The Easter holidays are upon us and my guide to what to do with kids in London this Easter is literally bursting with ideas. From Easter egg hunts to immersive exhibitions and family theatre, I’ve got you covered. Have a good one!
50+ Fantastic Things to Do with Kids in London this Easter
BABES CHOICE
BBC Earth Experience, at The Daikin Centre, Earl’s Court, Empress Place, SW6 1TW (Earl’s Court tube)
Watch breathtaking footage from Seven Worlds, One Planet, projected on multi-angle screens. This totally immersive journey is narrated by David Attenborough and welcome to people of all ages (under 3s go FREE). 10am-7pm (Sun-Thu and Bank Holidays), 10am-9pm (Fri-Sat); from adult £28.50/child £22 (from Mar 30)
Titanosaur at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Dinosaur fans can’t miss this blockbuster exhibition of the titanosaur Patagotitan mayorum, one of the largest creatures that ever walked the earth. Track its journey from tiny egg to towering creature of legend. Open to all ages. 10am-5.50pm daily (last entry 5.30pm); adult £16/child £9/family from £27.25 (Mar 31-Jan 7)
Caribbean Takeover at National Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, Greenwich SE10 9NF(Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Planning what to do with kids in London this Easter? Visit the Caribbean via this Greenwich takeover. Expect free masterclasses, performances, The World Reimagined exhibition, steel pan drumming, soca dancing, arts and craft workshops, food stalls and special guest Baroness Floella Benjamin! 11am-5.30pm; FREE (Apr 1)
The Box Rocket at Discover Children’s Story Centre, at 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
Discover’s brand new space-themed exhibition is created by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola and writer Tola Okogwu, inspired by Rocket (the brilliant character in picture book Look Up!). Best for ages 0-8. Exhibition from 10am-10.50am/£3.50pp. Main centre opening hours: 10am-5pm (off peak/weekdays), 10am-1.15pm or 1.45pm-5pm (peak/school holidays and weekends); session passes from £8 per adult or child/1 year olds £2.50/under 1s FREE (from Apr 1)
Ai Weiwei: Making Sense at Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington/South Kensington tube)
The art giant’s first exhibition focused on design, drawing on his fascination with Chinese artefacts and combining new works with commissioned pieces. Highlights include a large-scale LEGO reimagining of Monet’s ‘Water Lilies’ painting, made from 650,000 bricks. All ages welcome. 10am-6pm (Sun-Thu), 10am-9pm (Fri-Sat); adult from £15/concs from £11.25/child 11-15 from £7.50/under 11s FREE (Apr 7-Jul 30)
Andy and the Odd Socks at Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central overground)
Fresh from playing the likes of Glastonbury, Andy and the Odd Socks (stars of CBBC’s hit TV show Andy and the Band) jam with catchy songs for the whole fam and oddball humour to appeal to fans of Mighty Boosh or Flight of the Conchords. All ages welcome, best for ages 3+. Buy tickets for Andy and the Odd Socks 2023 tour, and you can receive a personalised Birthday song from the band! 12pm & 4pm; £17.50-£25 (Apr 15)
DAVID HOCKNEY: BIGGER & CLOSER (not smaller & further away), At Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4DY (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
This is a fabulous wander into the imagination of one of Britain’s most iconic artists. Discover 60 years of his work via large-scale projections using Lightroom’s walls and revolutionary sound system. 10am-4pm (Mon-Thu), 10am-8.30pm (Fri-Sat), 10am-4.30pm (Sun); from adult £25-£32.50/child age 5-18 £15-22.50/under 5s FREE/concs available (until Jun 4)
The Big City, at Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard EC2V 5AE (St Paul’s tube/Liverpool St tube/rail)
See London painted on a grand scale by 19 artists, featuring some works not normally on public display. For young kids, there are ‘Art Detective Kits’ to help them investigate art pieces in a playful way. You can pair your trip with a visit to London’s Roman Amphitheatre (no additional charge but pre-booking advised). 10.30am-4pm; FREE or Pay What You Can (until Jul 30)
DUCKS, BUNNIES AND EASTER EGG HUNTS
Zoonormous Egg Hunt at London Zoo, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY (Regent’s Park/Camden Town tube)
Look for eggs of all sizes and colours laid by the zoo residents. There are also clues that you’ll need to unscramble if you want to locate a secret golden egg. This family trail is included with zoo entry. All ages welcome. 10am-5pm (closes 6pm); adult tickets range from £27.23 (off peak-£35 (peak)/child £18.04 (off peak)-£21 (peak)/under 3s FREE (Apr 1-16)
