Better late than never, I’m back with the best guide for weekend fun with kids in London. It’s a mixed bag of family friendly theatre, large-scale exhibitions (see Titanosaur at Natural History Museum), a Star Wars fan display, a market festival and a family rave with yours truly in attendance! Hope to see some of you at the Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave, see details below. Have a wonderful weekend.
The Best Guide for Weekend Fun with Kids in London
Thu-Sat: The Secret Life of Bees at Almeida Theatre, N1 1TA (Angel tube/Highbury & Islington tube/overground)
I was lucky enough to see this over Easter and I can’t recommend it enough. Based on the global bestseller by Sue Monk Kidd, this follows young Lily and her Black maid Rosaleen who are both fleeing from a violent history. They take refuge at a honey bee farm with the Boatwright sisters, but can they escape the shadows of their past or the racism of their time? Strong performances, an incredible score and stunning vocals that will lift the hairs on the back of your neck. A deliciously sweet production with a sting in its tail. Best for ages 11+ (content warning: physical and emotional abuse, racial violence and suicide references). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); £10-£50 (Apr 7-May 27)
Thu-Sat: Cinderella, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden tube)
Through the seasons and the stars, where dreams blossom. Fall under the spell of Cinderella in this sweeping new production that brings the timeless tale of a girl, a Prince, and a lost slipper to life. Gorgeous ballet for ages 5+ (under 5s not admitted). 7.30pm (Mon-Fri), 1pm & 7pm (Sat); £9-£170 (until May 3)
Thu-Sun: The Three Billy Goats Gruff at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
LAST CHANCE: Is the grass greener on the other side? The Three Billy Goats Gruff are keen to find out, but first they’ll have to make it across the bridge and past a very grumpy troll. Catch the fairytale musical, directed by Justin Audibert and composed by award-winning team Stiles and Drewe (Mary Poppins, Honk!). Ages 3-6. 10am & 1.30pm (Fri), 11am & 3pm (Sat-Sun); from £14/ £20 (until Apr 23)
Thu-Sun: Star Wars: The Fans Strike Back on 81 Old Brompton Rd, SW7 2ND (South Kensington tube)
Head to a galaxy far, far away (by way of SW7) to discover one of the largest private Star Wars collection made by fans, for fans. Geek out on hundreds of collectables and figurines, life size figures, costumes, one-of-a-kind sculptures, lightsabers, helmets, blasters and more. Take photos against a green screen and experience a unique VR journey through time and space. All ages welcome, VR experience for ages 14+. 10am-5pm (Thu-Sun and Weds until May 3), extended opening hours until end of April and some Bank Holidays; adult £18.50/child 4-12 £12/family of 4 £14 pp/under 4s FREE (from Apr 19)
Thu-Sun: Titanosaur at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Get up close with the titanosaur Patagotitan mayorum, one of the mightiest figures from the prehistoric era. Follow its life cycle from egg to titanic creature stomping the earth. Open to all ages. 10am-5.50pm daily (last entry 5.30pm); adult £16/child £9/family from £27.25 (until Jan 7)
Thu-Sun: BBC Earth Experience, at The Daikin Centre, Earl’s Court, Empress Place, SW6 1TW (Earl’s Court tube)
David Attenborough narrates footage from the documentary Seven Worlds, One Planet. The visuals are projected onto multi-angle screens for a 360 immersive experience. All ages (under 3s go FREE). 10am-7pm (Sun-Thu and Bank Holidays), 10am-9pm (Fri-Sat); from adult £28.50/child £22 (ongoing)
Thu-Sun: The Box Rocket at Discover Children’s Story Centre, at 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
Little stargazers will love this new space-themed exhibition by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola and writer Tola Okogwu, inspired by Rocket (from the popular 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 (ongoing)
Thu-Sun: Ai Weiwei: Making Sense at Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington/South Kensington tube)
Gawp at a a large-scale LEGO reimagining of Monet’s ‘Water Lilies’ painting, made from 650,000 bricks. It’s the centrepiece of this exhibition focusing on Ai Weiwei’s grand designs, partly inspired by his fascination with Chinese artefacts. 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 (until Jul 30)
Sat-Sun: Hawley Wharf Spring Festival, Camden Market Hawley Wharf, 1 Dockray Place, NW1 8QH (Camden Town tube/Camden Road overground)
The theme is #PowertotheFlower at this springtime festival. Enjoy floral installations from My Lady Garden and Elle Shoel FlwrGrl, canal cruises with Half Hitch Gin, fresh and dried flower stalls, live music, a brewery beer festival at 3 Locks, and spring specials from Soho Creamery, Juice Junkiez, To Home From London and more.There’s also face painting and carousel rides to keep little ones busy. All day; FREE (some activities are ticketed) (Apr 22-23 & 29-30)
Sun: Big Fish Little Fish x Camp Bestival Family Rave, Upper Norwood Library Hub, Westow Hill, SE19 1TJ (Crystal Palace rail/overground)
Hurry hurry, there are just a few tickets left for the early slot at the popular family rave. I’m thrilled to be back with the BFLF crew, reading from my picture book A World for Me And You. The theme is ‘Once Upon a Story’ and they’ll be celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday in the library too. Come and enjoy a story session with me and of course, you’ll have a brilliant time on the dance floor at this Camp Bestival warm up event. DJ Mr Switch will tell the Story of Bass in a two hour set covering hip hop to jungle to UK Garage, drum and bass and dubstep! All ages welcome, perfect for 0-8. 12pm-2pm; adult from £12/child from £9/pre-walking infant FREE (Apr 23)
We also like
You’ll have a ‘wheelie’ good time at The Cycle Show in Ally Pally (Fri-Sun); the kids and banners along for a huge Extinction Rebellion climate action event outside the Houses of Parliament (from Fri); Saturday is Record Store Day so go pick up some vinyl (Sat); don’t forget that Saturday (April 22) also marks Stephen Lawrence Day, with activities nationwide in honour of the Black teen who lost his life to racism (Sat); enjoy tasty food, martial arts, Sikh and Punjabi cultural displays and more at Vaisakhi in Trafalgar Square (Sat); cheer along as the London Marathon races through the city streets (Sun); celebrate St George’s Day with another festival in Trafalgar Square, expect live acts, Morris dancers and bunting (Sun)
Booking Ahead
- 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)
- 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!**
50+ Fantastic Things to Do with Kids in London this Easter
