We’re breezing into July and the weather seems to have taken a dip but there’s still plenty to entice you out and about. For your London family guide this weekend, I’ve listed art fairs, outdoor theatre, street food and a big parade celebrating all forms of love (aka Pride in London). Excitingly, the new Young V&A museum is open for all-comers this weekend. Also you can join me at a friendly book chat and signing on Saturday at what’s sure to be a super tasty event. Details below. Happy weekend!
Your London Family Guide: Event Spotlight
Sat: at Pitanga London, 220 North End Rd, W14 9NX (West Brompton/Barons Court tube)Join me and fellow author Ike Anya in conversation at Pitanga, a fantastic Nigerian restaurant in west London. We’ll be talking about our books Raising Boys Who Do Better and Small by Small, with Q&A and book signing. You can enjoy a delicious Nigerian meal or light snacks and drinks, all with a groovy Afrobeats playlist to add to the vibes. Pitanga is my cousin Nky’s restaurant and I’ve blogged about it before, it’s also been hailed by critics including the Sunday Times and happens to be Idris Elba’s favourite London spot! Don’t miss out. All ages welcome at the restaurant but bear in mind the book chat will be PG but more geared towards grownups. From 5pm; FREE but please book your tickets as spaces are limited. BOOK HERE: (Jul 1)
What To Do with the Kids This Weekend
Thu-Fri: Mog’s Imaginative Adventures at Osterley Park, Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 4RB (Hounslow rail)
LAST CHANCE: Walk right into the paws of Judith Kerr’s Mog the Forgetful Cat in this delightful family trail that brings her story book to life. Find Mog’s Imagination Stations dotted around the gardens and try out 8 activities to encourage imaginative play. 10am- 5pm; FREE (normal admission to the garden applies or free entry for National Trust members) (until Jun 30)
Thu-Sun: The Shape of Things at NOW Gallery, The Gateway Pavilions, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ (North Greenwich tube/DLR)
Your London family guide recommends The Shape of Things, NOW gallery’s 2023 design commission of work by Simone Brewster. Exploring ideas of race, gender, equality and more, this exhibition spans jewellery, sculptures, furniture and painting to examine the power of objects and how they relate to our sense of self. All ages welcome. 10am-7pm (Tue-Fri), 10am-5pm (Sat), 11am-4pm (Sun); FREE but advance booking recommended (Jun 29-Sep 24)
Thu-Sun: The Other Art Fair, West Handyside Canopy, King’s Cross, N1C 4BZ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Art for everyone is the ethos of The Other Art Fair and you can get yourself an affordable piece for your home or office at this popular travelling art fair. This time, they’re holding it in King’s Cross. Explore work from more than 100 artists alongside installations, live DJs, cocktails and a vibrant crowd. There’s always lots to do for kids in Granary Square too with the fountains, food stalls and green spaces. 5pm-10pm (Thu), 1pm-9pm (Fri), 11am-7pm (Sat), 11am-6pm (Sun); opening night from £25/daily adult from £12/concs from £9/child under 12 FREE (Jun 29-Jul 2)
Thu-Sun: Sculpture in the City, multiple locations around the City of London (from Jun 27)
It’s that time of year again when the City of London transforms into a rotating gallery space. Now in its 12th edition, Sculpture in the City presents 18 original artworks for you to discover across the city’s financial district. All day, FREE (from Jun 27-spring 2024)
Fri: Robin Hood at WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Barnes rail/Hammersmith tube)
Illyria Theatre brings the jaunty tale of Robin Hood to the London Wetland Centre in your London family guide this weekend. Watch Robin and his merry band of men including Little John and Friar Tuck battle the Sheriff of Nottingham and rob the rich to help the poor. A swashbuckling evening of fun for the whole family against a beautiful natural backdrop. Best for ages 5+ (younger ones welcome). Bring a picnic, rug, folding chair if you fancy. Refreshments available on site. 6pm gates, 7pm show; £8-£18 (Jun 30)
Fri: Squid Ink at The Albany, Douglas Way, SE8 4AG (Deptford/New Cross overground)
Get on the dancefloor with the Do Your Own Thing DJs at this fun night out aimed at young people with disabilities and young people with autism, along with their friends and famiilies. Squid Ink is a DJ night with club bangers from Pop to R&B to Reggae and more. For ages 10-25 plus families/friends/carers. 6pm-10pm; pay what you decide (Jun 30)
Fri-Sun: Southbank Street Food Market, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Explore the bustling street food market at Southbank Centre every weekend. It’s crammed with food stalls of all descriptions, from burgers and vegan fare, to curries, crepes and rotisserie chicken. 12pm-9pm (Fri), 11am-9pm (Sat & Bank Holiday weekends), 12pm-6pm (Sun & Bank Holiday Mon); FREE entry (ongoing)
Fri-Sun: FUSE International Festival, multiple venues around Kingston upon Thames
This festival provides a platform for creative talent from the UK and around the world, showcasing over 80 events across 10 days. Kids and families this weekend can enjoy Buzz, a bee-sized adventure play, a performance of The Three Little Pigs, a theatrical tale about life with autism and a retelling of the story of Cleopatra. Various times and prices (Jun 30-Jul 9)
Sat: Museum of the Home Summer Party at Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
Head to Hoxton for a party that the whole family can enjoy. It’s go a village fete feel with bouncy castle, entertainment, games, food and drink stalls. And don’t miss Big Fish Little Fish who are bringing the rave here for they first time with DJs Baker & Beale, plus bubbles, foam, balloons, crafts and more. 11am-4pm (BFLF rave from 2.15pm-3.45pm); tickets £5-£20 (Jul 1)
Sat: Pride in London, from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square (Hyde Park Corner tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
Your London family guide celebrates love, freedom and self-expression with the UK’s largest and most diverse LGBT+ parade. The fun begins at Hyde Park Corner going all the way to Whitehall Place, with a dizzying range of events from live music, speakers and stalls to to the family area in St Giles Church Yard. 12pm-6pm; FREE (Jul 1)
Sat-Sun: Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green tube/Cambridge Heath overground)
This is one of the hottest launches of the summer, as the former Museum of Childhood reopens under a new name. It is a bold new space for children, young people and families to let their imaginations loose. And it’s all free! All ages welcome. 10am-5.45pm (daily), 10am-10pm (Fri); FREE (from Jul 1)
Sun: Wizard of Oz at Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube)
You can take two different trips to Oz this summer. One in the West End and one right here in Fulham Palace, where you can follow Dorothy on her trip to the Emerald City. Meet her brainless scarecrow, cowardly lion, heartless tin man and other colourful characters in this exciting all-weather performance of the magical tale. 2pm-4.30pm; adult from £18/child from £9 (Jul 2)
Booking Ahead
- Summer Festival at Young V&A (Jul 8-9)
- 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)
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyonce at Glazier Hall, SE1 (Jul 22)
- Islander Festival at Goodluck Hope (Jul 22)
- Theatre on Kew: Alice in Wonderland at Kew Gardens (Jul 22-Aug 28)
- Power Up at Science Museum (Jul 27-Sep 3)
- Circus Camp at Jacksons Lane (Jul 31)
- The Secret Life of Reptiles at London Zoo (Aug 1-Dec 31)
- Little Angel Theatre Children’s Puppet Festival, N1 (Aug 6-Sep 3)
- 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 (June 22-25, 2023)
