As we enter a new month this weekend, it feels like we are hurtling towards the end of the year. There’s still enough sunshine to tease you outdoors so my ultimate weekend guide for London families has ideas for both inside and in the open air. The streets of London will be lined with spectators cheering on competitors, amateurs and fundraisers tacking the London Marathon.
It’s Black History Month too and I’m fascinated by the sound of the O Barco/The Boat exhibition at Somerset House (see below). Find out what else is happening in the Weekend Scoop. Enjoy!
The Ultimate Weekend Guide for London Families
Thu-Sat: NFL at the South Bank, at multiple locations (Bernie Spain Gardens, Riverside Slice, Observation Point and the OXO Tower Gallery)
American football takes over four locations along the South Bank this weekend. The NFL are celebrating the start of the 2022 International Games with training activities, special guests, cheerleaders and more. Take part in the Quarterback Challenge, Wide Receiver and Field Goal Kick activities; meet ex players and pundits e.g. Jason Bell, two-time Super Bowl winner, Osi Umenyiora, Jack Crawford and Maurice Jones-Drew; and check out a specially curated Super Bowl exhibition showcasing the Vince Lombardi trophy and the spectacular Super Bowl rings. 11am-6pm (Thu-Fri) and 10am-6pm (Sat); FREE (Sep 29-Oct 1)
Thu-Sat: O Barco/The Boat at Somerset House, Somerset House (Courtyard), Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Somerset House launches into Black History Month with this powerful installation by artist Grada Kilomba. Its central feature is a 32-metre-long ‘boat’ representing a European slave ship. Through poetry, live music and dance, audiences are invited to reflect on difficult and forgotten histories. 11am-6pm (Sat-Tue), 12pm-8pm (Wed-Fri); FREE entry (Sep 29-Oct 20)
Thu-Sun: Mexican Geniuses: A Frida and Diego Immersive Experience, Retail Park, Unit 1 Canada Water, Surrey Quays Road, SE16 2XU (Canada Water DLR)
LAST CHANCE: Looks like it’s your final opportunity to stroll through the wild and wonderful genius of Frida Kahlo and fellow artist Diego Rivera. Pop on a VR headset and explore the regions that inspired their paintings. See 300 projections and watch brushstrokes paint the walls all around. All ages welcome. 10am-8pm (weekdays), 9am-8.30pm (weekends); from £19.50 (until Oct 2)
Sat-Sun: Lucian Freud at National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross Rd tube/rail)
It’s the first major showing of his work in a decade and you can see more than 60 paintings from the past 70 years and more. One of Britain’s most iconic (and notorious) artists, Freud is famous for his large-scale canvasses and a fair bit of nudity in his paintings. Discover how his style developed over time through this powerful and intimate retrospective. 10am-6pm (9pm Fri); from £24 (concessions available) (Oct 1-Jan 22)
Sat-Sun: Black Culture Market, The Department Store (Downstairs), 248 Ferndale Road, Brixton SW9 8FR (Brixton tube)
The BCM helps emerging Black entrepreneurs by providing opportunities to showcase and sell their products in iconic venues across London and beyond. This weekend, head to Brixton for a two-day event, where you can browse for gifts, cards, unique prints, jewellery, male grooming kits, skincare, clothes and accessories. Come and support Black businesses on this Black Pound Day in Black History Month! All ages welcome. Register for a FREE ticket! 11am-5pm; FREE (Oct 1-2)
Sat-Sun: How The Light Gets In Festival at Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath, NW3 7JR (Hampstead tube/overground)
Postponed for the Queen’s Funeral, the the world’s largest festival of music and ideas returns to Hampstead. Over 200 events include talks from David Hare and Esther Freud, comedy from Ahir Shah and Tatty Macleod, and pop-up activities for kids. All ages welcome. From 10am; limited day tickets from £88 (Sat) and £56 (Sun)/full festival ticket £128/under 12s FREE (Oct 1-2)
Sat-Sun: Mexico at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Discover the vibrant Mexican culture at Kew Gardens’ landmark autumn exhibition. See garden installations by renowned Mexican artist Betsabeé Romero, designer Fernando Laposse and UK award winning garden designer Jon Wheatley. There will be workshops, weekend fun and a Mexico Family Fiesta during October half-term (Oct 22-31). 10am-6pm (Oct 1-29) and 10am-4pm (Oct 30-31); included with regular admission fee: adult from £15/child 4-15yrs from £5/family tickets from £23 (Oct 1-31)
Sun: Mwalimu Express Sunday Sessions at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
The popular family party is back! Enjoy African food, live African band, DJs, parent and toddler dance, market stalls, African board games and an African movie to wrap things up. This weekend, it’s UK Blues artist Errol Linton on stage! All ages and backgrounds welcome, from babies upwards. 2pm-6pm, FREE (Oct 2)
Sun: Fulham Palace Apple Day, Bishop’s Avenue, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge overground)
The annual apple day calls visitors young and old to Fulham Palace for a mix of ‘harvest games’, storytelling, music-making, craft sessions, face painting and more. Hear live music, take part in cider making and mixology demos, tours, beekeeping talks and a variety of stalls inside the Palace’s walled garden. All ages welcome. 11am-3pm; adult/child FREE pre-booked; adult £3/child£1 at door (Oct 2)
Sun: Morgan & West: Unbelievable Science, Arts Depot, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
The dynamic duo is back with another explosive show. Time-travelling magicians Morgan & West present chemistry, physics and biology to entrance the whole family, in a production packed with spills, thrills and plenty of humour. Best for ages 6+. 2.30pm; from £12 (Oct 2)
BOOKING AHEAD
- Baby Show at Unicorn Theatre(Oct 4-30)
- Matilda at BFI London Film Festival (Oct 5 & 6)
- Zoo Nation: Mixtape at Sadler’s Wells (Oct 5-8)
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Polka Theatre, South Wimbledon (Oct 5-16)
- Cezanne at Tate Modern(Oct 5-Mar 12)
- Science Fiction at the Science Museum (Oct 6-May 4, 2023)
- Grandad Anansi at Half Moon Theatre, E1 (Oct 7-8)
- For Crying Out Loud Parent & Baby Concert at Wigmore Hall, W1 (Oct 14 & Dec 2)
- Finding Diwali at National Maritime Museum (Oct 22)
- Family Day: Walk and Draw Tours at Royal Academy, Piccadilly (Oct 23)
- Festival of Fright at KidZania London, W12 (Oct 24-Nov 6)
- Untold Stories from Black History at Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford (Oct 27-28)
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at Southwark Cathedral (Nov 4)
- Making Modernism at Royal Academy, Piccadilly (Nov 12-Feb 12)
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Gillian Lynne Theatre (until Jan 8)
- To Kill A Mockingbird at The Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (ongoing)
**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 (September 22-25, 2022)
