spider, Re-Spun (ages 3-8), a digital adaptation of the popular West African and Caribbean tales; Marvin’s Binoculars (ages 6-10), a show about the great outdoors; Let Loose (ages 6+), a joyful dance experience in association with English National Ballet; and Story Seekers (years 4-6), a storytelling project for schools in partnership with National Theatre. All available online, shows are FREE but donations welcome (until Feb 28)
Fri-Sun: The Red Balloon at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, opposite 35 Blomfield Road, W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
String Theatre’s acclaimed show plays at Puppet Theatre Barge as part of the London International Mime Festival. Inspired by the gorgeous short film (of the same name) by Albert Lamorisse, The Red Balloon tells of a young boy’s poignant friendship with a balloon through choreography, light, music and long-string marionettes. Suitable for all ages (wordless performance). 7.30pm (Fri), 3pm & 7.30pm (Sat), 11am & 2pm (Sun) — NB: confirm date and time when booking (relaxed performance Jan 30, 11am); adult £13/child £9/concs. £10 (Jan 15-Feb 6)
Fri-Sun: There May Be A Castle, Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Highbury & Islington tube/rail, Angel tube)
This powerful adaptation of the book by Piers Torday is by Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane. Mouse Mallory heads off with his family on Christmas Eve to visit his grandparents, but they never arrive. Instead, Mouse awakes on a landscape filled with wizards, minstrels, knights and monsters. For ages 7+ (deals with themes of child bereavement). 4.45pm (Fri), 11am & 2.30pm (Sat & Sun); adult £14/child £12 (until Jan 23)
Sat-Sun: Cinderella: The Awesome Truth at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Polka Theatre’s festive spin on the classic fairytale. Meet Cindy and Ella, one likes kickboxing, the other’s glued to her phone. When they encounter a less than charming Prince and a tricky godmother, Ella winds up having to rescue her sister before midnight strikes. Songs by award-winning composer Felix Hagan in a delightful show for ages 5+ and families. 10.15am & 1.45pm (Wed-Fri schools performance), 11am & 2.30pm (Sat-Sun); from £10 (until Jan 30)
Sun: Storytelling: Antoine Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Pioneering storytellers Olga & Matthew return to Kings Place for a spellbinding one-hour family show. Fusing words and classical music, they retell the globally beloved story of Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince). Aimed at grownups and kids ages 8+. 3pm; £9.50-£11.50 + £3 booking fee (Jan 23)
BOOKING AHEAD
Big Fish Little Fish Ultimate Family Rave at Fabric (DJs Terry Francis & Mark XTC) at Fabric nightclub, EC1 (Jan 29)
Under 5s Art Workshop at Whitechapel Gallery (Jan 29 & Feb 26)
FUN DMC 7th Birthday Party with Norman Jay MBE at Colours, Hoxton N1 (Jan 30)
How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, W1 (Jan 30)
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Arts Depot, North Finchley (Jan 27-May 26)
Ready, Steady, Go! at Polka Theatre, Wimbledon (Jan 29-Mar 27)
Disco Loco Easy Rollerz (soft play disco for under 5s) at Kings Crescent Estate, Hackney (Feb 2-Jun 1)
Lunar New Year at Museum of the Home, Hoxton (Feb 5)
Aurora Orchestra: Far, Far Away at Kings Place, N1 (Feb 5-6 & Feb 12-13)
Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre, SE1 (Feb 9-20)
Family Vogue Ball by House of Ghetto at Battersea Arts Centre, SW11 (Feb 17-18)
Wild (for ages 2-6) at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (Mar 11-Apr 17)
Horrible Histories Boat Tours: Terrible Thames (from Apr 2)
Basil Brush’s Family Fun Show at Leicester Square Theatre, WC1 (Apr 23)
Find 22 fantastic events in London for families in my London 2022 Hot List!
**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!**
22 Things to Look Forward to in London 2022
