The weekend is coming and there’s lots happening in and around London. In fact, I’ve found 14+ Cool Things to Do with Kids in London this Weekend. Art lovers will flock to the London Art Fair (Apr 21-24) in Islington where more than 100 galleries from all over the globe will be showing off their favourites. This weekend, we’re also celebrating the joys of reading for World Book Night. And today (April 21) marks 6 years since the death of Prince. Longtime readers know I’m a Prince nut. If you are too, you will enjoy our tributes to Prince and my review of the Prince exhibition back in 2017.
In the Weekend Scoop, you’ll find tons to entertain big and small kids e.g. an urban sports show, a superheroes exhibition, an encounter with aliens, a St George’s Day party, a Horrible Histories boat tour, a video gaming festival, a display of miniature art, a classic car boot sale and more. It’s also a weekend to remember Stephen Lawrence and honour his legacy by committing to help build a kinder, fairer world.
Also, I’m SO excited to be invited back to speak with the community at NASA Johnson Space Centre. Sharing my message with these pioneers of space is undoubtedly one of the highlights of my author journey so far. The NASA event is for employees only. However, if you’d like to join me in conversation this weekend, please do sign up for the Bringing Up Race with We Stories event (details below).
Finally, thanks so much for your feedback on my upcoming picture book A World for Me and You. I’m counting down the days until its release (just three weeks to go). Wishing you a joyful weekend!
In Conversation: Bringing Up Race with We Stories & EyeSeeMe Bookstore
Bringing Up Race with We Stories (virtual event)
We’ll be talking about the book, the importance of having ongoing conversations on race with your kids, and how to build anti-racism into your everyday life.
The free event is in partnership with EyeSeeMe children’s bookstore and it’s open to the public. Join us this Sunday Apr 24 at 7pm UK time (1pm CT). You can sign up here: https://bit.ly/we-stories
14 Cool Things to Do with Kids in London this Weekend
Thu-Sat: ISH Dance Collective: Elements of Freestyle at Peacock Theatre (Sadler’s Wells), Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
LAST CHANCE: This adrenaline-packed show is an absolute BLAST. ISH Dance Collective transforms urban sports into a joyous spectacle of rhythm and dance, set to live music and an ultra cool set. Watch breathtaking spins, leaps and tricks from artists/athletes at the top of their game, from the worlds of BMX, breakdancing, skateboarding, inline skating, free running and freestyle basketball. Don’t miss it. Ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat) & 2pm (Sun); from £18 (until Apr 23)
READ MY FULL REVIEW OF ELEMENTS OF FREESTYLE
Thu-Sun: Superheroes, Orphans & Origins: 125 Years in Comics at Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ (Russell Square tube)
Welcome to the first major exhibition to explore the representation of foundlings, orphans, adoptees, and foster children in comics. See orphaned superheroes like Batman, Spiderman and Superman, alongside the likes of little orphan Annie, and the much-loved Chinese character Sanmao. Discover objects relating to real foundlings from the Foundling Hospital archive. 10am-5pm (Tue-Sat), 11am-5pm (Sun); adult £10.50/£9.50, child FREE (until Aug 28)
Thu-Sun: Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster: Alienarium 5 at Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA (Lancaster Gate/Knightsbridge/South Kensington tube)
What would it look like if aliens were in love with us? Enter a speculative world of extraterrestrial encounters in Alienarium 5, Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster’s first major solo UK show in the UK since 2008. Drawing on references from film, music, books, architecture and pop culture, she imagines the possibilities of interspecies connection. It’s an immersive experience that includes a multi-user VR piece. All ages welcome (PG), VR headsets only available for ages 12+. 10am-6pm; FREE (until Sep 4)
Thu-Sun: Science Museum: Power Up (Basement Gallery, Level -1), Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Delve into 50 years of video gaming history at the Science Museum’s über popular event, Power Up. After its sell-out run over Easter, the museum has extended Power Up until June. Try out 160 consoles – ranging from the Atari 2600 and SNES to the Switch and VR headsets — with games ranging from Minecraft and Mario Kart to retro faves like Pong and Pac Man. There’s a grown-ups only Power Up evening on Wed Apr 27 with more special activities planned throughout the event’s run. Best for ages 5+. Daily 10.45am, 12.30pm, 2.15pm & 4pm; from £8 (until Jun 6)
Thu-Sun: Small is Beautiful, 79-85 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3LD (South Kensington tube)
“What is this? A centre for ants? How can we be expected to teach children to learn how to read… if they can’t even fit inside the building?” Lols. Zoolander fans and lovers of miniature art will delight in the Small is Beautiful exhibition. It’s a landmark show of 143 miniature artworks created by 34 local and international artists. There are children’s DIY workshops and a pop-up shop. Follow the #MiniatureArt movement. All ages welcome. 10am-8pm (Tue-Fri, last entry 7pm), 10am-9pm (Sat-Sun, last entry 8pm); adult or child age 13+ £16/child age 6-12 £11.50/ages 0-5 FREE – advance booking recommended (from Apr 15)
Thu-Sun: Horrible Histories Boat Tours: Terrible Thames, Tower Bridge Quay (in front of the Tower Hotel), E1Q 1LD (Tower Hill tube/rail)