Easter Egg Brand Hunt at Museum of Brands, 111-117 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, W11 1QT (Ladbroke Grove tube)
Bring your bunnies for an Easter egg hunt around the museum. Challenge the kids to find all their favourite chocolate brands to win a treat, while you explore the Time Tunnel. Kids can also sign up for workshops including designing a 3D Easter Egg Box. Workshops and egg hunt £3 (includes admission). Regular museum hours and prices: 10am-6pm (Tue-Sat), 11am-5pm (Sun); adult £9/child 7-15 £5/under 7s FREE (Apr 1-16)
Easter Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
This Easter, go on a hunt for the Lindt GOLD BUNNY around Henry VIII’s gardens. Pick up a trail guide and match historic characters to the red ribbon on the bunny statue at each location. Can you find them all? Chocolate prizes (or alternatives on request). For ages 3-12 and families. Please allow 90 minutes to complete the trail. Included in admission fee. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £26.30/child from £13.10/under 5s FREE – pre-booking advised (Apr 1-16)
National Trust Easter Egg Trails, multiple locations
Popular Easter egg hunts at historic homes in London and beyond. Find chocolate eggs at locations like Morden Hall Park (Apr 5-10), Ham House and Garden (Apr 1-16), Sutton House (Apr 7-16), Rainham Hall (Apr 6-10) or Osterley Park and House (Apr 1-16). Pick up an activity pack, complete nature-inspired activities and collect your chocolate gift. Booking ahead essential, available while supplies last. Various dates/times and prices – trails £3 plus regular admission fees (Apr 1-16)
English Heritage Easter Adventure Quests, multiple locations
Taking place annually, the English Heritage sites host Easter Adventure quests in wonderful backdrops. This year, there will also be storytellers, races and traditional games at 8 sites nationwide (Apr 7-10). English Heritage locations in London include Eltham Palace, Kenwood House in Hampstead and Chiswick House & Garden. Various dates/times and prices (Apr 1-16)
Duck Detectives at WWT London, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes/Barnes Bridge rail, Hammersmith tube)
Can you ‘quack the clues’ with kids in London this Easter? Pick up a trail card at entry and go on a hunt for yellow ducks. Also keep an eye out for ducks in the wild, and take part in pond dipping, plant sleuthing or a talk about sheep. Suitable for 3+ years old, first come first-served for activities (included in admission price). Opening hours 9.30am-4.30pm; adult from £14.09/child from £8.63/family from £37.72/under 4s FREE (Apr 1-16)
Holiday Activities at Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich SE10 9NN (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
Send the kids on a Skittle Bunny Challenge to hunt for sweet treats in Skittles Alley (12pm-3pm, free with Painted Hall tickets, Apr 1-16) or on a Great Easter Trail across the site (10am-5pm, £3, Apr 1-16). They can store their goodies in hand-made baskets they’ve created in an Easter Basket Weaving (Apr 9) workshop. There are also storytelling sessions, afternoon tea in Admiral’s House on Easter Sunday, and on Easter Monday you can see Morris Dancers in action. Various times and prices/Painted Hall entry costs: adult from £12.50 adv/£13.50 door, child FREE (Apr 1-16)
Easter Eggstravaganza at Battersea Park Zoo, Queenstown Rd, south of Chelsea Bridge, SW11 4NJ (Battersea Park/Queenstown Rd rail, Sloane Square tube)
Visit this toddler friendly zoo for a special Easter activity taking place over the holidays. Finish the Golden Bunny Easter trail and claim your prize. On select dates, kids can also get their faces painted in Easter designs (small fee applies). There are crafts in the Rabbit’s warren or take part in the ‘Eggs Factor’ and look at real animal eggs. 10am-5.30pm; adult £10.95/child 2-16 £8.95/under 2s FREE (Apr 3-16)
Big Borough Market Easter Egg Hunt at Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL (London Bridge tube/rail)
Visit the famous London food market for a host of Easter activities. Kids can hop on the big Easter egg hunt (11am-3pm), which offers the first 50 children to complete the trail each day from So Chocolicious (Apr 4-8). There’s also a ‘Colours of Borough Market’ treasure map for younger kids to colour in, and of course yummy goods for all ages to enjoy over Easter weekend. 10am-5pm daily (8am-5pm Sat Apr 8); FREE entry (Apr 4-8 and ongoing)
