What’s with the snow in March, huh? Huh?! Don’t let the weather gods hold you back from enjoying the best of London for kids and families this weekend. From family friendly films to dance, theatre and art fairs, plus another WOW celebration for Women’s History Month… I’ve got you covered.
Congratulations to Bridget W. who entered and won my subscriber only giveaway for a signed and personalised copy of my delightful picture book, A World For Me and You. Make sure you’re subscribed to Babes About Town blog so you don’t miss out on future special offers.
Happy weekend and stay warm!
The Best of London for Kids and Families this Weekend
Thu-Sun: Science Fiction Film Festival at Science Museum, Exhibition Rd SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Inspired by their ongoing exhibition Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination, this festival involves screenings of classic and new films, as well as behind the scenes info and expert talks. Family films on the roster include Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure followed by a chat about research into time travel; Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse with special guests; and Wall-E with a discussing by one of Hollywood’s top animators. Various times from 11am and prices from adult £14.50/child £11.50 (Mar 8-12)
Thu-Sun: Ballet Black: Pioneers at Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Hurry, selling out fast! The acclaimed company celebrates 21 years with a thrilling double bill by choreographers Will Tuckett and Mthuthuzeli. Then Or Now is a cocktail of classical ballet, music and poetry by Adrienne Rich. Nina: By Whatever Means, a love letter to Nina Simone, fusing jazz, ballet and blues. Spellbinding. For ages 7+. 7.45pm (Wed-Sat) & 3pm (Sun); from £16 (Mar 8-12)
Thu-Sun: Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park (Chelsea Bridge entrance), Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ (Battersea Park/Queenstown Rd rail; Sloane Square tube then bus 137/452)
Browse thousands of art pieces from more than 100 global galleries and pick up something for your home collection. This popular fair also offers children’s workshops and a free creche. Beat the crowds at a Weekend Family Hour on 11am-12pm. All ages welcome, late events for 18+ only. 11am-5pm & 5pm-9pm (Thu & Fri), 11am-12pm (Weekend Family Hour), 11am-6pm (Sat-Sun); adult weekday £11/weekend £14/weekend family £20 (2 adults + up to 3 children)/child under 16 FREE (Mar 8-12)
Thu-Sun: House of Holi at Cinnamon Kitchen and Anise, 9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL (Liverpool St tube/rail)
Celebrate the colourful Indian spring festival at this fun annual event. Put on a protective white suit at the venue and get ready to pelt your friends, family and fellow visitors with coloured paints and powders. Food and drink on offer (extra fees may apply). 12.30pm-9pm (Sun Mar 5 & Wed-Sun Mar 8-12); from adult £15/child 14 and under £10 (Mar 5-12)
Thu-Sun: Cezanne at Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (London Bridge tube/rail, Blackfriars rail)
LAST CHANCE: Don’t sleep on this exhibition of paintings. Following his career from Aix-en-Provence to Paris, the show also delves into Cezanne’s influence on future generations of artists. All ages welcome. 10am-4.30pm; £22/concs available (until Mar 12)
Fri-Sun:WOW Women of the World Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube or rail)
It’s the biggest festival celebrating women, girls and non-binary people at Southbank Centre annually. WOW Festivals have taken place on 6 continents and this year welcomes musicians, comedians, activists and authors from all over. Highlights: Under 10s Feminist Corner (sessions for Girls and for Boys), The Big O with Oloni (after dark), Joyful Joyful: Stories Celebrating Black Voices and Roxane Gay live! All ages (some restrictions for individual events, PG for kids under 14). 10.30am-6pm; from £35 early bird/£45 full price/limited 25% discount for concs (Mar 9-12)
Fri-Sun: Move it Dance Weekend at ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR)
The UK’s biggest dance extravaganza returns with show-stopping moves, workshop grooves and a whole host of activities for dancers, spectators, performers, choreographers and wannabes. Learn new steps, watch pop-up performances and marvel at dancing contests. 10am-6.45pm (Fri-Sat), 10am-5pm (Sun); adult day from £21/full event from £45/child from £16.50/family discounts available (Mar 10-12)
Sat-Sun: Drawn Together: Season of Drawings at Royal Museums Greenwich, SE10 (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
Take part in a special season, inspired by the exhibition The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea at the Queen’s House. Running across all the Royal Museums Greenwich sites, ‘Drawn Together’ presents an inclusive and dynamic opportunity for budding and seasoned creatives, from late night drawing sessions to family art workshops. Various times, dates and prices (Mar 10-Jun 10)
Sun: The Three Billy Goats Gruff at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Hurry and you might just nab tickets this Sunday for the brand new musical, directed by Justin Audibert and composed by award-winning team Stiles and Drewe (Mary Poppins, Honk!). Baby, Middle and Big are craving some grass but there’s nothing left on their side of the valley. They need to cross the bridge to the lush green grass on the other side, but there’s a tricksy troll in their way. Step into a fairytale adventure that’s perfectly pitched for young families. Ages 3-6. Various times (11am Sun Mar 12); from £13 (Mar 12-Apr 23)
Sun: The King of Nothing at Arts Depot, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/Woodside Park tube)
Billed as ‘an anarchic retelling of the Emperor’s New Clothes’, this fast-talking puppet show puts a new spin on spin doctoring. An original production from Little Angel Theatre and Monstro Theatre. For ages 5+. 11am & 2pm; from £10 (Mar 12)
Sun: St Patrick’s Day festival in Trafalgar Square at Trafalgar Square, WC2 (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Party with the masses in Trafalgar Square as around 50,000 people turn out for an early St Patrick’s Day celebration. Sights and sounds will include Irish marching bands, dance troupes, family entertainment, live music and food and drink stalls. 12pm-6pm; FREE (Mar 12)
Booking Ahead
- Ideal Home Show at Olympia London (Mar 17-Apr 2)
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyonce at Glazier Hall, SE1 (Mar 18 & Apr 14)
- FUN DMC: Mother’s Day Special at JuJu’s Bar & Stage (Mar 19)
- Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Fulham Palace (Mar 19)
- For Crying Out Loud! Parent and Baby Concert at Wigmore Hall, W1 (Mar 30)
- Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Arts Depot, Finchley (Mar 30 & May 25)
- Mother Art Prize at Zabludowicz Collection, NW5 (Mar 30-Jun 25)
- Dreamland Margate amusement park reopens (Apr 1)
- Let’s Build at Polka’s Adventure Theatre, South Wimbledon (Apr 1-May 21)
- The Rossettis at Tate Britain (Apr 6-Sep 24)
- Candlelight: 100 Years of Warner Bros at Southwark Cathedral (Apr 15)
- Harvey Parker Trust: Love In Mind Concert at Southbank Centre, SE1 (Apr 30)
- Bleak Expectations at Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly Circus W1 (May 3-Sep 3)
- The Secret Life of Reptiles at London Zoo (Jun 1-Dec 31)
- 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)
- Kaleidoscope Festival at Alexandra Palace (Jul 15)
- Disney 100: The Exhibition at ExCel Centre (Autumn 2023)
- Stranger Things: The First Shadow at Phoenix Theatre (late 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!**
World Book Day Giveaway + London Kids Weekend Scoop (Mar 2-5, 2023)
