We’ve had a challenging couple of weeks with both our kids contracting the wretched Omicron. It feels like the virus is rampaging through schools, just in time for everything to open! Ah well. Here’s looking forward to brighter days ahead with 13 ideas for fun family things to do in London. Stay safe, stay well and have a wonderful weekend, wherever you are.
Thu: Holocaust Memorial Day
Today marks the International Holocaust Remembrance Day to highlight the atrocities committed against humans of Jewish origin under Nazi rule, as well as other victims of genocide in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur and elsewhere. Prince Charles unveiled moving portraits of seven of the UK’s last remaining Holocaust survivors at the Queen’s Gallery. Iconic buildings around London will also light up to mark the occasion and citizens everywhere are invited to light a candle in your window at 8pm as a sign of respect. Keep up with events and learn more about activities and campaigns to end genocides and identity based hate acts for good at the Holocaust Memorial Trust. #LighttheDarkness (Jan 27)
13 ideas for fun family things to do in London
Fri-Sun: Sing 2 (U)
Letitia Wright (Black Panther’s Shuri) and Pharrell Williams join the cast of this much-anticipated sequel. Kooky koala Buster Moon and his all-star animal cast of crooners are planning their most spectacular outing. But can they persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star (played by Bono) to join them on stage? Expect big tunes, lots of laugh and a heartwarming finale. We can’t wait. (in cinemas from Jan 28)
Sat: Under 5s Art Workshop at Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High St, E1 7QX (Aldgate East tube, Liverpool St tube/rail, Shoreditch High St overground)
Little ones and their families are invited to a playful workshop led by artist Jasmin Bhanji. Enter The Living Studio at Whitechapel Gallery for a relaxed and creative session exploring contemporary art for tiny hands. Suitable for under 5s, older siblings welcome too. 2pm; FREE – booking required (Jan 29 & Feb 26)
Sat-Sun: Josephine, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/rail)
Josephine Baker was an iconic African American figure (she gets a mention in my book, Bringing Up Race). Learn more about one of the Jazz Age’s coolest cats in Josephine, a family friendly musical that exploring the life of the dancer, spy and activist. Part of For the Culture: a celebration of Black culture. Ages 7+. 11am & 1pm; £8 (Jan 29-30)
Sat-Sun: Francis Bacon: Man and Beast at Royal Academy, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube)
One of Britain’s most groundbreaking artists takes centre stage in this exhibition spanning a 50-year career. Get up close with his dramatic, sensuous and often monstrous paintings highlighting the blurry lines between man and beast. Best for older kids and adults (PG for some intense content). 10am-6pm (Sat-Thu), 10am-10pm (Fri); £22-£24.50, advance booking recommended (Jan 29-Apr 17)
Sat-Sun:Ready, Steady, Go! at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (Wimbledon tube/rail)
When Sofia finds a mountain bike in a garden shed, it unlocks a world of adventures. Follow Sofia and her mum across lakes and mountains, over night and day, in a race like no other. A gentle show for little ones exploring natural enrolments and the bond between mother and daughter. 10.45am & 1.30pm (Wed-Fri), 10.45am, 1pm & 3pm (Sat-Sun), previews (times vary) 10.45am & 3pm (Sat Jan 29-Sun Jan 30); from £9 (Jan 29-Mar 27)
Sat-Sun: Zumba 24: ‘Love Revolution’ (online)
Are you ready to Zumba? GMT Zumba is calling on dancers and enthusiasts around the globe to join the ‘Love Revolution’ – a 24 hour back-to-back Zumba dance party happening this Saturday. Founder of Zumba Beto Perez will lead a special class to wrap up a weekend dedicated to fun, fitness and flair. Suitable for all ages and abilities, the event also explores other styles like Salsa, Reggaeton and Bollywood. Register for FREE – see Love Revolution link (Jan 29-30)
Sun: Bowery Baby Ballroom, Fitzrovia Chapel, TJ Boulting, 59 Riding House Street, W1W 7EG (Goodge St tube)