Easter Bunny on a Steam Train at the Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar station CM5 9AB or North Weald station CM16 6BT (via Epping tube)
Climb aboard the vintage steam or diesel trains at Epping Ongar Railway and meet Bertie the Easter Bunny for the longest egg hunt in Essex. Collect a clue sheet and seek out numbered eggs to bag a treat for your efforts. Face painting available for an extra charge. From around 10am-around 5pm (see timetables online); adult £18/child £10/family of up to 2 adults and 3 kids £47/under 3s FREE (Apr 7-10)
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BABY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
Bring Your Baby Guided London Walks and Pub Quizzes, various London locations
These BYB walks and pub quizzes get rave reviews and for good reason. It’s an excellent way to get out with kids in London this Easter, enjoy some grown up company and keep children of multiple ages engaged. Over Easter, themed walking routes include: Women from Hackney’s History (Apr 7) and Primrose Hill History (Apr 14). If indoor fun and games is more your thing, try one of the Bring Your Baby Pub Quizzes, all held in bottle, breastfeeding, baby-changing and pushchair-friendly settings around London. Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd places and free sweet treats for each table. Team sizes max 6 (baby-free friends welcome too). Guided walks 11am-2pm/£20; pub quizzes 12pm-2.30pm/from £10 pp (Mar 31-Apr 14 and ongoing)
Boogie Monsters at Boxpark Croydon, 99 George Street CR0 1LD (East Croydon rail)
Grab your inflatable guitars and put on your dancing shoes for another Easter gig from this award-winning live rock and pop band for kids. The Boogie Monsters will be jamming out a mashup of chart hits, funky nursery rhymes and action songs. Dance the morning away with the whole fam plus disco lights, bubble blasts, confetti cannons, licensed bar, baby changing and buggy parking. 10.45am-12pm; from adult £9/child £9/family £32/non-walking babies FREE (Apr 7)
Baby Show at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Astonishingly there are still ticket slots available for this crazily popular show, but you’d better act fast as it closes this Easter holiday. Pitched to keep little ones aged 6 to 18 months entranced, the multi-sensory experience plays out in a garden inspired set. At Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail). Various shows 9.30am/11.30am/1.30pm or 9.45am/11.45am/1.45pm; adult + 1 child £14/2 adults + 1 child £19 (until Apr 16)
FUN DMC Easter Holiday Special at JuJu’s Bar & Stage Ely’s Yard, 15 Hanbury St, E1 6QR (Aldgate East tube, Liverpool St tube/rail, Shoreditch High St overground)
Party people! Get on the good foot with kids in London this Easter. The daytime family block party throws down with DJ Spin Doctor and special guests churning out the hip hop, disco, R&B and party anthems. There’s food and drinks to buy (licensed bar) plus graffiti train, photo booth, hip hop colouring in, soft play room, dance contests and face painting. 12pm-3pm; adult £10/child £7.50/family of 4 £30 (Apr 16)
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS
Horrible Histories Boat Tours: Terrible Thames, Tower Bridge Quay (in front of the Tower Hotel), E1Q 1LD (Tower Hill tube/rail)
Climb onto the Horrible Histories boat tour to explore the world’s most infamous river, with riotous tales of historical figures such as King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, the Duke of Wellington, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd. All ages welcome. 45 minutes tours starting from 10.45am (check times and availability online); adult ages 15+ £25/child 3-15 £15/family £72/under 3s FREE on parent/carer’s lap (from Apr 1)
Zoo Time at the Tower of London, EC3N 4EE (Tower Hill tube)
Meet creatures big and small from history at the Tower this Easter. They’ll be roaming the famous grounds, with pop up performances and timed hotspots across the day. Learn about the weird and wonderful animals once kept there and hear the Head Keepers’ tales of bears, big cats and beasts from across the globe. 10.30am-4pm; included in palace admission – adult from £29.90/child 5-14 from £14.90/under 5s FREE (Apr 1-16)
