So it’s the first of not one but three May Bank Holidays coming up (the next one is for the Coronation and the final one happens during May half term). Wondering what to do with the family in London? My London Kids May Bank Holiday Weekend Scoop covers a maternal exhibition, a parent and baby cinema event, child-friendly theatre and ballet, a huge Eid celebration, a breakdance extravaganza, an eco-friendly afternoon at Fulham Palace, a festival on the canals, an online competition and a family disco. Phew. Something for all people and flavours. Have an excellent weekend!
What To Do with the Family in London this May Bank Holiday Weekend
Thu-Sat: Cinderella, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden tube)
LAST CHANCE: Hurry and you might nab one of the last remaining tickets for this timeless ballet, a fairytale adaptation of the story about a girl, a Prince, and a lost slipper. Suitable for ages 5+ (under 5s not admitted). 7.30pm (Thu-Fri), 1pm & 7pm (Sat); £9-£170 (until May 3)
Thu-Sun: Science Fiction at the Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
LAST CHANCE: It’s the final few days for this landmark exhibition that connects the dots between science fact and science fiction. Investigate what’s improbable and what’s actually possible, as you learn more about iconic sci-fi characters, gadgets and tales. Best for ages 8+. 10am-6pm (Wed-Sun), 10am-10pm (Fris); £20 (until May 4, 2023)
Thu-Sun: Mother Art Prize at Zabludowicz Collection, 176 Prince of Wales Road, NW5 3PT (Chalk Farm tube/Kentish Town West overground)
Take a look at this exciting group exhibition by 21 artists selected from 630 entries from across the globe. The Mother Art Prize is the only international open call for self-identifying women and non-binary visual artists with caring responsibilities. It was established and curated by Procreate Project, a pioneering arts organisation that supports mothers who make art, with a mix of exhibitions, platforms and the Mother House art studios where children are welcome in the workspace. 12pm-6pm (Thu-Sun) or by appointment; FREE entry (until Jun 25)
From Fri: Blue Peter and Doctor Who Open Competition (online)
Blue Peter and Doctor Who are launching a competition this Friday that will have fans of both TV shows chomping at the bit. Viewers between 5 and 15 are invited to draw Doctor Who fan art and say why they want to win an exclusive set tour. The winner of the competition will get to go behind the scenes and meet the Production Design team. They will also receive a rare collectable Doctor Who 60th Blue Peter competition winner’s badge. The limited-edition badge will be revealed on Blue Peter on Friday 28April and will be awarded to the top 500 competition entries. The competition opens this Friday at 5pm and closes 5pm Mon May 15, with all details on the Blue Peter website at www.bbc.co.uk/bluepeter (closing date May 15)
Fri-Sun: The Lost Spells at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (Wimbledon tube/rail)
A girl has no name but this isn’t a game of thrones, rather a fairytale adventure for young families. From a magical book of spells that conjures up a world of moths, owls, foxes with fantastical qualities, our heroine enters a rabbit hole and discovers a wonderland. Adapted from the bestselling book by Robert MacFarlane and artist Jackie Morris, this show is filled with paw-tapping music and dancing, with live actor-musicians. For ages 6-8. 1.15pm (Fri), 11am & 2.30pm (Sat & Sun); from £10 (until May 7)
Sat: Eid in the Square, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Join the crowds celebrating the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, at the 18th annual Eid in the Square. It’s a buzzy day out for the whole family, featuring a main stage (hosted by Ali Official alongside Mariah Idrissi) with live music, comedy, mehndi and face painting, and some of the finest Muslim art, history and culture on display, plus delicious street food to enjoy. All ages welcome. 12pm-6pm; FREE (Apr 29)
Sat: Finding Puck at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Bare Bones Drama presents an enchanting drama about Puck, a character who lives in a wood filled with ethereal creatures. But none of them look like him. Can Puck discover who he really is? A story about identity with a hint of mischief and magic. For ages 6+. 5pm & 7pm; from £13 (Apr 29)
