I’m counting down the days until my book launch and I have a special subscriber-only offer for my readers, so make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter. If you’re enjoying a London weekend with the kids, there’s a mix of arts and workshops, family raving, theatre and a hot sauce festival! Have a good one.
11 Excellent Ideas for a London Weekend with the Kids
Fri-Sat: Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 38–43 Lincolns Inn Fields, WC2A 3PE (Holborn/Temple tube)
If your child is into creepy crawlies and bizarre finds, they will dig the 14,000 odd specimens featured here. Newly reopened in time for this weekend, the Hunterian Museum once belonged to John Hunter, an 18th century surgeon anatomist . Gawp at England’s largest public display of human anatomy and learn more about the history of surgery. Best for older kids (school visits open to Year 7 and up). 10am-5pm (Tue-Sat); FREE (ongoing)
Fri-Sun: Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes rail/Hammersmith tube)
Experience the wonder of nature through the eyes of the UK’s best loved illustrator. It’s part of a year-long partnership between Quentin Blake and WWT, with an exclusive exhibition of rarely seen prints and art and nature-inspired activities for all ages. There will be seasonal trails and illustrated guides full of Quentin Blake’s drawings to collect and keep, plus the chance to win a one-off, special edition Quentin Blake print. All ages welcome (some activities may be suitable for older kid or adults). Included with entry: 9.30am-5pm (or 5.30pm from Jul 21-Sep 3); adult from £15.40/child from £9.50/family from £43.10/under 4s FREE (May 18-Sep 10)
Fri-Sun: Dulwich Festival, multiple locations around Dulwich (Herne Hill/West Dulwich/East Dulwich/North Dulwich rail)The popular annual festival wraps up this weekend, having offered locals and visitors a chance to enjoy street art, stalls, funfair and more. This weekend, there’s more in store like the Dulwich Children’s Art Exhibition (Sun May 20) and the Family Creative Workshops + Parade (Sun May 20). Various times and activities from 10.30am; booking ahead advised, many events are FREE (May 12-21)
Fri-Sun: Indo + Caribbean: The Creation of a Culture at Museum of London Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, E14 4AL (West India Quay DLR/Canary Wharf tube)
Learn about the lesser known history of the 450,000 Indians who, between 1838 to 1917, became indentured workers in the Caribbean after British planters were forced to stop using enslaved African labour. This free display explores personal stories using photos, jewellery, contracts, postcards, shipping company records and papers from the Parliamentary Archives. Educational and an essential retelling as part of the 75th anniversary of Empire Windrush. If you have little ones, pair your visit with a trip to Mudlarks, the museum’s play space for under 8s (pre-booking advised). 10am-5pm; FREE (May 19-Nov 19)
Fri-Sun: The Offbeat Sari at Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington/South Kensington tube)
This sounds like an unmissable event. A major exhibition that unravels the history and the design of the contemporary sari. Curated by the museum’s Head of Curatorial, Priya Khanchandani, this show amasses dozens of saris from designers, wearers and craftspeople across India. It’s said to be a metaphor for the layered and complex definitions of India today. All ages welcome. ;adult from £12.60/child from £6.30/under 11s FREE (May 19-Sep 17)
Sat: London’s Hot Sauce Festival, Unit 8, 133 Copeland Rd, SE15 3SN (Peckham Rye overground)
Ready to get your scalp blown off? Hot sauce aficionados converge in Peckham for the annual competition. You can sample hundreds of small batch and limited edition sauces from over 30 different UK brands. We love our mates the Rib Man and Pat & Pinky hot sauces (so good, serious fire). The day includes street food, beer and cocktail bars, live music, chilli face-painting, games and more. All ages welcome. 11am-7pm; £2 door ticket/under 12s FREE (May 20)
Sat: Hackney (Dalston) Black History Walk, in Dalston (Dalston Junction/Hackney Central overground)
