The sun’s out this weekend in London which feels lovely as we can all do with a little extra sunshine these days. There’s tons to do with your family too, whether you want to check out a Cats and Dogs show, celebrate the wonders of women at Southbank Centre, or go raving with your baby at a BFLF event. Happy St Patrick’s Day to all those celebrating and here’s a toast to brighter days ahead.
12 Cool Things to Do with Kids This Weekend in London
Thu-Sun: Gulliver’s Travels, Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Discover a race of teeny tiny hominids, a country of giants, and other wonders in the company of Gulliver and his global escapades. This curious and quirky adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s classic satire uses table-top sets, projection and other devices to explore themes of home and belonging. Ages 7+. Various shows between 1pm-7pm; adult £12 (previews) & 14/child £10 and £8 (Mar 6-Apr 17)
Thu-Sun: Cats and Dogs at Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Peek into the secret lives of your family pet at this landmark show, exploring the habits and peculiarities of Britain’s 10.5 million cats and 12.5 million dogs. Find out more about our furry friends’ social, scientific and cultural roles and em’bark’ (ahem) on an immersive journey that will give you a feel of what it’s like to be a feline or a Rover. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £8.50/child from £4.50/family from £15/under 3s FREE (until Oct 30)
Thu-Sun: Postwar Modern: New Art in Britain 1945-1965 Barbican Centre, Beech Street, Barbican EC2Y 8AE (Barbican tube, Moorgate tube/rail)
As the war in Ukraine casts a shadow across Europe, this brand new exhibition lights up the Barbican, showing how artists respond to the grimmest of times. Blending abstract art, expressionism, pop and other post-modern forms, it’s a miso-mash of ideas and invention, a testament to how the human urge to create will always surpass the few who want to destroy. 10am-6pm (Sun-Wed), 10am-8pm (Thu-Sat), 12pm-8pm (Good Fri) & 12pm-6pm (Easter Mon) – last entry 1 hour before closing; from adult £18/under 14s FREE (until Jun 26)
Fri-Sun: WOW Women of the World Festival at Southbank Centre at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Every year since 2010, the Southbank Centre celebrates women, girls and non-binary people at this sprawling festival that’s finally back in person for 2022. With reports of domestic violence, stalking, gender pay gap and more increasing since the pandemic, this edition of WOW feels more urgent than ever. The festival includes talks, panels, workshops, speed mentoring, marketplace, performances and more to interrogate and inspire. On the line-up: BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors, Elizabeth Day, Bernadine Evaristo, Candice Brathwaite, Pandora Sykes, Lisa Taddeo, Warsan Shire, Marian Keyes, Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, the legendary Angela Davis and more. Parental discretion advised for some events. Don’t miss the Under 10s Feminist Corner events for Girls and for Boys too. Multiple dates, times and prices; many activities are FREE (Mar 11-13)
Fri-Sun: Move it Dance Weekend at ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR)
The annual extravaganza brings thousands of dancers, spectators, performers, choreographers and wannabe steppers to ExCel London for another giddy weekend. Take part in dance workshops, catch pop-up performances and watch dancing contests. It’s an inclusive event spanning all genres from ballet to Bollywood. 10am-6.45pm (Fri-Sat), 10am-5pm (Sun); adult day from £21/child from £16.50/family discounts available (Mar 11-13)
Fri-Sun: Ideal Home Show at Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, W14 8UX (Kensington Olympia tube)
In the mood for some home reno? Get all the latest ideas and inspiration to freshen up your surroundings, with expert tips and showcases on everything from kitchen fittings to garden design. Keep an eye out for celebrity guests and enjoy extras like the Champagne Bar and Pamper Lounge. 10am-6pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-5pm (Sat-Sun); weekday adult from £14 adv/weekend adult from £16 adv (door prices higher); child 15 and under 15 FREE but require ticket (Mar 11-27)
Sat: A most eggcellent eggsibition of eggsperiments at the Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BS (Green Park tube)
Is it Easter yet? Nope but it’s time to eggsperience eggciting eggsamples of science as Dan eggsamines how many eggscuses he can eggsploit to eggspose eggs to eggsperimentation. This science eggstravaganza led by Science in Schools presenter Dan Plane promises to delight kids and families ages 7+. Watch out for some eggsplosions! 6pm-7.15pm; from adult £16/child & concs £10/RI member or patron £7 (Mar 12)
Sat: Barbican Family Film Club: Sing 2at Barbican Cinema 2, Barbican Centre, Beech Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