Sat-Mon: Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells Theatre & the Lilian Baylis Studio, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
It’s the 20 year anniversary of Breakin’ Convention and you are not ready for what they have in store. This revolutionary hip hop festival has been tearing up London’s stages, streets and parks for two decades, showcasing the best in b-boy and b-girl artistry from across the globe. Hosted and curated by Jonzi D, this year features live dance, DJs, graffiti, freestyle sessions and more. See hot names like Les Twins, Boy Blue, Ghetto Funk Collective and Abandoman in action. On Monday, it’s the annual FREE Park Jam in nearby Spa Fields (1pm-5.30pm) with good vibes, food stalls and live acts. All ages welcome (ages 5+ for stage shows). Multiple dates and times including free Freestyle Funk Forum at 4.30pm (Sat); Breakin’ Convention live shows at 6pm (Sat & Sun); from £25 (Apr 29-May 1)
Sat-Mon: Canalway Cavalcade, Little Venice, Paddington, W9 2PF and W2 6NE (Paddington tube/rail, Warwick Avenue tube)
Come by boat or on foot to experience this annual celebration of London’s waterways. Spend the early May Bank Holiday weekend wandering along the canal, taking part in arts and crafts activities, browsing stalls, listening to live music and soaking in the vibrancy of Little Venice. This festival attracts thousands of visitors every year so prepare for crowds. All ages welcome. 10am-5pm; FREE (Apr 29-May 1)
Sun: How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
Enjoy a May Bank Holiday boogie with your whole family at this chilled Sunday afternoon session. The popular children’s disco features live DJs playing indie pop and golden oldies from Belle & Sebastian, The Supremes, The Ramones and more. All ages welcome, from babies upwards (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm. £6 adults (15 plus), £2 children (14 and under) (Apr 30)
Sun: The Green Meet at Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube)
Bring the whole family for a day of sustainable and eco-friendly activities. There will be 45+ stalls from local businesses, a talks tipi, a Sunny Jar Eco Hub (learn to pickle veggies), pre-loved fashion, arts and crafts, free family yoga, children’s up cycling workshop, outdoor games and a tombola. Learn more about ecology and biodiversity against a backdrop of live music and green food stalls. 11am-4pm; FREE (Apr 30)
Mon: Parent and Baby Screening: A Thousand And One at Barbican Cinema, Barbican Centre, Beech Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
A mother who’s fresh out of prison decides to fight to keep her 6-year-old son rather than leave him in foster care. It’s a decision that changes the course of their lives. A stirring New York tale of motherhood and finding your way in the big city, A Thousand and Oneis the Sundance Grand Jury Winning debut from A.V. Rockwell and stars Teyana Taylor (Coming 2 America) and Aaron Kingsley Adetola, Aven Courtney and Josiah Cross at 6, 13 and 17 years old respectively. 11.15am; £6 (May 1)
Find more Parent and Baby Cinema Screenings in my London baby cinema guide
We also like
Enjoy family fun and watch free films like Matilda and Back to the Future at the New Cross and Deptford Free Film Festival (until Sun); Take a tour of local grub spots at the Marylebone Food Festival (until Sun); the Harlem Globetrotters are at the O2 for another skilful showcase of basketball (Sun); spend Bank Holiday Monday at Brixton Windmill’s Beer and Bread Festival promising stalls, DJ sets, family workshops and maypole dancing for kids (Mon)
Booking Ahead
- Bleak Expectations at Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly Circus W1 (May 3-Sep 3)
- Candlelight: 100 Years of Warner Bros at Southwark Cathedral (May 25)
- Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Arts Depot, Finchley (May 25)
- The Secret Life of Reptiles at London Zoo (Jun 1-Dec 31)
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyonce at Glazier Hall, SE1 (Jun 2)
- 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!**
London Kids Weekend Scoop (April 20-23, 2023)