Superworm at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Can you rescue Superworm from Wizard Lizard? This Easter at Kew Gardens, join Superworm for a brand new adventure based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Follow the trail and discover more about the creatures from the book, as spring plants burst into bloom all around you. All ages. 10am-5pm (closes 6pm); peak prices (Feb-Oct) adult from £17/child 4-15yrs £5.50/family tickets from £27 (Apr 1-16)
Now Play This at Somerset House, The Strand, Aldwych, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube/rail, Covent Garden tube)
London’s major festival of experimental game design returns, as part of the London Games Festival. This year’s edition explores various forms of love through the lens of playful art. Inspired by American scholar and activist bell hooks’ seminal book All about Love, Now Play This 2023 asks how we can treat each other in more loving ways. 11am-6pm (Apr 1-2 & 8), 12pm-6pm (Apr 4-6), 12pm-8pm (Apr 7) & 11am-5pm (Apr 9); tickets £6/festival pass £27(Apr 8-10)
The Passion of Jesus, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS (Charing Cross tube)
This massive staging of the Bible story is happening again on Good Friday in Trafalgar Square. The Passion of Jesus follows Jesus and his disciples through crucifixion and resurrection in a powerful piece of street theatre that stars a cast of 100 (and a donkey). Also playing at Guildford High St on Easter Saturday (12pm and 2.30pm). You can watch most of it on huge screens and it will also be live streamed on Facebook. All ages welcome. 12pm & 3.15pm (90 minute show), FREE (Apr 7)
Peter Rabbit Easter Adventure, from Chestnut Bakery, London, 24 Floral Street. WC2E 9DS (Covent Garden tube)
Join Peter, Beatrix and friends on an Easter quest around the market stalls and streets. Help free Jemima Puddle-Duck from Mr McGregor in this 50 minute theatrical adventure crammed with fresh produce, secret notes, maps, clues and surprises. Get a cuddle and souvenir photo with Peter Rabbit (costs £10 extra); or drive a miniROVER at Mr. McGregor’s obstacle course (£10 extra weekdays/£12 weekends and bank holiday). All ages welcome, best for ages 4-9. 10am-3.30pm (Fri-Sun and Bank Holidays), 10am-3.10pm (Tue-Thu); from £6-£27.50 (until Apr 16)
Magical Mischief at Hogwarts, WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
Visit WB Studios with kids in London this Easter for your last chance to see the Magical Mischief event in 2023. Learn all about the wizarding wobbles and filmmaking trickery that helped create some of your favourite scenes. Make an origami howler (like the one Mrs Weasley delivered to her son in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets). And for the first time, look right inside Harry’s bedroom at Number 4 Privet Drive. All ages welcome. 9am-10am first tours, last tour 4-6.30pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour); adult from ££51.50/child from £40/family £160/under 4s FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (until Apr 18)
ACTION AND ADVENTURES (IN LONDON AND BEYOND)
Pirate Training and Takeover at The Golden Hinde, St. Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, SE1 9DE (London Bridge tube/rail)
Load the cannons, raise the anchor and get your weapons ready for a session with the ship’s master. After your training, you can listen to a pirate talk and also discover what life was like on a 16th century ship. Pirate training aimed at ages 5-10, ship exploration for all ages. Standard admission fee and hours for Pirate Takeover at 10am-6pm; £6 entry. Pirate training sessions at 11am, 1pm & 3pm (training); child £12 (Apr 3-16)
Dive the Mary Rose 4D, The Mary Rose, Main Road, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, PO1 3PY (Portsmouth rail)
Launching this Easter, dive deep beneath the sea in an immersive 4D cinema experience to uncover the story of Henry VIII’s favourite ship. You’ll follow divers as they excavate the shipwreck, recover her treasures and bring the Mary Rose to the surface for the first time in 437 years. Multi-sensory storytelling with smells, bubbles, wind, sounds and movement. For ages 4+, kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 10am-5pm/5.30pm (last entry 4.45pm); adult from £24/child from £19 (opens Mar 31)
StreetHunt: The Case of Colombia’s Finest, start location Shoe Lane Library,, Hill House, 1 Little New St, Blackfriars, EC4A 3JR (Farringdon tube/Fleet St City rail)
Older kids feeling stir crazy? Invite them on a city-wide scavenger hunt. The Case of Colombia’s Finest is a self-guided mystery that asks players to sniff out evidence of a crime, using an interactive map to unlock clues around the area. For groups of up to 10, game play lasts around 2 hours and costs £15pp. For ages 13+. Various times and packages available. (ongoing)
Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station, Turbine Hall A (Level 1), Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, SW8 5BN (Battersea Power Station tube, Battersea Park rail)
I’ve been wanting to check out the newly redesigned Battersea Power Station and this activity seems like something worth doing with kids in London this Easter. The chimney lift experience offers a dizzying ascent up to the top of the north-west chimney where you can enjoy 360 degree views of London’s skyline. 10am-6pm (Mon-Wed), 10am-8pm (Thu-Sun and school holidays); adult from £15.90/child from £11.50/family of 4 from £50.40/under 3s FREE (ongoing)
iFly London at The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX (North Greenwich tube)
Go for the ultimate high at this indoor skydiving experience. Welcoming flyers from a broad range of ages and abilities, iFly offers no parachutes or jumping, just the joy of free falling on a cushion of air. Ages 3+. ; from £39.99pp (Mon-Thu before 6pm) or from £49.99pp; 9am-10.30pm (ongoing)
The Wild at Substation Brixton, Unit 13, Ellerslie Square Industrial Estate, Brixton, SW2 5DZ (Brixton tube)
Kids climbing the walls? Put them on an actual climbing wall at The Wild, currently the only physical play and learning space in London that’s worked with a Froebel specialist to enhance sensory engagement and simulation. If you’re looking for a way to introduce bouldering to younger climbers, this is the place to try it out. Open play for ages 2+ at 9am-10.30am & 11am-12.30pm weekdays; for ages 5+ at 4pm-5.30pm weekdays; weekend spots available for birthday parties. Open play costs £9.50/£5 per addition child/5 visits £40/monthly unlimited membership £50 (ongoing)
FAMILY THEATRE
Family Activities at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
This Easter, scope out family shows like Marty & the Party (Apr 7-8), Bossy, a kick-ass celebration of Black culture (Apr 7), Groove Baby (Apr 8), a Pedal Powered Disco (Apr 8), acrobatics with Humans 2.0 by Circa (Apr 12-16) and family concert for ages 5+, The Making of the Orchestra (Apr 16). Always lots to do in and out including the Southbank Centre’s street food market, open at weekends and Bank Holidays. Various times, ages and prices (Apr 1-16)
Notflix, at Museum of Comedy, The Undercroft, St Georges Church, Bloomsbury Way, WC1A 2SR (Tottenham Court Rd/Holborn tube)
Mum’s night out? The award-nominated comedy sensation sounds like a hoot for Easter holidays. Described as the “Spice Girls of improv”, this all-female cast create improvised musical versions of top films, creating a movie experience with 100% more singing, 99% more women and a full live band. No age restrictions. 8.30pm; from £12.50 (Mar 31, Apr 27 & May 26)
What’s On at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Polka offers lots of exciting activities for kids in London this Easter. Let’s Build is an interactive show for builders, makers and shapers ages 2-5 (Apr 1-May 21/from £12); The Singing Mermaid offers beautiful puppets and music & songs by Barb Jungr to bring Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ much-loved story to life, for ages 3-8 (Mar 31-Apr 8/from £10) and The Lost Spells is a magical adventure starring a girl with no name, for ages 6-12 (Apr 13-May 7/from £10). Various times and prices (Mar 31-Apr 13 and ongoing)
Akram Khan Company: The Jungle Book reimagined, Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
A futuristic fantasy, inspired by the Rudyard Kipling classic, Akram Khan’s Jungle Book reimagined follows a family whose homeland and connections are ripped apart by climate change. With original score and state of the art animation and visuals, this is vital storytelling theatre from one of the dance world’s finest companies. Book in for free family activities before the show on Easter weekend. 7.30pm (relaxed shows 2pm on Fri Apr 7 & Sat Apr 8); from £15/selected 50% discounts for under 16s (Apr 4-14)
The Three Billy Goats Gruff at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Tired of shows that make you go meh? Trot along to this brand new musical, directed by Justin Audibert and composed by award-winning team Stiles and Drewe (Mary Poppins, Honk!). You’ll meet Baby, Middle and Big who are up against a tricksy troll as they try to reach the greener grass on the other side. Ages 3-6. 11am & 3pm (timings may vary); from £14/ £20 (until Apr 23)