From the team behind the book and walking tour Black History Walks, this special event recognises 75 years since the SS Windrush arrived in London from the Caribbean. Starting from the 1950s and taking you up to 21st century, this informative tour explores key events and topics such as the education of the Black child, housing inequality, the rise of the Black church, Black Civil Rights in the UK, and the history of soul, reggae, rave and acid. Meeting point on request. 10am-12pm; £12 (May 21)
Sat-Sun: Groundhog Day at The Old Vic, The Cut SE1 8NB (Waterloo tube/rail)
Cynical weatherman Phil Connors is sent to cover a quirky Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. What happens next is a time loop adventure that promises to change his life and the way he relates to those around him. From Danny Rubin and Tim Minchin, the creatives behind Matilda the Musical and the Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol, Groundhog Day is an Olivier Award-winning musical based on the hit comedy film. For ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £13/previews from £10 (May 20-Aug 12)
Sun: I Spy With My Little Eye at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Based on the picture book by Steven Lee, this sweet production invites audiences to put on their party clothes and enjoy a celebratory atmosphere. Join Molly and Bingo the puppy at a birthday party where everyone’s invited. Take part in a treasure, songs and party games like The Ants Go Marching, Hickory Dickory Dock and Molly’s favourite game, I Spy With My Little Eye! Ages 2+. 1pm & 3.30pm; from £10 (May 21)
Sun: Family Studio: Objects of Intrigue at Royal Academy, Burlington Gardens W1S 3ET (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
Come to an in-person workshop inspired by the art of Veronica Ryan RA. Artist Fleur Dempsey will be leading this colourful workshop for families on making abstract sculptures from found and foraged objects. All ages welcome. No booking required but it’s first come, first served. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; FREE, drop-in (May 21)
Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Flower Power Family Rave, West Five Bar, South Ealing Road, W5 4NT (South Ealing tube)
Are you coming to the Big Fish Little Fish Rave at Alexandra Palace? I can’t wait to meet some of you there and to read your little ones my picture book A World For Me and You. If you fancy a dancefloor warm-up, make your way to Ealing for this afternoon session with DJ Ben Archbold playing classic house and rave tunes for all hot-steppers. Expect the usual goodies e.g. baby chill out, arts and crafts, face painting (separate fee), buggy parking, baby changing, confetti cannons, bubbles, foam, giant balloons and the big parachute dance finale. 2pm-4pm; from adult 11/child £8/pre-walkers FREE (May 21)
Booking Ahead
- Barnes Children’s Literature Festival (tickets on sale from May 13, festival dates Jun 24-25)
- Candlelight: 100 Years of Warner Bros at Southwark Cathedral (May 25)
- Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Arts Depot, Finchley (May 25)
- Big Fish Little Fish at Alexandra Palace Big Birthday Bash, Ally Pally (May 27)
- Spring Family Festival at London Zoo (May 27-Jun 4)
- Squirrel (for ages 6 months-4 years) at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (May 27-Jul 2)
- The Everywhere Bear at Polka Theatre, South Wimbledon (May 27-Aug 13)
- The Invisible Man at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (May 28-Jun 18)
- Backyard Cinema: Romeo & Juliet at Alexandra Palace (May 30-Jun 4)
- The Secret Life of Reptiles at London Zoo (Jun 1-Dec 31)
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyonce at Glazier Hall, SE1 (Jun 2)
- Dennis and Gnasher Unleashed at the Orchestra, Southbank Centre, SE1 (Jun 3)
- Saturday Family Film Club in Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14 (Jun 3-Aug 19)
- Wandsworth Arts Fringe, Wandsworth (Jun 9-25)
- Dalloway Day, Royal Society of Literature at Somerset House, WC2 (Jun 15)
- Mog the Forgetful Cat at The Old Vic (Jul 11-29)
- Zog at Rose Theatre, Kingston (Jul 12-16)
- Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave at Horniman Museum (Jul 15)
- Kaleidoscope Festival at Alexandra Palace (Jul 15)
- Family Festival: Mark Makers at Dulwich Picture Gallery (Jul 22)
- Theatre on Kew: Alice in Wonderland at Kew Gardens (Jul 22-Aug 28)
- 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 (May 11-14, 2023)