Goo Ga Gallery presents Bowery Baby Ballroom, an invitation to celebrate the famous performance artist Leigh Bowery in style. Expect outrageous fashion, costume workshops, dress up prizes and tunes from Boy George and London’s club scene. Good times for little ones ages 0-7 and their grown ups. 10.30am-12pm, 12.30pm-2pm, 2.30pm-4pm & 4.30pm-6pm; 1 adult + 1 child £10 + booking fee, additional child/adult £5, babes in arms FREE (Jan 30)
Sun: How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
The popular family disco for indie kids and soul mamas and papas returns to The Phoenix. How Does it Feel to be Loved children’s disco is all about classic sounds and vintage pop for every generation (think Belle & Sebastian, Ramones, Pixies, Otis Redding etc). All ages welcome, from babies upwards (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm. £6 adults (15 plus), £2 children (14 and under) (Jan 30)
Sun: No Rules! Family Festival at Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD (West Dulwich tube/rail, North Dulwich rail/overground)
Bring the kids along to the No Rules! Family Festival at Dulwich Picture Gallery. It’s a day of creativity including paper pulping, fabric art, marbling, light projections, costume making, storytelling and more. Parade around the gallery and see how your colourful outfit transforms the spaces. Tickets include entry to the Helen Frankenthaler: Radical Beauty exhibition. 10am-5pm; adult £15/child FREE (Jan 30)
Sun: Comedy Club 4 Kids at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Fancy a riotous afternoon in the company of some of the country’s best standup comics? The famous comedy club for children brings top funny folk to the stage, telling jokes for a younger audience. Thigh-slapping entertainment for ages 6+. 12pm & 2.30pm; from £9 (Jan 30/alternate Sundays)
Sun: Family Takeover at Camden Art Centre, Arkwright Rd, NW3 6DG (Finchley Rd, Hampstead tube/Finchley Rd & Frognal overground)
Artist Amy Leung leads these Building as Body sessions, delving into the connections between the body and the art centre. The free fortnightly event creates a relaxed space to make and play. This Sunday’s session is on movement, systems and transporting messages or materials along a network. 2pm-3pm & 3.30pm-4.30pm; FREE – booking ahead essential (Jan 30)
Sun: The Adventures of Mangolina at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
Meet Mangolina and her colourful friends who embark on a magical quest to find her wings. Twirl and sing to the ting, ping, ping of the steel pans in this Carnival-inspired celebration by acclaimed poet Malika Booker. Developed by Discover Children’s Centre, performed by Valentine Hanson with set, props and costume design by Victoria Maytom. Best for ages 3-6pm (younger and older siblings welcome). 1pm; FREE (Jan 30)
BOOKING AHEAD
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)
SENsory Sailors at National Maritime Museum, Greenwich (Feb 5 & Mar 12/once a month)
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)
Handa’s Surprise at Little Angel Theatre, N1 (Feb 9-Apr 16)
Family Vogue Ball by House of Ghetto at Battersea Arts Centre, SW11 (Feb 17-18)
Marvellous Monarchs Family Day at Westminster Abbey (Feb 19)
Underwater (for babies ages 0-2) at The Albany, Deptford SE8 (Feb 22)
To Kill A Mockingbird at The Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (from Mar 10)
Wild (for ages 2-6) at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (Mar 11-Apr 17)
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Arts Depot, North Finchley (Mar 16 & May 26)
Big Fish Little Fish Mother’s Day Family Rave at One Night Records, Bankside SE1 (Mar 27)
Horrible Histories Boat Tours: Terrible Thames (from Apr 2)
Ice Age: The Lost Kingdom at Cassiobury Park, Watford WD17 3EX (Apr 2-18)
Basil Brush’s Family Fun Show at Leicester Square Theatre, WC1 (Apr 23)
John Hegley: Drawings of Dromedaries and Other Creatures at Kings Place, N1 (May 5)
Sun and Sea at The Albany, Deptford SE8 (Jun 23-Jul 10)
Find more 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!**
London Kids Weekend Scoop (January 20-23, 2022)