Family Events at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, in and around Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Southwark tube)
Kids of a range of ages (under 5s, 5-8, 5-12, 9-12 and 12+) can take part in storytelling, creative workshops, performances and sword fighting demonstrations drawing from Shakespeare’s texts e.g. Romeo & Juliet, A Winter’s Tale, Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. General age suitability 5-12 (younger ones admitted). NB: Some activities are available online. Various dates and times; £12 per adult or child /under 3s do not require a ticket if on a grownup’s lap (until Aug 27)
FAMILY FRIENDLY EXHIBITIONS
Finding Family at Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ (Russell Square tube)
What does family mean to you? This new exhibition invites us to question our ideas about family through art from the 17th century to today. In partnership with the National Gallery, the show includes three iconic masterpieces from the Gallery’s collection, by Hogarth, Gainsborough and the Le Nain Brothers. These are displayed alongside objects from the Foundling Museum’s collections and art work by contemporary artists. From Apr 4-6, families can make Family Portraits as part of the museum’s three-day Easter holiday workshops (11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, £3 per child/adult FREE/additional adult £3). Finding Family is open to all ages. Museum hours: 10am-5pm; adult £10.50/child FREE (Mar 17-Aug 27)
Momentous Moments at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza (south east corner), WC2E 7BB (Covent Garden tube)
Travel to this family friendly museum to learn all about the major events, from VE Day to the 2012 Olympics, that have shaped London’s transport. Meet historic characters, climb aboard vintage rides like the iconic red Routemaster, learn how to ‘drive’ an Elizabeth line train, or build your own time-travelling vehicle in a workshop for ages 7-14. All ages, some activities for specific age groups. The LTM is open daily 10am-6pm. Easter activities from 10.30-4pm (Mon-Fri); included in museum admission – adult annual pass £18.50/child 17 and under FREE (Apr 1-16)
Steve McQueen: Grenfell at Serpentine South Gallery, Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA (Lancaster Gate/Marble Arch tube)
A harrowing but essential new work by artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen in response to the fatal fire at Grenfell Tower on Jun 14, 2017. McQueen filmed the tower before it was covered with hoarding, to create a timeless memorial to the 72 lives lost. It stands as a reminder that there is still no justice for the victims. Worth seeing with or without kids (you can pop into nearby Diana Princess of Wales playground if you have little ones). 10am-6pm; FREE (Apr 7-May 8)
Beyond the Streets London, Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4RY (Sloane Square tube)
Kids love street art? Pop down to Saatchi Gallery to see the city’s biggest graffiti and street art exhibition, taking over all 3 floors. Hot off the streets of LA and New York, Beyond the Streets London showcases large-scale and original works inspired by punk, hip hop, fashion and film. All ages. 10am-6pm daily (last entry 5.30pm); from adult £25/concs £15/child ages 6-16 £10/under 6s FREE (until May 9)
Brick Dinos at Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
Meet LEGO dinosaurs from the Jurassic and Cretaceous eras at Horniman Museum’s blockbuster exhibition. Find out all you need to know about the prehistoric legends and then have a go at activities such as fossil digging and building your own brick dinosaurs. 10am-5.30pm; adult from £9/child from £4.50/family from £15.50/under 3s FREE (until Oct 29)
Frameless, 6 Marble Arch, W1H 7AP (Marble Arch tube)
Children of all sizes should enjoy exploring this 30,000 square foot gallery space, the biggest of its kind in the UK. Discover 40 timeless art pieces, with evocative soundtracks and state-of-the-art visuals. All ages. 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)
HOLIDAY CAMPS & WORKSHOPS
UNIQLO Tate Play: Movement of the Earth Workshop at Tate Modern (Clore Hub), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Movement is medicine and UNIQLO Tate Play invites families to move, shake, dance and make. Choreographer Vidya Patel will lead the session of rhythm and movement in the Turbine Hall, alongside the ceiling-height artwork by Cecilia Vicuña. You’ll use natural and recycled materials to make hanging items to wear as part of the workshop. 10.30am-6pm (last entry 5pm); FREE with booked ticket (Apr 1-16)
