It’s another busy weekend of fun family activities to do around London. Marvel at orchids bursting with colour at Kew Gardens, wander right inside masterpiece artworks, catch Strictly Come Dancing live at the O2, and see photos from the Ukraine frontlines. Coulrophobes might want to avoid All Saints Church in Haggerston where the annual Grimaldi Clown Service takes place on Sunday.
The February half term guide is out next week. In the meantime, stay warm and have a good one.
14 Fun Family Activities to do around London this Weekend
Thu-Sat: Mandela the Musical at Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo, SE1 8LZ (Waterloo tube/rail)
LAST CHANCE: Follow the journey Nelson Mandela, from his passionate activism to being incarcerated for 27 years while his country yearns (and burns) for freedom. Set to South African rhythms, this powerful drama is produced in collaboration with the Mandela family. Best for secondary age kids and grownups (see website for content warnings). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Wed & Sat); £58/wheelchair space £38.40-£48. NB: Limited availability for tickets! until Feb 4)
Thu-Sun: Orchids at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Every year, Londoners look forward to the Orchids festival at Kew, filled with dazzling floral displays and themed installations. This year, the exhibition is inspired by the plants and wildlife of Cameroon. Look out for horticultural sculptures of hippos, giraffes, gorillas and lions. Sample a West-African inspired dish in one of the cafes and restaurants. And don’t miss the Bikoka Art Project exhibition of rural photographs by Yvon Ngassam with a soundscape by Elsa M’Bala. All ages welcome. Kew is open 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm), add on your time slot to Orchids when you visit; adult tickets from £16.50/child 4-15yrs £5.50/family tickets from £25.30 (until Mar 5)
Thu-Sun: Frameless, 6 Marble Arch, W1H 7AP (Marble Arch tube)
Are you a fan of immersive art? Take your family along to Frameless, the 30,000 square foot gallery space that’s the biggest of its kind in the UK. Walk right into the hearts of 40 timeless art pieces, with breathtaking soundtracks and state-of-the-art visuals creating an unforgettable experience. 10am-7pm (Mon-Tue), 10am-9pm (Wed-Thu & Sun), 10am-11pm (Fri-Sat) – last entry 2 hours before closing; adult from £25/child from £15/under 5s FREE but require a ticket (ongoing)
Thu-Sun: Stepping Into Stories: Kids’ Lit Fest at Station Hall, Herne Hill SE24 (Herne Hill rail)
See a host of kid lit favourites at this popular storytelling festival. Activities range from theatrical performances to illustration and sound making workshops to help bring iconic literary heroes to life. Various times and prices ranging from adult £0-£10/child £0-£6 (until Feb 5)
Thu-Sun: Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at Exhibition London, Ariel Way, W12 7SL (Shepherd’s Bush overground/tube, White City/Wood Lane tube)
This birthday month, I’m set to go rolling with my homies at this London skating spot, an outpost of the legendary LA skater hub. Known as ‘Studio 54 on wheels’, Flipper’s in LA attracted the likes of Prince, Nile Rodgers, Elton John and Cher. Not sure we’ll bump into such pop royalty in White City, but it’s guaranteed to be a fun night out. Enjoy live DJs, fun vibes and hungry skaters can refuel at Hot Dogs and Caviar, named after the original Flipper’s LA diner. Rent skates for £5 or bring your own. Ages 5+ (under 4s not admitted). 3pm-9pm (Tue-Wed), 12pm-12am (Thu-Fri), 10am-12am (Sat) & 10am-9pm (Sun); adult from £15.50 (£20.50 with skate hire)/child age 5-17 from £11.50 (£16.50 with skate hire) (ongoing)
Thu-Sun: Museum of the Moon at Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich SE10 9NN (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
LAST CHANCE: Get dreamy as you peer at this stunning installation by Luke Jerram, soon to continue on its tour. See the moon up close before it leaves Greenwich. Also an excellent opportunity to scope out the famous Painted Hall. All ages welcome. 10am-5pm daily (and some late openings); adult from £12.50 adv/£13.50 door, child FREE (until Feb 5)
Thu-Sun: Cezanne at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (London Bridge tube/rail, Blackfriars rail)
There’s still time to see this landmark exhibition of paintings by modern art’s revered maverick. Spanning his career from Aix-en-Provence to Paris, the show explores Cezanne’s work and his influence on future generations of artists. All ages welcome. 10am-4.30pm; £22/concs available (until Mar 12)
Fri-Sat: Strictly Come Dancing Live at The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX (North Greenwich tube)