Ride the world’s most notorious river and learn all about the terrible times of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, the Duke of Wellington, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd. “Sizzle at the Savoy! Give Cleopatra the needle! Be washed away at Westminster! Lose yourself in Lambeth! Get gobsmacked by the Globe!Hold onto your head at London Bridge and escape from Execution Dock!” All ages welcome. 45 minutes tours starting from 9.45am (check times and availability online); adult ages 15+ £25/child 3-15 £15/family £72/under 3s FREE on parent/carer’s lap (ongoing)
Thu-Sun: Easter Duck Trail at WWT London, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes/Barnes Bridge rail, Hammersmith tube)
Are you ready to ‘quack the case’ at WWT London? Pick up a trail card and look out for yellow ducks in hiding (and you’ll spot other ducks in the wild). Other activities include pond dipping, otter feeding, Wild Walk and outdoor play areas. Suitable for 3+ years old, first come first-served for activities (included in admission price). Opening hours 9.30am-4.30pm; adult from £13.40/child from £8.13/family from £36.63/under 4s FREE (until Apr 24)
Thu-Sun: How to Hide A Lion at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
LAST CHANCE: Iris is searching for places to help her lion pal hide, since he’s been run out of town. Help Iris and lion out in this charming show for ages 3 to 6, based on the picture book by Helen Stephens, with music by singer-songwriter Barb Jungr. 10.30am (Thu & Fri), 11am & 1pm (Sat-Sun); tickets from £10/babe in arms £1 (until Apr 24)
Fri: Stephen Lawrence Day, nationwide
April 22 marks the annual commemoration of Stephen Lawrence, the Black teenager who was murdered by a racist gang and whose death sparked a national conversation around institutional racism. Stephen Lawrence Day calls on people of all ethnicities to come together and promote a world where every child can thrive. Follow @SLDayFDN on social media and check out the website for ongoing ways to take part. (Apr 22)
Sat: St George’s Day Festival in Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Celebrate the English icon St George and traditional English festivities in Trafalgar Square this weekend. Live entertainment will draw the crowds including London International Gospel Choir, string quartet Bowjangles, hoedown collective Cut A Shine, brass band Das Brass and folk headliner the James Riley band. Kids will enjoy Knights Training School, a dragon Selfie station, face painting, arts and crafts, games area, Storytorium, St George with his Dragon, Divine stilt walkers and the Pearly Kings and Queens on parade. 12pm-6pm; FREE (Apr 23)
Sat: Basil Brush’s Family Fun Show at Leicester Square Theatre, WC2H 7BX (Leicester Square tube)
Boom boom. The foxiest show in town returns to the stage for an entertaining and nostalgic afternoon. Fresh from CBBC’s Crackerjack, Britain’s most famous fox presents a show packed with laughs, storytelling, songs and mayhem! Best for ages 5+ and their grown ups. 3pm; adult from £15.50/child from £13.50 (Apr 23)
Sat-Sun: Aidy the Awesome at Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 8GL (Brixton tube)
Aidy is an everyday 8-year-old girl who discovers a family secret that sends her world spinning. Watch as Aidy and her gran embark on an awesome journey that features live performers flying, zooming and twirling through the air. Aerial theatre to inspire the whole family. For ages 3+. 2.30pm & 6pm (Sat), 11am & 2.30pm (Sun), 11am & 4.30pm (Mon), 11am & 1.30pm (Tue); adult £14/concs £12.50/child £8.50 (Apr 23-26)
Sat-Sun: Classic Car Boot Sale, Lewis Cubitt Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4UZ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube)
I’m still reeling from missing the chance to see Jason Momoa (aka Aquaman) in the flesh at last year’s Classic Car Boot Sale (a friend of mine caught him on camera). So I’ll be hotfooting it to King’s X this weekend for the swankiest mini fest on the block. Vintage lovers and motor mad peeps come beeping into the area to browse pre-loved fashion, art, DJs, street food stalls, pop-up activities and, of course, classic vehicles of all descriptions. People watching at its finest. 10am-4pm; adult £5/child FREE – advance booking recommended (Apr 23-24)
Sun: Everyone a Maker: Yoga Family Flow at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
Join in a special yoga workshop aimed at families with kids. A great way to relax during Ramadan or just to unwind with your crew, in an inclusive and calming environment. This 40 minute session of gentle and mindful yoga is led by Marie McLeod. 10am, 11am & 12pm; FREE but booking ahead essential (Apr 24)
BOOKING AHEAD
Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors at Tate Modern (re-opened for booking)
To Kill A Mockingbird at The Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (now booking, best availability from Jun 6)
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at Southwark Cathedral (Apr 29)
Breakin’ Convention International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre at Sadler’s Wells (Apr 30-May 1)
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)
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Arts Depot, North Finchley (May 26)
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)
Peppa Pig My First Concert: Mozart to Muddy Puddles at London Coliseum (from Jul 24)
Dino Snores at Natural History Museum (Oct 1)
**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!**
ISH Dance Collective: Elements of Freestyle