Circus Camp, Studio 1, Jacksons Lane, 269A Archway Road, Highgate, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
The sell-out programme returns for the Easter holidays. Designed to help young people develop interpersonal as well as circus skills. These activities can help with anxiety symptoms, confidence, focus and most of all, they’re fun! Dan Rose and Ludo Helen lead sessions covering everything from acrobatics and juggling to diabolo, rolla bolla and more. The final day ends with a showcase for parents and guardians. Ages 8-14. 10am-4pm (Mon-Wed); £165 (Apr 3-5)
Flying Fantastic Easter Aerial Camps at Peckham, Bankside and Wimbledon venues
Pack the minis off for a Flying Fantastic workshop for kids in London this Easter. Children can learn aerial silks, slings, hoop, trapeze, juggling and hula hooping. Book for a 6 hour workshop for £90 per day in Peckham (Apr 3, 10am-4pm), Wimbledon (Apr 6, 9.30am-12.30pm) or Bankside (Apr 14, 10am-4pm). All abilities and no previous experience necessary. Enquiries to amy@flyingfantastic.co.uk. (Apr 3-14)
Family Workshops at Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH (Highbury & Islington/Angel tube)
There are a range of workshops for kids in London this Easter at Little Angel Studios. Make and decorate an Easter inspired puppet with your kids (Apr 1-3, ages 4-8). You can also join in a puppetry fun day (Apr 4-6, ages 5-9); unicorn puppet making (Apr 9, ages 3-8); and family workshops inspired by the current show The Flying Bath (Apr 12-16, ages 2-5). Various times for workshops; each adult and child needs their own ticket – adult £8.50/child ages 1-17 £8.50 (Apr 3-16)
Family Arts & Crafts Workshop: Birds & Butterflies, William Morris Society, Kelmscott House, 26 Upper Mall,W6 9TA (Hammersmith tube/overground)
Come to the Coach House and join a family workshop to make a beautiful nest and a bird or butterfly mobile. First you’ll make a nest with a shoe box lid, then you’ll make the mobile with twigs from the garden. Refreshments (squash & biscuits) provided. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are supplied, but please bring a shoe box lid. For ages 6-12. 10.30am-12.30pm; £5 (Apr 12)
MORE EASTER FAMILY FUN IN LONDON
- Explore Japan’s history through Minecraft, FREE for ages 5+ at British Museum (Mar 25-Apr 8)
- Watch Cinderella, a gorgeous new ballet (open to ages 5+) at Royal Opera House (Mar 27-May 3)
- Bring Your Own Baby Comedy is back at Arts Depot, for adults and babies up to 15 months (Mar 30 & May 25)
- Zippos Circus is back in action at Blackheath (Mar 30-Apr 17)
- An exploration of Milk (yes, the drink) opens at Wellcome Collection (Mar 30-Sep 10)
- Check out brand new animated adventure Mummies, in cinemas now (from Mar 31)
- It’s another Family Fun Weekend of ship-shape activities at Cutty Sark in Greenwich (Apr 1-2)
- Squeeze, roll and play with clay at Tate Britain’s Clay Studio for families of all ages (Apr 1-16)
- There’s some brilliant family theatre, book buzz and workshops at Arts Depot over Easter (Apr 1-16)
- Get messy in an Easter Slime workshop for ages 3+ at Gootopia in Lewisham (Apr 1-16)
- Take part in a programme of wild activity celebrating Spring at Postal Museum (Apr 1-Jun 3)
- Join Tea Dance for Little People in London Docklands for swashbuckling adventure The Smuggle Squad (Apr 3-13)
- Catch Easter panto Rapunzel along with family films and more at Fairfield Halls in Croydon (Apr 5-15)
- The Secret Life of Bees is a bold new musical for ages 11+ based on the book, at Almeida Theatre, N1 (Apr 7-May 27)
- Find out What’s Happening at Spitalfields City Farm, E1 (ongoing)
- Ride along on the baby-friendly Tootbus Kids 45-minute bus tour around London landmarks (ongoing)
- Dip into Wonderlab interactive gallery at Science Museum, South Kensington (ongoing)
- Get your skates on for Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, W12 (ongoing)
- Try the world’s longest tunnel slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (daily)
- Bounce off some steam at Oxygen Freejumping in Acton; Flip Out Trampoline Park (Brent Cross, Barking or Wandsworth); or Sobell Centre Trampoline Park (advanced booking essential)
Remember, all this is just a taste of the fantastic family activities happening for kids in London this Easter and all year round. Sign up to get the London Kids Weekend Scoop every week!
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**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!**
London Kids Weekend Scoop (March 23-26, 2023)