The wildly popular TV dance contest is back on a live arena tour. Head to the O2 to see some of your favourites foxtrotting across the floor including Will Mellor, Ellie Simmonds, DJ Tyler West. For the first time ever, Anton Du Beke joins fellow TV judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood. Doors 6pm (Fri), 1pm & 6pm (Sat), 12pm & 5pm (Sun); tickets from £42 (Feb 3-5)
Fri-Sun: Ukraine: Photographs from the Frontline at Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ (Lambeth North/Elephant and Castle tube, Waterloo tube/rail)
As the war rages on in the Ukraine, this deeply affecting exhibition brings the brutal realities of living through wartime to light. Photojournalist Anastasia Taylor-Lind has been documenting the conflict since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 all the way to the present day invasion. With Ukrainian language translations of the exhibition text and image captions. All ages welcome, PG for some difficult content. 10am-6pm; FREE (Feb 3-May 8)
Sat: Family Film Club: Song of the Sea + Show & Tell at Barbican Cinema 2, Barbican Centre, Beech Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Ben discovers his mute sister Saoirse is a mythical creature called a Selkie, a whole host of adventures await. This tale of family overcoming odds is brought to you by the makers of Wolf Walkers. Before the screening, meet animation authority and co-host of the Ghibliotheque podcast, Michael Leader who will talk about Song of the Sea’s unique style. All ages welcome, best for ages 5+ (adults must be accompanied by a child). 11am; adult £3.50/child £2.50 (Nov 5)
Sat: Film for Freedom: Screening and Filmmaking Workshop at Leighton House, 12 Holland Park Rd, W14 8LZ (High St Kensington tube/Kensington Olympia overground)
Secondary school age kids are invited to watch a screening of a short film made by a Syrian refugee called Rima about her daughter. Afterwards, participants can learn some of basics of filmmaking and explore the power of storytelling and having a voice. In association with charity Makani that helps refugee women. 2pm-5pm; £5 (Feb 4)
Sun: Joseph Grimaldi Clown Service, All Saints Church, Livermere Road, E8 4EZ (Haggerston overground)
After two years of virtual recordings, the world famous clown service is back live at the All Saints Church. One of London’s quirkiest events, the service is an annual tribute to iconic clown Joseph Grimaldi. It’s always packed so you might struggle to get seats, but it’s worth it to see hundreds of clowns from across the globe lining up in costume. There’s a clown show for kids and adults after the service. All ages welcome. Service from 3pm; FREE (Feb 5)
Sun: Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom at Arts Depot, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/Woodside Park tube)
Ever had a bad hair day? It can’t be as bad as the time Rapunzel’s having, stuck in a tower and having to throw her hair down for the witch who trapped her there to climb up. Imagine how frazzled her locks will be? Theatre of Widdershins have untangle this Grimm tale, taking it back to its dark roots, teased out the tangles and styled it into a beautifully coiffured hair piece! This enchanting show promises plenty of body, volume and loads of highlights. Ages 4+. 11am & 2pm; from £10 (Feb 5)
Booking Ahead
- For Crying Out Loud baby concerts, Wigmore Hall, W1 (Feb 8)
- Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre (Feb 8-18)
- The Instrumentals at Little Angel Theatre (Feb 10-Apr 16)
- Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance at V&A Museum (opens Feb 11)
- Tower Bridge Cat Day at Tower Bridge, SE1 (Feb 11)
- February Half Term: Water Power at London Museum of Water and Steam, TW8 (Feb 11)
- Sticks ’n’ Sushi Kids Masterclasses in Wimbledon, Greenwich and Chelsea (Feb 11-18)
- Love It or Hate It at Museum of Brands, W11 (Feb 11-19)
- Jack V Giant at Polka Theatre (Feb 11-Mar 26)
- Family Concert: Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (Feb 12)
- Shakespeare Family Workshops at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, SE1 (Feb 12-17)
- Street Art: Beyond the Streets at Saatchi Gallery (Feb 17-May 9)
- Family Day at Whitechapel Gallery, E1 (Feb 18)
- Family Festival: Let Sound Inspire You at Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 (Feb 18)
- Big Fish Little Fish Circus Family Rave at West Five Bar, Ealing (Feb 26)
- Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Arts Depot, Finchley (Mar 30 & May 25)
- Mother Art Prize at Zabludowicz Collection, NW5 (Mar 30-Jun 25)
- The Rossettis at Tate Britain (Apr 6-Sep 24)
- Candlelight: 100 Years of Warner Bros at Southwark Cathedral (Apr 15)
- Wandsworth Arts Fringe, Wandsworth (Jun 9-25)
- Mog the Forgetful Cat at The Old Vic (Jul 11-29)
- Zog at Rose Theatre, Kingston (Jul 12-16)
- Disney 100: The Exhibition at ExCel Centre (Autumn 2023)
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**
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