There are just a few tickets left for this Saturday’s family matinee. In Sing 2, Buster Moon and the gang are putting together another showstopper and trying to lure reclusive rocker Clay Calloway out of retirement. Enjoy another mix of mayhem and musical stompers with voice talent including McConaughey, Witherspoon, Johansson and Egerton, plus Bono, Bobby Cannavale, Nick Kroll, Pharrell Williams, Letitia Wright and Adam Buxton. All ages (adults must be accompanied by a child). 11am; adult £3.50/child £2.50 (Mar 12)
Sat-Sun: UNIQLO Tate Play: Make Studio Celebrate at Tate Modern (Clore Hub), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Be inspired by Tate Modern’s groundbreaking Surrealism Without Borders exhibition and bring your dreams to life in a crafty activity for all the family. Create a montage around something or someone special in your real world — e.g. a pet, a best friend or a big achievement. Take your work home or leave it on display. Make Studios are drop-in workshops where families can enjoy fun, hands-on experiences to spark their creativity. On Wednesdays, there’s a sensory play area for under 5s with projection, sound and shadows. Select dates for families with kids under 5 (Weds, 10am-3pm) and open to all ages (Sats-Suns, 10am-6pm); FREE with booked ticket (until May 15)
Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Space Rave at The Goodness Brewing Company, Coburg Road, Wood Green N22 6TZ (Wood Green tube)
The Glastonbury-playing, globally loved, multiple award-winning family ravers are bringing the groove to The Goodness this weekend and you can still get tickets for the early session. DJs 2 Bad Mice drop some acid house, techno, hip hop and drum ‘n’ bass to get the whole crew dancing. There’s a Villa Pia baby chill-out area, along with the usual BFLF shenanigans including glitter cannons, parachute finale, crafting, licensed bar and mini stalls. All ages welcome, best for ages 0 to 8 and carers. Space-themed fancy dress encouraged. 12pm-2pm; adult from £11/child from £8/pre-walking infant FREE (Mar 13)
Sun: Inna De Yard (12A): Screening + Reggae DJs at White Lion Pub, 232 Streatham High Rd, SW16 1BB (Streatham rail)
Imagine a league of extraordinary reggae artists coming together to record an album… That’s the premise of this joyful documentary bringing superstar musicians like Ken Boothe, Winston McAnuff, Kiddus I, Cedric Myton and Judy Mowatt to the lush green mountains of Jamaica for an unplugged experience. The landmark film explores the highs and lows and unforgettable contributions of these pioneering artists, with acoustic sets and dazzling live shows. Directed by Peter Webber (Girl with a Pearl Earring). This event celebrates reggae culture with DJs playing all afternoon and tasty dishes from Lisa’s Kitchen. Doors 3pm, film 4pm, DJs 2nd set 5.40pm; from £5 (Mar 13)
Sun: St Patrick’s Day festival in Trafalgar Square at Trafalgar Square, WC2 (Charing Cross tube/rail)
If you fancy partying with a big crowd this Sunday, then look no further than Trafalgar Square. The annual St Patrick’s Day festival is back with more than 50,000 people expected. See Irish marching bands, dance troupes, the Giant St Patrick and the Garda band from Dublin. There’ll be food and drink stalls, music throughout the day, and a tribute to key workers who will be Grand Marshals at the event. Did you know St Patrick is also the patron saint of Nigeria? We don’t celebrate the holiday but Nigerians certainly drink their weight in Guinness! 12pm-6pm; FREE (Mar 13)
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Pick up a new piece for your home at the child-friendly Affordable Art Fair in Battersea (Thu-Sun); head to Arts Depot in North Finchley to see the touching tale of Grandad’s Attic, for ages 6+ (Sat); get hands-on at crafts festival Crafterama in Ally Pally (Sat-Sun).
BOOKING AHEAD
Wild (for ages 2-6) at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (selling out fast, booking until Apr 17)
To Kill A Mockingbird at The Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (now booking, best availability from Jun 6)
How to Hide A Lion at Polka Theatre, South Wimbledon (available from Mar 16)
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Arts Depot, North Finchley (Mar 16 & May 26)
The Other Art Fair in Brick Lane (Mar 18-20)
Peppa Pig My First Concert: Mozart to Muddy Puddles at London Coliseum (booking from Mar 22/shows Jul 24)
Big Fish Little Fish Mother’s Day Family Rave at One Night Records, Bankside SE1 (Mar 27)
Tower Bridge Cat and the Missing Button Book Launch at Tower Bridge (Apr 2)
Horrible Histories Boat Tours: Terrible Thames (from Apr 2)
Ice Age: The Lost Kingdom at Cassiobury Park, Watford WD17 3EX (Apr 2-18)
Jurassic Encounter at Cassiobury Park, Watford (Apr 2-18)
ISH Dance Collective: Elements of Freestyle at Peacock Theatre, Holborn (Apr 13-23)
Basil Brush’s Family Fun Show at Leicester Square Theatre, WC1 (Apr 23)
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at Southwark Cathedral (Apr 23, Apr 29, May 28)
John Hegley: Drawings of Dromedaries and Other Creatures at Kings Place, N1 (May 5)
Acting for Others: West End Flea Market at St Paul’s Church, Bedford St, Covent Garden (May 21)
Sootyland at Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Devon (opens May 28)
Giffords Circus at Chiswick House & Gardens (Jun 16-27)
Sun and Sea at The Albany, Deptford SE8 (Jun 23-Jul 10)
**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!**
